There are three steps to the polygraph test. First, the examiner explains what will happen during the test. Next, the examiner asks a series of questions. The questions can only be answered with "yes" or "no." Some of the questions are very simple, such as, "Are you 11 years old?" Some are more difficult, such as, "Have you ever lied to someone who trusted you?" The examiner measures the blood pressure, pulse, perspiration, and respiration of the person being examined. Once the questions are finished, the examiner analyzes the results to determine if the person being tested was being truthful. If the examiner decides that the person being examined was telling the truth, that person will be thanked for taking the test and will be allowed to leave. If, however, the examiner decides that the person being tested is lying, the third part of the test will begin. The third and final part of the polygraph is called the interrogation. At this time, the examiner tries to persuade the person being examined to tell the truth. The examiner speaks in a professional and understanding way, trying to make the person being tested comfortable with telling the truth. After all, that is the purpose of the polygraph!

| K-5th Home | Back | Continue Field Trip |