Will a Polygraph Examiner Tell You If You Failed?
The question of whether a polygraph examiner will tell you if you failed a polygraph test is complex. The short answer is: it depends. There's no universal standard across all examiners or jurisdictions. However, understanding the nuances of polygraph testing and examiner practices offers a clearer picture.
What Happens During a Polygraph Test?
Before diving into whether you'll get immediate feedback, let's briefly explore the polygraph process. The examiner will typically ask a series of questions, some relevant to the investigation and others irrelevant (control questions). These questions are designed to measure physiological responses like heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and skin conductivity. The examiner analyzes these responses to try and determine whether your answers are truthful or deceptive.
Will the Examiner Tell You the Results Immediately?
Many examiners will not give you an immediate pass/fail result. This is for several reasons:
- Subjectivity of Interpretation: Polygraph results are inherently subjective and open to interpretation. Examiners often analyze the data differently, leading to varying conclusions. Rushing to a conclusion immediately might lead to inaccurate reporting.
- Need for Further Review: Some examiners might need time to review the collected physiological data more thoroughly before forming a conclusion.
- Legal Ramifications: In some contexts, providing immediate results could have legal ramifications. The results might be inadmissible in court without thorough analysis and reporting.
- Maintaining Objectivity: Providing immediate feedback can affect the examiner's objectivity in future analysis. Emotions arising from the initial reaction could inadvertently influence subsequent interpretations.
When Might an Examiner Offer an Opinion?
While immediate feedback is rare, there are certain situations where an examiner might offer some indication of the test's outcome. These are generally exceptional circumstances:
- Obvious Deception: In some cases, the physiological responses might be so dramatic and clear-cut that the examiner believes the deception is evident. However, even then, a definitive conclusion might be reserved for the final report.
- Preliminary Assessment: Sometimes, an examiner might offer a preliminary assessment to discuss the process or alleviate anxiety, but this should not be interpreted as a final judgment.
- Specific Circumstances of the Investigation: Depending on the nature of the investigation, the authorities may require a quicker response. However, this is less common than a thorough analysis at a later stage.
How Will You Learn the Results?
The most common way you'll receive the results is through a formal written report. This report meticulously documents the questions asked, the physiological data collected, and the examiner's final conclusions. This report is often sent to the requesting party (law enforcement, employer, etc.) rather than directly to the subject of the test.
What Should You Do After a Polygraph Test?
Regardless of whether you receive immediate feedback, it's essential to remember:
- Polygraph tests are not foolproof: The accuracy of polygraph results is highly debated, and they are not admissible as evidence in many courts.
- Seek legal counsel: If the test is related to a legal matter, consult with a lawyer immediately.
- Don't rely on speculation: Avoid seeking interpretations from unreliable sources. Focus on the official report if and when you receive one.
In conclusion, while an immediate "pass" or "fail" is unlikely, understanding the complexities of polygraph testing and the reasons behind the examiner's approach will help you manage expectations and proceed appropriately. Remember, legal advice is crucial if the test is part of a legal investigation.
