How to Pass a Lie Detector Test

How to Pass a Lie Detector Test A polygraph test or  lie detector test is designed to analyze physiological reactions to questions to determine whether or not a subject is being truthful. The accuracy of the test has been widely contested by groups including the National Academy of Science, the US Congress Office of Technology Assessment, and the American Psychological Association. Even so, the test is routinely used to screen employment applicants and interrogate criminal suspects. While a person may be told to answer all questions honestly, the test is designed to measure responses to white lies, which means truly honest people run the risk of generating a false positive on the test. Other people may wish to conceal answers to certain questions, whether guilty of wrongdoing or not. Fortunately for them, its not that hard to beat a lie detector test. The first step to passing the test is understanding how it works. How a Lie Detector Test Works A lie detector test includes more than the time spent hooked up to the polygraph machine. The tester will start making observations the instant a person enters the test center. A skilled polygrapher will notice and record nonverbal cues associated with lying, so its a good idea to know your tells. The polygraph machine records breathing rate, blood pressure, pulse rate, and perspiration. More sophisticated machines include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Physiological responses to irrelevant, diagnostic, and relevant questions are compared to identify lies. Questions may be repeated two to three  times. The subject may be asked to intentionally lie to help the examiner establish baseline values. The test typically requires one to three hours to complete, including the background assessment, medical history, explanation of the test, actual polygraph, and follow-up. Most Advice Isnt Very Effective The internet is filled with advice on ways to beat a lie detector test, but many of these ideas arent very effective. For example, biting your tongue or putting a tack in your shoe to use pain to affect blood pressure wont affect perspiration levels. Similarly, imagining a lie when telling the truth and imagining the truth when telling a lie wont work because it establishes differences between lies and truth. Remember, differences between the truth and lies are the basis for the test! 2 Ways to Beat the Test Basically, there are two good ways to beat the test: Be completely zen, no matter what youre asked. Note: Most people cant master this.Be completely distraught throughout the entire test. 7 Tips to Try Most people are nervous when taking a lie detector test, whether they intend to lie or not. The physical responses to nerves probably wont fool a lie detector. You need to up your game to simulate feelings of mortal terror. This is because beating the test is all about mind games, which naturally affect physical responses. Here are some tips to try: If you want to beat the test, your best bet is to stay upset, fearful and confused throughout the entire test. The goal is to appear calm and in control, despite the inner turmoil. Remember your worst experience or solve difficult math problems in your heads include, Have you ever taken anything from your workplace? or Have you ever lied to get out of trouble?Alter your breathing during control questions, but return to normal breathing before answering the next question. You can make minor admissions here or not, as you choose. When you answer questions, answer firmly, without hesitation, and without humor. Be cooperative, but dont joke or act overly-friendly.Answer yes or no whenever possible. Do not explain answers, give details, or offer explanations. If asked to expand on a question, reply: What more do you want me to say? or Theres really nothing to say about that.If accused of lying, dont fall for it. If anything, use the accusation as fuel to feel upset and confused. In fact, answering diagnostic questions honestly may have given the examiner conflicting results, so be prepared to be questioned further.Practice any countermeasures before the test. Ask someone to ask you likely questions. Be aware of your breathing and how you react to different types of questions. Keep in mind, applying these tips may enable you to invalidate the test, but wont be much use if youre taking a lie detector test to get a job. In most cases, the easiest way through a lie detector test is to approach it honestly. Drugs That Affect Tests Drugs and medical conditions may affect a polygraph test, often leading to an inconclusive result. For this reason, drug tests and a screening questionnaire are commonly given before a lie detector test. Medications that affect heart rate and blood pressure can affect polygraph results. These include antihypertensives and anti-anxiety medications and also a host of illegal drugs, including heroin, marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Caffeine, nicotine, allergy medications, sleep aids, and cough remedies may also affect the test. Some Medical Conditions May Prohibit the Test While diagnosed sociopaths and psychopaths may be excluded from the test due to a potential ability to control responses, other medical conditions may prohibit the test. People who have epilepsy, nerve damage (including essential tremor), heart disease, have suffered a stroke, or are extremely fatigued should not take the test. Mentally incompetent people shouldnt take the test. Pregnant women are generally exempted from the test unless a doctor gives written approval. With the exception of mental illness, drugs and medical conditions dont necessarily enable a person to beat a lie detector test. However, they do skew the results, making them less reliable. Sources Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences and Education (BCSSE) and Committee on National Statistics (CNSTAT) (2003). The Polygraph and Lie Detection. National Research Council (Chapter 8: Conclusions and Recommendations), p. 21.Scientific Validity of Polygraph Testing: A Research Review and Evaluation. Washington, D. C.: U.S. Congress Office of Technology Assessment. 1983.