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 Lie Detection Techniques Review Questions 1


1. Which component of a polygraph records changes in respiration?

A. Cardiosphygmograph

B. Pneumograph

C. Galvanograph

D. Kymograph


Answer: B. Pneumograph

Explanation: The pneumograph is the component that records respiratory activity, particularly changes in the rate and depth of breathing.



2. Which component records changes in blood pressure and pulse rate?

A. Pneumograph

B. Galvanograph

C. Cardiosphygmograph

D. Cardiograph


Answer: C. Cardiosphygmograph

Explanation: The cardiosphygmograph records cardiovascular activity, including changes in blood pressure and pulse rate.



3. Which component measures changes in the electrical resistance of the skin?

A. Pneumograph

B. Galvanograph

C. Cardiosphygmograph

D. Sphygmomanometer


Answer: B. Galvanograph

Explanation: The galvanograph records changes in electrodermal activity (EDA) or galvanic skin response (GSR). These changes are associated with variations in the skin's electrical conductivity or resistance.



4. Which polygraph component is primarily concerned with respiration?

A. Galvanograph

B. Cardiosphygmograph

C. Pneumograph

D. Cardiograph


Answer: C. Pneumograph

Explanation: The pneumograph uses respiration sensors or tubes placed around the subject's chest and/or abdomen to detect and record breathing movements.



5. Which component detects cardiovascular changes through a blood-pressure cuff?

A. Pneumograph

B. Cardiosphygmograph

C. Galvanograph

D. Pneumometer


Answer: B. Cardiosphygmograph

Explanation: The cardiosphygmograph uses a cardio cuff or similar cardiovascular sensor to detect changes associated with blood pressure and pulse.



6. What component of the polygraph detects changes in skin conductivity?

A. Electrodes

B. Pneumograph tubes

C. Cardio cuff

D. Chart drive


Answer: A. Electrodes

Explanation: Electrodes, usually attached to the fingers or palm, detect changes in skin conductivity caused by variations in sweat-gland activity. They work as part of the galvanic/electrodermal channel.



7. Which component moves the recording medium during a traditional analog polygraph examination?

A. Chart drive

B. Galvanograph

C. Pneumograph

D. Cardiosphygmograph


Answer: A. Chart drive

Explanation: The chart drive moves the recording chart at a controlled speed, allowing physiological responses to be recorded continuously over time.



8. Which component provides the recording surface in a traditional analog polygraph?

A. Chart

B. Cuff

C. Electrode

D. Sensor


Answer: A. Chart

Explanation: The chart is the recording medium on which physiological changes are displayed. Modern computerized polygraphs may record the data electronically rather than on paper.



9. Which component is placed around the subject's chest or abdomen to monitor breathing?

A. Cardio cuff

B. Pneumograph tube

C. Finger electrodes

D. Blood-pressure bulb


Answer: B. Pneumograph tube

Explanation: Pneumograph tubes are placed around the chest and/or abdomen. Changes in their tension or movement correspond to changes in respiratory activity.



10. Which group correctly identifies the three primary physiological channels traditionally measured by a polygraph?

A. Respiration, cardiovascular, electrodermal

B. Vision, hearing, pulse

C. Temperature, vision, hearing

D. Muscle, vision, respiration


Answer: A. Respiration, cardiovascular, electrodermal

Explanation: The three principal physiological measurements are:


Respiration — measured by the pneumograph.

Cardiovascular activity — measured by the cardiosphygmograph.

Electrodermal activity — measured through skin electrodes/galvanic recording.


Quick review:

Pneumograph = breathing

Cardiosphygmograph = blood pressure and pulse

Galvanograph = skin conductivity

Electrodes = detect electrodermal changes

Chart drive = moves the recording chart



11. What does a polygraph primarily record?

A. Brain waves

B. Physiological changes

C. Fingerprints

D. Body temperature


Answer: B. Physiological changes

Explanation: A polygraph records physiological responses such as respiration, cardiovascular activity, and skin conductance that may change during questioning.



12. Which is commonly called the “lie detector”?

A. Polygraph

B. Photometer

C. Spirometer

D. Spectrometer


Answer: A. Polygraph

Explanation: The polygraph is commonly known as a “lie detector” because it measures physiological responses associated with questioning.



13. Which component measures respiration?

A. Pneumograph

B. Galvanometer

C. Cardio cuff

D. Thermometer


Answer: A. Pneumograph

Explanation: Pneumographic sensors monitor changes in the subject's breathing patterns.



14. Which component records cardiovascular activity?

A. Pneumograph

B. Cardiograph

C. Galvanometer

D. Electrode


Answer: B. Cardiograph

Explanation: The cardiovascular channel records changes related to pulse and blood pressure.



15. What does the galvanic skin response measure?

A. Muscle strength

B. Skin conductivity

C. Blood pressure

D. Brain activity


Answer: B. Skin conductivity

Explanation: The galvanic skin response (GSR) measures changes in electrical conductance of the skin, which can vary with perspiration.



16. Which question is designed to address the specific issue being investigated?

A. Relevant question

B. Neutral question

C. Irrelevant question

D. Personal question


Answer: A. Relevant question

Explanation: A relevant question directly concerns the matter under investigation.



17. What is the main purpose of a comparison question?

A. Establish identity

B. Provide comparison responses

C. Obtain fingerprints

D. Measure intelligence


Answer: B. Provide comparison responses

Explanation: Comparison questions are used to obtain physiological responses that can be evaluated alongside responses to relevant questions.



18. Which phase normally involves asking the subject the prepared questions while physiological responses are recorded?

A. Pre-test

B. Chart collection

C. Post-test

D. Identification


Answer: B. Chart collection

Explanation: During chart collection, the examiner presents the test questions and records the subject's physiological responses.



19. What is the purpose of the pre-test interview?

A. Arrest the subject

B. Explain the procedure

C. Collect fingerprints

D. Determine guilt


Answer: B. Explain the procedure

Explanation: The pre-test phase generally establishes rapport, explains the examination, reviews the questions, and prepares the subject for testing.



20. A polygraph result should primarily be interpreted as evidence of:

A. Deception with certainty

B. Physiological responses

C. Criminal personality

D. Guilt beyond a reasonable doubt


Answer: B. Physiological responses

Explanation: A polygraph directly measures physiological responses, not truth or deception itself. Interpretation requires a trained examiner and should not automatically be equated with proof of guilt.


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