Polygraph 101 Basic Course
History and Development: (Eight Hours)
The History of lie detection is traced from primitive man to its evolved state of art and will be presented to the student in an interesting and informative manner.
Psychophysiology: (Forty Hours)
Students will study the interrelationship between the mind and body, through an in-depth examination of the effects of emotions on the nervous system, and the subsequent changes in body organs and systems. These changes are what Forensic Psychophysiologists monitor and record for interpretation of truth or deception.
Instrumentation: (Twenty-six Hours)
Students will be instructed in the complete nature of both state of the art and the more traditional instrumentation used in the detection of deception, including their construction, operation, calibration, and maintenance. Both mechanical and electronic polygraph instruments will be covered.
Techniques: (Sixty Hours)
A comprehensive study of the various forensic psychophysiological techniques in use today,
including Keeler, Reid, Arther, Backster, Department of
Defense, Marcy, Positive Control,
Interviewing: (Forty Hours)
The student will be taught to properly prepare an examinee for a forensic psychophysiological examination, along with various methods of ascertaining critical information from the individual. The student will learn to analyze Nonverbal Behavior and Unwitting Verbal Cues, with the latest advances in this field, such as, the Morgan Interview Thematic Technique, and Scientific Content Analysis. Students will be instructed in the Integrated Interrogation Technique, which will allow them to masterfully obtain confessions from deceptive examinees in a non-intrusive system.
Question Formulation: (Thirty Hours)
This area of instruction covers one of the most vital phases of lie detection, the selection of the correct issue and formulation of questions, which reflect both the needs of the examiner and the concepts of the examinee. Students will be trained to artfully develop polygraph questions.
Chart Interpretation: (Fifty Hours)
Chart analysis is the final and most crucial part of any polygraph examination. This phase of study teaches the student how to understand the physiological phenomena recorded by the instrument, to make the proper and necessary comparisons, and to reach an accurate conclusion of truth or deception. The development of numerical evaluation is taught from its origin with the Backster technique to the latest advancement with the Academy’s own Horizontal Scoring System.
Practicum: (Forty-four Hours)
Students will participate in, and observe, examinations in the Academy’s modern polygraph laboratory. The student will be presented with hypothetical case facts and be required to construct and administer a complete polygraph examination to resolve the issue in a mock crime paradigm. This practical experience allows the students to practice everything that they have been taught. This practice has been the most effective method in training examiners to be able to properly administer forensic psychophysiological examination in the field.
Legal and Ethical Aspects: (Fourteen Hours)
Experience has taught us that ethical conduct by the forensic psychophysiologist is essential. A code of conduct prescribed by the American Polygraph Association will be presented and discussed. Students will be informed of the latest available legal opinions from the courts concerning lie detection and its application. The student will be instructed in proper methods of testifying as an expert witness in civil and criminal court proceedings, and administrative hearings.
Forensic Psychophysiology Research and Methods: (Four Hours)
The basis of any scientific technique requires that it be valid and reliable. Our students will be familiarized with current research regarding the validity and reliability of the forensic psychophysiological technique. Students will also be acquainted with published scientific research data and journals, and ascertain a basic understanding of scientific experimental design.
Post Graduate Assignment: (Eighty Hours)
Graduates will be required to postulate and complete a post graduate research project approved by the Director. Each student will have individualized conferences with the Director and his staff to assist in choosing an appropriate project.
