Will a Polygraph Examiner Tell You If You Failed?
The question of whether a polygraph examiner will explicitly tell you if you failed the test is complex. The short answer is: it depends. There's no single, universal answer, and the examiner's approach can vary significantly based on their training, experience, and the specific circumstances of the examination.
While many examiners avoid giving a direct "pass" or "fail" declaration, they often provide strong indicators of the outcome. Let's explore this in more detail.
What Do Polygraph Examiners Typically Do After a Test?
Instead of a blunt declaration, examiners might employ several strategies:
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Interpreting the Results: The examiner will analyze the physiological data collected during the test. They'll compare your responses to control questions (designed to elicit a known truthful response) and relevant questions (related to the issue under investigation). Discrepancies in your physiological responses between these question types will form the basis of their interpretation.
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Providing a Summary of Findings: Rather than stating you "passed" or "failed," they might provide a summary of their interpretation of the physiological data. This summary might highlight areas of concern or inconsistencies that need further clarification.
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Suggesting Further Testing: In some cases, especially if the results are inconclusive, the examiner may recommend additional testing or further investigation.
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Maintaining Ambiguity: Some examiners deliberately maintain ambiguity to avoid legal repercussions or to encourage further cooperation. They might state that the results are "inconclusive" or avoid a definitive statement altogether.
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Referring to the Hiring Authority/Investigator: In many instances, particularly in pre-employment screenings, the examiner will prepare a report for the hiring authority who will then make the final decision regarding your suitability.
Why the Lack of a Direct "Fail" Statement?
There are several reasons why examiners might avoid explicitly saying you failed:
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Legal Ramifications: Polygraph results are generally not admissible in court as evidence due to concerns about their accuracy and reliability. Directly stating a "fail" could have significant legal repercussions.
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Ethical Considerations: Some examiners believe it is unethical to provide a definitive "pass" or "fail" judgment without the context of a complete investigation.
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Ambiguity in Results: Polygraph results are not always clear-cut. There may be ambiguities in the data, which makes a definitive statement problematic.
What if the Examiner Suggests Further Testing?
If the examiner suggests further testing, it doesn't automatically mean you "failed." It could indicate:
- Inconclusive Results: The initial test results may not be conclusive enough to reach a definitive conclusion.
- Need for Clarification: The examiner may need more information to properly interpret the results.
- Strategic Approach: The examiner might use this as a strategy to encourage further cooperation or to obtain more information.
Can You Refuse to Take a Polygraph?
In most cases, you can legally refuse to take a polygraph test, especially if it's not required by law. However, your refusal might be interpreted negatively by the person or organization requesting the test.
In conclusion: While a polygraph examiner might not directly tell you that you failed, they will provide an indication of the test results through their interpretation and summary. The approach varies considerably, highlighting the importance of seeking legal counsel if you're facing a polygraph test as part of an investigation. Remember that polygraph results are not foolproof and are subject to interpretation.
