Lie detection tests are carried out to check the credibility quotient of a subject involved in a controversial situation. Although lie detector in UK is broadly used on sex offenders yet the test is applicable on civil lawsuit probes as well. Also, known as polygraph tests, this test is used for employee screen and commercial theft interrogations too. Have you too been asked to appear for a lie detection test? It could that your employer has included a lie detection test as part of employee background check curriculum. Well, whatever be it, you should keep in mind certain pointers to pass the test successfully.
The post below offers a brief on the dos and don’ts to remember while appearing for a lie detection test.
The Dos
Research about lie detection test
You should always do your homework before you proceed to encounter something new. The same goes for lie-detection test. A polygraph test does not really trigger a happy feel. On the contrary, the very mention of the test might leave you tensed and jittery. And when you are tensed beforehand, you may end up offering misleading responses to the polygrapher which could be dangerous for you. But, a thorough research on the concept will help to clear your doubts and answer your queries. It will also clear your misconceptions that might leave you jittery about the test otherwise.
Learn about the right attitude
You will have to face 3 kinds of questions here- relevant, irrelevant plus control questions.
In regards to control questions, it’s better to stay tensed, confused, fearful and upset before the polygrapher. But, maintain a completely opposite stance while answering relevant questions. You should answer in a calm relaxed mind and be in total control of yourself.
Offer small and precise answers
You should try to keep your answers limited to bare minimum “Yes” and/or “No” as much as you can. However, you should maintain a polite, cooperative and courteous stance throughout the test.
Maintain your attitude
Your polygrapher might accuse you of lying. But stick to your original answers always.
The Don’ts
Do not reveal about your research
Do not every reveal to your polygrapher about your research on lie detection. The web world is bustling with various kinds of information about the test, including tips on how to cheat it. If you disclose about your research, the polygrapher might assume you have already studied the cheating hacks and might deploy them in the test. Such assumptions might lead to a biased attitude towards you on part of the polygrapher.
Your polygrapher will generally explain the whole procedure before the start of the test. When he does that, listen to him attentively and silently. He should not have a clue that you already know a lot about the test.
Don’t get stressed out
If you are too tensed you might end up giving confusing and misleading readings on the polygraph. So, keep calm and try to de-stress yourself before you sit for the test. Make sure to have proper sleep the night prior to the test. Listen to some soothing music if that helps. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated and cool.
Don’t drink
Do not ever take to alcohol or anything addictive as all these might lead to invalid test results. In fact, your polygrapher might ask you whether you have consumed drug or alcohol the night before. Many polygraphers won’t even take the test if the subject is found to have taken addictive substances the previous night.
Don’t rush with the answers
This is a very important point to remember while you are about to appear for a lie-detector test.
Do not rush yourself to give the answers. You might miss out on certain vital points while responding in a hurry. Pay attention to the questions asked. Think about them and answer. If you don’t understand a part in a question, ask your polygrapher to repeat. Don’t just assume things and answer. Always take your time and offer a rational answer.
Don’t offer detailed answers
Do not offer extra information while you answer the questions. Stick to the basics and necessary stuff. Even if the polygrapher presses you for more information, politely tell him that you don’t know much about it.
Bailey Hudson is a creative content writer from Texas USA. He graduated in 2012 at the Hult University with a degree in Mass Communication. He created Bailey Doest Bark in 2015 and is currently the managing editor of the online portal.
