Would You Submit To A Polygraph Test?

[Kev]

If given the choice would you "NOT" submit to the test even if it meant losing a job prospect or it would put you in an unfavourable position with the law?

I've read alot obout polygraph testing the pros and cons on the internet, but was wondering if anyone on PERB has taken the test and wouldn't mind sharing their experience?

Also has anyone beaten the test even though they were lieing? Any info would be appreciated.

And no i'm not guilty of anything she was eighteen, this is work related. --- Kev

 

[Ray]

It's easy to beat a polygraph. The key is to relax. Think of a subject that puts your mind at ease.
The machine measures the change in your pulse rate when you get nervous.

 

[Hollybaby]

No, I would not. I believe it's an unethical hiring practice, and I have no interest in working for an unethical business. I'd rather work for less money somewhere else where the management was ethical and respectable.

Besides, I thought those tests were illegal?

 

[BYSON]

yep i know i could beat one

 

[gravitas]

I've read alot obout polygraph testing the pros and cons on the internet, but was wondering if anyone on PERB has taken the test and wouldn't mind sharing their experience?

I'm not going to go into specifics but I've recently taken one to receive a DND security clearance and if you have nothing to hide there's nothing to worry about. The test was conducted by 4 people consisting of a 3 asking me questions and the 4th a tech operating the computer. Test took about an hour, 10 or so min to get me set up, 5 min of just basic generic questions (name, age, etc) and then 45 min of of substantive questions.

It's easy to beat a polygraph. The key is to relax. Think of a subject that puts your mind at ease.
The machine measures the change in your pulse rate when you get nervous.

The machine measures a number of variables and pulse rate is just one. Its not if you can fool the machine, its can you fool the analyst. IMO if you're dealing with someone who knows their shit there's no way you can fake it.



PM me if you have any questions


G

 

[Marvin]

Kev,

I've taken a polygraph. Call or email me if you have any specific questions.

 

[Kev]

It's easy to beat a polygraph. The key is to relax. Think of a subject that puts your mind at ease.
The machine measures the change in your pulse rate when you get nervous.

I heard there are tricks but i also heard the testers know all about them.

No, I would not. I believe it's an unethical hiring practice, and I have no interest in working for an unethical business. I'd rather work for less money somewhere else where the management was ethical and respectable.

Besides, I thought those tests were illegal?

Many areas of the general sector polygraphs are illegal but when it comes to the goverment and other areas like police etc they are not. The goverment set it up that way.

And you may think its unethical but to get a job with the federal goverment, police, security where money is involved, you may have to take one or forfeit the job.

yep i know i could beat one

How do you know?

I'm not going to go into specifics but I've recently taken one to receive a DND security clearance and if you have nothing to hide there's nothing to worry about. The test was conducted by 4 people consisting of a 3 asking me questions and the 4th a tech operating the computer. Test took about an hour, 10 or so min to get me set up, 5 min of just basic generic questions (name, age, etc) and then 45 min of of substantive questions.

I understand how it works and from what i gather its nothing more than trickery. They ask Control Questions first like, "have you ever lied to get out of trouble?" If you answer honestly and say yes. They then base these trick type questions against the real questions that they care about and measure the readings. Blood pressure, pulse, heart rate, perspiration. Thats doesn't sound like it would be very reliable. Some people are great liars, others may get really nervous or embarrassed and fail.

With me all the tester would have to do is ask a question like, "have you ever done illegal drugs?" I would have to say yes..........even though i was 14 at the time. As soon as i heard the question i would get nervous and jittery, and the metering rod would be all over the map and show using the methods that polygraphers use that i'm lying. Even though i was a juvenile at the time. I know i would fail the test even though i've done nothing wrong. Its just the way its set up.

Kev,

I've taken a polygraph. Call or email me if you have any specific questions.

'kay...thanx

 

[bartendr]

if you can convince yourself that what you are saying is true i think you can beat it,i think it is called sophistry.

 

[Marvin]

I've heard you can fool the machine/analyst by putting a rock in your shoe and constantly jabbing your toe, causing the result to be "inconclusive"

Yeah, I heard stick a tack in your shoe and step on it every time you answer a question but unfortunately it won't work as there is a motion detector located at your feet.

 

[gravitas]

If you tell the truth, they might not trust you.

At the risk of stating the obvious but I believe thats the point


G

 

[Hollybaby]

"And you may think its unethical but to get a job with the federal goverment, police, security where money is involved, you may have to take one or forfeit the job."

That's what I said. I'd rather take another job than submit to an unethical hiring practice.

I don't think I could stand to work in a police department anyway. They are so poorly educated I don't know if I should laugh or cry.

No no, it's constitutional law for me

 

[Marvin]

No no, it's constitutional law for me

You want to be a lawyer specialising in Constitutional law?

 

[gravitas]

No no, it`s constitutional law for me

I thought your life`s work was dedicated to lowering the age of consent?

 

[Hollybaby]

Among other things, yes, Gravitas.

 

[Kev]

20 say yes
19 say no

Thats a pretty close margin.

 

[necko]

polygraph?

I've taken a polgraph for a situation at work, the polgraph said I might be lying, I wasn't.Because the test wasn't conclusive no action was taken but I was always under suspicion.

 

[Marvin]

No no, it`s constitutional law for me

I thought your life`s work was dedicated to lowering the age of consent?

Good one gravitas.

Among other things, yes

Wow! The way you formulate arguments in your other posts, the best of luck to you.

I`d be interested to know what your GPA in high school was, your current GPA in university (that is if you are currently attending) and what your LSAT score is, if you have already written it.

And what are the other things??

 

[CJ Tylers]

well, as long as you are a sociopath then you'll be fine. They're so good at lying already that it's extremely difficult to catch one in a test.

 

[gravitas]

And what are the other things??

I like pie!

 

[hardup]

I had to take one once.......100 questions.....answered truthfully on 98 and lied on 2..........test was inconclusive

The two falsehoods were not related to the matter at hand and since my employer's had a list of the questions there were a couple things I prefered they not know