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Step 1
Dispel the myth of polygraph test accuracy. Know that while it is claimed to be over 90 percent accurate, there is no scientific peer reviewed scientific testing to back that up. To beat a polygraph is simply a matter trickery and mind games – it is not as much about science as those running and requesting the tests would like.
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Step 2
Examine any feelings about the lie detector. The situation is set up to make the subject feel guilty so that it will be easier to tell when he lies. Don't fall for this. The propaganda about polygraph test accuracy is what makes it hard to beat a polygraph. It's not the test and the machine that does the trick, it is ones beliefs about the them.
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Step 3
Pass the pretest interview. This is the longest part of the test and can last up to 90 minutes. The test and the subjects legal rights are explained, but there is also a discussion of the issue at hand. This is the stage where most people give away their information – more than during the actual test. The tester, not the detector, is what is really evaluating you. He or she will be trying to manipulate you and polygraph test accuracy myths is just a trick to make you give away information.
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Step 4
React consistently to every question. To beat a polygraph, the best trick is to make the responses to every question seem the same. The machine measures heart rates, blood pressure, sweating and breathing. These are things that change when one lies. Since it can be hard to lower these responses while lying, it is best to try to induce panic when telling the truth.
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Step 5
Know how to induce panic. The machine can't tell why the physical response is heightened, just that it is. So every time a question is answered, increase the physical response to lower the polygraph test accuracy. Some methods of doing this can are tensing muscles, doing math questions mentally, thinking anxious thoughts, and biting the tongue. This is, perhaps, the strongest way to beat a polygraph. It is especially important to do this during the control questions that are used to test regular responses. These are questions like, "What's your name?", "What date is it?" and "Who is the President of the United States?"
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Step 6
Make sure not to let the tester notice that an anxiety and panic response is induced. Testers are trained to look for this, so the less visible or distracted responses, the better chance there is to beat a polygraph.
Comments
00Analana said
on 7/1/2009 I have never had to take a polygraph test and I hope I never do. Great suggestions, though.
AllFYB said
on 12/29/2008 I haven't taken one of these since I was bonded but it is a nerve racking experience so I'm sure even my name looked like a lie!!!! Thanks for the tips Great Article and Resources
Beckybugg said
on 12/24/2008 I hope I'll never need this!
sneedc said
on 12/23/2008 I could NEVER do it, I'd break into a serious sweat, my eyeballs would dialate, OH LAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW it would be a MESS!
lindsey23 said
on 12/22/2008 Hey, as long as you are consistent about your level of nervousness, that'll be just what you need! :)