I failed a polygraph?

Question

Today I took my first polygraph test for pre-employment purposes. I disclosed everything in my past, DID NOT LIE!, yet the examiner said I was being deceptive when asked one particular question (Is everything on your polygraph affidavit the truth?). This question was asked 3 seperate times and received 3 completely different results. The first result showed truth but a change in blood pressure and vaso-constriction during the answer. The second showed possible deception (blood pressure increase and vaso-constriction, as well as an increase in sweat activity), and the third time it was asked it showed a large increase in sweat activity and blood pressure. Why the h**l would I be showing deception when telling the truth? How could it receiving 3 different readings on the same question? Needless to say, I was disqualified from the position for failing the polygraph which is rediculous.

Any poly-examiners out there who can shed some light on why this has happened?

Answer 1

This sounds like a load of garbage.  The test is not reliable enough to be admitted as evidence in many courts.  Furthermore, it's useless to try to measure someone's intentions.  If they decide to do something treacherous on the job, they won't advertise it.  A lie detector test just seeds distrust; it doesn't make anyone safer.

Answer 2

If it was a particularly emotional based question, or a deeply personal question, it could evoke and increase in cardio-vascular activity including breathing, heart rate, perspiration, etc.  

polygraphs are not always accurate, that's why they are not admissible in court.

Answer 3

Sure.  Polygraphy is based on a lie. Period.

Every examiner lies to the interview subject in order to obtain superficial results.  BP, HR, Breathing and skin conductivity are not true indicators of the truth or lies.  Only in the United States do we consistently believe in polygraphs, and good people are kept from taking employment positions.

Check out http://antipolygraph.org/ and beat the test next time.