The polygraph testing procedure is becoming commonplace in the modern world. This is due to the fact that the technology allows you to find out reliable information and establish the circumstances of the situation with high accuracy and absolute objectivity. At the same time, the effectiveness of the study depends on various factors. Here we will tell you about the key rules for those who have to undergo polygraph Kharkov.
How does a lie detector work?
To understand whether certain products or substances can affect the test results, it is necessary to know the principle of the polygraph. This method is based on a purely scientific approach. Thanks to special equipment connected to a person, physiological reactions and the slightest changes in them are recorded. The device records heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and skin conductivity.
When a person experiences stress, nervous tension or anxiety, the reaction indicators change. By comparing them with the norm for a specific person, a polygraph examiner can determine when the subject is trying to lie.
It is important to understand that changes in physiological reactions can be influenced not only by stress, but also by other factors.
Effects of Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol can significantly affect the results of a polygraph. And this is not only about the state of alcohol intoxication itself, but also about residual effects. Brain activity changes when consuming even a small dose of alcohol. Most often, the level of anxiety becomes lower, and the natural feeling of fear is dulled. As a result, reactions become blurred, and the test results will be considered invalid.
It is worth remembering that the effects of alcohol last for 24 hours. And even when a person does not feel intoxicated, his physiological reactions will be distorted. Instability of indicators will lead to the fact that the test will be unreliable. Before the polygraph, it is recommended to abstain from alcohol at least 24-48 hours before the test.
It is equally important to know about the effects of caffeine. A cup of coffee in the morning is the norm for most people. At the same time, caffeine is a psychostimulant that affects the nervous system. Just one cup of coffee will increase your blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety levels. As a result, reactions will be distorted, although in some cases only slightly. It is especially risky for sensitive people to drink coffee. This can lead to increased sweating, increased breathing, and nervous tension. Such reactions usually indicate a lie, so the polygraph results will be unreliable.
To ensure accurate results, it is best to avoid caffeine for at least 4-6 hours before a lie detector test.
Effects of drugs
There are certain drugs that can distort physiological reactions. To avoid problems and test failure, you should avoid taking:
- Tranquilizers and sedatives. Most sedatives have a significant effect on the body, reducing anxiety, slowing the heartbeat and dulling other reactions. This applies not only to serious drugs, but also to ordinary valerian. Thus, the results of the polygraph will be distorted, because the person will be unnaturally calm.
- Blood pressure or heart medications. Blood pressure medications not only help stabilize this indicator, but also slow down the pulse. As a result, a person becomes less sensitive, which leads to blurred test results and recording of incorrect reactions.
- Antidepressants. Such drugs affect the emotional state. In this regard, the body’s reaction to stress will be reduced, and fluctuations in physiological parameters are minimal. It is difficult to draw any conclusions based on such indicators, which can lead to testing failure.
Polygraph Cheating: Is It Possible?
Intentional consumption of alcohol, drugs, and various attempts to deceive the lie detector are unlikely to lead to the desired result. Experienced experts are specially trained to identify any attempts to manipulate and counteract the polygraph. As a result, the test result may be even worse than you feared. If there are objective reasons or justified fears, it is better to refuse a polygraph test, because such a study is voluntary.
To ensure that the test goes smoothly and shows a true result, choose a reliable company, avoid taking the described substances and drugs, and also try to get a good night’s sleep before taking the polygraph.