Standard Practice for Conduct of Research in Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph)

This practice establishes essential and renumbered elements in the design, conduct, and reporting of research (both laboratory and field) on the psychophysiological detection of deception (polygraph). In laboratory research, all procedures shall be documented in sufficient detail such that others can replicate them. Subject manipulation shall require minimal human interaction; however, when human interaction is deemed necessary, such procedure shall be standardized to the extent possible. Also, when studies of exploratory nature are conducted, they shall be clearly identified as exploratory studies. In field research, on the other hand, the procedure for case selection shall be reported in sufficient detail, including the qualifications of the polygraph testing and chart evaluating participants. In cases where departures from conventional field practice are encountered, these shall be documented in sufficient detail including an explanation for the nonstandard procedures. For both laboratory and field research, statements of generalization shall be limited to those which can be supported by data, procedures, and statistical methodology. Polygraph testing shall be carried out in terms of evidentiary psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) examinations and investigative PDD examinations, the validity and utility of which shall conform to the requirements specified. Investigative PDD examinations may resort to a "successive hurdles" approach to satisfy the minimum validity requirements.