FAQ

Your Questions About Lie Detector Tests Answered

Our dedicated Customer Support Team and Accredited Examiners are on hand to provide you with all the insights and expert advice you need. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you seek any further information.

As a trustworthy provider of lie detector tests with seasoned examiners, we’re dedicated to offering clear and straightforward information to our clients. We champion the sharing of knowledge, and want all of our customers to feel reassured that they are working with highly-qualified professionals with a wealth of experience in the field.

Is it cheaper if I just have 1 question?

Frequent Queries About Polygraph Test Pricing in Australia

One of the most common questions we encounter is about the cost of a polygraph test in relation to the number of questions asked. Let’s clarify this: the price of a lie detector test isn’t based on the number of questions posed. Here’s why:

A lie detector test can lose its effectiveness if overloaded with questions, or if the questions are too varied. If you’ve seen a TV programme where the examiner fires off numerous questions one after the other, remember, such shows are primarily for entertainment. The results in those scenarios are likely not accurate.

Regardless of whether there’s one question or multiple, the same meticulous process, attention, and procedure must be followed. If you come across an offer with a reduced rate for a single question, it’s wise to double-check their credentials.

To elaborate further, a polygraph test is most effective when focused on a single issue. Every question posed should pertain directly to that particular matter. This ensures that if the person being tested is dishonest in response to any of the related questions, the entire test will indicate deception. Our certified polygraph examiners adhere strictly to the testing procedures and protocols established by the American Polygraph Association. We won’t compromise on quality or settle for subpar testing methods.

A well-executed polygraph test boasts accuracy rates between 95 to 98 percent. In contrast, a haphazardly conducted test is as unpredictable as a coin toss. If you’re ever told a test is 100% accurate, exercise caution; any scientific test must account for potential variance.

While each session can last anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours, to circle back to the primary query: the cost doesn’t change based on the number of questions. We ensure the number of questions asked is just right to guarantee a precise outcome.

Why is a non refundable booking fee required?

Booking Fee Policy at Lie Detector Test Australia

When you make a booking with us at Lie Detector Test Australia, a $550 non-refundable booking fee is required. This fee, taken at the time of booking, confirms your commitment to the scheduled appointment and assists in covering associated costs, such as travel and venue expenses. This amount is then offset from the total due, which needs to be settled at least 48 hours before the test.

Our examiners often have to adapt to various schedules, sometimes involving significant travel. The non-refundable booking fee ensures that those booking the test are genuine in their intention to follow through.

It’s crucial to understand that, in the absence of this measure, individuals might exploit our services, booking a test to feign innocence, only to cancel it later. We advise all our clients to be certain of their intention to proceed before securing an appointment.

Our commitment to providing a flexible service means we are available for bookings during days, nights, and weekends. Such adaptability demands an efficient approach to scheduling and fee collection. Maintaining our competitive rates would be unfeasible if, after hours of travel, a client decides against attending the test. This would result in a loss of work, income, and valuable time for our examiners.

To reiterate, once an appointment is confirmed, the fees, including the booking fee, become non-refundable. We always welcome calls for free consultations. However, we kindly ask that you only schedule an appointment when you’re fully prepared to honour it.

How to schedule a polygraph test in Australia?

Use our secure online booking system to choose the date, time, and venue for your lie detector test.

To confirm and validate your booking, an upfront payment of a $550 non-refundable booking fee is necessary.

Once we’ve processed your payment, you’ll receive a digital confirmation of your booking.

We offer private lie detector tests across Australia through our extensive network of professional offices.

In many cases, we can arrange a test within 1 to 2 days of receiving the order. For appointments on the same or next day, we generally require a minimum of 4 hours to organise the examination, and immediate full payment upon booking is mandatory.

How many questions can be posed?

To ensure precision, the examiner will ask a specific set of questions a minimum of three times throughout the test to verify consistency. When seeking “yes” or “no” answers, the individual will be posed with no more than three primary questions. The examiner might slightly adjust the phrasing of these questions to ensure they are unequivocal and targeted. Depending on the complexity of the case being investigated, an additional question closely related to the initial three may be included. This is to further clarify or corroborate a result. The decision to incorporate this extra question lies solely with the examiner, especially if it’s deemed that more conclusive evidence might be obtained. However, the standard approach involves posing just three main questions.

What sort of questions can be suggested?

What types of questions can be put forth?

All potential questions must elicit a “yes” or “no” answer.

Avoid conjunctions like “or”, “and”, etc., as they render questions ambiguous and multifaceted, potentially yielding inconclusive outcomes.
Brevity is essential. Questions should be succinct, avoiding lengthy phrasing where possible.

Consistency is key. Questions related to the same issue will yield more reliable results. Examiners can suggest various phrasings to encompass all facets of an issue.
Questions must be anchored in factual events, not subjective beliefs.

Focus on one topic at a time. Avoid blending multiple concerns in one question; this could yield unclear outcomes if parts of the response are true while others aren’t.

Rest assured, our examiners are adept at crafting the right questions.

Infidelity

For infidelity concerns, avoid asking if the individual loves another; love is multifaceted and subjective.

Do not probe about future actions. For instance, someone might currently have no intention to cheat, but intentions can shift.

Avoid referencing statements made during heated confrontations, especially if intoxication was involved. Memories can be hazy, impacting test precision.

Questions on intimate contact can be broached but may be reframed by the examiner to ensure sensitivity.

In complex cases, presenting a factual summary aids the examiner in formulating questions to assess the subject’s veracity.

Theft

In theft cases, typically three to four questions are posed. Examples include:

Do you know the thief of ‘X’?
Have you taken ‘X’?
Are you aware of ‘X’s current location?
Did you ever plan on stealing ‘X’?
Did you gain from the theft of ‘X’?
Were you informed of ‘X’s theft on a specific day?

False Accusations

For those unjustly accused, a lie detector can affirm innocence. Statement verification is the ideal approach.

The examiner benefits from a detailed background, which aids in forming accurate statements for verification. Questions might include:

Did you engage in ‘X’, as alleged by Mrs A?
Is your denial of ‘X’ truthful?

Drug Abuse

In drug abuse scenarios, formal medical testing, such as blood tests, is recommended.

Questions will elicit “yes” or “no” responses, like:
Beyond the stated drugs, have you consumed any illicit substances in the past ‘X’ months?

Domestic Abuse

Polygraph tests for domestic abuse require careful handling due to their emotional nature. Statement verification is the most appropriate method.

Questions should be clear and direct:

Did you strike ‘X’ on their face?
Did you physically engage with ‘X’ with harmful intent?
During an argument with your partner, did you resort to derogatory language, as she suggests?

Is there an age restriction for undergoing a polygraph test?

While there isn’t a strict age limit, it’s crucial that the individual being tested has a comprehensive understanding of language and the nuances of truthfulness. Considering cognitive development, some children under the age of 16 might not fully grasp these concepts, which is why we recommend this age threshold.

Why does it take so long?

Every case we handle holds immense significance. Investing time in ensuring your comfort, familiarizing you with the procedure, and emphasizing the essence of truthfulness is paramount for securing the most accurate outcomes.

While it might seem lengthy at first glance, the actual polygraph test is typically the shortest segment. The bulk of the session revolves around in-depth conversations. This comprehensive discussion allows us to delve deep into the issue, ensuring we frame the most relevant questions, which subsequently yield precise results. It’s essential to ascertain your physical suitability for the test and to reinforce your comprehension of the distinction between truth and deceit.

You’ll be given ample opportunity to share your perspective in detail. And crucially, before the test commences, you’ll be informed of the questions we’ll pose. After the examination, we will review and discuss the findings with you. The process might be extensive, but most find that the time passes swiftly.

How soon can I expect the results?

A detailed test report will be dispatched to the client within 24 hours following the examination, provided it’s delivered through email. Should the client opt for tracked mail, the report’s arrival might extend to 48 hours. Clients can express their delivery preference to the examiner on the test day.

In specific scenarios, the examiner might convey the results verbally to the individual who arranged the booking, immediately following the test. However, there could be instances where the examiner seeks a peer review of the charts before finalizing the results. In these situations, the results won’t be shared verbally on the same day.

Do I need to travel to a central office for a polygraph examination?

We recognise that travelling to a designated location may not always be convenient for all our clients. Therefore, we offer the flexibility to conduct polygraph tests across various locations throughout the country.

Why would anyone who is guilty agree to take a lie detector test?

There are several reasons why someone who is guilty might agree to take a lie detector test:

  1. Overconfidence: Some individuals might believe that they can successfully deceive the polygraph and the examiner, either due to their own perceived ability to control their physiological responses or because of misconceptions about how the test works.

  2. Lack of Understanding: They might not fully understand the intricacies and capabilities of a lie detector test. Some might think it’s like what they’ve seen on TV or in movies and underestimate its accuracy.

  3. Pressure: They might feel pressured to take the test to avoid suspicion. Declining a polygraph test, in some social or professional settings, might be seen as an implicit admission of guilt, so they might take the test hoping to maintain their innocence in the eyes of others.

  4. Hoping for Errors: Since no test is 100% accurate all the time, they might hope that the polygraph produces a false negative, leading the examiner to conclude they are truthful when they are not.

  5. Emotional Burden: The guilty individual might be grappling with guilt and may subconsciously want to be caught as a way of alleviating this emotional burden.

  6. Legal Strategy: In some cases, legal counsel might advise their clients to take the test under the belief that a “pass” could provide a significant advantage in their case, even if they know they’re guilty.

  7. Desire to Confess: Some people, after committing a wrong, deeply wish for an opportunity to come clean. Agreeing to a lie detector test might be their way of moving towards a confession.

  8. External Pressures: Social, familial, or employment pressures might push someone to take the test. For instance, an employer might request it, or family members might insist on it to clear doubt.

If an individual declines the opportunity to clarify their stance using a polygraph, it doesn’t inherently indicate guilt. We’ve encountered numerous cases where the subject was simply apprehensive about the process. Such anxiety is understandable, given that undergoing a polygraph is not a commonplace experience. Our examiners are adept at accounting for such nervousness and are trained to differentiate between defensive behaviour, which might mistakenly be interpreted as guilt, and genuine reactions related to the matter in question.

How can you claim 98% accuracy?

We maintain a 98% accuracy rate for our polygraph tests, thanks to our strict adherence to a high-standard operational framework. Four critical criteria underpin this success rate, each of which must be met:

1. Our examiners are not only highly experienced but also accredited from the top echelons of the industry.
2. We use the latest and most effective polygraph testing equipment and interfaces available.
3. The testing environment is ensured to be devoid of any distractions or interruptions.
4. A preliminary screening of the examinee is conducted to ensure they fit our requirements.

The American Polygraph Association (APA) states that when a session is properly executed with specific questions, it can attain an accuracy of 95% to 98%. As with any scientific procedure, absolute certainty is elusive due to the inherent variability that needs consideration.

What happens if someone tries to deceive the polygraph test?

Many people think they can deceive a polygraph test, and perhaps with older models, this might have been somewhat possible. However, modern technology has implemented safeguards to identify any attempts to tamper with the test results. Beyond just the technology, one must also consider the highly trained examiners who are adept at recognising techniques individuals might employ to skew the outcomes.

Should I cease my doctor-prescribed medication?

Definitely not! Failing to take your prescribed medications might pose a health risk and could actually interfere with the testing process. Most prescribed medicines won’t impact the accuracy of the polygraph test, as it’s important for your physical and mental state to remain as ‘normal’ as possible. During our initial consultation, we’ll discuss any current medical conditions and offer relevant guidance.

Could anxiety make me appear guilty when I'm innocent?

This is a prevalent misconception. Many individuals erroneously believe they can manipulate the polygraph’s results by inducing or exaggerating anxiety. However, it’s crucial to understand that anxiety alone DOES NOT distort the outcomes of the examination. If a subject begins the test with a heightened state of anxiety, which is not uncommon, this baseline anxiety is accounted for throughout the examination. The physiological responses to truthful and deceptive answers will manifest differently, allowing our trained examiners to discern between veracity and deception with a high degree of accuracy.

Can I be present during the test?

If you are accompanying someone for a polygraph test, allowing you to be present in the examination room can inadvertently influence the results. It is a natural inclination for individuals to be reticent about admitting any misdeeds in the presence of someone they know, especially if that person might be affected by the revelation. Oftentimes, people find it more manageable to confide in a neutral third party, a dynamic that underpins the efficacy of many counselling sessions. While we recognise and respect your wish to be privy to the proceedings, your presence could compromise the integrity of the examination.

Don't stop learning here!

For more insights, resources, and in-depth articles, we invite you to explore our Learning Centre. Expand your knowledge about lie detector tests, understanding the science, and get the answers to even more of your questions. Stay informed, stay curious – we’re here to support you on your journey.

We look forward to accompanying you on your learning journey!