Conducting a credible polygraph test is a comprehensive process that usually takes 1.5 -2.5 hours. A lot goes on behind the scenes during this period before an examiner compiles the final report.
A popular polygraph technique used by numerous examiners during routine lie detector tests is referred to as acquaintance testing. This process enables the examiner to establish physiological baselines, make sure that the equipment is working properly, and ensure that the data recorded during the actual test will be correct and reliable.
Administering an acquaintance test can enhance the accuracy of polygraph exams significantly. However, what is an acquaintance test, and what is its purpose?
What Is Acquaintance Testing?
An Acquaintance Test (ACQT) is a standard part of a lie detector test where a deliberately deceptive response is elicited from the examinee about something inconsequential.
This test serves multiple purposes: it allows the examiner to calibrate the instruments to the individual’s unique physiological responses, establish a baseline for those responses, and identify any potential countermeasures.
It also ensures that the examinee is physiologically capable of producing measurable reactions during the exam.
What Does Acquaintance Testing Feel Like?
Acquaintance testing is a structured step within the polygraph exam. During this phase, the examiner asks a short series of questions, requiring the examinee to provide truthful responses while deliberately giving a deceptive answer to one of them.
The examiner then analyzes the physiological reactions associated with the truthful and deceptive answers, while also checking for the presence of any countermeasures. The data collected during this process provides an initial baseline against which the examinee’s responses to the subsequent in-test questions are compared.
Roles of Acquaintance Testing
1. Gathering Physiological Baselines
In polygraphy, baselines represent an examinee’s typical physiological responses to controlled stimuli. Commonly measured reactions include respiration, blood pressure, heart rate, and skin conductivity. Establishing these baselines is critical because individuals naturally respond differently to similar questions, even when being entirely truthful.
By collecting baseline data during the acquaintance test, examiners can identify the unique physiological patterns and use these as a reference point. This makes it easier to detect deviations that may indicate deception later in the exam. Without reliable baselines, the risk of misinterpreting normal variations as signs of dishonesty increases significantly.
2. Calibrating the Equipment
Acquaintance testing also serves a technical role by ensuring the polygraph machine is accurately recording data. During this stage, the examiner can confirm that all sensors are functioning properly and that the equipment is correctly capturing the examinee’s physiological responses.
This calibration process is vital because even minor equipment issues can compromise the accuracy of results. By addressing any technical problems early in the exam, the examiner ensures that the data collected during the in-test phase is both valid and reliable.
When Does Acquaintance Testing Occur?
The polygraph is conducted in three stages: the Pre-test Phase, In-test Phase, and Post-test Phase, which all happen in the same session.
Acquaintance testing is one of the initial steps within a polygraph exam, and it contributes to the overall duration of the process. This step falls under the Pre-test Phase, which is a broader concept designed to prepare both the examinee and the equipment for establishing a reliable baseline.
During acquaintance testing, the examiner begins by familiarizing the examinee with the polygraph procedures, setting clear expectations. At the same time, the examiner observes and documents the examinee’s baseline physiological patterns, such as heart rate and respiratory rhythms, which are essential for comparison during the in-test phase.
The equipment is also carefully calibrated to ensure accurate readings of the examinee’s responses. Finally, the examiner assesses the examinee’s level of cooperation, looking for signs of willingness to participate fully while also analyzing for any potential countermeasures that could affect the test’s viability.
Are Acquaintance Tests Scored?
Acquaintance tests are not scored, but the physiological baselines obtained during this step play a crucial role in interpreting the results of the lie detector test. These baselines provide reference points that help the examiner distinguish between normal physiological variations and significant deviations during the in-test phase.
It is also important to recognize that the use of polygraph evidence is subject to strict legal and regulatory frameworks. The admissibility of results can differ based on state laws, organizational policies, or the specific context in which the lie detector test is conducted. Understanding these limitations is essential for ensuring the results are applied appropriately and responsibly.
Improving Polygraph Efficiency With Acquaintance Testing
Acquaintance testing is a fundamental component of every polygraph exam. Far from being a minor formality, it provides examiners with the opportunity to verify the accuracy of their instruments, establish valid physiological baselines, and detect possible countermeasures early in the process.
Skipping this step can compromise the integrity of the entire lie detector test, as even minor equipment malfunctions or incomplete baseline data may result in misleading interpretations.
