Introduction to Utah CQT
The Utah Comparative Question Test (CQT) represents a significant evolution in polygraph examination techniques, rooted in over 40 years of scientific research and development. This method was initiated by Drs. Raskin, Kircher, and Honts, who incorporated psychological science and psychophysiology into its design, aiming to enhance its accuracy and reliability.
Key Features of Utah CQT
The Utah CQT is noted for several distinctive features that differentiate it from other polygraph techniques:
- Acquaintance Test: Conducted prior to the main test to improve accuracy.
- Optimal Question Sequence and Rotation: Questions are strategically ordered and rotated to minimize predictability and habituation.
- Single Issue Focus: Each test addresses one specific issue, reducing complexity and enhancing focus.
- Advanced Sensory Technology: In addition to traditional sensors, a plethysmograph is used to measure changes in blood volume.
- Scoring Methodology: Involves a unique scoring approach where relevant questions are compared to the closest comparison question, especially if the preceding comparison question is artifacted.
Decision Rules and Cut Scores
The Utah CQT utilizes precise cut scores and decision rules to determine the outcome of the test:
- -4 or less on the grand total indicates deception (DI/SR).
- +2 or greater on the grand total indicates no deception (NDI/NSR).
- Scores between these ranges typically result in an inconclusive (INC) outcome, prompting further analysis or additional charts.
Procedural Steps and Compliance
Examiners using the Utah CQT must adhere to legal and regulatory requirements within their jurisdictions, ensuring that local laws are followed over the procedural guidelines if conflicts arise. The test structure involves a systematic process from the acquaintance phase through multiple charts, ensuring comprehensive data collection and analysis.
Diagnostic and Screening Applications
The Utah CQT can be applied in both diagnostic and screening contexts, using terms like Deception Indicated (DI) or No Deception Indicated (NDI) for diagnostic tests, and Significant Reactions (SR) or No Significant Reactions (NSR) for screening tests. This versatility makes it suitable for a range of applications from employment screenings to criminal investigations.
The Utah Control Question Test (CQT) is a variation of the widely-used polygraph technique designed to determine the truthfulness of a person’s responses. This method focuses on a particular set of controls and procedures that enhance the traditional CQT, aiming to increase accuracy and reliability. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to effectively use the Utah CQT:
Step 1: Preparation
Preparation is key to the effectiveness of any polygraph examination, including the Utah CQT:
- Examiner Training: Ensure that the examiner is properly trained in the Utah CQT methodology, understanding both the psychological and physiological aspects involved.
- Participant Briefing: It is crucial to brief the participant on the procedure, emphasizing their rights, the voluntary nature of the test, and the types of questions that will be asked.
- Environment Setup: Prepare a quiet, comfortable, and controlled environment to minimize external influences on the participant’s physiological responses.
Step 2: Pre-Test Interview
The pre-test phase is used to build rapport with the participant and to develop the test questions:
- Establish Rapport: Engage in conversation to put the participant at ease, which can lead to more accurate test results.
- Question Development: Collaboratively discuss and refine the questions to be used during the test. This includes relevant questions (directly related to the issue under investigation), control questions (indirectly related or unrelated but emotionally significant), and irrelevant questions (neutral in content).
Step 3: Question Formulation
In the Utah CQT, particular attention is paid to how questions are formulated:
- Relevant Questions: Directly related to the matter under investigation. For example, “Did you take the missing $500?”
- Control Questions: Often broader and designed to provoke anxiety about dishonesty in general, not specific acts. For example, “Have you ever taken something that did not belong to you?”
- Irrelevant Questions: Completely neutral, used as baselines to compare physiological responses. For example, “Is your name John?”
Step 4: Conducting the Test
The actual test involves a carefully structured sequence of questions:
- Question Sequence: Follow a predetermined sequence alternating between relevant, control, and irrelevant questions to measure physiological responses accurately.
- Monitoring Responses: Use polygraph equipment to monitor physiological indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and skin conductivity.
Step 5: Data Analysis
After the test, the examiner analyzes the physiological data to determine deception or truthfulness:
- Comparative Analysis: Compare responses to control and relevant questions. Increased physiological responses to relevant questions compared to control questions suggest deception.
- Result Interpretation: Interpret the results based on the amplitude, duration, and timing of the physiological responses.
Step 6: Post-Test Interview
Depending on the results, a post-test interview may be conducted:
- Discuss Results: If the test indicates deception, the examiner might confront the participant with this evidence to elicit admissions or clarify inconsistencies.
- Further Inquiry: Additional questions may be posed to clarify any ambiguous results or responses.
Step 7: Ethical Considerations
Ethical practice is critical in administering the Utah CQT:
- Informed Consent: Ensure that the participant has given informed consent, understanding the implications of the test.
- Fairness and Respect: Treat all participants with fairness and respect, regardless of the test results.
- Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality of all test results and participant information.
Conclusion
The Utah CQT is a sophisticated tool in the field of lie detection and requires meticulous attention to detail and ethical standards. While it can provide valuable insights into a person’s truthfulness, it should be regarded as one part of a comprehensive investigative process, not a standalone proof of deception or honesty.
