Essentials of Polygraph and Polygraph Testing

Our Expert Review

As a leading polygraph examination service, we recognize Nathan J. Gordon's 'Essentials of Polygraph and Polygraph Testing' as one of the most comprehensive modern textbooks on polygraph practice. The book is a must read for every polygraph examiner, giving clear and concise direction on question formulation and techniques based on years of experience specializing in this field. Gordon brings exceptional credibility to this work, having personally conducted over 11,000 polygraph examinations and developed several innovative techniques that are now standard in the field.

The book's strength lies in its practical approach to modern polygraph practice. The book covers psychology and physiology, a history of polygraph with the advances of leading figures, question formulation, data analysis, legal implications and legal cases, and the author's developed technique Integrated Zone Comparison Technique (IZCT). This comprehensive coverage makes it invaluable for both new examiners learning the fundamentals and experienced practitioners seeking to refine their techniques. The detailed treatment of the IZCT technique is particularly noteworthy, as this represents Gordon's primary contribution to polygraph methodology.

What sets this book apart is its integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application. Gordon's experience as current President of the International Association of Polygraph Examiners, past president of the American Polygraph Association, and teaching accredited polygraph courses since 1980 provides him with unique insights into both the academic and field application aspects of polygraph testing. The chapters on pre-employment testing and community safety testing are especially valuable for practitioners working in private sector screening.

While the book excels in technical content, readers should note that it requires a solid foundation in psychology and physiology to fully appreciate the material. The writing style is academic and assumes familiarity with polygraph terminology. Additionally, the focus on Gordon's IZCT technique, while innovative, means other established techniques receive less detailed treatment. The book would benefit from more case studies demonstrating the application of different techniques in various scenarios.

For our field, this text represents essential reading that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical polygraph examination skills. It serves as both an excellent training manual and a valuable reference for ongoing professional development in the polygraph examination field.

Key Takeaways

• Master the Integrated Zone Comparison Technique (IZCT), a modern polygraph method developed by the author that meets current American Polygraph Association standards
• Learn proper question formulation strategies that are essential for accurate polygraph testing across different examination types
• Understand the psychophysiological basis of polygraph testing and how deception affects measurable bodily responses
• Gain expertise in both manual chart analysis and computerized data analysis methods for interpreting polygraph results
• Develop skills in conducting effective pre-test interviews that form the foundation of successful polygraph examinations
• Navigate the legal framework surrounding polygraph use including admissibility standards and ethical requirements
• Apply specialized techniques for pre-employment screening and community safety testing scenarios
• Master professional report writing standards that maintain credibility and meet legal documentation requirements
• Understand the historical development of polygraph technology and techniques to appreciate current best practices
• Implement proper ethics and professional standards to maintain integrity in polygraph examination practice

What’s Inside

Who Should Read This

This book serves multiple audiences within the polygraph and investigative fields. Polygraph examiners will find this book a must read, as it provides clear and concise direction on question formulation and techniques based on years of experience, reminding examiners of all the need to know habits they should be following. New examiners benefit from comprehensive coverage of fundamental principles, while experienced practitioners gain insights into advanced techniques like the IZCT method and modern data analysis approaches. Attorneys working with polygraph evidence will find valuable information about legal standards, admissibility requirements, and proper interpretation of results. The chapters on polygraph and the law provide essential context for understanding how polygraph evidence can be used effectively within legal proceedings. Defense attorneys and prosecutors alike benefit from understanding the technical aspects that affect the reliability and admissibility of polygraph results. Researchers in forensic psychology, criminology, and related fields will appreciate the scientific foundation provided throughout the text. The book bridges academic research with practical application, making it valuable for those studying deception detection, psychophysiology, or investigative techniques. Graduate students and faculty in these areas will find it an excellent reference for understanding both the theoretical basis and real-world application of polygraph testing. Law enforcement professionals, private investigators, and security personnel who work with polygraph examiners will gain better understanding of the process and how to effectively utilize polygraph services. While not intended to make readers polygraph operators themselves, it provides the knowledge needed to work effectively with polygraph professionals and understand the capabilities and limitations of polygraph testing in investigative contexts.

About the Author

Nathan J. Gordon is Director of the Academy for Scientific Investigative Training, where he developed the Forensic Assessment Interview and Integrated Interrogation Technique. He is an expert forensic psycho-physiologist and an internationally recognized expert in the field of Forensic Assessment Interviewing and Interrogation. He has lectured and conducted seminars on these subjects to thousands of law enforcement, intelligence and private security officers throughout the United States, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Mr. Gordon began his investigative career in 1969 and since, has been actively engaged in all aspects of criminal, retail and industrial investigation. He is internationally recognized as an expert in the fields of forensic psychophysiology, behavioral assessment interviewing and interrogation. He has been used as an expert witness in cases before local, state, federal and military courts of law. He has personally conducted over 11,000 polygraph examinations, solving many hundreds of them by confession, including numerous homicides.

Gordon is founder and Director of the Academy for Scientific Investigative Training. He is a past President of the American Polygraph Association, and also served as President Elect, and two terms as Vice President Private. He is currently President of the Pennsylvania Polygraph Examiners' Association and previously held that position from 1987-1995. He has Chaired the APA's Membership Committee, and has served on the Finance Committee, Continuing Education Committee, Legislative Committee, and Research Committee. He is a charter member and Board of Director of the Vidocq Society, a nonprofit organization of forensic experts, featured on CBS's "48 Hours," where he received the prestigious Vidocq Medal of Honor for his assistance in solving a 14 year old cold case homicide.

Gordon is innovator of the Integrated Zone Comparison Polygraph Technique, Polygraph Verification Test, Forensic Assessment Interview Technique, Integrated Interrogation Technique, Horizontal Scoring System and Academy's Algorithm for Analysis of Polygraph Data. He is coauthor of "Effective Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques," and has published numerous research papers and articles on forensic psychophysiology, investigation and security. His work has been recognized in publications including "Forensic Psychophysiology: Use Of The Polygraph" by James Allen Matte.

Publication History

The book was first published in 2017 by CRC Press (Taylor & Francis Group) in Boca Raton, Florida. The original hardback edition was published with ISBN 9781498757713, with additional formats including web PDF version (ISBN 9781315438627). The book contains 304 pages (xv + 304 pages) and measures 24 cm in height. A paperback edition was later released with ISBN 9780367778668. The book is also available in electronic formats including Kindle and PDF versions through various academic publishers and platforms. The Academy for Scientific Investigative Training has been an American Polygraph Association accredited school since 1980, providing institutional backing for the book's content and approach to polygraph education.

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