Handbook of Polygraph Testing

Our Expert Review

Deftly edited by Murray Kleiner, the Handbook of Polygraph Testing stands as a landmark academic collection that addresses the technical and psychological aspects of polygraph testing in a comprehensive scholarly format. As noted by the Midwest Book Review, this volume fills a critical gap in polygraph literature and serves as both an introduction to the field and a pointer to current research frontiers.

As practitioners at LieDetectorTest.com, we recognize this handbook's significance in establishing professional standards within our field. The book helps establish standards by creating a set of common terms, concepts, and processes for both administrators and researchers who test underlying theories. This standardization has proven invaluable for maintaining consistency across different examination protocols.

The book's structure progresses logically through fundamental testing methods, beginning with the comparison question test (CQT) and moving through the concealed information test used in Japan, the guilty knowledge test prospects and obstacles, and critical reviews of control question techniques. Each chapter is authored by recognized experts who bring decades of practical experience to their theoretical discussions.

Particularly valuable are the chapters on countermeasures and computer-based detection methods, which address real-world challenges that polygraph examiners face daily. The coverage of polygraph countermeasures explores what subjects might do to defeat examinations, while the event-related potentials chapter discusses cutting-edge neuroscience applications and computer methods for psychophysiological detection.

The handbook's strength lies in its balanced approach to controversial topics. Rather than advocating for polygraph testing uncritically, the contributors present both supportive research and legitimate concerns about validity and reliability. This scholarly honesty enhances the book's credibility among legal professionals and researchers who must evaluate polygraph evidence objectively.

One limitation is the book's age—published in 2002, some technological advances and research developments aren't covered. Additionally, the heavily academic tone may challenge readers seeking practical, step-by-step guidance for conducting examinations. However, for understanding the theoretical foundations that underpin modern polygraph practice, this remains the definitive reference.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the theoretical foundations underlying different polygraph testing methods and their relative strengths and limitations
• Mastering the comparison question test (CQT) methodology, the most widely used technique in criminal investigations
• Learning about international variations in polygraph practice, particularly the concealed information test used in Japan
• Recognizing and defending against countermeasures that subjects might employ to defeat polygraph examinations
• Comprehending the legal landscape surrounding polygraph admissibility in United States courts and how it affects practice
• Applying proper pre-test interview techniques to establish rapport and gather necessary background information
• Understanding specialized applications including personnel screening and post-conviction sex offender monitoring
• Evaluating emerging technologies like event-related potentials and computer-based analysis methods
• Developing critical thinking skills to objectively assess polygraph validity claims and research findings
• Establishing standardized terminology and procedures to improve consistency across different examination protocols

What’s Inside

Who Should Read This

The dual focus on research and clinical applications makes this text appropriate for a broad range of readers, from polygraph examiners and law enforcement personnel to lawyers, scientists, and graduate students. Polygraph examiners will find this handbook essential for understanding the scientific basis of their techniques. The chapters on countermeasures, pre-test interviews, and specialized applications provide practical insights that directly improve examination quality. The standardized terminology helps ensure consistency with professional practices nationwide. Attorneys benefit from the legal admissibility chapter and critical reviews of testing methods. This knowledge proves invaluable when cross-examining polygraph experts or deciding whether to stipulate to polygraph results. The book's balanced treatment of validity issues helps legal professionals make informed decisions about polygraph evidence. Researchers gain access to comprehensive reviews of existing literature and identification of future research directions. The book functions well as an introduction to all aspects of the field while pointing to frontiers of current research. The extensive bibliographies in each chapter provide starting points for further investigation. General readers interested in understanding lie detection will appreciate the book's scientific approach to a topic often sensationalized in popular media. While technical in nature, the handbook provides the factual foundation necessary to separate valid polygraph applications from misconceptions about "foolproof" lie detection.

About the Author

Murray Kleiner served as the editor of this comprehensive handbook, bringing together leading experts in polygraph research and practice. While specific biographical details about Kleiner's academic credentials are limited in available sources, his role as editor of this definitive academic work demonstrates his standing within the polygraph research community. Kleiner has conducted research on the psychophysiology of deception and the orienting response, contributing to theoretical understanding of how emotional excitement may serve as indicators in polygraph examinations.

Kleiner's expertise spans both theoretical and applied aspects of polygraph science. His editorial work brought together contributions from internationally recognized experts including David C. Raskin from the University of Utah, Gershon Ben-Shakhar, Charles R. Honts, and other leading researchers in psychophysiological detection of deception. The breadth of expertise he assembled demonstrates his comprehensive understanding of the field and his connections within the academic and professional polygraph community.

Through this handbook, Kleiner made a significant contribution to standardizing terminology and establishing theoretical foundations for polygraph practice. His work has been particularly valuable in bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications in law enforcement and legal settings.

Publication History

The handbook was published by Academic Press in 2002 as a hardcover edition of 354 pages. The original publication date was November 12, 2001, with a suggested retail price of $96.95, published by Academic Press with ISBN 0124137407 (10-digit) and 9780124137400 (13-digit). Academic Press is part of Elsevier, and the book carries OCLC number 47675986. This appears to be the first and only edition of this specific handbook, with no subsequent revised editions published. The book has remained in print through various distributors and is available in both new and used markets. The work is also available through the Internet Archive for digital access. The handbook has been catalogued by major academic libraries worldwide and continues to be referenced in contemporary polygraph research and legal proceedings.

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