The Pre-Test Interview: The Foundation of Polygraph

Our Expert Review

The Pre-Test Interview: The Foundation of Polygraph by Tuvia Shurany and Nathan J. Gordon represents an essential contribution to the professional polygraph examiner's library, offering critical insights into the most crucial yet often overlooked component of the polygraph process. Two internationally known lecturers and polygraph instructors have put together a manual to enhance the skills of professional polygraphists in conducting pre-test interviews, which are the foundation of a quality polygraph examination.

At LieDetectorTest.com, we recognize the pre-test interview as the foundation upon which accurate polygraph results rest. This 80-page manual delivers practical guidance that addresses a critical gap in polygraph training and practice. The authors' combined expertise brings both international perspective and decades of hands-on experience to bear on this fundamental skill.

The strength of this work lies in its practical application approach. Rather than offering theoretical discussions, Shurany and Gordon provide concrete techniques for building rapport, establishing proper question formulation, and ensuring examinees understand the testing process. The manual's emphasis on maximizing data quality during the pre-test phase directly correlates with improved examination accuracy – a principle we've observed consistently in our professional practice.

While the book excels in providing actionable guidance for working professionals, it does have some limitations. The relatively brief length means certain topics could benefit from deeper exploration, particularly cultural considerations in international examinations and advanced techniques for difficult subjects. Additionally, the manual assumes a baseline familiarity with polygraph principles that may challenge newcomers to the field.

The authors' credibility significantly enhances the work's value. Mr. Shurany is the former head of the Department of Polygraph at the Israeli Government School, President of Lie Catcher Polygraph Services, and former Director of the International Polygraph Training Center, which was an American Polygraph Association accredited school. He is the Assistant Director of the Academy for Scientific Investigative Training for Central and South America and has conducted polygraph courses in numerous countries as well as in Europe. Mr. Shurany authored the text "Evaluation of Polygraph Charts, Formats, Criteria and Scoring," and co-authored the text, "The Pre-test Interview- The Foundation of Polygraph." 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 psychophysiologist and an internationally recognized expert in the field of Forensic Assessment Interviewing and Interrogation. Mr. Gordon, a recognized innovator in the field of truth verification, has had his work recognized in publications among which is, Forensic Psychophysiology; Use Of The Polygraph, by James Allen Matte.

For practicing examiners, this manual provides immediately applicable techniques that can enhance examination quality and accuracy. The focused approach makes it an efficient resource for both initial training and ongoing professional development.

Key Takeaways

• The pre-test interview is the most critical component of a quality polygraph examination and directly impacts data accuracy
• Proper rapport building techniques can significantly improve examinee cooperation and reduce anxiety-induced artifacts
• Question formulation during pre-test must be precise and unambiguous to ensure valid physiological responses
• Educating examinees about the polygraph process reduces fear and misconceptions that can compromise results
• Documentation standards during pre-test interviews are essential for maintaining professional credibility and legal admissibility
• Cultural sensitivity and communication adaptation are crucial for international and diverse populations
• Identifying and addressing examinee concerns early prevents issues that could invalidate test results
• Professional boundaries must be maintained while establishing trust and openness with examinees
• Standardized pre-test procedures ensure consistency and reliability across different examiners and cases
• The pre-test interview serves as quality control for the entire polygraph examination process

What’s Inside

Who Should Read This

Polygraph examiners at all career levels will find this manual indispensable for improving their pre-test interview skills. Veteran examiners can refine their techniques and ensure they're following current best practices, while newer practitioners will gain essential foundational knowledge often glossed over in basic training programs. The practical, step-by-step approach makes complex concepts accessible and immediately applicable in real examination settings. Attorneys working with polygraph evidence need to understand the pre-test process to properly evaluate the validity and admissibility of results. This book provides the technical knowledge necessary to ask informed questions about examination procedures and identify potential weaknesses in opposing counsel's polygraph evidence. Defense attorneys particularly benefit from understanding how improper pre-test procedures can compromise results and provide grounds for challenging polygraph evidence. Researchers and academics in forensic psychology, criminology, and legal studies will appreciate the empirical foundation and practical insights this manual provides. The authors' extensive field experience offers valuable data on real-world applications that complement laboratory research. Graduate students and researchers studying deception detection will find this an essential primary source for understanding current professional practices. Members of the general public involved in polygraph examinations, whether for employment screening, legal proceedings, or personal matters, should read this to understand what constitutes a proper pre-test interview. This knowledge empowers individuals to recognize professional standards and ensure they receive competent examination services.

About the Authors

Mr. Shurany is the former head of the Department of Polygraph at the Israeli Government School, and President of Lie Catcher Polygraph Services, and former Director of the International Polygraph Training Center, which was an American Polygraph Association accredited school. He is the Assistant Director of the Academy for Scientific Investigative Training for Central and South America and has conducted polygraph courses in numerous countries there as well as in Europe. Mr. Shurany authored the text "Evaluation of Polygraph Charts, Formats, Criteria and Scoring," and co-authored the text, "The Pre-test Interview- The Foundation of Polygraph." He has published numerous articles on polygraph techniques and theories. Mr. Shurany is Vice President of the International Society of Polygraph Examiners, as well as a full member of the Israeli Polygraph Association and the American Polygraph Association. Tuvia Shurany is the author of "Evaluation of Polygraph Charts: Formats, Criteria and Scoring." The book shows evaluation criteria, formats and has numerous examples for practice. Tuvia Shurany is President of Lie Catcher, a polygraph company based in Costa Rica.

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 psychophysiologist 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, a recognized innovator in the field of truth verification, has had his work recognized in publications among which is, Forensic Psychophysiology; Use Of The Polygraph, by James Allen Matte. He is the 2010 President of the American Polygraph Association, and has served as President of the Pennsylvania Polygraph Association, President of the International Forensic Phycophysiological Institutes Association, and is a Director of the Vidocq Society where he received the prestigious Vidocq Medal of Honor for his assistance in solving a 14 year old cold case homicide. The Academy for Scientific Investigative Training (ASIT) has been an American Polygraph Association accredited school since 1980, and is recognized by the American Association of Police Polygraphists. ASIT has conducted basic and advanced courses in polygraph, as well as Forensic Interviewing, Forensic Statement Analysis and Interrogation throughout the world.

Publication History

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, Publication date: August 21, 2015. This represents the first and currently only edition of the English version. A Spanish edition titled "La Entrevista de Pre-Test; la Base de la Poligrafia" was also published, demonstrating the authors' commitment to international accessibility. The book is available in paperback format with 80 pages, dimensions 8.5 x 0.19 x 11 inches, and has been made available through major book retailers and academic suppliers. An electronic version of this book is available through VitalSource and is viewable on PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and most smartphones.

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