Polygraph Glossary Technique

Directed-Lie Comparison Question

Also known as — DLC / DLCQ

Definition

A type of comparison question where the examinee is instructed to answer "No" to a question they know to be false (e.g., "During the first 20 years of your life, did you ever tell even one lie?"). Provides a known deceptive response as a physiological comparison baseline. Considered more standardised than probable-lie comparison questions.

What Is Directed-Lie Comparison Question?

Directed-Lie Comparison Question (DLC / DLCQ) is a polygraph testing technique. A type of comparison question where the examinee is instructed to answer "No" to a question they know to be false (e.g., "During the first 20 years of your life, did you ever tell even one lie?"). Provides a known deceptive response as a physiological comparison baseline. Considered more standardised than probable-lie comparison questions.

How Directed-Lie Comparison Question Works in Practice

As a polygraph testing technique, Directed-Lie Comparison Question follows structured protocols for question presentation and physiological data collection. The technique is used within the broader framework of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception and must be administered by a trained, APA-member examiner following established Standards of Practice.

During a polygraph examination using this approach, the examiner collects physiological data across multiple channels — respiratory, electrodermal, cardiovascular, and movement — while presenting a structured sequence of relevant, comparison, and irrelevant questions. The examinee's differential physiological responses to these question types form the basis for the diagnostic or screening opinion.

Scoring and Data Analysis

Results from examinations using this technique are analysed using validated Test Data Analysis methods. These include manual numerical scoring systems (3-position or 7-position scales) and automated computerised scoring algorithms such as OSS-3, PolyScore, or ESS. The choice of scoring method affects the balance between sensitivity (detecting deception) and specificity (confirming truthfulness), as well as the inconclusive rate.

Related Terms

Understanding Directed-Lie Comparison Question in context requires familiarity with several related polygraph concepts:

Key Takeaways

Directed-Lie Comparison Question is an important concept within the field of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception. Whether you are a polygraph examiner, student at an APA-accredited training program, legal professional evaluating polygraph evidence, or a private individual preparing for a lie detector test, understanding this term and its relationship to other polygraph concepts will help you navigate the field with greater confidence and knowledge.

The science of polygraph testing has evolved significantly over more than 100 years, from the early work of William Moulton Marston and Leonarde Keeler to today's digital instruments and validated scoring algorithms. Every term in this glossary represents a piece of that scientific and professional heritage. For a comprehensive overview, visit the Polygraph Examiner Hub or use our examiner selection guide to find a professional examiner near you.

Cross-references

More technique terms in this glossary

Known-Solution Peak of TensionKPOT A Peak of Tension Test variant where the examiner knows which item in the sequence is crime-relevant and monitors for... blind stimulation test A blind stimulation test is a stimulation test in which the examiner does not know the critical item at the beginning... Keeler Technique The Keeler Technique is a Relevant/Irrelevant testing method devised by Leonarde Keeler for single- and multiple-issu... outside track The outside track is one of the tracks in the Quadri-Track Zone Comparison Technique, consisting of two symptomatic q... instant offense examination An instant offense examination is a form of PCSOT conducted when a subject denies the offense or a significant elemen... Neutral Question See Irrelevant Question. Questions designed to produce minimal response, used to establish or re-establish the examin...

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