format

What Is a Format?

In polygraph terminology, a format refers to the specific arrangement, sequence, and structure of questions used in a polygraph examination. The format defines how relevant, comparison, irrelevant, and other question types are ordered within a chart, how many of each type are included, and how they are paired for scoring purposes.

Importance of Format

The question format is a critical component of any validated technique. Different techniques use different formats: the Backster Zone Comparison uses a specific sequence with designated zones, the Utah PLT uses a different arrangement, and screening techniques like the TES and DLST have their own formats. Changing the format outside the validated parameters invalidates the technique's research support.

Format Components

A format specification typically includes: the number and types of questions, their sequence order, the spacing between questions, the pairing rules for analysis spots, and the number of chart repetitions. All of these elements have been empirically tested as part of the validation research supporting the technique.

Related Concepts

See: question sequence, validated technique, single-issue test, multiple-issue test.