Polygraph Glossary Technique

Undirected-Lie Comparison Question

Also known as — ULCQ

Definition

An alternative term for probable-lie comparison questions, emphasising that the examinee is not explicitly instructed to lie (unlike directed-lie questions). The examinee's deception to these questions is expected but not directed by the examiner. The term is used in some academic literature to clarify the distinction between directed-lie and probable-lie methodologies.

What Is Undirected-Lie Comparison Question?

Undirected-Lie Comparison Question (ULCQ) is a polygraph testing technique. An alternative term for probable-lie comparison questions, emphasising that the examinee is not explicitly instructed to lie (unlike directed-lie questions). The examinee's deception to these questions is expected but not directed by the examiner. The term is used in some academic literature to clarify the distinction between directed-lie and probable-lie methodologies.

How Undirected-Lie Comparison Question Works in Practice

As a polygraph testing technique, Undirected-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 Undirected-Lie Comparison Question in context requires familiarity with several related polygraph concepts:

Key Takeaways

Undirected-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

confirmatory testing Confirmatory testing is a PDD examination used to verify the statements of witnesses, victims, or confidential source... track A track is a pair of polygraph test questions used for evaluative purposes — a concept central to the Quadri-Track Zo... Yes Test The Yes Test, attributed to John Reid, omits all comparison questions and directs the examinee to answer \"yes\" to a... Modified Relevant Irrelevant technique The Modified Relevant/Irrelevant (MRI) technique is a specific-issue PDD format based on the Keeler R/I but using sit... Primary Involvement Question A type of relevant question in the Federal ZCT format that directly asks about the examinee's primary role in the off... IZCTIntegrated Zone Comparison Technique A polygraph technique developed by Nathan Gordon that integrates elements of the Zone Comparison Test with additional...

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