Overview of the Utah MGQT
The Utah Modified General Question Technique (MGQT) is a sophisticated polygraph testing method developed by notable psychologists including Drs. Raskin, Kircher, and Honts. This technique integrates fundamental principles from psychological science and psychophysiology, aiming to enhance the reliability and accuracy of polygraph examinations.
Key Features of the Utah MGQT
- Acquaintance Test: Implementing an acquaintance test prior to the actual examination can significantly boost the accuracy, as supported by various studies including those by Bradley & Janisse (1981) and Kircher et al. (2001).
- Use of Plethysmograph: In addition to traditional sensors like respiratory, electrodermal activity (EDA), and cardiovascular sensors, the Utah MGQT incorporates a plethysmograph to measure blood volume changes, providing deeper insights into physiological responses.
- Question Rotation and Counterbalance: This technique involves rotating relevant questions (RQs), comparison questions (CQs), and neutral questions (NQs) to minimize predictability, control boredom, and reduce the rate of habituation among examinees.
- Between-Chart Stimulation: This feature is designed to minimize false negative rates and reduce inconclusive outcomes by stimulating engagement between chart reviews, as evidenced in studies by Honts and others.
Validity and Diagnostic Techniques
While specific studies on the Utah MGQT are limited, its validity can be inferred from its structural similarities with the AFMGQT Version 2. When scored using similar Test Data Analysis (TDA) methods such as Federal Scoring, Empirical Scoring System (ESS), or Utah Scoring, the Utah MGQT is presumed to maintain a comparable level of accuracy.
Examination Protocol and Question Intervals
The Utah MGQT recommends question intervals of 25-35 seconds from stimulus onset to stimulus onset, ensuring sufficient time for physiological responses to manifest clearly. The order of question review typically starts with relevant and sacrifice relevant questions, followed by comparison and irrelevant questions.
Decisions and Cutscores
The Utah MGQT applies specific cut scores and decision rules:
- Diagnostic Exams: Utilizes terms like Deception Indicated (DI), No Deception Indicated (NDI), Inconclusive (INC), or No Opinion (NO) based on the total scores.
- Screening Exams: Categorizes outcomes as Significant Reactions (SR), No Significant Reactions (NSR), Inconclusive (INC), or No Opinion (NO).
- Cut Scores: For multi-facet diagnostic using ESS, scores of -4 or less indicate DI/SR, while +2 or greater indicates NDI/NSR. Other scores are typically considered inconclusive, requiring further analysis.
Conclusion
The Utah MGQT is a highly structured polygraph technique that benefits from decades of research and development in psychological sciences. It stands out for its methodological rigor, advanced technological integration, and its ability to adapt to the nuances of psychological assessments. This makes it an invaluable tool in fields requiring high-stakes deception detection, such as security clearances, criminal investigations, and sensitive occupational screenings.