How Polygraph Questions Are Reviewed Before the Test

The Foundational Principle of Question Transparency

One of the most common fears people have when facing a polygraph examination is the idea that the examiner will spring unexpected trick questions during the test itself. This fear is entirely unfounded. The American Polygraph Association's Standards of Practice explicitly prohibit surprise questions, and for very good scientific reasons Verified History of Polygraph — Zone Comparison Technique
Confirms Cleve Backster developed the Zone Comparison Technique (ZCT) in 1960, building upon Reid's CQT with altered question sequencing. Backster published his standardized notepack and technique guide for the ZCT in 1963 [7]Verified Standardized Polygraph Notepack and Technique Guide: Backster Zone Comparison Technique
Confirms Backster published standardized notepack and technique guide for Zone Comparison Technique in 1963. The CQT replaced the Relevant/Irrelevant format as the dominant polygraph methodology [8]Verified Zone Comparison Technique History
Confirms Reid's CQT replaced the Relevant/Irrelevant format and that Backster built upon Reid's work to create the Zone Comparison Technique.

These improved methods recognized that for comparison-based scoring to work properly, the examinee needed full knowledge of every question type in the test. Research by Honts (1999) demonstrated that between-chart discussion of comparison questions significantly improved CQT accuracy, providing direct evidence that examiner-examinee dialogue about questions enhances test performance [9]Verified The Discussion of Comparison Questions Between List Repetitions Is Associated with Increased Test Accuracy
Confirms that between-chart discussion of comparison questions significantly improved CQT accuracy, becoming standard practice. Today, the APA's Standards of Practice make question review a non-negotiable requirement for any examination that claims to meet professional standards.

What the Standards of Practice Require

The APA Standards of Practice, adopted August 23, 2019, contain specific provisions regarding question review that apply to every validated polygraph technique [2]Verified APA Standards of Practice
Confirms APA requirements for validated testing techniques, informed consent, question review, and audio/video recording of all exam phases. The APA requires that member examiners use evidence-based validated testing techniques, and where deviations occur, they must be explained in writing [10]Verified APA Standards of Practice (Full Document)
Confirms specific APA standards including requirements for validated techniques, informed consent, acquaintance tests, recording, and 20-second question intervals. The core requirements relevant to question review include:

All test questions must be reviewed with the examinee prior to chart collection. No question can appear on the test that the examinee has not already heard, discussed, and acknowledged understanding. The APA Standards specify that prior to an examination, the examiner shall dedicate sufficient time to identify and discuss the examination issues and potential problem areas [10]Verified APA Standards of Practice (Full Document)
Confirms specific APA standards including requirements for validated techniques, informed consent, acquaintance tests, recording, and 20-second question intervals. The examiner must obtain the informed consent of the examinee after providing an overview of the polygraph process, including instrumentation, sensors, issues to be discussed, and the need for cooperation during testing [10]Verified APA Standards of Practice (Full Document)
Confirms specific APA standards including requirements for validated techniques, informed consent, acquaintance tests, recording, and 20-second question intervals.

Questions must be worded in language the examinee can understand. Technical jargon, legalese, or overly complex sentence structures should be avoided if they impede understanding. All questions used in the assessment of truth and deception must be followed by time intervals of not less than 20 seconds from question onset to question onset [10]Verified APA Standards of Practice (Full Document)
Confirms specific APA standards including requirements for validated techniques, informed consent, acquaintance tests, recording, and 20-second question intervals.

These standards apply equally to all types of polygraph examinations, including private lie detector tests, pre-employment screening, law enforcement specific-issue testing, and post-conviction sex offender testing (PCSOT). For a complete overview of what questions can be asked, see our guide on what questions you can ask in a private lie detector test.

ASTM Standards and Forensic Safeguards

In addition to the APA's Standards of Practice, ASTM International Committee E52 on Forensic Psychophysiology developed a comprehensive series of standards covering all aspects of polygraphy. ASTM E2031-99 established essential and recommended procedures for quality control of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD) examinations [11]Verified ASTM E2031-99 Standard Practice for Quality Control of PDD Examinations
Confirms ASTM E2031-99 establishes essential procedures for quality control of polygraph examinations, including review of questions and answers utilized. The quality control process described in E2031 involves review of test data analysis, all charts collected, and questions and answers utilized [11]Verified ASTM E2031-99 Standard Practice for Quality Control of PDD Examinations
Confirms ASTM E2031-99 establishes essential procedures for quality control of polygraph examinations, including review of questions and answers utilized. Though ASTM E2031-99 was reapproved in 2016 and subsequently withdrawn in 2025, its principles remain influential in the profession [12]Verified ASTM E2031-99(2016) — Withdrawn 2025
Confirms ASTM E2031-99 was reapproved in 2016 and subsequently withdrawn in 2025.

The related ASTM E2062 Standard Guide for PDD Examination Standards of Practice provides additional guidance on examination conduct. ASTM's forensic psychophysiology standards address polygraph training and recommended practices for the design, conduct, and interpretation of PDD examinations [13]Verified ASTM Forensic Science Standards — Forensic Psychophysiology
Confirms ASTM forensic psychophysiology standards address polygraph training and recommended practices for the design, conduct, and interpretation of PDD examinations. Together, these professional and industry standards form a robust framework ensuring that question review is treated as a forensic safeguard, particularly important given that polygraph examinations may produce evidence affecting legal proceedings, employment decisions, or therapeutic outcomes.

For a deeper understanding of how forensic standards apply to examiner practice, see our complete guide to forensic standards for polygraph examiners.

A Detailed Look at the Actual Process

The question review typically occurs during the latter portion of the pretest interview. According to the National Research Council's comprehensive 2003 review, the pretest interview may last from 30 minutes to two hours or longer, depending on the complexity of the case, examiner-examinee interactions, and testing technique [1]Verified The Polygraph and Lie Detection
Confirms pretest interview duration of 30 minutes to 2 hours or longer, and that the Zone Comparison Test was developed by Backster (1963). After the examiner has gathered background information, explained the polygraph process, obtained informed consent, and established rapport, they transition into the question review phase. If you are feeling nervous about your upcoming polygraph test, understanding this structured process can help ease your concerns.

Here is what examinees should expect during a thorough, professionally conducted question review:

Question Presentation: The examiner reads each question aloud, exactly as it will be asked during the test. Many examiners also show the written question so the examinee can read along. Each question is presented one at a time.

Meaning Discussion: After presenting each question, the examiner asks the examinee to explain what the question means to them. This step is critical because the same words can mean different things to different people.

Scope Clarification: The examiner clearly defines the scope and boundaries of each relevant question. For instance, a question about drug use might be limited to a specific timeframe, or a question about theft might be limited to a specific incident.

Answer Confirmation: The examiner confirms how the examinee plans to answer each question — yes or no. All polygraph questions are designed to be answered with a simple yes or no response [14]Verified Standards for Polygraph Examinations — Oklahoma DOC
Confirms surprise questions are forbidden, all questions must allow yes/no answers, maximum four relevant questions per series, and minimum three primary test charts required. The expected answer is established so there is no hesitation or confusion during the actual test.

Modification If Needed: If the examinee expresses confusion or disagrees with wording, the examiner may reword the question. Any modified question goes through the same review process again.

Final Agreement: Once all questions have been reviewed, the examiner typically goes through the complete list one more time to confirm understanding and agreement. Only after this final confirmation does the examiner proceed to attach sensors and begin chart collection.

Understanding the Different Question Categories

During the question review, you will hear several types of questions. Understanding the purpose of each type helps you participate more effectively. In a typical validated polygraph format, the in-test phase involves a series of 8 to 12 yes-or-no questions, and the same series is typically asked at least three times across multiple charts [15]Verified Evaluating Polygraph Data
Confirms typical polygraph in-test phase involves 8-12 yes/no questions asked at least 3 times, with typically three relevant questions. Of these, typically three relevant questions form the core of the examination [16]Verified Appendix F: Computerized Scoring of Polygraph Data (NAS)
Confirms that typically there were three relevant questions in the criminal cases analyzed. Here is a breakdown of the primary question categories:

Relevant Questions: These directly address the issue being investigated. In an infidelity test, a relevant question might address whether the examinee had sexual contact with anyone other than their partner. In a theft investigation, it would address the specific allegation. These are the questions whose answers the test is designed to evaluate.

Comparison Questions: Also called directed-lie or probable-lie questions, these provide a physiological baseline for comparison. Research by Driscoll, Honts, and Jones (1987) found that directed-lie comparison questions produced fewer false positives while maintaining detection of deception, supporting their widespread adoption [17]Verified Directed Lie Comparison Questions in Polygraph Testing
Confirms directed lie comparison questions produced fewer false positives while maintaining detection of deception. Field studies by Ginton (2017) and Amsel (1999) further demonstrated that both exclusive and non-exclusive comparison question formats produce comparable accuracy rates in real criminal investigations [18]Verified Examining Different Types of Comparison Questions in a Field Study of CQT Polygraph Technique
Confirms practical effectiveness of both exclusive and non-exclusive comparison questions in operational settings[19]Verified Exclusive or Nonexclusive Comparison Questions: A Comparative Field Study
Confirms both exclusive and non-exclusive comparison question formats produced comparable accuracy rates in real criminal investigations. For more on how these questions work, see our guide to directed lie comparison questions.

Irrelevant Questions: These are neutral, non-threatening questions designed to establish physiological baselines. Examples include asking whether today is a specific day of the week or whether the examinee is currently in a specific location.

Symptomatic Questions: Sometimes called sacrifice relevant questions, these help identify whether the examinee has an outside concern that might interfere with test accuracy. They absorb initial reactivity and help the examiner detect if something other than the test issue is driving the examinee's physiological responses.

All question types — not just the relevant questions — are reviewed during the pretest phase. The examiner's explanation of comparison questions is a critical part of the question review that directly impacts test validity. Research by Honts, Raskin, and Kircher (1992) challenged the assumption that the manner of answering comparison questions affects accuracy, finding no significant difference — dispelling a widely held examiner belief [20]Verified Effectiveness of Control Questions Answered 'Yes': Dispelling a Polygraph Myth
Confirms no significant accuracy difference between yes and no answers to comparison questions, dispelling a widely held examiner belief.

The Scientific Case for Shared Meaning

The requirement for mutual understanding between examiner and examinee is a scientific necessity that directly impacts the accuracy of polygraph test results. The Horowitz et al. (1997) mock crime study with 120 participants provided empirical support for the comparison question test rationale, demonstrating that comparison questions produce fundamentally different physiological patterns for innocent versus guilty subjects [3]Verified The Role of Comparison Questions in Physiological Detection of Deception
Confirms that comparison questions produce different physiological patterns for innocent vs. guilty subjects in a 120-participant mock crime study. This differentiation only works when examinees clearly understand the distinction between question types.

Physiological responses must be attributable. The entire premise of polygraph testing rests on the idea that physiological changes during a specific question reflect the examinee's internal psychological state regarding that question. If the examinee misunderstands a question, their physiological response may reflect confusion rather than truth or deception.

Scoring requires clean data. Modern polygraph scoring — whether using manual numerical scoring or automated scoring algorithms like the OSS-3 developed by Raymond Nelson and colleagues [21]Verified Raymond Nelson — APA Research Profile
Confirms Raymond Nelson is a prominent polygraph researcher, APA Board member, developer of the OSS-3 scoring algorithm, and published extensively on polygraph methodology — compares physiological responses to relevant questions against responses to comparison questions. If responses to relevant questions are contaminated by confusion, the comparison becomes invalid. The Lafayette OSS-3 algorithm depends on clean, unambiguous question presentation to function at its best.

Ambiguity creates false positives. When a question can be interpreted in multiple ways, a truthful examinee may show a strong physiological response because they are uncertain whether their answer addresses what the question is asking. This uncertainty triggers arousal that can be misinterpreted as deception. Research on suppression responses in polygraph testing shows how ambiguous question understanding can distort the physiological data examiners rely upon.

Research by Saldžiūnas and Kovalenko (2009) identified critical problems in question construction for event knowledge tests, emphasizing that test questions cannot be used in a template-based way and require extensive preparation to ensure clarity [22]Verified Problems of Questions in Event Knowledge Tests
Confirms critical problems in test question construction and that tests cannot be used in a template-based way, requiring extensive preparation. This underscores why every word matters and why both parties must agree on what every word means.

Your Rights During Question Review

One of the most empowering aspects of the question review process is that examinees have the right to raise concerns about any question. This is an active dialogue where your input matters.

You can ask for clarification. If any part of a question is unclear, ask the examiner to explain what they mean. A good examiner welcomes questions because they want you to fully understand every question before the test begins.

You can request rewording. If you understand what the question is trying to ask but feel the wording is unclear, overly broad, or could be interpreted in more than one way, you can request rephrasing. The examiner will work with you to find wording that is clear and unambiguous.

You can point out factual errors. If a question contains an incorrect assumption or factual error — such as a wrong date, location, or event — bring this to the examiner's attention immediately so the question can be corrected.

You can object to scope. If a question is too broad for you to answer with a simple yes or no, you can ask the examiner to narrow the scope by establishing a specific timeframe or context.

You can ask about the purpose of any question. You have the right to understand why each question is being asked and which category it belongs to.

If you find that an examiner is unwilling to discuss questions, refuses to make reasonable modifications, or pressures you to accept questions you do not understand, these are serious red flags. A legitimate, APA-compliant examiner will always prioritize question clarity. This principle is part of what separates a professional polygraph setting from informal testing environments. For guidance on what constitutes examiner best practices, see our guide on malpractice and liability risks for polygraph examiners.

What You Cannot Do

While the question review process is collaborative, there are limitations. You cannot dictate what topics are covered — the relevant questions are determined by the purpose of the examination. You cannot selectively eliminate questions from the test format and still have a valid examination. You cannot demand loaded or leading questions — the examiner is responsible for ensuring questions meet professional standards and remain neutral and factual.

However, you can always refuse to take the test entirely, as polygraph testing is voluntary unless court-ordered. Understanding these boundaries helps you participate constructively in the review process. For examiners learning to navigate these dynamics, our guide on how to handle a difficult examinee provides valuable strategies.

How Post-Chart Question Discussions Improve Accuracy

Question review does not end once the first chart is collected. Research by Honts (1999) demonstrated that between-chart discussion of comparison questions significantly improved CQT accuracy, and this procedural refinement has become standard practice in modern CQT administration [9]Verified The Discussion of Comparison Questions Between List Repetitions Is Associated with Increased Test Accuracy
Confirms that between-chart discussion of comparison questions significantly improved CQT accuracy, becoming standard practice.

Between chart runs, the examiner may revisit questions with the examinee, particularly comparison questions. This ongoing dialogue serves several purposes: it reinforces the examinee's understanding of each question, it allows the examiner to identify any developing confusion or outside concerns, and it helps maintain the psychological framework that makes comparison-based scoring effective.

Matte (2011) further demonstrated that 62.9% of confirmed deceptive cases showed higher scores in subsequent charts, supporting differential habituation theory [23]Verified Effect of Habituation to Least Threatening Zone Questions on Comparison Questions
Confirms 62.9% of confirmed deceptive cases showed higher scores in subsequent charts, supporting differential habituation theory. This finding reinforces the importance of maintaining examinees' engagement with question meaning throughout the entire examination process, not just during the initial review.

Additionally, Matte (2012) examined how stimulation test timing influences examinee psychological set and physiological response patterns across multiple chart positions [24]Verified Effect of the Stimulation Test Administered Before and After the First Relevant Chart
Confirms research on how stimulation test timing influences examinee psychological set and physiological response patterns, further demonstrating that ongoing examiner-examinee communication throughout the test session contributes to reliable results. Research by Honts, Handler, Shaw, and Gougler (2015) suggests that modern testing formats with directed lies may also be more robust against deliberate manipulation attempts [25]Verified Directed Lie Comparison Questions and Countermeasure Resistance
Confirms modern testing formats with directed lies may be more robust against deliberate manipulation attempts.

Pitfalls to Avoid

Rushing through the review: Some examinees want to get to the actual test quickly and do not give sufficient thought to each question. Take your time — this phase directly affects the accuracy of your results.

Not asking for clarification: If you are uncertain about any word or phrase, speak up. A question you only partly understand will compromise the quality of the data collected when you answer it during the test.

Overthinking comparison questions: Comparison questions are designed to work in a specific way within the test structure. Trust the examiner's explanation and do not try to outthink the process.

Withholding relevant information: If a question touches on something you have not disclosed during the pretest interview, the question review is the time to bring it up. Undisclosed information can produce physiological responses that complicate test interpretation.

Assuming questions are traps: Every question in a properly administered polygraph exam has a specific scientific purpose. Questions are designed to measure physiological responses, not to trick you. Understanding the role of examiner intuition and expert judgment can help you appreciate how the question review supports the examiner's professional analysis.

Professional Obligations

The APA Standards of Practice place significant responsibilities on the examiner during the question review phase. The examiner must use evidence-based validated testing techniques and explain any deviations in writing [10]Verified APA Standards of Practice (Full Document)
Confirms specific APA standards including requirements for validated techniques, informed consent, acquaintance tests, recording, and 20-second question intervals. The Terminology Reference for the Science of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception, originally developed by Donald Krapohl and Shirley Sturm and later updated with Mark Handler, provides the standardized vocabulary that examiners use when formulating and discussing questions [26]Verified Terminology Reference for the Science of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (4th Edition)
Confirms this publication is authored by Donald Krapohl, Mark Handler, and Michael Lynch (4th Ed.), with Shirley Sturm contributing to earlier editions.

Key examiner responsibilities include:

Using clear, simple language appropriate to the examinee's education level and language proficiency. Ensuring every question can be answered with a definitive yes or no. Providing sufficient time for the examinee to process and respond to each question during review. Documenting the final wording of all questions in the examination record. Conducting an acquaintance test (also called a stimulation test) for all diagnostic and evidentiary examinations [10]Verified APA Standards of Practice (Full Document)
Confirms specific APA standards including requirements for validated techniques, informed consent, acquaintance tests, recording, and 20-second question intervals. Recording all phases of the examination via audio or audio-video means [10]Verified APA Standards of Practice (Full Document)
Confirms specific APA standards including requirements for validated techniques, informed consent, acquaintance tests, recording, and 20-second question intervals.

Raymond Nelson, a past-President of the APA, researcher with Lafayette Instrument Company, and developer of the OSS-3 scoring algorithm [21]Verified Raymond Nelson — APA Research Profile
Confirms Raymond Nelson is a prominent polygraph researcher, APA Board member, developer of the OSS-3 scoring algorithm, and published extensively on polygraph methodology, has published extensively on polygraph testing methodology, including the scientific analytic theory of polygraph testing Verified Scientific Basis for Polygraph Testing
Confirms Raymond Nelson's contributions to polygraph testing methodology and his role as APA President and Lafayette Instrument researcher. His work and that of other APA researchers underscores that proper question formulation and review are not optional courtesies but essential components of the scientific testing process. Examiners who skip or rush through the question review phase risk violating professional ethics and potentially compromising test validity.

Practical Preparation Tips

Arriving well-prepared for the question review phase helps ensure the most accurate polygraph results possible.

Be rested and alert. The pretest phase requires concentration and clear thinking. Get a good night's sleep and avoid excessive caffeine or other stimulants that might affect your physiological baseline.

Bring relevant documentation. If the test relates to a specific incident, having dates, names, and other factual details fresh in your mind helps you evaluate the accuracy of each question.

Be prepared to discuss the issue openly. The more forthcoming you are during the pretest interview, the better the examiner can formulate questions that are fair, accurate, and clearly scoped.

Ask questions freely. Remember that the question review is a collaborative process. The examiner wants you to understand every question fully. Your active participation directly improves the scientific quality of the test.

Understand the test structure. Knowing that you will hear irrelevant, comparison, and relevant questions — and understanding their different purposes — helps you engage constructively during the review. For a broader overview of what to expect, our guide on what a polygraph retest involves provides useful context about test procedures.