Numerical Scoring

Introduction

Expand AllCollapse All

• Definitions

  Blood Pressure (BP): Relative quantity of blood in an organ or limb, recorded as increases and decreases in circumference.

  Decision Rules: Criteria for decisions based on scoring data. Most often in polygraphy, they relate to the spot and cutting scores.

  Electrodermal Activity (EDA): Expression for changes to the electrical properties of the skin. The three most common types are skin conductance (SC), skin resistance (SR), and skin potential (SP).

  Finger Pulse Amplitude (FPA): Measure of the pulse wave recorded at the finger with a plethysmograph.

  Phasic: A relatively rapid reaction, characterized by a change from, and a return to baseline.

  Scoring Rules: Criteria for assigning numbers to physiological reactions.

  Spot Score: Sum of scores for a single relevant question.

  Tonic: Baseline levels.

• Features

  Respiration

  Suppression of Amplitude

  

  Slowing of Rate

  

  Change in Inhalation/Exhalation Ratio

  

  Temporary increase in Baseline

  

  Apnea

  

  Electrodermal

  Amplitude

  

  Duration

  

  Complexity

  

  Cardio

  Amplitude

  

  Duration

  

  Photoplethysmograph

  Vasoconstriction

  

• Number of Charts

  CIT: 4-10

  MGQT: 2-3

  POT: 2-3

  RI: 2-3

  TES: 1

  ZCT: 2-5

• References

  • Ansley, N. (1999). The frequency of appearance of evaluative criteria in polygraph charts. Final report to Defense Personnel Research Center. ONR Grant Number N00014-98-1-0863.
  • Backster, C. (1979). Standardized Polygraph Notepack and Technique Guide: Backster Zone Comparison Technique.
  • Bell, B.G., Raskin, D.C., Honts, C.R., Kircher, J.C. (1999). The Utah Numerical Scoring System. Polygraph, 28(1), 1-9.
  • Honts, C.R., & Driscoll, L.N. (1987). An evaluation of the reliability and validity of rank order and standard numerical scoring of polygraph charts. Polygraph, 16(4), 241-257.
  • Kircher, J.C., & Raskin, D.C. (1988). Human versus computerized evaluations of polygraph data in a laboratory setting. Journal of Applied Psychology, 73(2), 291-302.
  • Krapohl, D.J., & Dutton, D.W. (2000). Short report - Normative respiration data for criminal cases. Polygraph, 29(4), 357-359.
  • Krapohl, D.J., Ryan, A.H., & Dutton (2001). The Rank Order Scoring System: Replication and extension with field data. Polygraph 30(3).
  • Matte, J.A. (1996). Forensic Psychophysiology Using the Polygraph: Scientific Truth Verification - Lie Detection. J.A.M. Publications: Williamsville, NY.
  • Swinford, J. (1999). Manually scoring polygraph charts utilizing the seven position numerical analysis scale at the DoD Polygraph Institute. Polygraph, 28(1), 10-27.
  • Timm, H.W. (1982). Analyzing deception from respiration patterns. Journal of Police Science and Administration, 10(1), 47-51.