Reid Method: Developing Probable Lie Comparison Questions
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Peters Reid Method: Developing Probable Lie Comparison Questions Robert Peters Numerous noteworthy developments in The critical role of PLCs comes with polygraph testing occurred during the considerable difficulties. The function of PLCs preceding 90 years. It would not be is counterintuitive. On the surface, many unreasonable to assert that the most individuals do not find the explanation of the significant of those innovations is the operative role of the PLC to be logical (Iacono, development of the Probable Lie Comparison 2009). Critics of polygraph testing have Question (PLC) by John Reid in 1947. A ridiculed the assertion that a truthful subject number of comparison question test (CQT) would generate greater physiological response formats have been generated around the PLC. to stimuli that often appear to be of Although an exact determination is not substantially less importance than the possible, it appears that PLC examination relevant questions (RQ). Polygraph critics also formats are the most widely used polygraph ridicule the claim that a subject who is lying testing technique around the world. PLCs to both RQs and PLCs will generate provide the basis for a systematic diagnostic distinctively more consistent and intense assessment (test data analysis) of polygraph physiological responses to RQs than to the physiological data. Systematic diagnosis PLCs. Critics also point out that PLCs can provided the foundation for examination create the impression that the examiner is reliability. The PLC paved the way for another inappropriately expanding the scope of the historic development, Cleve Backster’s examination beyond the designated relevant conception of numerical analysis of test data. issue. Whatever the difficulty in explaining PLC techniques established that the the PLC functionality, the task of developing consistency and intensity of physiological appropriate PLCs is much more complex and response to individual test questions (stimuli) challenging. In the process of administering are an accurate measurement of an an examination polygraph examiners perform examinee’s emotional and cognitive attention. multiple difficult tasks. None of the (It was Reid’s belief that the consistency of examiner’s responsibilities are more physiological response was of greater demanding, complicated, or important than importance than the intensity of a response developing appropriate PLCs. for diagnosing truth and deception.) For many years polygraph examiners referred to Proponents of the DLC cite two the subject’s emotional and cognitive focus as disadvantages of the PLC as reasons for “psychological set.” Recently, it was suggested utilizing DLCs in place of the PLCs (Blalock, that “differential salience” (Senter, Nelson, Handler, & Shaw, 2012). First, DLC Weatherman, Krapohl, & Horvath, 2010) is a proponents cite the difficulty of developing a more appropriate term to explain the valid PLC. Secondly, it is claimed that DLC variations in physiological response resulting development is more standardized and from emotions and cognitive activity. therefore less likely to disrupt the examination Regardless of terminology refinements, it is procedures. There is some substance to each the comparison question that provides of these objections. Developing appropriate foundation for accurately distinguishing PLCs does require exceptional analytical, between liars and truth tellers. The PLC also interviewing, listening, and discernment skills. provided the pathway for the development of However, administering polygraph Directed Lie Comparison Questions (DLC). examinations is not an automated technical Therefore comparison questions are process. It is a technical diagnostic procedure indispensable to effectiveness of many if not that requires specialized skills and numerous most polygraph examinations. decisions by the examiner that lead to the final assessment of truth or deception. The same is true of many activities. A doctor of 65 Polygraph, 2012, 41(2) Reid Method: Developing PLC Questions anesthesiology once commented that he or a set of standard PLC questions. The enjoyed assisting a particular plastic surgeon practice of selecting PLCs from homogenized more than other surgeons who practiced at lists increases the probability that PLC his hospital. He described the plastic surgeon development will become mundane and that as an artist, who used a scalpel in place of a the PLC will fail to carry the appropriate paintbrush. Administering a polygraph exam emotional weight. The Reid Technique can be similar. An examiner lacking aptitude requires that each PLC be developed for the in the development of PLCs, has not achieved particular exam and subject. the full competency in the skills of the profession. Although the formation of the actual Reid PLC occurs near the end of the pretest A large polygraph screening program interview, the Reid method of PLC provided a process for subjects to initiate development begins prior to the start of the formal complaints regarding the examination. examination session. PLC development begins PLC development generated a significant with the examiner’s assessment of the case percentage of those complaints. Scrutiny facts. Based on analysis of the background revealed that almost always, it was the information, the Reid examiner postulates the examiner’s failure to utilize the appropriate probable motivation for the incident under question development methods that caused investigation. Often, the motivation of the the subject to complain. The examiner’s offender is self-evident. Thefts, embezzlement, shortcomings generated resentment and angst insurance fraud, robbery, counterfeiting, tax that were unnecessary. Those emotions then evasion, fraudulent expense claims, and developed into a formal complaint about the similar acts of dishonesty are almost always examiner and/or the exam process. motivated by greed and willingness to steal Polygraph examiners proficient in the Reid and cheat for financial gain. Therefore PLCs Polygraph Examination Technique, seldom that address stealing, dishonesty and cheating encounter such difficulties, or effectively are almost always appropriate in such cases. resolve such PLC related issues when they initially occur. In other instances, a perpetrator’s motivation is not so easily discerned. Arson is Reid defines the PLC as a question an offense that results from a variety of regarding a past act of wrongdoing of the motivations. The author tested a number of same general nature as the relevant incident business owners regarding fires that occurred under investigation, to which the subject will in buildings that their enterprise occupied. In probably lie or be doubtful as to accuracy of a number of those cases, the business owner the answer. The Reid Examination Technique attempted to destroy inventory or equipment does not use PLCs that address future actions that could not be sold or generate income. or opinions. Just as such topics are not The business owner’s motivation for suitable relevant issues, the Reid Technique destroying the assets was to obtain fraudulent excludes such topics from use as PLCs. The insurance payments to compensate for PLC should address an issue that is as broad business failures. In those cases, the PLCs in scope as possible. The Reid Technique addressed topics of cheating, theft, and uses words such as “ever,” “anything,” and general dishonesty. The author also “anyone” to expand the range of the question. conducted a number of exams regarding Qualifying statements (time bars, etc…) that arsons and bombings that appeared intended exclude the relevant exam issue from the to maim or kill members of criminal scope of the PLC are not employed by the Reid motorcycle gangs. The suspect perpetrators, Examination Method. The Reid Technique of members of a rival motorcycle gang, did not PLC development is based on the belief that stand to gain financially from destruction of PLC development is a complex process. The buildings and vehicles destroyed by the procedure requires thorough analysis, arsons and bombings. The perpetrators effective listening, and adept interviewing. carried out the arsons and bombings due to The Reid Technique rejects the notion of animosity, resentment, and a desire for routinely selecting PLCs from a prearranged revenge against the opposing gang. PLCs in menu or inventory of PLC questions. The Reid those instances concentrated on acts of Technique does not utilize a homogenized list revenge and hatred that were intended to Polygraph, 2012, 41(2) 66 Peters injure, maim, or kill other persons, animals, of superiors, belief that one is more capable or and/or destroy property. In another case, a smarter than others, failure to keep a firefighter was tested regarding a series of promise, bragging, exaggerating personal arsons that destroyed large dairy barns and accomplishments, belief that the rules do not cattle housed therein. Analysis of the case apply, submitting to negative influence of facts, which included the firefighter’s role in others. battling the fires, concluded that if the firefighter did set the arsons, his motivation The revelation of proprietary was personal aggrandizement. Therefore PLCs information to a competitor or confidential that addressed issues of self-important or information to foreign government is often exaggeration of accomplishments were motivated by greed. Media reports indicate appropriate. Some arson is a simple act of that executives who revealed insider vandalism caused by a disgruntled,