Relationship-related questions encompass a variety of subjects, often dealing with trust and unresolved issues.
Sometimes, the problem is physical infidelity, while other times it revolves around financial difficulties. In certain instances, communication allegations such as 'sexting' or one partner's questionable past are the main concerns.
A polygraph test can be an effective tool for addressing a broad range of relationship topics.
However, the effectiveness of such a test relies heavily on the questions posed and the experience of the Polygraph Examiner. It is critical to look into the credentials of any potential polygraph examiner. Make sure that you talk to them - ask questions and figure out if they are a good fit for your situation. If they are 'too busy' to talk to you before you give them a deposit, keep looking. Trust your gut feeling, it is probably accurate.
If the issue is important to you, be prepared to pay for a professional. Consider it as an investment.
As one of our clients told me last summer: "Despite my gut feeling, I went with the first hit on Google search - it was also the cheapest - but my wife and I felt like the whole thing was hurried, inaccurate, and a waste of time and money. Now I'm back looking for another Polygraph Examiner because you get what you pay for."
This blog post examines common questions asked during fidelity polygraph tests and considers additional polygraph questions that might be asked involving related topics.
Understanding Polygraph Testing
Before delving into specific questions, it’s important to grasp the fundamentals of polygraph testing. A polygraph measures physiological responses—such as heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rates in response to questions. Being familiar with how these tests work can help shape your questioning strategy.
Since the polygraph aims to uncover the truth, questions should be clear, direct, and relevant. Vague or overly complicated questions can lead to inconclusive results, so keeping them straightforward is essential. The examinee should have a crystal clear understanding of any terms in the question. Polygraph examinations usually last 90 minutes to three hours.
Generally, polygraph tests do not address intent, feelings, or emotions. The most effective polygraph exams cover very specific, limited issues with short, direct questions. Usually some kind of action will be part of the question (i.e. Did you shoot that man? Did you have sexual contact with anyone other than your wife? Did you deliberately falsify any information in that trust document?)
Types of Questions to Consider
1. Direct Questions About Infidelity
In our experience, the most commonly requested fidelity polygraph tests involve direct questions about physical sexual contact. These questions should be clear-cut and well defined, leaving no room for misinterpretation. Some examples include:
Since you were married, have you had sexual contact with anyone other than your husband?
In the last five years, have you had sexual intercourse with (name)
2. Questions About Fidelity Related Behavioral Patterns and Communications
Understanding behavioral patterns can also provide insight into fidelity issues:
Since you were engaged, Have you had any contact with someone you dated before?
In the past two years, have you placed your profile on a dating web site?
3. Questions Related to the Past
Before making a commitment, people often have nagging feelings that they want addressed:
Prior to 2023, Have you ever been engaged to anyone?
Before this year, have you ever been arrested for anything?
4. Financial Issues, Adverse History, and other topics
Finances often can cause stress in a relationship:
Since January of this year, have you given any money to your sister?
Right now do you have any investments that you are concealing from your wife?
Did you take any of that money from the safe deposit box?
Conclusion
The polygraph is an effective tool to address doubts within a relationship. Issues including physical infidelity, questionable communications, adverse history, financial questions, and other activities can be addressed using carefully considered questions, a thorough process, and an experienced Polygraph Examiner.
If you have additional questions, or concerns please contact us so that we can discuss your situation.
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