Standard Practices for Interpretation of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph) Data

ABSTRACT
This practice establishes both the global and the numerical procedures for the systematic interpretation and analysis of psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) data. Examiners shall use the method for which they have been formally trained, and these procedures shall be correctly matched to the PDD examination format.
SCOPE
1.1 These practices establish procedures for the systematic interpretation and analysis of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD) data.  
1.2 Any test data analysis procedure used shall be correctly matched to the PDD examination format. Examiners shall use evaluation methods for which they have been formally trained.  
1.2.1 Acceptable test data analysis procedures are those published in refereed or technical journals, and for which published replications of the procedures have confirmed their efficacy.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
31-Jan-2018

Relations

Effective Date
01-Feb-2018

Overview

ASTM E2229-09(2018) – Standard Practices for Interpretation of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph) Data sets out recognized procedures for the systematic analysis and interpretation of data from Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD) examinations. Commonly referred to as polygraph tests, PDD methods assess physiological responses to determine truthfulness or deception. This international standard applies decision rules and evaluation methods for both global and numerical data interpretation, ensuring that results are based on validated scientific practices.

Key Topics

  • Systematic Interpretation Procedures
    The standard outlines both global and numerical methods for polygraph data analysis. Examiners must use the method for which they have formal training, matched precisely to the PDD format employed.

  • Validated Data Analysis
    Test data analysis procedures must be sourced from refereed journals and empirically confirmed through published replications. This ensures the efficacy and reliability of the polygraph evaluation process.

  • Global Evaluation
    Examiners using global interpretation must be formally trained, verify the suitability of recordings, and rely on generally recognized analysis techniques. If recordings are unsuitable, no attempt should be made to interpret truthfulness or deception, though evidence of countermeasures can be reported.

  • Numerical Evaluation
    Numerical evaluation procedures include identification of diagnostic features, assignment of numerical values based on response intensity, mathematical computations, and application of decision rules validated by university-grade research.

  • Diagnostic Features
    The standard identifies specific diagnostic features in respiration, electrodermal, cardiograph, and photoplethysmograph data channels. Features such as amplitude suppression, breathing rate changes, electrodermal response amplitude, and pulse amplitude decrease are essential for effective PDD interpretation.

Applications

  • Criminal Investigations
    ASTM E2229 is widely used by law enforcement agencies for systematic polygraph examinations during investigations to assess statements from witnesses, suspects, and persons of interest using verified scientific methods.

  • Forensic Psychology
    Forensic psychologists follow these standardized practices to support or challenge statements during dispute resolution, security screenings, and internal investigations where truth verification is critical.

  • Workplace and Security Screenings
    Government organizations and private companies may apply ASTM E2229-compliant polygraph protocols during security vetting and employee screenings where high-integrity environments are essential.

  • Research and Method Validation
    Academic and technical research in psychophysiology utilizes this standard for developing, validating, and cross-validating new polygraph scoring systems and procedures.

Related Standards

  • ASTM E1954 – Standard Practice for Conduct of PDD Examinations
    Guidelines for conducting polygraph examinations to ensure consistency and reliability.

  • ASTM E2460 – Standard Terminology for PDD
    Provides consistent definitions for terminology used throughout PDD practice and research.

  • ISO/IEC 17020 – Conformity Assessment: Requirements for the Operation of Various Types of Bodies Performing Inspection
    Internationally recognized guidelines for organizations that carry out inspection activities, including PDD.

  • ASTM E2386 – Guidelines for Report Writing in PDD Examinations
    Outlines proper documentation and reporting procedures for polygraph results.


By adhering to ASTM E2229-09(2018), examiners and organizations promote the utility, reliability, and scientific integrity of polygraph testing, ensuring evidence-based outcomes in forensic, workplace, and security applications. Astm polygraph standards, decision rules, and systematic PDD data analysis are crucial for professional practice in the psychophysiological detection of deception field.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM E2229-09(2018) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practices for Interpretation of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph) Data". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This practice establishes both the global and the numerical procedures for the systematic interpretation and analysis of psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) data. Examiners shall use the method for which they have been formally trained, and these procedures shall be correctly matched to the PDD examination format. SCOPE 1.1 These practices establish procedures for the systematic interpretation and analysis of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD) data. 1.2 Any test data analysis procedure used shall be correctly matched to the PDD examination format. Examiners shall use evaluation methods for which they have been formally trained. 1.2.1 Acceptable test data analysis procedures are those published in refereed or technical journals, and for which published replications of the procedures have confirmed their efficacy. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ABSTRACT This practice establishes both the global and the numerical procedures for the systematic interpretation and analysis of psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) data. Examiners shall use the method for which they have been formally trained, and these procedures shall be correctly matched to the PDD examination format. SCOPE 1.1 These practices establish procedures for the systematic interpretation and analysis of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD) data. 1.2 Any test data analysis procedure used shall be correctly matched to the PDD examination format. Examiners shall use evaluation methods for which they have been formally trained. 1.2.1 Acceptable test data analysis procedures are those published in refereed or technical journals, and for which published replications of the procedures have confirmed their efficacy. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM E2229-09(2018) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 11.040.55 - Diagnostic equipment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM E2229-09(2018) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E2229-09. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM E2229-09(2018) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2229 − 09 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Practices for
Interpretation of Psychophysiological Detection of
Deception (Polygraph) Data
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2229; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2.1.4 rank order scoring, n—assignment of ranks according
to relative magnitude of the responses. The PDD outcome is
1.1 These practices establish procedures for the systematic
governed by specified decision rules using these ranks.
interpretationandanalysisofPsychophysiologicalDetectionof
2.1.5 respiration line length, n—sum of the length of the
Deception (PDD) data.
respiration waveform over a fixed time period.
1.2 Any test data analysis procedure used shall be correctly
2.1.6 response amplitude, n—magnitude of a response from
matched to the PDD examination format. Examiners shall use
stimulus onset to maximum expression of the response within
evaluation methods for which they have been formally trained.
the response window.
1.2.1 Acceptable test data analysis procedures are those
published in refereed or technical journals, and for which 2.1.7 response duration, n—period between a phasic re-
published replications of the procedures have confirmed their
sponse onset and return to baseline.
efficacy.
2.1.8 response latency, n—time between stimulus and re-
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor- sponse onsets.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
2.1.9 response window, n—the period in which physiologi-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
cal responding normally occurs and recovers after stimulus
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
onset. Response windows vary by channel.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
2.1.10 score, n—a number systematically assigned to an
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
established set of comparisons within a PDD recording.
2.1.11 spot score, n—sum of scores associated with an
2. Terminology
individual relevant question across all test recordings.
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2.1.12 stimulus onset, n—commencement of stimulus pre-
2.1.1 3-position scale, n—whole number values from –1 to
sentation.
1 assigned systematically to responses to relevant and com-
parison questions. These values are summed, and the PDD
2.1.13 tonic level, n—resting or baseline activity level of the
outcome is governed by specified decision rules for which examinee.
these sums are used.
2.1.14 total numerical score, n—sum of scores for an entire
2.1.2 7-position scale, n—whole number values from –3 to
series of charts and questions.
3 assigned systematically to responses to relevant and com-
3. Summary of Practices
parison questions. These values are summed, and the PDD
3.1 Global Evaluation:
outcome is governed by specified decision rules for which
3.1.1 Evaluators utilizing global interpretation shall:
these sums are used.
3.1.1.1 Be formally trained in global interpretation.
2.1.3 rank, n—a number assigned to individual responses
3.1.1.2 Confirm that the recordings are suitable for global
within a PDD recording hierarchically, according to relative
evaluation. If they are not suitable, no evaluation shall be
response intensity.
undertaken for the purpose of diagnosing truthfulness or
deception. Nothing shall preclude an evaluator from reporting
evidence of countermeasures when this evidence exists.
ThesepracticesareunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeE52onForensic
Psychophysiology and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E52.05 on
3.1.1.3 Use analysis methods generally recognized to be
Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD).
accurate.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2018. Published February 2018. Originally
3.1.2 When possible, numerical evaluation shall be pre-
approved in 2002. Last previous edition
...

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