ASTM E2386-04(2017)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Conduct of PDD Screening Examinations
Standard Guide for Conduct of PDD Screening Examinations
ABSTRACT
This guide establishes the essential and recommended elements in the procedures for conducting a psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) screening examination. Covered here are the appropriate location and test conditions, the proper pretest, intest and posttest practices, and the correct evaluation procedures.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide establishes essential and recommended elements in the procedures for the conduct of a psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) screening examination.
1.2 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
- 30-Sep-2017
- Technical Committee
- E52 - Forensic Psychophysiology
- Drafting Committee
- E52.05 - Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD)
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2004
- Effective Date
- 10-Jul-2002
- Effective Date
- 10-Jan-2000
- Effective Date
- 10-Jan-2000
- Effective Date
- 10-Jan-2000
- Effective Date
- 10-Jul-1999
Overview
ASTM E2386-04(2017), Standard Guide for Conduct of PDD Screening Examinations, provides a comprehensive framework for conducting psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) screening examinations, commonly known as polygraph or lie detection tests. Developed by ASTM International, this guide outlines the essential and recommended practices covering preparation, test environments, pretest, test, posttest, and evaluation procedures. The standard helps ensure that PDD screening is performed with consistency, accuracy, and in line with internationally recognized principles established by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Key Topics
- Preparation: Examiners must review all relevant paperwork and ensure use of properly functioning equipment that meets ASTM standards, including conformity with calibration and functionality checks.
- Location and Test Conditions: The guide emphasizes conducting examinations in environments free from distractions to promote examinee focus and data reliability.
- Pretest Practices:
- Examinee identification and consent are mandatory.
- Suitability of the examinee must be verified prior to testing.
- Examiners must communicate the nature of the exam and ensure clear understanding by the examinee.
- Pretest discussions should clarify issues to be addressed and all test questions.
- Compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws is required.
- Intest (Test) Practices:
- Use of validated testing formats and techniques as per ASTM guidelines.
- Limitation of relevant issues per test series and follow-up with specific-issue tests for significant responses.
- Proper intervals between questions and consistent question presentation.
- Evaluation Practices:
- Analysis methods must correspond with examiner training and adhere to organizational procedures.
- Retention of all test data and analysis records per quality control practices.
- No release of results before thorough analysis of physiological data.
- Posttest Practices:
- Conduct debrief discussions following data collection.
- Advise decision-makers not to base conclusions solely on physiological responses from the screening exam.
Applications
The ASTM E2386-04(2017) standard is widely used across multiple sectors where the integrity of personnel or the reliability of testimony is critical. Its most common applications include:
- Employment screening for positions requiring high trust or security clearance.
- Forensic investigations where the detection of deception is relevant to case resolution.
- Security agencies and law enforcement for pre-employment or ongoing screening of personnel.
- Legal settings where polygraph results may supplement other evidence, subject to local admissibility rules.
- Quality assurance in organizations offering PDD services, framing best practices for consistent and effective delivery.
Implementing this standard enhances the objectivity, fairness, and professionalism of the screening process while helping organizations minimize the risk of error and legal noncompliance.
Related Standards
The guide references several other important ASTM standards that support the effective conduct of PDD examinations:
- ASTM E2031: Practice for Quality Control of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception Examinations
- ASTM E2063: Practice for Calibration and Functionality Checks for Polygraph Examinations
- ASTM E2064: Guide for Minimum Continuing Education of PDD Professionals
Organizations and professionals involved in psychophysiological detection of deception should also consider these complementary standards to ensure comprehensive adherence to best practices within polygraph examination programs.
Keywords: ASTM E2386, PDD screening, polygraph examination, psychophysiological detection of deception, forensic psychophysiology, employment screening, standard operating procedures, test evaluation, professional practices.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E2386-04(2017) is a guide published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Guide for Conduct of PDD Screening Examinations". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This guide establishes the essential and recommended elements in the procedures for conducting a psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) screening examination. Covered here are the appropriate location and test conditions, the proper pretest, intest and posttest practices, and the correct evaluation procedures. SCOPE 1.1 This guide establishes essential and recommended elements in the procedures for the conduct of a psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) screening examination. 1.2 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 guide establishes the essential and recommended elements in the procedures for conducting a psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) screening examination. Covered here are the appropriate location and test conditions, the proper pretest, intest and posttest practices, and the correct evaluation procedures. SCOPE 1.1 This guide establishes essential and recommended elements in the procedures for the conduct of a psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) screening examination. 1.2 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 E2386-04(2017) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 17.040.20 - Properties of surfaces. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E2386-04(2017) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E2386-04(2011), ASTM E2063-12(2017), ASTM E2031-99(2016), ASTM E2063-12, ASTM E2063-05(2011), ASTM E2031-99(2010), ASTM E2064-00(2006), ASTM E2000-05, ASTM E2031-99(2004), ASTM E2000-02, ASTM E2064-00, ASTM E2063-05, ASTM E2063-00, ASTM E2031-99. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E2386-04(2017) 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: E2386 − 04 (Reapproved 2017)
Standard Guide for
Conduct of PDD Screening Examinations
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2386; 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 4. Preparation
1.1 This guide establishes essential and recommended ele- 4.1 All relevant paperwork pertaining to the examinee
ments in the procedures for the conduct of a psychophysiologi- should be made available to the examiner in ample time for
cal detection of deception (PDD) screening examination. review prior to the examination.
1.2 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.2 Only instruments meeting ASTM standards, as a
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
minimum, should be used during the conduct of PDD screen-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ing examinations.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4.3 No examination shall be conducted unless the instru-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
ment is functioning in accordance with Practice E2063.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
4.4 An examiner shall, prior to the examination, dedicate
sufficient time to identify the issues and unique circumstances
2. Referenced Documents
in any area of anticipated testing.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E2000 Guide for Minimum Basic Education and Training of
5. Pretest Practices
Individuals Involved in the Detection of Deception (PDD)
5.1 The examiner shall adhere to the following practices:
(Withdrawn 2014)
5.1.1 Verify the correct identity of the examinee to the
E2031 Practice for Quality Control of Psychophysiological
extent possible.
Detection of Deception (Polygraph) Examinations
5.1.2 Obtain the consent of the examinee prior to testing.
E2063 Practice for Calibration and Functionality Checks
5.1.3 The examiner shall ensure that the examinee is a fit
Used in Forensic Psychophysiological Detection of De-
subject for testing to the extend legally practicable.
ception (Polygraph) Examinations
5.1.3.1 At any time during the PDD examination that it
E2064 Guide for Minimum Continuing Education of Indi-
becomes apparent to the examiner that the examinee is not
viduals Involved in Psychophysiological Detection of
suitable for testing, the examination will be terminated.
Deception (PDD)
5.2 All screening examinations shall be conducted in com-
3. Location and Test Conditions
pliance with governing local, state, and federal regulations and
laws.
3.1 Conditionsunderwhichtestingoccursshallbefreefrom
distractions that would interfere with the ability of the exam-
5.3 The examiner shall display objectivity.
inee to appropriately focus on the issues being addressed. The
5.4 Sufficient time shall be spent to discuss the issues to be
examination site should be reasonably free from outside noise
tested and to allow the examinee to explain his or her position.
and distraction.
5.5 The examiner shall formulate all test questions in
compliance with recognized professional practices.
5.6 The examiner shall allow sufficient time to introduce
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E52 on Forensic
Psychophysiology and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E52.05 on
each test question to the examinee in a manner which complies
Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD).
with recognized professional practices.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2017. Published October 2017. Originally
5.6.1 Sufficient time shall be spent to ensure that the
approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as E2386 – 04 (2011).
DOI: 10.1520/E2386-04R17. examinee recognizes and understands each question.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.7 Sufficienttimeshallbespenttoensurethattheexaminee
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summa
...
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