What does it mean when someone fails a polygraph examination?
Contrary to popular belief, there is no passing or failing grade to a polygraph examination. The examiner will determine whether or not significant physiological responses occurred to one or more of the relevant test questions. If significant responses did occur, it is a defensive physiological reaction in response to a question and the corresponding answer. Therefore, it is interpreted to mean deception is occurring. That deception may mean the examinee is lying. It also may mean the examinee is withholding critical or significant information regarding that question or topic. Follow-up actions to such a result vary widely, depending on the reason for the examination.
