ASTM E2229-09(2018)

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
• ICS: 11.040.55 - Diagnostic equipment
• Technical Committee: E52 - Forensic Psychophysiology
• Drafting Committee: E52.05 - Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD)

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E2229-09 - Standard Practices for Interpretation of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph) Data
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2018

Overview

ASTM E2229-09(2018) - Standard Practices for Interpretation of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph) Data outlines best practices for the interpretation and systematic analysis of data collected during polygraph examinations, also referred to as Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD). Developed by ASTM, this standard ensures that examiners utilize validated evaluation techniques and match their analysis method to the specific PDD examination format. By adhering to this standard, professionals in forensic psychophysiology and related fields can promote consistency, accuracy, and credibility in polygraph data interpretation.

Key Topics

• Global and Numerical Analysis Approaches:
  The standard describes two primary methods for interpreting PDD data:

  • Global Evaluation: Involves trained evaluators reviewing PDD records in their entirety to reach an overall judgment, ensuring recordings are suitable before analysis.
  • Numerical Evaluation: Involves systematic scoring of physiological responses using validated metrics and decision rules.

• Component Evaluation of Physiological Channels:
  The standard emphasizes analysis of major physiological channels, including:

  • Respiration Channel: Assessment features include suppression of amplitude, slowed breathing rate, apnea, baseline shifts, and inhalation/exhalation ratio changes.
  • Electrodermal Channel: Focus on response amplitude, with attention to response complexity and duration.
  • Cardiograph Channel: Rise in tracing baseline, with response duration as a secondary feature.
  • Photoplethysmograph (PPG) Channel: Decrease in pulse amplitude and response duration.

• Standardized Scoring Systems:

  • Use of whole-number scales (e.g., 3-position or 7-position) to assign values to responses.
  • Summing scores across charts and questions to obtain a total numerical score.
  • Decision rules and scoring systems must be empirically validated and documented in scholarly literature.

• Examiner Qualifications:
  Only examiners formally trained in the specific evaluation method should interpret PDD data, ensuring the highest standards of competency.

Applications

ASTM E2229-09(2018) is widely applicable in fields utilizing polygraph data, such as:

• Forensic Investigations:
  Standardizes the interpretation of polygraph results in criminal, civil, and employment investigations, contributing to fair and reliable outcomes.

• Security and Intelligence:
  Supports personnel screening and risk assessment protocols by providing structured analysis guidelines.

• Academic and Research Settings:
  Establishes a research-backed framework for evaluating physiological responses, supporting the credibility of academic studies using PDD methods.

• Quality Assurance and Oversight:
  Assists supervisory bodies in ensuring that polygraph-related practices meet internationally recognized standardization requirements.

Related Standards

Professionals working with polygraph and PDD methodologies may also reference the following standards:

• ASTM E1954: Standard Guide for Conduct of PDD Examinations
• ASTM E2439: Guide for PDD Terminology
• ASTM E2067: Practice for Examination of Digital Evidence
• ISO/IEC 17025: General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories

These documents, together with ASTM E2229-09(2018), provide a comprehensive framework for the ethical, validated, and effective use of psychophysiological detection of deception techniques.

Keywords: polygraph data interpretation, psychophysiological detection of deception, PDD, ASTM E2229, global analysis, numerical analysis, forensic polygraph, polygraph scoring systems, decision rules, examiner training standards.

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
...