Polygraphy Origins and Applications Research Training

Learning Outcomes

• Analyze the historical development of polygraphy from early instruments to modern computerized systems.
• Evaluate the physiological and psychological principles underlying polygraph testing.
• Apply research methodologies to investigate the validity and reliability of polygraph results.
• Critically assess the legal and ethical implications of polygraph use in South Africa.
• Demonstrate the ability to differentiate between various polygraph techniques (e.g., CQT, POT, R/I).
• Synthesize findings from polygraph research to recommend best practices for its application.

Target Audience

This course is designed for forensic investigators, security personnel, law enforcement officers, legal professionals, and HR managers who require a foundational understanding of polygraphy for professional or academic purposes.

Prerequisites

None — open enrollment. However, a background in criminology, psychology, or forensic science is advantageous.

Course Outline

Practicals

Overview

Practical sessions provide hands-on experience with polygraph instrumentation, data collection, and chart interpretation. Learners will operate equipment, conduct mock examinations, and practice scoring under supervision to develop competence in real-world applications.

Practical Activities

• Practical 1: Equipment Setup and Calibration — Learners set up polygraph sensors, configure software, and perform calibration checks on a simulator or volunteer. (6h)
• Practical 2: Mock Examination and Data Collection — Conduct a full mock polygraph examination including pre-test interview, question delivery, and chart recording. (8h)
• Practical 3: Chart Scoring and Interpretation — Analyze recorded charts using numerical scoring and computer algorithms to render a diagnostic opinion. (6h)
• Practical 4: Ethical Scenarios and Quality Assurance — Role-play ethical dilemmas and review quality assurance protocols in a group setting. (4h)

Summatives

Each delegate is assessed continuously throughout the course via daily exercises, scored practical assignments, and a final summative test at the end.

Practical Assignments — 30%

Practical assignments are observed and scored against a rubric during the practical sessions. Each delegate's practical mark is averaged into a single 100% score and contributes 30% to the final total.

Daily Exercises — 20%

Every training day ends with a multiple-choice exercise scored out of 100%. The scores from each daily exercise are averaged across the duration of the course to produce a Daily Average mark, which contributes 20% to the final total.

Final Test — 50%

On the last day a final summative test is written. It is a multiple-choice paper with multiple-answer questions: each question may have more than one correct option, and a single wrong selection on a question marks the entire question wrong — no partial credit. The final test is scored out of 100% and contributes 50% to the overall mark.

Final Total

Component	Out of	Weight
Practical Assignments (rubric-scored)	100%	30%
Daily Average (multiple choice)	100%	20%
Final Test (multi-answer multiple choice)	100%	50%
Final Total	—	100%

All marks are recorded on the AATICD LMS and visible to each learner under their account.

Certificate

How it works

• Certificates are auto-generated on the AATICD LMS as soon as the marks pass the 50% threshold.
• Each certificate is a branded PDF with the delegate's name, the course title, the unit standard ID, NQF level, credits, and the date of issue.
• You can download or print your certificate from your LMS dashboard at any time after issue — there's no reissue fee and no expiry date.
• If you scored under 50% you can sit the final test again at the next scheduled session at no extra cost.

Where to find it

Sign in to the LMS, open your dashboard, and your certificates appear under My Certificates. Each entry has a View / Download button and a print option.

Training Discounts

Group discounts apply automatically — the more delegates you enrol, the greater the saving. Discounts are calculated at 3% per 5 delegates, scaling up to 40% off for 100+ delegates.

Delegates	Discount
5	3% off
10	6% off
15	9% off
20	12% off
25	15% off
30	18% off
50	30% off
75	35% off
100	40% off

3% discount per 5 delegates, up to 40% off for 100+ delegates. Contact us for a custom group quote.