We offer Lie Detection Exams call (850)527-6643

It’s common to have some questions about the procedure prior to beginning. Here are some answers to questions we regularly field, in order to make the process easy to understand.

Can this really work for me?

Absolutely! The CIA, FBI, NSA, U.S. Military, Department of Homeland Security, insurance agencies, and plenty of other groups all use voice stress analysis technology. It works for both criminal and civil cases.

Are there any instances when it wouldn’t work?

Voice stress analysis technology works in person, over the phone, and with recordings. However, it’s important to note that it’s not effective with Skype or Vonage. This is because these services cut off low and high frequencies, which are essential for analyzing patterns and producing results. We only offer Voice stress analysis exams in-person to ensure accurate results.

Are there multiple types of voice stress analysis technology?

Yes. The types include the Psychological Stress Evaluator (PSE), CVSA, TDTVSA, and Layered Voice Technology. At Nolin, Nolin & Associates we use the  Computer Voice Stress Analyzer test, which is the same type of technology that law enforcement and government agencies rely upon.

How accurate are these tests?

Voice stress analysis technology has a 98 percent accuracy rate.

How experienced is your company?

Our examiner, J.D. Nolin, has over 30 years of experience in a range of different investigation roles.

How many questions may I ask during the test?

We strongly suggest asking no more than five to ten relevant questions. Based on past testing protocols and experiments, it’s understood that asking more than twelve questions can pollute the accuracy of the test. However, when asking less than ten questions, the 98 percent accuracy rate stays intact. If you’re struggling to narrow down your list of questions, the examiner can guide you so that you pick the most important ones. We frequently see clients unknowingly asking the same questions in different ways. By pre-screening your list for you, we help to get you the most important, accurate, and detailed information.

I want to ask more questions anyway. Why can’t I do this?

Think of the process like you’re baking a cake. The recipe calls for 5 cups of sugar, but you decide you want to add 10 anyway. Don’t be shocked when the finished product doesn’t turn out as you’d hoped. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate results for you. We’ve found that when you ask more than ten questions, accuracy rates drop to only 50 percent. Therefore, it’s best to limit the number of questions to between 5 and 10  in order to preserve the integrity of the information gathered.

What am I allowed to ask?

Your questions must yield a “yes” or “no” response. Open-ended questions are not effective. However, in terms of content, you can ask anything that helps to provide you with the information you’re hoping to discover. We’re glad to review the questions prior to the session so you know that you’ve chosen them properly.

For example, let’s say you’re looking to find out about a spouse’s possible infidelity. You might ask, “Have you had sexual relations with anyone besides your wife since you’ve been married?” You could also ask about a specific person, saying, “Have you had sexual relations with John Smith?”

An example of what not to ask: “Who have you had sexual relations with in the last two years?”

Who creates the questions?

The client creates the questions, however, we’re glad to provide feedback about them prior to starting the session. We will also provide control and irrelevant questions. These inquiries are necessary in order to be able to compare and analyze patterns.

Are the results of the test kept confidential?

Yes, all results are private and the information gathered is kept secure. Results are only distributed to the client. 

Can someone under the age of 18 take a test?

Yes, but they must have written permission from a parent or legal guardian prior to taking the test.

Is it possible to beat the test?

It’s highly unlikely. Unlike the polygraph format, there are simply no techniques that can be used to “beat” a voice stress analysis test. This is why so many high-profile organizations rely on CVSA (Computer Voice Stress Analyzer) technology as opposed to a polygraph test. It’s the preferred method of the U.S. Military, as well as many law enforcement organizations, corporations, and government agencies.

What happens if you’re nervous when you take the test?

Nerves don’t impact test results. It’s understood that nearly everyone will be nervous when taking a test like this, particularly if it’s their first time doing so. We account for “walk-in” stress levels. By taking baseline stress rates and comparing these rates to the stress produced during questioning, it’s possible to analyze results without getting skewed results due to nerves.

How long does it take to do the test?

Your participation in the voice stress analysis test takes 15-45 minutes to complete from start to finish. The examiner will take up to 2.5 hours to complete his examination of said examination and finalize a full report.