Cognitive and emotional aspects of polygraph diagnostic procedures: A comment on Palmatier and Rovner (2015)

Palmatier and Rovner (2015) suggested that the Preliminary Process Theory (PPT) is a plausible theoretical account for explaining the rationale underlying two major polygraph tests, the Comparison Question Test (CQT) and the Concealed Information Test (CIT). To support their suggestion they claimed that both tests detect deception while relying on orienting responses. This approach is critically discussed. It was concluded that application of current scientific theories to polygraph diagnostic procedures should be done separately for the CIT and for the CQT. Finally, a call was extended for more research on unanswered questions in polygraph testing.