Overview
ASTM E2035-12(2024) - Standard Terminology Relating to Forensic Psychophysiology provides a comprehensive vocabulary specific to the scientific discipline of forensic psychophysiology. Developed by ASTM International, this standard offers an authoritative compilation of terms and definitions fundamental to the practice, research, and legal application of forensic psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD) and related procedures. By establishing clear and precise terminology, the standard supports effective communication among scientists, practitioners, legal professionals, and stakeholders working in polygraphy and PDD examination.
The terminology outlined in this standard is curated through a rigorous hierarchy of sources, ensuring accuracy and consistency throughout the forensic psychophysiology community. Definitions are reviewed every five years, ensuring ongoing relevance and alignment with scientific and legal advancements.
Key Topics
ASTM E2035-12(2024) covers essential terminology and concepts used in forensic psychophysiology:
- Forensic Psychophysiology: The scientific discipline exploring the relationship and applications of PDD tests within legal contexts.
- PDD Examination: The complete process involving pretest interviews, administration of physiological recording, analysis, and formulation of conclusions regarding truthfulness.
- Polygraphy: The synonym for PDD, focusing on the use of polygraph instruments to measure physiological responses to specific questions.
- Types of Examinations:
- Evidentiary PDD Examination: Designed to meet court or administrative hearing standards.
- Investigative PDD Procedures: Used to explore broader issues that may not require evidentiary rigor.
- Screening Examinations: Encompass multiple-issue tests, such as applicant testing and security screening.
- Clinical Polygraph Examinations: Including post-conviction sex offender testing (PCSOT) and disclosure examinations.
- Key Terms:
- Artifact, cardiovascular tracing, electrodermal tracing, respiratory tracing, phasic/tonic response, purposeful non-cooperation (PNC), no deception indicated (NDI), deception indicated (DI), false positive, false negative, relevant/irrelevant/comparison questions, recognition test, single-issue/multiple-issue/multiple-facet polygraph tests, optimal decision rules, quality control, pretest interview.
- Decision Processes:
- Test data analysis, spot score rule, successive hurdles approach, inconclusive and no opinion outcomes.
Applications
This terminology standard is crucial across various forensic and legal environments:
- Forensic Laboratories & Law Enforcement: Ensures that polygraph examiners, analysts, and investigators use a unified language, improving evidence integrity and clarity in reports and testimony.
- Legal Proceedings: Facilitates clear communication of results and methods when PDD evidence is presented in court, aligning with admissibility principles outlined in landmark cases such as Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc..
- Research and Academia: Supports consistent terminology for research publications, validation studies, and educational materials within forensic psychology and psychophysiology.
- Quality Control and Training: Provides standards for terminology used in examiner education, certification programs, and internal reviews, enhancing professional competency and transparency.
- Security and Screening: Supports organizations involved in counterintelligence, applicant vetting, and sensitive government positions with standardized definitions for various examination types and outcomes.
Related Standards
Professionals utilizing ASTM E2035-12(2024) may also find relevance in the following standards and resources:
- Other ASTM Forensic Standards: Additional terminology and practice standards relating to forensic evidence evaluation and psychophysiology, available through ASTM Committee E52.
- Scientific and Technical Dictionaries: Referenced as part of the definition hierarchy for terminology development.
- World Trade Organization (WTO) Standardization Principles: Ensures ASTM’s terminology aligns with international norms for standards development.
- Legal Frameworks: Definitions and terminology usage reflect principles from cases like Daubert and Frye, which influence the admissibility and evaluation of scientific evidence.
By establishing standardized terminology, ASTM E2035-12(2024) advances the reliability, clarity, and practical use of forensic psychophysiology in both scientific and legal settings.