ASTM E2229-09 (2018) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Practices for Interpretation of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (Polygraph) Data — ASTM E2229-09 (Reapproved 2018). This practice establishes both global (qualitative) and numerical procedures for the systematic interpretation and analysis of psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD, polygraph) recordings. It requires examiners to use methods for which they have been formally trained and to match analysis procedures to the specific PDD examination format.

Abstract

ASTM E2229 provides recommended and required practices for interpreting physiological recordings collected during polygraph examinations. It defines global evaluation principles and a numerical scoring approach, specifies diagnostic tracing features (for example, cardiograph baseline changes, respiration line length, response amplitude, latency and duration), and sets decision‑rule guidance for assigning outcomes. The practice emphasizes examiner training, suitability checks for recordings, use of validated analysis methods, and accounting for possible countermeasures.

General information

• Status: Active (reapproved).
• Publication date: February 1, 2018 (designation E2229‑09, reapproved 2018).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 11.040.55 — Diagnostic equipment (Forensic psychophysiology / polygraph).
• Edition / version: E2229‑09 (Reapproved 2018), sometimes shown as E2229‑09R18.
• Number of pages: 2.

Scope

These practices establish procedures for the systematic interpretation and analysis of Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD) data. Any analysis procedure used must be appropriate to the PDD format and performed by examiners formally trained in that method. Acceptable analysis procedures are those documented in refereed or technical literature with published replications confirming efficacy. The standard was developed under internationally recognized principles for standards development.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions of global (qualitative) and numerical (quantitative) evaluation approaches.
• Identification of primary diagnostic tracing features (cardiograph baseline shifts, respiration patterns, electrodermal responses, movement artifacts).
• Numerical scoring elements: rank/order scoring, response amplitude, response duration, response latency, respiration line length, total numerical score.
• Decision rules that govern how numerical or global scores are translated into outcomes (e.g., deception indicated, no deception indicated, inconclusive).
• Requirement that examiners use methods for which they have formal training and documented competence.
• Verification that recordings are suitable for evaluation; if unsuitable, no diagnostic opinion shall be rendered.
• Preference for numerical evaluation when feasible; global evaluation permitted when appropriate and performed by trained examiners.
• Recognition and reporting of countermeasures when detected.
• Emphasis on use of validated procedures published in peer‑reviewed or technical literature with replication evidence.

Typical use and users

This practice is used by forensic psychophysiologists, certified polygraph examiners, criminal investigators, counterintelligence and security screening professionals, and researchers working with PDD methods. It is applied in investigative and screening examinations where interpretation of physiological recordings is required to form a professional opinion about truthfulness or deception.

Related standards

ASTM E2229 is part of the suite of ASTM standards for polygraph/PDD practice and research. Commonly referenced companion standards include ASTM E1954 (practice for conduct of research in PDD), E2000 (guide for minimum basic polygraph training and education), E2031 (quality control of PDD examinations), E2062 (PDD examination standards of practice), E2063 (calibration and functionality checks), and E2439 (instrumentation, sensors, and software used in PDD examinations).

Keywords

polygraph, PDD, psychophysiological detection of deception, interpretation, scoring, global evaluation, numerical evaluation, decision rules, cardiograph baseline, respiration line length, response amplitude, response latency, countermeasures, forensic psychophysiology

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E2229 is a practice that sets out recommended procedures for interpreting psychophysiological (polygraph) data, including both global and numerical analysis approaches. It was originally issued in 2009 and reapproved in 2018.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers how to identify diagnostic tracing features on polygraph recordings, how to apply rank/order and numerical scoring, decision rules for outcome determination, examiner training requirements, suitability checks for recordings, and guidance on recognizing and reporting countermeasures.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Forensic psychophysiologists and certified polygraph examiners use it to guide analysis and reporting. It is also used by agencies or organizations that operate polygraph programs, investigators, and researchers studying PDD methods.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The standard was reapproved in 2018 (designation E2229‑09, reapproved 2018) and is presented as the active/reapproved edition. Users should confirm with ASTM International for any more recent revisions or withdrawals if they require the absolute latest status.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. E2229 is one element of a broader set of ASTM documents on polygraph/PDD practice, quality, instrumentation, training and research (for example E1954, E2000, E2031, E2062, E2063, E2439).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: polygraph, psychophysiological detection of deception (PDD), interpretation, numerical scoring, global evaluation, decision rules, cardiograph, respiration, electrodermal, countermeasures.