"Examination and Cross-Examination of Experts in Forensic Psychophysiology Using the Polygraph" Foreword: Cleve Backster, Hon. Ph.D., D.Sc.    On the occasion of the publication of this book, I have completed my 52nd year of activity in the field of endeavor now known as forensic psychophysiology using the polygraph. During the early history of polygraph usage it would appear that a large portion of its success might have more aptly been credited to the interrogation skills of the polygraph examiner. At the time of my initial polygraph training in 1948, it was considered by many a breach of ethics for one polygraph examiner to evaluate another polygraph examiner’s charts. Because of this prevailing attitude it was difficult to ascertain what portion of the polygraph examiner’s determination was based upon the psychophysiological data collected on the polygraph charts, what portion was based on verbal and non-verbal behavior assessment, and what portion was based on basic interrogation skills. Obviously, this was unsatisfactory as related to the presentation of the polygraph results in court.    During an interim period of polygraph usage, efforts related to standardization in terminology, chart markings, question formulation and question sequencing brought some relief to the problems relating to verbal presentation of polygraph examination results. Notoriously absent was any method that allowed for the objective assessment of the physiological data recorded on polygraph charts.    In 1960, as part of the Backster Zone Comparison Technique, I introduced the first and still current system for the numerical evaluation of the physiological data recorded on polygraph charts. This quantification system is used in the comparison of the degree of physiological reaction when a relevant question is asked to the degree of reaction when a neighboring control (comparison) question is asked. This system is explained in detail in the comprehensive textbook by Dr. James Allan Matte, entitled Forensic Psychophysiology Using The Polygraph.    Since its introduction in 1960, this system for the numerical evaluation of polygraph charts has become a standard throughout the field, it being the basis for data collected in most of the validity and reliability studies on polygraph usage. This manual quantification system continues to be the preferred method of chart analysis due to its proven validity and reliability, while the current computer algorithms are in a continuing stage of development and refinement, thus must still be supported by the former.    This book will provide attorneys with ideal formats to depose their experts when laying the foundation for the admissibility of psychophysiological veracity (PV) examination results. It will also provide attorneys with examination and cross-examination scripts that will be of immense value in the identification of valid and faulty PV examinations.    It is my sincere belief that this book, along with the textbook Forensic Psychophysiology Using The Polygraph will be of invaluable assistance to those involved in the examination and cross-examination of experts in forensic psychophysiology using the polygraph. Cleve Backster, Hon. Ph.D., D.Sc., Director The Backster School of Lie Detection San Diego, California