I've taken a total of 3 polygraphs, 2 for local LEO employment, and 1 for a security clearance needed for a federal job. I'll talk about the one for LE. The asked questions concerning abuse, both sexual and physical. I wasn't told I failed the part about sexual abuse until after the first round of questions. While we were talking during one of the breaks, we discussed why my vitals peaked during that question. I had to reveal that back in 2003 my little sister was raped by a racist guy when she was only 11 years old. To this day it still bothers me, a LOT. Anyway, doing the second round of questioning, I was asked that question again except, "Not thinking about your sister, " was added right before the actual question. I passed that question with no problem, and got the job.
I guess the point of my response is that IMO, polygraphs measure more of a persons morals. What a person considers wrong or right; their conscience. I guess like some military personnel considers things as being "acquired" but not "stolen". I'm not saying that a conscience is the only thing, obviously, but it is a big factor. Like not having a conscience to say where someone is..MOO