Frequently Asked Questions

How do I start using StimulTest?

Take free demo tests in order to find out in practice how the technology works. Register in the system, select a specialist who will help you create a test for your request, conduct the testing in compliance with the methodology and interpret the result. You can also study as a specialist and work in the system yourself.

How does StimulTest work?

A person reflexively reacts faster or slower to what is important to them. In this case, the more significant a stimulus is for the person, the more their reaction differs from what does not matter to them. During the testing, a person sees (realises) only meaningless (neutral) disguise. Each time their task is to press the same computer key when they see a new disguise – a series of numbers (a masker for phrases) or a colour mosaic (a masker for photos).

Without realising it, a person reacts faster or slower to the various stimuli that they do not even have time to see. The difference in reactions depends on how the subconscious mind assessed these stimuli (the subconscious is always truthful). As a rule, the difference in response is so insignificant that it seems to a person that they react to all disguises equally. However, the reaction rate is estimated at StimulTest with an accuracy of 1 msec (thousandth of a second), which allows to determine the attitude of a person accurately.

How accurate is StimulTest?

For all applications the accuracy is on average as follows:
• 65-75% for standard tests (without personalisation)
• 75-85% for group tests (partial personalisation)
• 85-95% for individual tests (full personalisation).

The accuracy conclusions are based on the results of 8-year approbation – more than 1000 tests for each of the main areas of application (security, psychology, marketing), confirmed by objective data (documents, facts and so on). For most areas of application specialised techniques have been developed that allow to further improve the quality of research and the accuracy of the results. StimulTest scientific team continues to search for ways to improve accuracy. Field studies help optimise technology to improve accuracy.

Note:
For confirmation of the accuracy of the work of StimulTest in relation to your situation/circumstances, we offer to conduct at least 10 trial tests free of charge. Choose one of the experts, who will help you conduct a test methodically correctly and interpret the results competently (expert services are paid, prices are negotiable).

What is unique about StimulTest?

1. Obtaining genuine results is enabled by the fact that person’s consciousness is excluded from the testing procedure (a short time for presenting stimuli followed by disguise).
2. The attitude of a person to stimuli is determined by the speed at which the computer key is pressed (there is no special equipment).
3. It is impossible to deliberately distort the result because it is not known what the stimulus is and when it is presented.
4. In each test, individual specificity of a person’s response is determined.
5. The system of identification of the emotional modality of stimuli (positive or negative) is integrated into the test structure to determine what a person likes (accepts) and dislikes (rejects).

How can you predict the future in StimulTest when memory content is examined?

All stimuli are presented in a subliminal (unconscious) form. A person’s subconsciousness is characterised by anticipatory forecasting (anticipation) to ensure person’s security. In the course of many years of research, it was revealed that the time between pressing and unpressing the button indicates a forecast for the future:

1. Short-term forecast: days - weeks;
2. Medium-term forecast: weeks - months.

During 10-year observations in more than 80% of cases objective evidence was obtained confirming the prognostic data.

Is StimulTest intended for B2G, B2B or B2C?

All three business models are acceptable for work: for governments, businesses and consumers. In order to ensure the confidentiality of information and the protection of personal data, SSL encryption (cryptographic protocols) is used when exchanging data between the personal account and the server. To ensure maximum confidentiality there is a possibility of buying a server with its installation in a customer’s data centre.

Is StimulTest technology safe for a person in the study of their subconscious?

Yes, the technology is safe because it only captures the attitude of the person to what they see on the computer screen. During the tests each phrase or photo is presented 3 times, without causing the effect of suggestion, for which it is necessary to repeat the same thing at least 7-9 times in a row.

How do I start using StimulTest?

Take free demo tests in order to find out how the technology works.
Register in the system and select a specialist who will help you create a test for your request, conduct the test in compliance with the methodology and interpret the result.

You can also study as a specialist and work in the system yourself.

What types of tests are for a fee?

Demo and trial tests are free.
You may choose demo tests and take them on your own.
Trial tests are created by experts for the clients specific situation, the results are also assigned and interpreted by experts.

Sample, special and personal tests are for a fee. Prices are listed on the "Rates" page. Customers may pay on their own (section “Payment” in the personal account) or through an expert.

How to choose or replace an expert?

You can always choose/replace an expert who is most suitable for your situation. For a better choice of an expert, you may contact the Administrator - admin@stimultest.com

Note:
Customers should independently agree on prices for services with each expert. The administration establishes a unified tariff policy and does not lobby any of the experts’ interests.

Do I need to provide personal data to an expert or the system in order to take a test?

No, mandatory personification is not required in the system. You can keep confidential from the expert and the system whatever you think is necessary.

Can I take a test at home or at work without going to an expert?

Yes you can. For such purposes there is a possibility to conduct a test in remote mode. It is very convenient.

What should I do during testing?

Before each test you will get an instruction that describes everything that needs to be done:

"In this test, you will be asked questions only on the following topics: (the test topics are indicated) For the test, you should:

• sit from a computer monitor at a distance of 50 - 70 cm;
• turn off your mobile phone;
• calm down and relax.

In the beginning, on the dark field of the screen a phrase "To start the test, press the space button or left button of the computer mouse" will appear.

You should press the button. During the test, on the dark field of the screen with a frequency of about 2 times per second, you will be presented with disguised questions in the form of a random series of numbers or coloured mosaic. You have only one task – to press the left button of the computer mouse or space button whenever a row of numbers or a mosaic appears on the screen.

If you hurry to press the button, "EARLY" warning message about the error appears, if you are late the message "LATE" message appears.
Be careful, try to avoid mistakes (the fewer mistakes you make, the shorter the test will be).
During testing, every 4 - 5 minutes you will be given a short break.
The end of the testing procedure will be indicated by the message "TEST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED".
You may always interrupt the test by pressing the "Esc" button.

How long does a test take?

On average, a test lasts 10-20 minutes. The more errors a person makes during testing (hurries or is late with pressing the same computer key), the longer the test lasts (1 error prolongs the test by 5-6 seconds).

Note:
In the course of many years of research, it was noted that such monotonous activity should not exceed 25 - 30 minutes, so as not to cause a rejection effect (unwillingness to undergo subsequent tests).

What effect do different substances or conditions have on the test results?

More than 2000 studies confirm that in an abstinence syndrome (after taking various medications), with excessive agitation (stress) or fatigue (drowsiness), a person cannot maintain a constant rhythm of pressing a key that causes a large number of errors, which automatically leads the test interruption.

Note:
In the active phase of exposure to chemical (pharmacological) drugs, it is possible to pass the test because the autonomic nervous system is balanced (tone of the processes of tension and relaxation is synchronised).

Is it possible to deceive the system during testing?

No, it is impossible, because a person does not know where and when they needs to counteract, because during the test they see (realise) only questions’ disguises. There are effective countermeasures but they are so obvious that even a novice specialist can easily detect them.

What are the limitations for testing in StimulTest?

The main list of contraindications is as follows:
• Pathology of visual perception (reduced visual acuity, astigmatism, conjunctivitis, nystagmus, glaucoma);
• Increased level of arterial (intracranial, intraocular) pressure;
• Dysfunction of finger movement (limited micro-motility; tremor, paresis, paralysis, muscle stiffness);
• Reduced level of intellectual development;
• Acute or exacerbations of chronic mental diseases that are accompanied by stable lability, increased or decreased psycho-emotional activity;
• Physical and/or mental exhaustion;
• Withdrawal syndrome due to taking psychoactive (drug-containing) or sedative (hypnotic) pharmaceutical drugs;
• Photosilent epilepsy (flicker of light).

In addition to the above, there are other conditions of the body that can cause an increase or decrease in reactivity so that it affects the accuracy of the test result. In addition, various systemic diseases (diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, injuries to the brain or spinal cord), and other conditions or diseases can also affect test results.

Is it possible to test many people at the same time?

Yes, for this each person would need to create a personal account for remote testing (type of testing "Remote").Then on each PC they need to open a personal account and download the client programme (to enable the testing procedure). The optimal number of places for the testing is 10 - 20 under the control of one specialist. Their task is to follow the research methodology, as well as monitor the adequacy of people's behaviour during testing. Stress – server load showed a possibility of simultaneous conducting of more than 20 thousand tests.

What is the process of results evaluation?

Results evaluation occurs automatically on the StimulTest server and is provided immediately upon completion of the testing procedure. To evaluate the results, author’s complex of non-parametric criteria developed by scientists and approved by experts is used. In 2019, we are planning to introduce a new result evaluation system, which will be based on algorithms of artificial intelligence, as well as on the BIG DATA technology.

In some cases, prior to the testing, a respondent is required to fill out a form – express your attitude to all test stimuli with “yes / no / do not know” answers. After testing, the respondent’s subjective judgement is automatically compared with objective test results.

Why do I need to fill out a form with stimuli before starting the test?

It is necessary to fill out the form for the client to focus and activate exactly what will be presented during the test in their memory. After the testing, client’s subjective opinion (their conscious judgement) can be compared with the objective test result (with an unconscious opinion).

Is it possible to automatically compare a large number of results?

Yes, it is possible to compare an unlimited number of results of the same tests, passed by the same person, as well as by different people. It is also possible to compare the results by groups of stimuli (by topic) or by selected stimuli.

Note

For convenience, there are simultaneous options of:
• adding a large number of respondents;
• creating a large number of personal accounts;
• assigning a large number of tests to different respondents.

After what time it is desirable to conduct re-testing?

Repeated testing is usually carried out for the following reasons:
1. When a test is interrupted due to a large number of errors.
   Retesting occurs after at least 2-3 hours, ideally the next day.
2. When it is necessary to conduct additional, more detailed testing.
   Retesting at least 1-2 hours.
3. When the research method involves several tests.
   Retesting occurs after at least 2-3 days, ideally after 6-7 days.

Why are there errors during testing? What is their meaning?

During testing, a person must respond to the stimuli shown by clicking the same computer button every time they see a disguise.

The time for presentation of masking stimuli is from 0.1 to 1.0 seconds, the response time to masking is 0.5 seconds.
The "EARLY" error is presented when a person is in a hurry and presses a button before the disguise is shown on the screen.
The "LATE" error is presented when a person is late and presses the button after the allowed response time.

All mistakes provoke negative emotions in a person (mini stress). After the presentation of each error in the test algorithm, the recovery period is included (8-12 neutral stimuli). That is why, each error prolongs the testing for a few seconds.
The maximum allowed number of errors in the test is 150, the excess of which interrupts the testing with the notification “Test aborted. Have a rest and take the test later.”.

A scientific meaning of the presentation of errors is rather complicated for ordinary understanding. If you still want to find out, contact the StimulTest administrator.

Does StimulTest take part in humanitarian projects?

Yes, we take part in humanitarian projects, and also conduct our own social and research projects in different countries. For 2019, StimulTest is scheduled to participate in a number of state and departmental projects, as well as to conduct a number of its own humanitarian and research projects:

1. A study of military personnel (signs of posttraumatic stress disorder, phobias, suicide).
2. A study of schoolchildren and students (paranoid personality disorder, phobias, addictions, suicide, bullying, vocational guidance).
3. Study of decreed population groups (psychological health, addiction, suicide, vocational guidance).
4. Scientific research of various focus groups simultaneously using StimulTest and neuro gadgets.
5. Scientific research of various focus groups in order to apply optimal algorithms of artificial intelligence and BIG DATA technology.

We are always open and ready to consider all offers from humanitarian and research organizations from around the world.

What industries or types of companies most often use StimulTest?

1. Large, medium, small state, commercial and private companies.
2. Companies with a large number of personnel or a large number of geographically remote divisions, branches or remote workplaces of employees.
3. Companies of industries/activities in which the problems of periodic/mass monitoring of employees in such areas are relevant:
   • verification of moral qualities and risk factors of job seekers, employed and dismissed staff;
   • personification of people, authentication of documents, connections, contacts, acquaintances;
   • identification of individuals or groups of persons involved in crimes, corruption schemes, suspected of espionage, terrorism, criminal business, illegal immigration, and so on;
   • optimization of teamwork, identification of psychological and behavioural qualities of individual employees;
   • improvement of consumer properties of goods and services.

Practical examples of StimulTest application are presented here.

How can StimulTest be useful for a person?

Application areas for ADULTS:

1. Optimization of relations in society, at work, in the family.
2. Situations someone lies (lie detection).
3. Identification of risk factors for close people (antisocial behaviour, addictions, dependences).
4. Situations when a person is deceiving themselves – delusions, intrapersonal conflicts, psychological causes of diseases, and so on.
5. Finding optimal solutions from a large number of options – shopping, travel, dating, career guidance, self-determination, and so on.

Application areas for TEENAGERS:

1. Optimization of relationships in society, in school, at work, in the family, with peers.
2. Situations when someone lies (lie detection).
3. Identification of risk factors for close people (antisocial behaviour, addictions, dependences).
4. Situations when a teenager is deceiving themselves – delusions, intrapersonal conflicts, psychological causes of diseases, and so on.
5. Finding optimal solutions from a large number of options – self-determination, dating, career guidance, and so on.

What is the scheme of using StimulTest for testing personnel risk factors?

1. Check how accurate StimulTest can be on the test results of your staff.
2. Choose our expert to guide or train your expert..
3. With the help of an expert create tests that will be adapted specifically for your employees. Apply 2 risk groups: general and professional.
4. Try these tests on several employees. If necessary, modify the content of these tests so that the maximum number of stimuli is productive.
5. Test those employees who, in your opinion, best meet the requirements/requests. Get an average result of optimal employees. This will be a real template/reference for your company.
6. When searching for candidates for a job position, check them for compliance with the real template/reference.
7. Test a lot of employees at the same time during the preparation of financial reports.
8. Compare financial performance units with the results of testing in StimulTest. Make a conclusion about what psychological qualities of employees increase or lower the profitability of the business. Track changes in the qualities of employees in dynamics (1st year quarterly, 2nd year every half a year, then at your discretion).
9. Make informed administrative decisions.

How to apply StimulTest in business for marketing?

The system of psychological testing StimulTest is the world's first online technology for determining true attitude to everything that interests a person or customer. The most popular areas are security, psychology, marketing. As a rule motivation and decision-making occurs automatically (unconsciously). Consequently, the unconscious attitude of a person must be key to marketing research. It is logical that if in StimulTest all images are presented below the threshold of awareness, this is the best tool for marketing research.

Practical procedure:
1. Sort the list of tasks to be investigated in order of importance.
2. To test, select one of the tasks of medium importance (for example, logo).
3. Select the types of images to be investigated (for example, logo size, type, font size, background color, and so on).
4. Form focus groups from potential consumers/users (gender, age, nationality, education, social status, and so on).
5. Conduct initial testing of focus groups for all varieties of the criteria of the image under study.
6. Perform a comparative analysis of test results to identify which image variants are most acceptable to the majority of the representatives from all or individual focus groups.
7. In the list of images, make corrections based on the priorities for each of the focus groups (for example, older people prefer 16 font size, and younger people - 12).
8. Re-test each focus group to clarify their priorities (what is acceptable/what they like).
9. Conduct control testing of identified priorities on various focus groups consisting of new people.
10. Make informed marketing decisions based on the unconscious response of people.

An example of the marketing research of a company logois presented here.

What are the differences between a StimulTest and a polygraph?

Can I combine StimulTest and a polygraph?

Yes, the effectiveness of such a combination has been proven by hundreds of practical examples, some of which are presented here during the investigation of crimes.

Combining StimulTest and a polygraph is also effective in mass studies in various areas of application. Everywhere there is one principle - StimulTest is first used to identify risk groups, which are then analyzed in detail, taking into account the data already obtained on a polygraph (or other tools for psychological diagnostics).

Was StimulTest designed to replace the polygraph?

Yes and no. StimulTest cannot be compared with a polygraph because it is fundamentally different technologies.
A polygraph is an individual tool with a conscious presentation of stimuli.
StimulTest is a massive tool with unconscious presentation of incentives. Although, experienced and qualified experts successfully use StimulTest as an individual toolkit, instead of other technologies of psychodiagnostics, including the polygraph.

Fundamentally, the methodology for conducting research in both instruments is identical. In StimulTest during the automatic construction of the test structure, only one method of neutral and test questions is used, which allows to eliminate all disagreements between experts.

As practice shows, qualified and experienced polygraph examiners, as a rule, make the best StimulTest experts.