ELECTRODERMAL ACTIVITY IN NON‐PALMER SKIN SITES

Authors:
  • WRW. H. Rickles
    W. H. Rickles
  • JDJ. L. Day
    J. L. Day
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Abstract
This study was undertaken to explore the human body for GSR sites, which would parallel palmar GSR activity, but would not impede the subject or be prone to artifact. Specific resistance values ranged from 10,000 to 800,000 ohm‐cm2. Specific resistance of the scalp was consistently lower than other areas. Spontaneous activity was observed at all non‐palmar, non‐plantar sites except the scalp. At times, this activity was found to be present when the palm was quiescent. Evoked non‐palmar, non‐plantar activity was found to be present irregularly, but was always accompanied by evoked palmar responses. Non‐palmar, non‐plantar sites responded to exertional stimuli with rhythmic, 16–21 per minute, GSR activity. Some subjects demonstrated this rhythmic activity spontaneously, and one subject revealed abrupt suppression of this phenomenon in response to psychosensory stimulation. Medial and lateral hypomalleolar areas of the ankle were found to parallel plantar specific GSR responses and are recommended as useful GSR skin sites under conditions of moderate arousal.

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