Skin electric conductance, also known as skin conductance or electrodermal activity, refers to a physiological measure of the skin's ability to conduct electric current. It is a widely used metric in the field of psychophysiology, particularly in the study of emotional and physiological responses.
Skin electric conductance is based on the understanding that sweat glands on the skin's surface are directly influenced by the activity of the autonomic nervous system. When a person experiences psychological or emotional arousal, such as stress, fear, or excitement, the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is activated. This causes an increase in the production of sweat in the sweat glands, leading to a higher level of skin electric conductance.
The measurement of skin electric conductance involves the use of electrodes placed on the skin surface, typically on the fingers or palms. A small and harmless electrical current is passed between the electrodes, and the resulting conductance or resistance of the skin is measured. This measurement provides an objective indication of changes in sympathetic nervous system activity and emotional arousal.
Skin electric conductance has been employed in various fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and market research. It has applications in the assessment of emotional responses, stress levels, attention, and arousal. By measuring and analyzing skin electric conductance, researchers and practitioners can gain insights into an individual’s physiological state and emotional experiences.
