PSYCHOGALVANOMETER Meaning and
Definition
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A psychogalvanometer, also known as a skin conductance device or GSR (galvanic skin response) meter, is a specialized instrument used in psychology and physiology to measure changes in the electrical conductance of the skin. It is primarily designed to measure the psychophysiological response of an individual, especially their emotional arousal or stress levels.
The psychogalvanometer works based on the principle that the skin's electrical conductance changes in response to emotional or physiological stimulation, such as anxiety, excitement, fear, or surprise. It measures these changes by applying a tiny electric current to the skin via sensors or electrodes placed on the palm or fingers. The device then records the amount of conductance or resistance encountered.
The recorded readings are often represented graphically as a galvanic skin response (GSR) curve, displaying peaks and valleys for specific emotional or physiological events. These responses occur due to the activation of the autonomic nervous system, particularly the sympathetic branch, which triggers sweating and subsequently alters the skin's electrical resistance.
Psychogalvanometry is widely used in research settings for studying emotional responses, stress levels, deception detection, and biofeedback therapy. It provides valuable insights into the individual's physiological reactions, helping researchers and clinicians understand and analyze emotional processes, patterns, and cues. Moreover, it can be utilized in lie detection tests, recognizing physiological changes associated with stress or arousal during questioning.
Common Misspellings for PSYCHOGALVANOMETER
- osychogalvanometer
- lsychogalvanometer
- -sychogalvanometer
- 0sychogalvanometer
- paychogalvanometer
- pzychogalvanometer
- pxychogalvanometer
- pdychogalvanometer
- peychogalvanometer
- pwychogalvanometer
- pstchogalvanometer
- psgchogalvanometer
- pshchogalvanometer
- psuchogalvanometer
- ps7chogalvanometer
- ps6chogalvanometer
- psyxhogalvanometer
- psyvhogalvanometer
- psyfhogalvanometer
- psydhogalvanometer
Etymology of PSYCHOGALVANOMETER
The word "psychogalvanometer" is derived from three Greek roots: "psycho", meaning "pertaining to the mind" or "soul"; "galva", short for "galvanometer", referring to a device that measures the electrical currents in the body; and "meter", meaning "measure". Therefore, the term "psychogalvanometer" can be understood as a device that measures the electrical activities or responses of the mind or soul.
