Publication Recommendations for Electrodermal Measurements

Abstract

The paper recommends an acceptable methodolog> for recording electrodermal activity which reflects a consensus of experts in the field. These recommendations are presented with a minimum of technical discussion in order to maximize their usefulness to investigators who are not specialists in this area.For most purposes, skin conductance (SC) is to be preferred over skin potential (SP). It is recommended that SC be recorded from palmar sites with silver-silver chloride electrodes and an electrode paste consisting of a sodium chloride electrolyte in a neutral ointment cream medium. The area of contact with the skin should be controlled and time allowed for stabilization ofthe skin-electrode paste interface. Electrode bias potentials and polarization should be monitored during use. Signal conditioning is achieved by the application of a constant 0.5 volt across the electrodes and measurement of the resultant current flow by amplifying the voltage developed across a small resistor in series with the skin. The measurement ofthe amplitude-or even the detection-of small responses requires some form of tonic level control, permitting an adjustment of the tonic level. A circuit is provided for signal conditioning and tonic levei control.SP can be recorded with the same electrodes and electrode paste, unless the results are to be related to the British work on SP level, in which case the original potassium chloride electrolyte in an agar medium should be used. SP recordings require that one of the electrodes be placed over an inactive reference site, preferably over the ulnar bone near the elbow. No external voltage is applied, but some form of tonic level control may be needed. Electrodes need to be checked for bias potentials but not polarization. DESCRIPTORS: Skin conductance measurement. Skin potential measurement, Electrodermal measurement.The investigator who wishes to record electrodermal activity is faced with a bewildering number of choices as to the methodology to be employed. In some cases the alternatives are equally acceptable, whereas in other cases a poor choice can produce invahd results. At the request of the Editor, David Shapiro, a committee was formed for the purpose of setting forth an acceptable methodology for recording electrodermal activity which reflects a consensus Address requests for reprints either to Don C. Fowles. Department of Psychology. The University of Iowa. Iowa City. Iowa 52242; or (for requests from Europe) to Peter H. Venables. Department of Psychology. University of York. Heslington. York. YUl 5DD. England. of experts in the field.' It is hoped that doing so will accomplish two purposes: 1) to provide guidance for those investigators who are not experts in electrodermal methodology, and 2) to foster some degree of standardization. This second purpose should not. however, be overemphasized, as it is not our intention to dictate a specific method to seasoned investigators who have good reasons for using other techniques. Nevertheless, some degree of standardization is desira...

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