| a change in the electrical conductivity of the skin caused by an emotional reaction to a stimulus. |
| galvanic skin response n. A change in the ability of the skin to conduct electricity, caused by an emotional stimulus, such as fright. |
galvanic skin response gal·van·ic skin response (gāl-vān'ĭk)
n.
Abbr. GSR
A measure of electrical resistance as a reflection of changes in emotional arousal, taken by attaching electrodes to any part of the skin and recording changes in moment-to-moment perspiration and related activity of the autonomic nervous system.
galvanic skin response
a change in the electrical properties of the body (probably of the skin) following noxious stimulation, stimulation that produces emotional reaction, and, to some extent, stimulation that attracts the subject's attention and leads to an aroused alertness. The response appears as an increase in the electrical conductance of the skin (a decrease in resistance) across the palms of the hands or soles of the feet. It appears about two seconds after stimulation, as by a pinprick or threat of injury; it rises to a maximum after two to ten seconds and subsides at about the same rate
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