GSR
GSR (or Galvanic Skin Response) is an inexpensive, simple method to understand various types of activity in certain parts of the body. In recent times, in attempts to clarify the scope of the term, the term EDR (Electrodermal Response) has come into use.
Practice
GSR is conducted by attaching two leads to the skin, and acquiring a base measure. Then, as the activity being studied is performed, recordings are made from the leads. There are two ways to perform a GSR - in active GSR, current is passed through the body, with the resistance measured. In passive GSR, current generated by the body itself is measued.
History
GSR originated in the early 1900s. It was used for a variety of types of research in the 1960s through the late 1970s, with a decline in use as more sophisticated techniques (such as EEG and MRI) replaced it in many areas of psychological research. GSR still sees limited scientific use today, as it is possible to use with low-cost hardware.
Non-Research Uses
GSR has seen, outside of the research community, usage as a lie detector, under the theory that telling of lies increases perspiration, changing the conductance of skin. Its accuracy, because of its limited scope, is believed to be less significant than a regular polygraph. GSR is also used by Scientologists, who call their devices E-meters, in their spiritual counseling.
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