Episode
Galvanic Skin Response
- Podcast
- Human Factors Minute
- Published
- Aug 10, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 107
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://humanfactorsminute.com/episode/galvanic-skin-response
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Summary
...And now for another Human Factors Minute. Galvanic skin response, or GSR, is the measurement of change in the skin's electrical conductivity. This change comes as a result of increased sweat gland activity. When someone experiences emotional arousal, such as sadness, joy, or fear, there is also a change in sweat gland activity. The GSR measurement can be reflectivity of the intensity of an emotional state. To measure this, GSR electrodes are usually attached to the hand, which has the highest density of sweat glands in the body. A device is then used to record this data. GSR data is often used by human-computer interaction researchers to measure cognitive load when users interact with interfaces. When a research participant becomes frustrated or stressed with a complex interface, their galvanic skin response increases. Researchers can use GSR to support surveys and interviews with participants, as it proves that the body had an emotional response. A researcher can then use the physiological data to quantitatively measure how intuitive and satisfying a user’s experience is. Researchers may also find GSR useful when paired with data reflecting other physiological changes, such as heart rate, respiration, or eye pupil dilation. Besides HCI, GSR can be used in many other fields. It is well-known as being part of the controversial polygraph test, which assumes GSR response can determine whether someone is telling the truth. It can also be used to measure engagement, agitation, emotional arousal to entertainment and other forms of content. Overall, GSR reveals a part of an individual’s subconscious, as skin conductivity cannot be consciously regulated. This has been another Human Factors Minute Be sure to check out our main show at our official website: https://www.humanf…