Voluntary Inhibition of Galvanic Skin Response

Abstract

To assess the effectiveness of instructional set in voluntary inhibition of GSR 43 male Ss were assigned to 3 treatment groups. All groups were shown 4 slides of female nudes once, were given a break or instructions, and were shown the slides again. Group 1 received instruction to try to inhibit their response. Group C₁ received instruction about the nature of the GSR measure. Group C₂ received no special instructions. Scores were changes in mean peak amplitude of skin conductance between presentations. Analysis of variance indicated no suppression had occurred. Inspection of the data led to the conclusion that the instructions were followed by higher skin conductance, probably from increased anxiety or skeletal artifact.