Huidgeleidbaarheid

Huidgeleidbaarheid, also known as skin conductance or galvanic skin response (GSR), is a psychophysiological measure of the electrical conductivity of the skin. This conductivity changes due to the amount of sweat secreted by the eccrine sweat glands, which are controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. When individuals experience heightened emotional states, such as stress, excitement, or fear, their sympathetic nervous system becomes more active, leading to increased perspiration. This increased sweat production makes the skin a better conductor of electricity, thus increasing skin conductance.

The measurement of huidgeleidbaarheid typically involves attaching electrodes to specific areas of the skin, usually on the fingers or palms. A small, non-painful electrical voltage is applied across these electrodes, and the resulting current is measured. Changes in the current indicate corresponding changes in skin conductance. Huidgeleidbaarheid is a non-invasive and sensitive indicator of autonomic nervous system activity and is often used in research settings.

Applications of huidgeleidbaarheid measurement are diverse. It is commonly employed in psychological research to study emotional responses, attention, and cognitive load. In clinical settings, it can be used as a component of polygraph (lie detector) tests, although its reliability in this context is debated. It also finds use in user experience research, where it can help assess a user's emotional engagement with a product or interface. Understanding huidgeleidbaarheid provides insights into the body's physiological reactions to various stimuli and situations.