A comparison of the galvanic skin responses of normals and psychotics.

Abstract

The galvanic skin responses (G.S.R.) of 450 normals and 450 psychotics are compared. A marked difference is found in their response to a threat of faradic shock although their response to the shock itself shows no significant difference. It is concluded that the physiological mechanisms responsible for giving rise to the G.S.R. to such physical stimuli as faradic shock is not impaired in psychotics. A new method of evaluation of G.S.R.s is descr. and its advantages discussed.