Effect of change in sequential visual stimuli on GSR adaptation.

Abstract

GSR [galvanic skin response] records were obtained for 20 Ss [subjects] while they were presented with a series of 80 stimuli (4 lights alternating in apparently random sequence). Records were obtained for 20 additional Ss using the same procedure, except that a novel stimulus (a light not previously presented) was substituted in place of 1 of the original 4 lights. Typical adaptation phenomena were observed for both groups. While the novel stimulus was perceived by all Ss in the 2nd group, it had no effect on the adaptation curve for that group. It is concluded that novelty is a dimension which needs considerable reexamination.