Psychology -> Altered States of Consciousness: Measurement of Heart Rate

Measurement of heart rate

The measurement of an individual's heart rate, body temperature and breathing rate can also provide psychologists with information about the individual's state of consciousness. Generally, an altered state of consciousness would reveal a decrease in heart rate and body temperature.

Psychologists also use the galvanic skin response (GSR) to make inferences about the changes in an individual's state of consciousness. The GSR measures changes in electrical conductivity in the skin by using two electrodes placed on the skin and passing a weak current between them. These changes indicate arousal of the autonomic nervous system, as arousal causes sweating and the consequent damp skin increases its electrical conductivity.