II. Meters of galvanic skin response (GSR)

The invention relates to the field of medicine and medical technology, in particular to methods and devices for diagnosing the state of a living organism by the electrical conductivity of the skin, and can be used in experimental and clinical medicine, as well as in psychophysiology, pedagogy and sports medicine. It is known that the electrical conductivity of the skin of a living organism is a sensitive indicator of its physiological and mental state, and the parameters of the response of conduction to external influences, the so-called galvanic skin response (GSR), allow us to assess the psychophysiological status of an individual. In the study of GSR, indicators of the tonic and phasic components of electrodermal activity (EDA) are distinguished. Tonic activity characterizes changes in skin conductivity that occur relatively slowly over a period of several minutes or more. Phasic activity is processes that occur much faster against the background of tonic activity - their characteristic times are units of seconds. It is the phasic activity that to a greater extent characterizes the reaction of the body to an external stimulus and is further referred to as the phasic component, or GSR. Known methods of registration of GSR provide for the application of a pair of electrodes connected to the source of the probing current and the current recorder in the circuit electrodes - current source to the skin of the test subject. The reaction takes place when the sweat glands eject a secret and short-term impulses of electric current appear in the circuit. Such impulses are generated either spontaneously or as a result of a stressful or other stimulus. Known devices for recording GSR include a current source connected to the electrodes, as well as a unit for recording changes in time of the electrical signal and its processing. Signal processing consists in isolating the phasic component against the background of the tonic component. This can be provided, for example, in a block using a bridge circuit and a series of amplifiers. direct current with individual zero setting. The value of the tonic component (hereinafter referred to as the trend) is calculated analogously and then subtracted from the signal. The baseline is shifted to zero on the plotter by this value. In another known device, the relative level of the phasic component compared to the tonic component of the electrodermal activity is distinguished by a circuit containing high and low pass filters at the outputs of the corresponding amplifiers, as well as a division circuit. It should be noted that in the above-mentioned method and devices for recording the galvanic skin response, no means are provided for analyzing the phase component pulses themselves, while they can give Additional information about the condition of the subject. Closest to the claimed method is the method of registration of galvanic skin response, implemented in the device. The method involves fixing two electrodes on the human body, supplying electrical voltage on them, recording the change in time of the electric current flowing between the electrodes, and fixing the current pulses in the frequency band of the phasic component of the electrodermal activity. The prototype of the device for recording galvanic skin reactions is a device that implements the above method. It has electrodes with means for attaching them to the skin, connected to the input device, means for isolating signals in the frequency bands of the phasic and tonic components of electrodermal activity, means for detecting pulses of the phasic component, means for reducing the amplitude of impulse noise, and a recording unit. However, the aforementioned method and apparatus are not free from artifacts that are superimposed on the time sequence of GSR signals and are similar to phase component pulses. These artifacts are, for example, the result of uncontrolled human movements during registration (the so-called motion artifacts (BP)). Noise may also appear in the signal due to changes in the contact resistance between the electrodes and human skin. The interferences mentioned above, including AD, can have characteristic frequencies comparable to the phase component, which makes their identification and accounting a special problem. Previously, this problem was solved by installing special sensors, in addition to electrodermal ones, on the human body, which complicates the experiment (R.NICULA.- "Psychological Correlates of Nonspecific SCR", - Psychophysiology; 1991, vol.28. No l, p.p. 86-90 ). In addition, the tonic component has minimal characteristic times of the order of several minutes. These changes must be taken into account, especially in cases where the amplitude and frequency of the phasic component are reduced, and the tonic changes are maximum. Such a process is also characteristic of the hardware drift of the measuring path, and can be erroneously interpreted as an information signal. The objective of the present invention is to create a method for recording GSR and a device for its implementation, free from interference caused by artifacts of human movement, as well as interference caused by non-biological causes (technogenic and atmospheric electrical discharges and instrumental noise). This problem is solved without the use of any additional devices similar to those described in the above-mentioned work by R.NICULA. Information about interference is extracted directly from the GSR signal itself, and the technique is based on a detailed analysis of the shape of each electrical impulse in the sequence of impulses coming from the electrodes. It is known that the pulse of the phasic component is a spontaneous short-term increase in the conductivity of the skin, followed by a return to the initial level. Such an impulse has a specific asymmetry in shape: it has a steep leading edge and a more gentle trailing edge (see "Principles of Psychophysiology. Physical, Social, And Inferential Elements". Ed. John T. Cacioppo and Louis G. Tassinary. Cambridge University Press, 1990, p.305). To determine the desired parameters of this GSR pulse, the logarithm of the input signal is differentiated (for example, using an analog differentiator). The patented method includes fixing two electrodes on the human body, applying an electric voltage to them, recording the change in time of the electric current flowing between the electrodes and fixing the current pulses in the frequency band of the phasic component of the electrodermal activity. The method is characterized by analyzing the shape of each pulse in the pulse sequence in the frequency band of the phase component. To do this, a signal is recorded in the form of a time derivative of the logarithm of the numerical value of the electric current, the magnitude of the trend is determined due to changes in the signal in the frequency band of the tonic component of the electrodermal activity, and the magnitude of the first derivative is corrected by subtracting the magnitude of the trend from it. Next, the second time derivative of the logarithm of the numerical value of the electric current is recorded, the beginning of the pulse of the said signal is determined by the moment the second derivative of the threshold value is exceeded, and then the correspondence of the pulse shape to the established criteria is determined. If there is such a correspondence, the analyzed pulse is referred to the pulses of the phase component, and in the absence of such a correspondence, it is referred to as artifacts. The magnitude of the trend can be determined as the average value of the first derivative over a time interval characteristic of the tonic component, mainly from 30 to 120 s. In addition, the magnitude of the trend can be determined as the average value of the first derivative over a time interval of 1-2 s, provided that the values of the first and second derivatives are less than the specified threshold values during this time interval. The time of arrival of the pulse of the first derivative can be considered the moment when the second derivative exceeds the threshold value by at least 0.2%. When determining the pulse shape, the values of the maximum (f MAX) and minimum (f min) values of the first derivative minus the trend value, their ratio r, the time interval (t x) between the minimum and maximum of the first derivative are recorded. In this case, the moments of reaching the maximum and minimum values of the first derivative are determined by the moment of sign change of the second derivative. The criteria for belonging of the analyzed pulse to the signal of the phasic component of the electrodermal activity can be the following inequalities (for the filtered signal): 0.5< f MAX < 10; -2 < f min < -0,1; 1,8 < t x < 7; 1,5 < r < 10 Вышеприведенные существенные признаки патентуемого способа обеспечивают достижение технического результата - повышения помехозащищенности регистрации кожно-гальванической реакции в условиях реальных помех различного происхождения, а также артефактов движения самого испытуемого. Ниже описанные средства для реализации способа могут быть выполнены как приборным, так и программным путем и их сущность ясна из приведенного описания. Устройство для регистрации кожно-гальванических реакций содержит электроды со средствами их крепления, подключенные к входному устройству, средства для подавления импульсных помех, средства для выделения сигналов в полосах частот фазической и тонической составляющих электродермальной активности, средства для детектирования импульсов фазической составляющей и блок регистрации. Средства выделения сигнала в полосах частот тонической и фазической составляющих, средства для подавления импульсных помех и средства для детектирования импульсов фазической составляющей выполнены в виде последовательно подключенных к входному устройству фильтра нижних частот, блока преобразования логарифма входного сигнала в первую и вторую производные по времени и блока анализа формы импульсов, при этом выход последнего подключен к входу блока регистрации. Входное устройство может представлять собой стабилизированный источник электрического напряжения и резистор, подключенные последовательно к электродам, логарифмирующий усилитель с дифференциальным входным каскадом, при этом резистор шунтирует входы логарифмирующего усилителя. Блок преобразования логарифма входного сигнала в первую и вторую производные по времени может быть выполнен в виде первого и второго дифференциаторов и фильтра нижних частот, при этом выход первого дифференциатора подключен к входам второго дифференциатора и фильтра нижних частот, выходы которых являются выходами блока. Блок анализа формы может включать средства для определения максимальной скорости изменения проводимости на переднем и заднем фронтах анализируемого импульса, средства для определения асимметрии его формы, средства для определения ширины импульса, средства для сравнения упомянутых величин с установленными пределами для выработки сигнала принадлежности анализируемого импульса сигналу фазической составляющей электродермальной активности. Блок преобразования входного сигнала в первую и вторую производные по времени от его логарифма и блок анализа формы импульсов могут быть выполнены на базе компьютера, подключенного к входному устройству через аналого-цифровой преобразователь. По сведениям, которыми располагают изобретатели, technical result- the increase in reliability in the selection of pulses of the phase component obviously does not follow from the information contained in the prior art. The inventors are not aware of a source of information that would disclose the applied signal shape analysis technique, which makes it possible to separate useful phase component pulse signals and artifacts, including those caused by the movements of the subject. The above allows us to consider the invention as satisfying the condition of patentability "inventive step". In the following, the invention is explained by the description of specific, but not limiting, embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 1 is a functional diagram of a device for recording galvanic skin reactions in accordance with the present invention; in fig. 2- real example the shape of the original signal (a) and the results of its processing by the device according to the invention (b, c, d); in fig. 3 - hardware implementation of the pulse shape analysis unit; in fig. 4 are timing diagrams explaining the operation of the shape analysis unit; in fig. 5 - an example of the implementation of the synchronization block; in fig. 6 - an example of a computer implementation of the device using digital signal processing; It is convenient to explain the patented method for registering a galvanic skin response using examples of the operation of devices for its implementation. The device for recording the galvanic skin response (figure 1) includes an input device 1 connected to the electrodes 2, 3 for attachment to the human skin 4. The electrodes can be made in various versions, for example, in the form of two rings, a bracelet on the wrist and a ring, a bracelet with two electrical contacts. The only requirement for them: the electrodes must provide a stable electrical contact with the subject's skin. The electrodes 2, 3 are connected to a stabilized voltage source 5 through a resistor R 6, and the resistor itself is connected to the input of a differential logarithmic amplifier 7, the output of which is the output of the input device 1 and is connected to the input of the low-pass filter 8. The output of the filter 8 is connected to the input of the first differentiator 9. The output of the latter is connected to the input of the second differentiator 10, the output of which is connected to the input 11 of the block 12 of the pulse shape analysis. In addition, the output of the first differentiator 9 is connected directly to the block 12 through the input 13, and also through the low-pass filter 14 to another input 15 of the form analysis block 12. The signal from the output of said low-pass filter 14 is used in block 12 to compensate for the tonic component of the GSR. The cutoff frequency of the low pass filter 8 is about 1 Hz, and the cutoff frequency of the low pass filter 14 is about 0.03 Hz, which corresponds to the upper limits of the frequency bands of the phasic and tonic components of the EDA. The output of the pulse shape analysis unit 12 is connected to the registration unit 16. The invention can be implemented both in hardware and software. In both cases, the analysis of the shape of the pulses of the EDA phase component, which makes it possible to separate them from motion artifacts and noise, is carried out using the characteristic signal parameters, which are then compared with acceptable limits. These characteristic parameters include: the maximum slope of the leading and trailing edges of the pulse: expressed as the maximum (f MAX) and minimum (f min) values of the first derivative of the logarithm of the input signal (minus the trend); width t x pulse, defined as the time interval between the moments of reaching the maximum and minimum values of the first derivative; the ratio of the absolute values of the first derivative (minus the trend) at the maximum and minimum: r = |(f MAX)|/|(f min)|. This value of r is a measure of the asymmetry of the analyzed pulse. Thus, the conditions for referring the analyzed pulse to the pulse of the EDA phase component, and not to motion artifacts and noise, are the following inequalities: m 1< f MAX < m 2 ; m 3 < f min < m 4 ; r 1 < r < r 2 ;
t1< t x < t 2 "
where
m 1 , m 2 - the smallest and largest allowable values of the first derivative (minus the trend) at the maximum, %/s;
m 3 , m 4 - the smallest and largest allowable values of the first derivative (minus the trend) at the minimum, %/s;
t 1 , t 2 - minimum and maximum time between the extrema of the first derivative, s;
r 1 , r 2 - minimum and maximum value relations r. It has been established that these limits vary greatly both from one subject to another, and for the same person with different measurements. At the same time, during statistical processing of the research results, it was found that from 80 to 90% of the signals belong to the GSR signals themselves, if the following numerical values of the limits are used: m 1 \u003d 0.5, m 2 \u003d 10, m 3 \u003d -2, m 4 \u003d - 0.1, t 1 \u003d 1.8, t 2 \u003d 7, r 1 \u003d 1.5, r 2 \u003d 10. In FIG. 2 shows an example of processing a real GSR signal. Curve a shows the shape of the signal - U = 100ln (I meas) at the output of the logarithmic amplifier 7; on curve b - the first U", and on curve c - the second U" derivatives of the signal shown on curve a. Since the circuit provides for the logarithm of the signal, after differentiation in elements 9 and 10, the numerical values of the derivatives of the signal U" and U"" have the dimensions %/s and %/s 2, respectively. In Fig. 2, curve d shows the result of recognition of the GSR signal on against the background of the trend and interference according to the patented invention.Marks S 1 and S 2 show the signals corresponding to the time of appearance of pulses of the phase component.It is noteworthy that the experimental fact that outwardly similar to the marked marks S 1 and S 2 pulse in the time interval 20 - 26 s (shaded area) - is a noise Checking whether the impulse meets the four criteria (*) is performed by the shape analysis unit 12. The magnitude of the trend can be determined as the average value of the first derivative over a time interval characteristic of the tonic component, preferably from 30 to 120 s. In addition, the magnitude of the trend can be determined as the average value of the first derivative over a time interval of 1-2 s pr and provided that the values of the first and second derivatives are less than the specified threshold values during this time interval. In the second variant, the trend is determined more accurately, however, when in large numbers interference, the above conditions may not be met long time. In this case, it is necessary to determine the trend in the first way. In FIG. 3 shows the hardware implementation of block 12 as an example. In this variant, the trend is determined by the averaged value of the first derivative over a time of 30 s. In FIG. 4 shows timing diagrams explaining the operation of individual elements of this block. Block 12 has three inputs 11, 13 and 15. Input 11, to which the signal of the second derivative U"" is applied, is the signal input of two comparators 17 and 18, and zero potential is applied to the reference input of the latter. Inputs 13 and 15 are the inputs of a differential amplifier 19, the output of which is connected to the signal inputs of the sample-and-hold circuits 20 and 21. The outputs of the comparators 17, 18 are connected to the inputs of the synchronization block 22, respectively, to the inputs 23 and 24. The output 25 of the block 22 is connected to the clock input of the sampling and storage circuit 20, as well as to the start input of the sawtooth generator 26. Output 27 is connected to the clock input of the circuit 21 sample and hold. The outputs of the circuits 20, 21 sample and hold, as well as the sawtooth voltage generator 26 are connected to the inputs of the comparison circuits 29, 30 and 31. In addition, the outputs of the circuits 20 and 21 are connected to the inputs of an analog divider 32, the output of which is connected to the input of the comparison circuit 33. The outputs of the circuits 29, 30, 31, 33 are connected to the logic inputs of the AND circuit: 34, 35, 36, 37, 38. In addition, the output 28 of the synchronization circuit 22 is connected to the strobe input 39 of the AND circuit 34. The comparator 17 has an input for supplying a reference voltage V S1 , which sets the threshold value of the second derivative, above which the analysis of the pulse shape begins. The reference inputs of the comparison circuits 29, 30, 31, 33 are also connected to sources of reference voltages (not shown in Fig.), which determine the allowable limits of the selected parameters. The indices in the names of these voltages (V T1 , V T2 ; V M1 , V M2 ; V R1 ; V M3 , V M4) correspond to the above limits, within which the tested values must lie (see inequalities (*)). In the case of such a match, a short logic "1" pulse is generated at the output 40 of the circuit 34. The operation of the pulse shape analysis unit 12 shown in FIG. 3 is illustrated by the diagrams of FIG. 4. Diagram a shows an example of a single pulse at the output of logarithmic amplifier 7. Block 12 receives input following signals : the first derivative signal to input 131 (diagram b), the first derivative signal averaged over 30 s to input 15, and the second derivative signal to input 11 (diagram c). The averaging time is chosen as the smallest, corresponding to the frequency range of the EDA tonic component. As a result, at the output of the differential amplifier 19 there is a voltage of U ", corresponding to the first derivative of the logarithm of the input signal, compensated for the trend value. The value of U" is numerically equal to the voltage increment in one second, expressed in%, relative to the value of the tonic component (see Fig. 4b). It is this signal that is analyzed by the rest of the circuit. The timing of the elements of block 12 is carried out by the synchronization circuit 22 as follows. The signal from the output of the comparator 17 is a positive voltage drop that occurs when the voltage from the output of the differentiator 10 exceeds the threshold value V S1 (Fig. 4, c). The numerical value of the threshold voltage V S1 in volts is chosen so that it corresponds to a change in the second derivative of at least 0.2%, which is determined experimentally. This rising edge (FIG. 4d) is the trigger strobe for the timing circuit 22. Comparator 18 (see Fig. 4, e) generates positive and negative voltage drops at its output when the input signal U"" passes through zero. After starting the synchronization circuit with a strobe pulse from the comparator 17, short strobe pulses are generated on each edge of the signal from the comparator 18. The first strobe pulse is fed to the output 25 (Fig.4, f) and then fed to the sample and hold circuit 20, which fixes the value of U "at the moment the maximum is reached (Fig.4, g). The second strobe (Fig.4. h) enters from the output 27 of the synchronization circuit 22 to the strobe input of the second sample-and-hold circuit 21, which fixes the U" value at a minimum (FIG. 4, i). The first pulse is also fed to the input of the sawtooth voltage generator 26, which generates a linearly increasing voltage after the arrival of the strobe pulse (Fig. 4, j). The signal from the output of the generator 26 sawtooth voltage is input to the circuit 29 comparison. The output signal from circuit 20 is fed to the input of the comparison circuit 30. The signal from the output of circuit 21 is fed to circuit 31. In addition, the signals from the outputs of circuits 20, 21 are fed to the inputs A and B of the analog divider 32. The signal from the output of the analog divider 32, proportional the ratio of the input voltages U A /U B fed to the input circuit 33 comparison. The signals from the outputs of all comparison circuits 29, 30, 31 and 33 are fed to the inputs 35, 36, 37, 38 of the logical AND circuit 34, which is clocked by a strobe pulse (see Fig. 4, k) supplied to the strobe input 39 from the output 28 of the circuit 22. As a result, a logic "1" pulse is generated at the output 40 of circuit 34 if a logic "1" signal is applied to all four inputs 35-38 during the arrival of a strobe pulse at input 39, the positive edge of which corresponds to the negative edge at output 28. Comparison schemes (pos. 29-31.33) can be implemented in any of the traditional ways. They generate a logic "1" signal if the input voltage lies within the range specified by the two reference voltages. All internal strobe signals are provided by the timing circuit 22, which can be implemented, for example, as follows (see FIG. 5). Scheme 22 has two inputs: 23 and 24. Input 23 is connected to the S-input of the RS-flip-flop 41, which is switched to a single state by a positive edge from the comparator 17 (Fig.4, d), i.e. when the value of the second derivative U"" exceeds the threshold level. The output Q of the trigger 41 is connected to the inputs of the logical AND circuits 42 and 43, thus allowing the signals from the trigger 44 and the inverter 45 to pass through them. The signal from the comparator 18 is sent to the input 24 (Fig. 4, e). The negative edge of the signal from the input 24 is inverted by the inverter 45 and through the circuit 42 goes to another one-shot 46, which generates a gate pulse at the output 25 (see Fig.4. h). A positive drop from input 24 sets trigger 44 to a single state, which in turn triggers one-shot 47, which generates a short positive pulse. This gating pulse is applied to the output 27 of the timing circuit (FIG. 4f). The same pulse is applied to the input of the inverter 48, the output of which is connected to the input of the one-shot 49. Thus, the circuit 49 is triggered by the trailing edge of the pulse from the output 47 and generates a third short strobe pulse (see Fig.4, k). This pulse is applied to output 28, and is also used to reset RS-flip-flops 41 and 44, for which it is applied to their R-inputs. After the passage of this pulse, the synchronization circuit 22 is again ready for operation until the next signal arrives at the input 23. As a result of the operation of the synchronization circuit 22 described above, at the output 40 of the shape analysis block 12 (see Fig. 3), a short logical "1" pulse is generated under the condition that the analyzed parameters lie within the specified limits. It should be noted that in FIG. 2, d labels S 1 and S 2 are named just the indicated pulses; for clarity, they are superimposed on the graphs of the first and second derivatives of the analyzed signal. The hardware implementation of the means for extracting signals of the tonic component and pulses of the phasic component has been described above. At the same time, the identification of a useful pulse of the phase component against the background of noise and blood pressure can also be carried out by software. In FIG. 6 shows an example of a computer implementation of the device using digital signal processing. The device includes an input device 1 connected to the electrodes 2, 3 for connection to human skin 4. The electrodes are connected through a resistor R6 to a source 5 of a stabilized constant reference voltage. The signal from the resistor 6 is fed to the input device - operational amplifier 50 with high input and low output impedances, operating in linear mode. From the output of amplifier 50, the signal is fed to the input of a standard 16-bit analog-to-digital converter 51 (ADC) installed in the expansion slot of an IBM-compatible computer 52. The logarithm and all further analysis of the signal is performed digitally. Using the ADC-converted values of the current flowing between the electrodes (I meas)> the first and second derivatives of the value 100ln(I meas) are calculated. The values of the first derivative must be calculated with a correction for the trend. The trend value is defined as the average value of the first derivative over a period of 30 to 120 s. Next, the determination of the belonging of the analyzed pulse to the GSR signal is carried out (checking the fulfillment of conditions (*)). If the shape parameters meet the established criteria, the said pulse is referred to as GSR pulses, and if it is not fulfilled, it is referred to as artifacts. The described method and device can be used in various medical and psychophysiological studies, where one of the measured parameters is the electrical conductivity of the skin. These are, for example: simulators with skin resistance feedback for developing relaxation and concentration skills, professional selection systems, etc. In addition, the patented invention can be used, for example, to determine the level of wakefulness of a driver vehicle in real conditions, characterized by the presence of numerous interferences. Implementation of devices can be easily carried out on a standard element base. A variant of the device with digital signal processing can be implemented based on any personal computer, as well as using any microcontroller or single-chip microcomputer. The connection of the measuring part and the signal processing device (both analog and digital) can be carried out by any of the known ways, both over a wired channel and wirelessly, for example, over a radio channel or an IR channel. There are many different versions of the device, depending on the skill and professional knowledge, as well as the element base used, so the diagrams given should not serve as restrictions on the implementation of the invention.

Claim

1. A method for recording galvanic skin reactions, including fixing two electrodes on the human body, applying an electric voltage to them, registering the change in time of the electric current flowing between the electrodes and fixing current pulses in the frequency band of the physical component of the electrodermal activity, characterized in that they analyze the shape of each pulse in the sequence of pulses in the frequency band of the physical component, for which the signal is recorded in the form of a time derivative of the logarithm of the numerical value of the electric current, the magnitude of the trend is determined due to changes in the signal in the frequency band of the tonic component of the electrodermal activity, and the value of the first derivative is corrected by subtracting from it the trend value, register the second time derivative of the logarithm of the numerical value of the electric current, determine the beginning of the pulse of the mentioned signal by the moment the second derivative of the threshold value is exceeded, and then determine They determine the correspondence of the pulse shape to the established criteria, and if there is such a correspondence, the analyzed pulse is referred to the pulses of the physical component, and in the absence of such a correspondence, they are referred to as artifacts. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the trend value is determined as the average value of the first derivative over a time interval, preferably from 30 to 120 s. 3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the trend value is determined as the average value of the first derivative over a time interval of 1 - 2 s, provided that the values of the first and second derivatives are less than the specified threshold values during this time interval. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the arrival time of the pulse of the first derivative is considered the moment when the second derivative exceeds the threshold value by at least 0.2%. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when determining the shape of the pulse, the values of the maximum f m a x and minimum f m i n values \u200b\u200bof the first derivative minus the trend value, their ratio r, the time interval t x between the minimum and maximum of the first derivative are recorded, with In this case, the moments of reaching the maximum and minimum values of the first derivative are determined by the moment of sign change of the second derivative. 6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the criteria for belonging of the analyzed pulse to the signal of the physical component of the electrodermal activity are inequalities
0,5 < f m a x < 10;
-2 < f m i n < -0,1;
1,8 < t x < 7;
1,5 < r < 10. 7. Устройство для регистрации кожно-гальванических реакций, содержащее электроды со средствами их крепления, подключенные к входному устройству, средства для подавления импульсных помех, средства для выделения сигнала в полосе частот физической составляющей электродермальной активности, средства для детектирования импульсов физической составляющей, блок регистрации, отличающееся тем, что средства выделения сигнала в полосе частот физической составляющей, средства для подавления импульсных помех и средства для детектирования импульсов физической составляющей выполнены в виде последовательно подключенных к входному устройству фильтра нижних частот, блока преобразования входного сигнала в первую и вторую производные по времени и блока анализа формы импульсов, при этом выход последнего подключен к входу блока регистрации. 8. Устройство по п.7, отличающееся тем, что входное устройство представляет собой стабилизированный источник электрического напряжения и резистор, подключенные последовательно к электродам, логарифмирующий усилитель с дифференциальным входным каскадом, при этом резистор шунтирует входы логарифмирующего усилителя. 9. Устройство по п.7 или 8, отличающееся тем, что блок преобразования входного сигнала в первую и вторую производные по времени выполнен в виде первого и второго дифференциаторов и фильтра нижних частот, при этом выход первого дифференциаторв подключен к входам второго дифференциатора и фильтра нижних частот, выходы которых являются выходами блока. 10. Устройство по любому из пп.7 - 9, отличающееся тем, что блок анализа формы включает средства для определения максимальной скорости изменения сигнала на переднем и заднем фронтах анализируемого импульса, средства для определения асимметрии его формы, средства для определения ширины импульса, средства для сравнения упомянутых величин с установленными пределами для выработки сигнала принадлежности анализируемого импульса сигналу физической составляющей электродермальной активности. 11. Устройство по п.7, отличающееся тем, что фильтр нижних частот, блок преобразования входного сигнала в первую и вторую производные по времени и блок анализа формы импульсов выполнены на базе компьютера, подключенного к входному устройству через аналого-цифровой преобразователь.

Physiological studies at the end of the 19th century found that between two electrodes directly applied to the skin, there is a potential difference due to local metabolism, the state of the vessels and the hydrophilicity of the skin. Areas of the skin rich in sweat glands are electronegative, while areas poor in them are electropositive. Under the influence of pain, mental stress, excitation of the analyzers, the potential difference will change. This effect was discovered by the Russian physiologist I.R. Tarkhanov in 1889. Usually, between electrodes located at a distance of 1 cm from each other, the potential difference Δφ is 10 - 20 mV. Under the influence of stimuli, Δφ grows to tens and hundreds of millivolts. To remove potentials, electrodes made of zinc or silver are used and have the form of disks with a diameter of ~ 10 mm. Conductive paste is used for better contact. Previously, the paste was made from kaolin and a saturated solution of ZnS in water. At present, an industrial paste is used. The measurement scheme is shown in the figure. It can be seen that the compensation method is used. Key 1 is closed for measurement. Key 2 is switched on arbitrarily. Then the rheostat reduces to zero the current shown by the ammeter in the measuring circuit. If it doesn't work, switch key 2. Then the object's stimulus is applied and after a latent period (which is 1–3 s) the galvanic skin response to the stimulus is recorded. This procedure is called the galvanic skin reaction according to Tarkhanov.

The galvanic skin reaction can be recorded according to the method of the French doctor K. Feret. This technique measures the electrical resistance between two points on the skin. Under the action of an irritant, the electrical resistance of the skin changes after the latent time has elapsed. Both methods give identical results when registering the galvanic skin response (GSR).

Informative possibilities of the KGR.

The electrical conductivity of the skin depends on the state of the autonomic nervous system. The factors that determine the electrical conductivity are the activity of the sweat glands, the permeability of biological membranes, the hydrophilicity of the skin, and the blood supply. Influences under the influence of which the electrical conductivity changes: pain, neuropsychic tension, afferent stimuli (light, sound). The change in the electrical resistance of the skin is referred to as GSR, since it is accompanied by a change in the galvanic potential of the skin. It is carried out at constant voltage.

Galvanic skin reactions are highly non-specific, since they can be associated with both complex neuro-endocrine shifts and changes in information flows in the central nervous system. When the sympathetic system is excited, the skin resistance decreases (or the negative potential of the electrode increases). With parasympathetic reactions, the opposite happens.

When pilots flew along the Kepler parabola, fluctuations in electrical resistance were observed, caused by the action of overloads, interspersed with states of weightlessness. Schizophrenics exhibit spontaneous galvanic skin reactions. Along with these relatively fast reactions, there are also slow changes in potentials (hourly, daily). In sleep, the resistance grows. When the vestibular apparatus is excited, the resistance decreases. GSR is considered to be a measure of the vigilance and awareness of the pilot. This method registers emotions - excitement, fear, fear, etc.

The RGR method was used on spacecraft in the course of medical research and monitoring the condition of astronauts. When flying on Vostok 3 and Vostok 4, this method recorded slow fluctuations in the galvanic skin potential, and on Vostok 5 and Vostok 6, fast fluctuations. This method also has certain implementation difficulties. They are associated with growth. electrical resistance due to violation of contact with the skin and due to polarization phenomena. For pilots and cosmonauts, electrodes for registering GSR are applied to the foot - the back and plantar parts. Fix the electrodes of the elastic bandage. The non-specificity of galvanic skin reactions dictates the need for their constant comparison with other physiological indicators, with the recording of radio communications and with a television image. For example, on the recording of the galvanic skin response of V.V. Tereshkova's signal coincided with her awakening from sleep, which was controlled by the opening of her eyes. The latter was recorded by electrooculography (EOG).

Skin-galvanic phenomena have been studied in our country and abroad by various authors and in various directions. The physiological, reflex, physicochemical mechanisms of skin electrical reactions, the physicochemical nature of the electrical potentials of the skin and the influence of the nervous system on them, skin-galvanic reactions in healthy and sick people in the clinic were studied.
Registration and fixation of the galvanic skin response (or galvanic skin potential) for instrumental lie detection is carried out using a polygraph and special software. The galvanic skin response (hereinafter referred to as GSR) is taken by means of a simple sensor consisting of two electrodes, which are attached to the human skin surface, in particular, to the “pads” of the nail (upper) phalanges of the fingers.
Despite the available studies (Vasilyeva V.K. - 1964; Raevskaya O.S. -1985), confirming the presence of some differences in skin potentials, depending on the place of removal of the GSR (left or right side of the body), in my opinion, this does not fundamental influence on the results of the interpretation of polygrams when conducting surveys using a polygraph. However, if you have a choice, I recommend shooting GSR from the fingers of the left hand, since it is traditionally believed that a more pronounced reaction is taken from the left hand, which is under the control of the “more emotional” right hemisphere of the brain.
In this paper, we use research materials obtained using the polygraph "KRIS" manufactured by Varlamov and the corresponding software "Sheriff".
It has been established that electrical phenomena in living tissues, including human skin, are due to ionic changes.
The study of GSR began in the 19th century. According to available data, in 1888 Feret and in 1889 Tarkhanov discovered two phenomena of skin electrical activity. Feret discovered that the resistance (electrical conductivity) of the skin changes when a current of 1-3 volts is passed through it in the dynamics of the impact of emotional and sensory stimuli. The phenomenon of GSR, discovered a little later by Tarkhanov, consists in the fact that when measuring the potential of the skin with a galvanometer, a change in this potential is detected depending on the emotional experiences of a person and the supplied sensory stimuli. Obviously, under such circumstances, the Feret method measures GSR by measuring skin resistance, and the Tarkhanov method measures GSR by measuring skin potential. Both methods measure GSR in the dynamics of the supply (presentation) of stimuli. In connection with the obvious dependence of GSR on mental phenomena, for some time GSR was called the psychogalvanic reaction or the Feret effect. The change in the potential of the skin was for some time called the Tarkhanov effect.
Later scientists (Tarkhanov I.R. - 1889; Butorin V.I., Luria A.R. -1923; Myasishchev V.N. -1929; Kravchenko E.A. - 1936; Poznanskaya N.B. - 1940; Gorev V.P. -1943; Kraeva N.P. - 1951; Vasilyeva V.K. -1960; Varlamov V.A. -1974; Kondor I.S., Leonov N.A. -1980; Krauklis A.A. -1982; Arakelov GG -1998 and many others) developed and confirmed the indicated ionic theory of bioelectric potentials. According to d.b.s. Vasilyeva V.K. (1964), one of the first in our country the ionic theory of bioelectric potentials and currents was substantiated by V.Yu. Chagovets (1903).
The simplest and clearest concept of GSR, from a psychological point of view, in my opinion, was proposed in 1985 by L.A. Karpenko: “Galvanic skin response (GSR) is an indicator of skin electrical conductivity. It has phasic and tonic forms. In the first case, GSR is one of the components of the orienting reflex that arises in response to a new stimulus and dies away with its repetition. The tonic form of GSR characterizes slow changes in skin conductance that develop, for example, with fatigue ”(A Brief Psychological Dictionary / Compiled by L.A. Karpenko; Under the general editorship of A.V. Petrovsky, M.G. Yaroshevsky. - M.Zh Politizdat, 1985, p. 144).
In 2003 Nemov R.S. gave the following definition: “Galvanic skin response (GSR) is an involuntary organic reaction registered with appropriate instruments on the surface of human skin. GSR is expressed in a decrease in the electrical resistance of the skin surface to the conduction of an electric current of low strength due to the activation of the sweat glands and subsequent moisturizing of the skin. In psychology, GSR is used to study and evaluate the emotional and other psychological states of a person at a given moment in time. By the nature of the GSR, they also judge the performance of a person various kinds activity "(Psychology: Dictionary-reference book: in 2 hours - M .: Publishing house VLADOS-PRESS, 2003, part 1 p. 220).
The most concise definition of GSR can be found in N.A. Larchenko: “Galvanic skin response is an indicator of skin electrical conductivity that changes with various mental illnesses” (Dictionary-reference book of medical terms and basic medical concepts / N.A. Larchenko. - Rostov-na - Don: Phoenix, 2013, p. 228).
There are a lot of modern definitions of GSR, while there is no strict and precise generalizing theory of the galvanic skin response. Given the numerous scientific studies carried out in our country and abroad, we have to admit that many questions remain in the study of the GSR. “The electrical activity of the skin (EC) is associated with the activity of sweating, but its physiological basis has not been fully studied” (Psychophysiology: a textbook for universities / Edited by Yu.I. Aleksandrov, St. Petersburg: Peter, 2012, p. 40). Without going into a list of theories, it should be noted that for the purpose of instrumental lie detection, GSR is perhaps the most effective indicator of a person's psychophysiological activity. The most important for the instrumental detection of lies is the connection of the galvanic skin reaction with the physiological and mental processes of a person, the stable connection of the amplitude, length and dynamics of the GSR with verbal and non-verbal stimuli that cause it, as well as the fact that these connections are reflected to varying degrees. “Numerous studies conducted by various authors have shown that GSR reflects the general activation of a person, as well as his tension. With an increase in the level of activation or an increase in tension, the skin resistance decreases, while with relaxation and relaxation, the level of skin resistance increases. page 17).
According to Varlamov V.A. “Analysis of data on the mechanism of occurrence and regulation of a skin reaction, its informative signs showed that:
- tonic skin reaction is a reflection of deep processes of functional restructuring in the central nervous system;
- the magnitude of the response of the galvanic skin reflex is directly dependent on the novelty of the stimulus, the typological features of higher nervous activity, the level of motivation of the subject and his functional state;
- the dynamics of the indicators of phasic CR can be a criterion for the degree of emotional overstrain of the human functional system. If further growth emotional tension leads to a decrease in phasic CR, this indicates the limit of the functional capabilities of the subject;
- methods of registration, measurement of the dynamics of skin resistance, or the potential of the skin, in terms of information content, do not differ;
— informative features of the RC curve are common to any periodic curves.
When analyzing CR, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the mobility of the nervous system of people, taking into account regional and national characteristics. It is impossible to determine from the CR curve which nationality representative is being tested, but the fact that he, for example, is a representative of southern peoples, temperamental, with a mobile nervous system - you can determine. (Varlamov V.A., Varlamov G.V., Computer lie detection, Moscow-2010, p.63).
Given the above, I consider it appropriate to determine the main characteristics of the GSR necessary for accounting and understanding for the purposes of psychophysiological research (surveys) using a polygraph and the so-called instrumental lie detection.
Galvanic skin response (GSR) is an indicator of the electrical conductivity and resistance of the skin, its own electrical potential skin. It has been established that these indicators change in a person depending on external and internal conditions. The most important, in my opinion, conditions include: the psychological state of a person, the physiological state of a person, the adaptive capabilities of a person, environmental conditions, the strength, frequency and intensity of the stimulus presented, etc.
Galvanic skin response (GSR) has phasic and tonic components. The phasic component characterizes the psychophysiological reaction associated with the recognition of the presented stimulus. These characteristics are associated with the recognition of such components of the presented stimulus as its novelty, intensity, suddenness-expectancy, strength, semantic content, and emotional significance. The tonic component characterizes the psychophysiological state of the organism under study, the degree of adaptation to the presented stimulus.
The galvanic skin response (GSR) under controlled conditions is practically not amenable to correct conscious control. In the presence of external or internal conditions affecting the state of the GSR, by the nature of the change in the phasic and tonic components of the GSR, one can quite objectively determine the qualitative characteristics of the influencing factors. This circumstance makes it possible to fairly objectively distinguish spontaneous GSR from arbitrary GSR.
The galvanic skin response (GSR) at the time of the psychophysiological study using a polygraph can be considered as an indicator of the degree of recognition of the presented stimulus, an indicator of emotion, an indicator of a stress reaction, an indicator of the functional state of the body, and all of the above at the same time.
It is known from classical psychophysiology that GSR is associated with the thalamic and cortical regions of the brain. It is believed that the activity of the neocortex is regulated by the reticular formation, while the hypothalamus maintains autonomic tone, the activity of the limbic system and general level wakefulness of a person. It has also been proven that GSR is partially influenced by the human parasympathetic system.
Fragment from the book "Encyclopedia of the polygraph"

Spheres of practical application of the GSR method In psychological and psychophysiological studies requiring an integrative assessment of the functional state; To solve various applied problems in labor psychology, psychophysiology, engineering psychology, etc., related to the quantitative assessment of the impact of various factors on a person;

Spheres of practical application of the GSR method To accelerate the process of learning various methods of self-regulation of the psychofunctional state; methods of self-regulation of the psychofunctional state For research related to the optimization of ways for a person to solve problem moments and problem situations during the performance of professional activities.

Application of GSR parameters To quantify all types of emotional manifestations observed both as a result of special effects in experiments, and as an indicator of subjective experiences; As a parameter of energy security of both the whole organism as a whole and individual systems.

Sweating GSR model The process of conduction of electric current through the skin is determined by the electrical conductivity of fluids (sweat secretions and hydration of the upper layer), and quantitatively, the electrical parameters of the skin are determined by the quantitative parameters of fluid excretion.

Sweating model of GSR Qualitative changes in the composition of fluid in the skin are not considered. When a person is activated under the influence of impulses in the nerve endings of the upper layers of the skin, the intensity of perspiration in the sweat glands increases.

Sweating model of GSR Rapid (phasic) changes in the GSR signal reflect an increase in electrocutaneous conductance and a decrease in electrical skin resistance. Slower tonic changes in the level of the GSR signal are determined by the intensity of perspiration and the degree of hydration (saturation of the upper layers of the skin with liquid electrolytes).

GSR ionic model (VV Sukhodoev) In the normal functional state, a significant part of tissue ions are in the active (free) state, which makes it possible for the skin to perform its function of energy exchange of the human body with the environment.

GSR ionic model (VV Sukhodoev) With an increase in activation (due to nerve impulses), the activity of electrolyte ions increases and the energy potential of cell membranes decreases. Ions on cell membranes move from free to bound state and increase the conductivity of the skin, i.e. an activation reaction in the form of phasic GSR is observed.

GSR ionic model With a decrease in the energy impact from the central nervous system, the processes of transition of ions to a more stable bound state are automatically switched on due to their grouping on cell membranes (part of the ion energy is transferred to the cells for intracellular processes associated with the accumulation of energy at the cellular level).

Three main types of background GSR (L.B. Ermolaeva-Tomina, 1965) Stable (in background GSR, spontaneous fluctuations are completely absent); Stable-labile (separate spontaneous fluctuations are recorded in the background GSR); Labile (even in the absence of external stimuli, spontaneous fluctuations are continuously recorded).

Galvanic skin reactivity Galvanic skin reactivity is the ease with which responses to exposure develop. According to the degree of reactivity, all people are divided into low reactive (reactions do not occur even to stimuli of considerable intensity) and highly reactive (any, even the most insignificant external influence causes intense GSR). There are intermediate types. Highly reactive people are active, excitable, anxious, egocentric, highly imaginative. Low reactive people are lethargic, calm, and prone to depression.

Rate of GSR Extinction and Typological Properties of the Nervous System The rate of GSR extinction upon repetition of a stimulus is slower in persons with high excitation dynamism; in individuals with high dynamics of inhibition, a rapid fading of the GSR is observed as the stimulus is repeated.

Method for determining the strength of the nervous system (according to V.I. Rozhdestvenskaya, 1969; V.S. Merlin, E.I. Mastvilisker, 1971) Registration of evoked GSR in response to repeated (30) presentation of a stimulus. The reaction to the first five presentations is not taken into account, because. regarded as indicative. The average GSR amplitudes are compared for the 3 second (from 6 to 8) and 3 last presentations of the stimulus. An indicator of the strength-weakness of the nervous system is the percentage of logarithms of the average amplitude. The higher the value of the coefficient, the higher the strength of the nervous system.

GSR Amplitude Values In the normal state, the GSR amplitude is mV/cm; With increasing excitation, the GSR amplitude increases to 100 mV/cm.

GSR-BFB training As a correlator of the psycho-emotional state, GSR is widely used in the BFB circuit in the treatment of CNS diseases, neurosis, phobias, depressive conditions, various emotional disorders, and increasing mental stability under stressful conditions. Eliminating excessive vegetative activation in response to external factors, biofeedback - GSR training for practically healthy people allows to reduce the psychophysiological price of activity and improve its quality, especially in situations of high responsibility, lack of time, information and funds, as well as in conditions of probable danger and interference .

GSR-BOS training The purpose of the procedure. Formation in the patient of a stereotype of inhibition of the autonomic activation reaction in response to the presentation of unexpected sound stimuli. Indications and contraindications. It is recommended for patients with excessive autonomic activation in response to the presentation of an insignificant acoustic stimulus. They can be used at the final stage in the course of teaching relaxation skills under the influence of interfering stimuli. In addition, the normalization of the rate of extinction of the orienting reaction is one of the auxiliary stages in the course of increasing mental stress resistance. This type of training is contraindicated in acute psychotic states, neurosis-like consequences of a head injury, neuroinfections and other organic brain lesions.

Specifics of application During the procedure, the room must be maintained at a constant temperature of 20 ... 24 ° C and there should be no extraneous sounds. It is not recommended to start training earlier than two hours after a heavy meal. The hand with the electrodes lies freely on the armrest of the chair, active movements, if possible, should be excluded. In some cases, with the same stimuli, there may be a difference in the amplitudes of reactions on the right and left hands. In this case, the side with the larger amplitude values should be used.

Scenario of biofeedback training KGR "Familiarization" Scenario idea. By controlling the dynamics of his own GSR during episodic presentation of unpleasant sound stimuli, the patient finds and consolidates a response skill that is not accompanied by bursts of GSR and, accordingly, excessive autonomic activation. Scenario specifics. As a model of stressful influences, acoustic signals of increased volume and subjectively unpleasant for the patient are used. The moments of their presentation are formed randomly using a signal generator.

Scenario of biofeedback training GGR "Familiarization" Controlled parameters and configuration of removal. As controlled parameter the absolute value of GSR (M GSR) is used. GSR registration is carried out from the palmar surface of the distal phalanges of the index and middle fingers of one of the hands. Before applying the electrodes, the skin is treated with a 70% alcohol solution. On the finger, in the area of contact with the working part of the electrode, there should be no abrasions and other skin damage. If available, you can use another finger or move the electrode to the middle phalanx of the same finger. The fastening of the electrodes should not be tight.

Description of the procedure "Improving stress resistance" The purpose of the procedure. It is used to master and consolidate the skills to reduce the severity of vegetative manifestations and emotional tension when exposed to stress factors. Indications and contraindications. Recommended for functional training therapy of patients with neurosis with anxiety-phobic symptoms, improving mental adaptation, increasing the mental stability of a person to various stress factors. It is also recommended to overcome internal mental tension, feelings of vague anxiety and causeless fear. The procedure can be used by practically healthy people whose activities take place in conditions of increased responsibility, lack of time, and possible danger.

Description of the procedure "Improving stress resistance" The procedures are contraindicated in acute psychotic states, neurosis-like consequences of a head injury, neuroinfections and other organic lesions of the brain. It should be taken into account that, as with the use of any type of biofeedback, the effectiveness of biofeedback according to GSR is reduced in patients with intellectual-mnestic disorders. Therefore, in the presence of this pathology of a pronounced degree, it is necessary to consider the question of the expediency of prescribing the described method. It is recommended for patients with excessive autonomic activation in response to the presentation of an insignificant acoustic stimulus.

Description of the procedure "Improving stress resistance" Application specifics. To provoke a state of anxious expectation in a patient, electrocutaneous stimuli (ES) are used, which are generated using an electrical stimulator. Preliminary briefing, consent of the patient and individual selection of the intensity of the electrical stimulus are required. The felt inserts of the electrostimulator electrodes should be well moistened with tap water. As they dry, the intensity of stimulation decreases, so if the workout lasts more than 30 minutes, use the "Pause" button and moisten them additionally. In one procedure, the use of more than 15 ES is not recommended.

Description of the procedure "Improving stress resistance" They can be used at the final stage in the course of teaching relaxation skills under the influence of interfering stimuli. In addition, the normalization of the rate of extinction of the orienting reaction is one of the auxiliary stages in the course of increasing mental stress resistance.

Literature 1) Dementienko V.V., Dorokhov V.B., Koreneva L.G. Hypothesis on the nature of electrodermal phenomena // Human Physiology T C) Ivonin A.A., Popova E.I., Shuvaev V.T. and others. The method of behavioral psychotherapy using biofeedback on galvanic skin response (GSR-BFB) in the treatment of patients with neurotic phobic syndromes // Biofeedback, 2000, 1, p) Fedotchev A.I. Adaptive biofeedback with feedback and control of the functional state of a person / Institute of Cell Biophysics RAS // Advances in Physiological Sciences T. 33. N 3. C

Electrical activity of the skin - galvanic skin response(GGR) - is determined in two ways. The first, proposed by S. Fere (Fere) in 1888, is a measurement of skin resistance. The second - the measurement of the potential difference between two points on the surface of the skin - is associated with the name of I.R. Tarkhanov (1889).

Comparison of the GSR measured by the Feret method and by the Tarkhanov method led to the conclusion that changes in the difference of skin potentials and skin resistance reflect the same reflex reaction recorded in different physical conditions(Kozhevnikov, 1955). Changes in resistance are always represented by a single-phase wave of decrease in the initial skin resistance. Changes in skin potentials can be expressed as waves of different polarity, often multiphase. According to R. Edelberg (Edelberg, 1970), the skin potential difference includes an epidermal component that is not associated with the activity of the sweat glands, while the skin conductivity does not have it, that is, it reflects the state of the sweat glands.

When measuring skin resistance with external source current, connected by a negative pole to the palm, the latent period of the change in resistance turns out to be 0.4-0.9 seconds longer than the latent period of changes in the potential difference. The dynamic characteristics of the phasic GSR reliably reflect fast processes in the CNS. The nature and form of the tonic component are individual indicators and do not show a clear dependence on the type of activity (Kuznetsov, 1983).

Two main mechanisms are involved in the occurrence of GSR: peripheral (properties of the skin itself, including the activity of sweat glands) (Biro, 1983) and transmission, associated with the activating and triggering action of the central structures (Lader and Motagu, 1962). Distinguish between spontaneous GSR, which develops in the absence of external influence, and evoked - reflecting the body's response to an external stimulus.

To register the GSR, use

yut non-polarized electrodes, usually applied to the palmar and back surfaces of the hands, fingertips, sometimes on the forehead or feet.

GSR is most effective in combination with

combination with other methods in assessing the emotional state of the subjects (Fig. 2.24).

All the described methods for obtaining psychophysiological information have their advantages and disadvantages. The simultaneous use of several of them in one experimental situation allows one to obtain more reliable results.

Association experiment as an analysis tool

Psychic Phenomena

For the first time associative experiment was proposed in 1879 by F. Galton, a relative of C. Darwin. He proved to be an innovator in various fields. human knowledge. F. Galton introduced fingerprinting at Scotland Yard, appreciated the importance of the twin method in genetic analysis, proposed new statistical methods for analyzing biological data, and created the first test for assessing intelligence. Like most researchers in the field of psychology of that time, he conducted many experimental studies on himself.

The variant of the associative method proposed by F. Galton looked as follows. He chose 75 English words, wrote each one on a separate card and set it aside for a few days. Then he took a card with one hand, and with the help of a chronometer noted the time when the word he read evoked two different thoughts in him. F. Galton refused to publish the results of the experiment, referring to the fact that “they expose the essence of human thought with such amazing clarity and open the anatomy of thinking with such vivacity and reliability that it is unlikely that they can be preserved if they are published and made the property of the world” (Miller, 1951).

Systematically, the method of free associations for assessing the state of a person began to be applied by 3. Freud (1891). In his interpretation, the method looked different: the patient, lying on the couch, uttered words, phrases for an hour, expressed thoughts on topics that popped up in his mind.

Sometimes this kind of association was associated with dreams that hit the patient in childhood and often recur in adulthood. 3. Freud showed that the occurrence of long pauses or difficulties in the process of associating indicate, as a rule, an approach to the area of mental conflict that is unconscious by the subject himself.

A further contribution to the development of the associative method was made by K. Jung (1936), who significantly modified it and created the associative experiment proper. At the same time, a similar study was carried out by Max Wertheimer (Wertheimer e. a., 1992), whose work is less known and had less influence on further development psychophysiology.

K. Jung used 400 different words, among which were 231 nouns, 69 adjectives, 82 verbs, 18 prepositions and numerals. Special attention paid to ensure that all the words were known to the sick

mu, differed sharply in meaning and sound, did not limit him in the selection of associations to any one area. With the help of a chronometer, the latent period of the verbal response and the qualitative features of association were assessed. K. Jung believed that, despite the apparent arbitrariness of the associative process, the subject unwittingly betrays what he mistakenly considers the most hidden.

K. Jung emphasized that in the analysis of association, several processes are studied at once: perception, individual characteristics of its distortion, intrapsychic associations, verbal formation and motor manifestation. He discovered objective criteria for the connection of the presented word with the complex repressed into the unconscious. These criteria are: the lengthening of the latent period of the verbal response, errors, perseverations, stereotypes, slips of the tongue, quotations, etc. However, C. Jung interpreted the results obtained subjectively, and his branched classification of associations is a compilation of several principles of analysis, the transition from one to another in which it is extremely subjective, and the methods themselves come from different premises (grammatical, psychological, medical or physiological).

At the same time, C. Jung for the first time objectified the research procedure as much as possible. The result of this work, in addition to the criteria for determining the area of unconsciously existing conflict, was the discovery of the fact that associations are often not the nearest surfaced content, but the result of a number of associative processes. He drew attention to the difficulty of finding healthy subjects for examination, especially among educated people.

The issue of qualitative analysis of associations remains unresolved to this day.

J. Dees (Dees, 1965), analyzing the principles of generally accepted classifications of associations, noted that they are "partly psychological, partly logical, partly linguistic and partly philosophical (epistemological)". These classifications have nothing to do with the associative process and are tied to it rather arbitrarily. At the same time, an attempt is made to squeeze associations into those schemes of relations that are found in grammar, various kinds of dictionaries, psychodynamic theories, as well as various ideas about the organization of the physical world.

One of the first classifications was proposed by D. Hume (1965), who singled out 3 types of associations: by similarity, by contiguity in time, and events connected by causal relationships. The most typical is the classification proposed by J. Miller (Miller, 1951), in which associations are grouped according to contrast, similarity, subordination, subordination, generalization, assonance, according to the connection “part - whole” and the possibility of considering it as an addition, in relation to egocentrism , connections based on a single root, the ability to be represented as a projection. D. Slobin and J. Green (1976) note that “these classifications are very ingenious, but it is not entirely clear what conclusions they can lead to, how their foundations are determined and what their limits are.”

The association experiment has been widely used to analyze higher nervous activity healthy and sick brain of an adult and a child (Ivanov-Smolensky, 1963). At the same time, the latent period of the verbal response and its average variation, the type and nature of the association in accordance with one or another classification, complex reactions, i.e. well-defined reactions caused by affectogenic stimuli.

A.R. Luria (1928) proposed his own modification of the associative experiment, which he called coupled motor technique. Tested-

he is offered a stimulus word, in response to which he must pronounce the first association word that comes to mind and at the same time press the pneumatic bulb. This procedure allows, in addition to the latent period of the verbal response, to measure the latent period and to investigate the form of the conjugated motor reaction recorded by the recorder. It turned out that in the case when the subject is presented with words that have no emotional significance for him, the latent period of the verbal response and the associated motor reaction coincide, and the motor reaction itself has a simple form.

When affective words are presented, the latent period of the association changes significantly, since the subject tries to hide the first association that has arisen, which he, for one reason or another, cannot communicate to the experimenter. However, a slight pressure on the pear is associated with the unspoken answer, and a kink or characteristic trembling appears on the myogram. This mismatch between the verbal and motor components of the response reflects the peculiar tense nature of the associative process.

Conducting an associative experiment is often accompanied by a

hystration of autonomic reactions, in particular GSR (Levinger, Clark, 1961; Leutin, Nikolaeva, 1988; Nikolaeva et al., 1990) and encephalograms (Voronin et al., 1976) (Fig. 2.25).

The use of an associative test to analyze the reactions of athletes to neutral words, words associated with success / failure, revealed the following: in a state of mental rest, the latent period of associations to emotional words increases by 40%, and for individual, emotionally unstable athletes - by 200 %. Before the start, in psychologically stable athletes, the latent period changes little, slightly exceeding the initial data. However, athletes who experience high level emotional stress, the increase in the latent period for words associated with success/failure reaches 300% (Dashkevich, 1968).

Thus, an associative experiment can be an effective tool both for analyzing the individual emotional sphere of a person and for assessing changes in this state under the influence of any influences.

Artifacts -

recordings of electrical activity that are unnecessary at the moment for the researcher, which are interference.

evoked potential -

averaged record of brain wave activity during repeated presentations of the same stimulus.

Galvanic skin response -

recording the electrical activity of the skin.

CT scan -

modern method, which allows visualizing the structural features of the human brain using a computer and an X-ray machine.

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II. Meters of galvanic skin response (GSR)

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