Lab Report Gsr Polygraph

Exploring physiological responses to music

Introduction:

This experiments aims to observe physiological changes based off of music and musical preferences. The physiological responses are measured through a polygraph. A polygraph attempts to determine if someone is being truthful by measuring heart rate, respiratory rate, and EDA (Electro Dermal Activity). EDA measures changes in sweat secretion. “The major reason for its popularity is the ease of obtaining a distinct electrodermal respose (EDR), the intensity of which seems apparently related to stimulus intensity and/or its psychological significance.” (Boucsein, 2012) Additionally it is thought that there may be a leap in hurt rate and respiratory rate while lying, nervous, or feeling excited. The polygraph measures three separate responses and can be a good tool at measuring how our mind and body react with one another.

The polygraph was not used as a lie detector in this case but as a way to analyze the differing effects music has on the body. “Research tends to indicate that music may influence respiration and heart rate[…]” (Ellis and Brighouse, 1952) It was observed that a variety of changes in regards to music and physiological response such as a significant decrease, especially in heart rate when listening to classical music. Classical music is known to be calming and relaxing so this was not too surprising. It was observed that when listening to screamo music the heart rate increased .The difference in tempo from a relaxing classical song to one that involves screaming and is quite loud most likely explains this result. Lastly it was observed that the subject’s heart rate increases even further with hip-hop and techno. This lead to a causal question: what caused the subject’s heart rate to spike during certain genres of music? The hip hop and techno genre/songs are two that are well known and popular. It was hypothesized that listening to music that someone enjoys would produce a change in...