Implementation and evaluation of a low-cost and compact electrodermal activity measurement system

Abstract

Abstract In psychological research, acquiring information about mental excitement or central nervous activity is fundamental for assessment. Such information can be used as a psychological measure in various investigations like the embodiment of technical artifacts, e.g., in terms of tool use or human–machine systems. A promising method is measuring a subject’s electrodermal activity (EDA), i.e., acquiring information about skin conductance or resistance. However, most commercially available measurement systems are expensive and/or not mobile. The system presented in this paper uses low-cost components, has a small footprint, and is easy to rebuilt for scientific applications. It measures EDA by applying a constant voltage and achieves reasonable resolution by individually amplifying slow and fast electrodermal effects, i.e., level and response. Based on a design from the literature, the paper explains the functionality, extensions, and implementation of the system. A comparative study with a commercial laboratory system is conducted and discussed: although the presented system offers a lower resolution, the quality of the recorded data is deemed sufficient for psychological studies.