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Abstract
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In this experiment the behavior of subjects was observed simultaneously on two levels, the verbal and the sympathetic. A situation was created wherein a subject had to agree or to disagree verbally with statements presented, having been informed previously of the majority opinion of the group of which he was a member. By combination of responses and by changes from an original opinion, the possibility of conflict was present. Responses of "no" were accompanied by greater galvanic skin response than were responses of "yes." Responses against the group opinion were accompanied by greater g.s.r. than were responses "with" the group opinion. The magnitude of the response varies proportionally with the degree of conviction asserted, excluding indifference and absolute conviction. Three processes contributing to the thalamic excitation were postulated: (1) the process arising from the intensity of the degree of conviction, (2) the decisional process, (3) the assertional process. The decisional process was related to internal factors, and the assertional process to external factors, each contributing to conflict and anxiety. The degree to which each process contributes to the magnitude of the galvanic skin response was evaluated. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)
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