A psychophysiological examination of the automatic arousal response caused by being watched

Abstract

Previous research has shown that when we make eye contact with another person, there is a significant enhancement in the skin conductance response (SCR). Mounting evidence suggests that soon after eye contact is made, many mentalizing and self-awareness processes begin. For instance, we think about the person like who they are, how we know them and any feelings associated with them. Our thoughts also might turn towards ourselves as we become aware of the fact that we are being watched. We process things like why are they looking at me? How should I act? Our hypothesis is that the part of the physiological response that occurs during direct eye gaze is from the belief that we are being watched, even if we can't see the eyes of the person watching us. By using a one-way mirror and SCR monitoring equipment, two participants will sit on each side of a one-way mirror where one participant cannot see the other one but knows they are being watched. They will be instructed to direct their gaze towards each other (eye contact) and away/averted from each other. We expect that SCR will significantly increase in the direct eye gaze condition where the participant cannot see the other person’s eyes but knows the other person is looking at them. This research could provide further evidence that psychophysiological response to eye gaze are attributed to being watched rather than just seeing the eyes of another person.

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michelle Jarick