Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "E-meter" in English language version.
Technically it is a specially developed 'Wheatstone Bridge' well known to electrically minded people as a device to measure the amount of resistance to a flow of electricityQuoted in the Kotzé report, The Report of the Commission of Enquiry into Scientology for 1972, Republic of South Africa, RP 55/1973. Section III, Chapter 8 § 8.7(b). OCLC 934895 ISBN 9780621010985
The E-meter is not a new type of instrument. It is one which is well known to science and has been in use in one form or another for many years. As early as the 1920s, experiments were conducted in psychological research with what was then called an electro-galvanometer or psychogalvanometer.(HTML version)
By itself, this meter does nothing. It is solely for the guide of Ministers of the Church in Confessionals and pastoral counselling. The Electrometer is not medically or scientifically capable of improving the health or bodily function of anyone and is for religious use by students and Ministers of the Church of Scientology only.
The E-meter is not a new type of instrument. It is one which is well known to science and has been in use in one form or another for many years. As early as the 1920s, experiments were conducted in psychological research with what was then called an electro-galvanometer or psychogalvanometer.(HTML version)
Biofeedback training significantly reduced seizure frequency in the active biofeedback group
A statistically significant correlation was found between skin conductance and dental anxiety in all cases.
An Instant Read. An instant read is defined as that reaction of the needle which occurs at the precise end of any major thought voiced by the auditor. (quoting HCO B May 25, 1962)
As described, Scientology does not assert that the E-meter can directly cure or mitigate disease; rather, the E-meter plays a vital role in the allegedly illness-alleviating process of auditing by identifying the presence and location of the cause of psychosomatic illnesses. Other systems work to actually accomplish the discharge of illness-causing agents.
A statistically significant correlation was found between skin conductance and dental anxiety in all cases.
Current research using the skin's electrical activity as a communications medium between patient and therapist looks promising in such stress problems as drug abuse, alcoholism, neuroses and other tension states.
Carl Jung, possibly the most creative psychologist who ever lived, experimented with skin talk in 1900. Using a primitive instrument to record changes in skin electrical activity, he conducted psychological interviews with patients and found that the skin responded to hidden emotions. It is said he was so astounded by this phenomenon that he exclaimed, 'Aha, a looking glass into the unconscious!'
Biofeedback training significantly reduced seizure frequency in the active biofeedback group
A statistically significant correlation was found between skin conductance and dental anxiety in all cases.
Some form of 'E-meter' has actually been in use since before WWI
Biofeedback training significantly reduced seizure frequency in the active biofeedback group
the U.S. Court of Appeals ... reversed the decision of the federal jury and stated that until the government can offer proof that Scientology is not a religion, the E-Meters and the literature seized are protected by our rights of freedom of worship.
By 1906 [Jung] was using GSR and breath measurement to note changes in respiration and skin resistance to emotionally charged worlds. Found that indicators cluster around stimulus words which indicate the nature of the subject's complexes ... Much later L. Ron Hubbard used this approach in Scientology's 'auditing', using the 'e-meter' (a galvanic skin response indicator) to discern the presence of complexes.
By 1906 [Jung] was using GSR and breath measurement to note changes in respiration and skin resistance to emotionally charged worlds. Found that indicators cluster around stimulus words which indicate the nature of the subject's complexes ... Much later L. Ron Hubbard used this approach in Scientology's 'auditing', using the 'e-meter' (a galvanic skin response indicator) to discern the presence of complexes.
Technically it is a specially developed 'Wheatstone Bridge' well known to electrically minded people as a device to measure the amount of resistance to a flow of electricityQuoted in the Kotzé report, The Report of the Commission of Enquiry into Scientology for 1972, Republic of South Africa, RP 55/1973. Section III, Chapter 8 § 8.7(b). OCLC 934895 ISBN 9780621010985
