Doc 0000021822

The image displays the title "THE BLACK VAULT" in a stylized font above a disclaimer that the document was obtained from their online database of declassified government documents. A prominent image of a vault door, intricately detailed with gears and a locking mechanism, dominates the left side of the frame, symbolizing security and hidden information. The text elaborates that this specific record is part of the MKULTRA/Mind Control Collection housed by The Black Vault, containing over 20,000 declassified CIA pages. The disclaimer concludes with a URL to download the entire collection, a visual cue reinforcing the theme of accessible, once-classified information. \ \ March 20, 1967 ,/ '\\ 1_//, ', ~ .. , j· \.\ 1" _____ \ ..... /1/ \, Dr. f"/. - ... \/ /' ' I-'\/ / "'-, Dear Or. / I '.. // Attached is a prop~so.l for·~ Research'··contract, Phys-iological Mechanisms Underlying th·~ Electrodermal Response and their Behavioral Significance,· which will allow continuation and extension ofwork perfonned under out._original Consra.ct_ -_ - \ \ The designated principal 'investigator would again be Dr. ~ I It is }equested that this contract, if approved, become efiective June '1, 1967. ''\. \/ \ ! i ./ Sincerely" yours, \ I /\ .. ' ' .... au --, Proposal Physiological M~chanisms Underlying the Electrodermal Response and their Behavioral Significance / From '' I I I I March 20 1967 1 I I :I ; •. ._.__.._.aaaaal-.-.m.-..-.aa.a.~z-.-.•~~mm-.-.-.. .....- .------------------------------ Period of Work This proposal would cover one year of effort. Facilities ~~-~--==~----~~==~~~---~=- a=-,~- nO~ an· { Gi a equ lpnient originally a vailahle, there is additional 4· cha=J D. C. polygraph purchased under the current contract, and a 2-channel magnetic tape recorder with FM compoZlents for recording of biolcgical signals. Amount of Support An estimate of costs is attached. Contract·Jal finan-cial arrangements are proposed as exist under the current contract with the exception that indirect costs be calculated at the negotiated rate of 30 percent • ....-. Principal Investigitor , ....-"" I I . ,-; (. \.---- 1/ ·.. LJ L ___ .,........---· ---------~----------------------------------~------------~ ·--..... t·- 4 I Cost Estimn tc ------- .-~---~~ : -- --~- ... - ..-·\ :.. I \ Principal Investigator (parr-time) Research Assistant {full,:time) i . Electronics Technician (hal!Mtime) \ Subjects Stenographic Services Reproduction Services Expendable Supplies (Paper, chemicals, electronic components, etc.) Solid state special purpose computer components Impedance Bridge Magnetic 3.ecording Tape Tra ve 1 ~2::ZQo-i-~unati~:@o ·. · ·""':;\ _ \._... ___!j I Sub-To~l I I Overhead at 30% (Negotiated Ra:e) :-'· t.. .~! Total ------ ~ \ - -- -· ,, PHYSIOLOGICAL MECl!t\NISi\15 UNDERLYING THE ELECTRODEIU.t.\L RESPONSE AND THErR IJEHAVIORA L SIGNIFICANCE I. INTRODUCTlON Reference is made to the description ofJ>.. .1. C~~9tyl_q_and statem~nt of proposed work described under current contract · ~-rict-1 in June 1966. FL.:rther reference is madeto an interim ·Progress Rep~rt dated- February 15, 1967, whi~h describes progress to January 31, 1967. The original contract was aimed at a systematic investigation of the basic physiological mechanisms responsible for electrodermal reflex events in the The document is a scanned page from a declassified CIA file. It is a two-page document, with the top of the first page featuring an overhead view with lines that suggest graphical elements or a decorative border. The bottom portion of the page contains typed text, including a date, a salutation, and the body of a letter, along with handwriting. Prominent handwritten elements include a signature-like mark at the top right, a marginal note indicating "Dr." on the left, and two caret marks within the typed text, possibly indicating insertions. Towards the bottom right, there is a stamp-like form with "Approved for Release" and a date "27 FEB 19" filled in handwritten script. Additionally, a circled number "151" is present in a bubble-like seal. There are several redactions or obscured content, specifically a large black dot at the top left of the page and a horizontal black bar running across the very bottom of the page. work described under current contract · ~-rict-1 in June 1966. FL.:rther reference is madeto an interim ·Progress Rep~rt dated- February 15, 1967, whi~h describes progress to January 31, 1967. The original contract was aimed at a systematic investigation of the basic physiological mechanisms responsible for electrodermal reflex events in the hopes that the understanding of their natur.e would aid behavioral interpretation and afford a rational basis for effective data treatment. Attention was to be given to the relative involvement (or lack of involvement) of vasomotor, sudomotor and epidermal activity in this reflex, to the special characteristics of the response which might be associated with each component, to the principles governing the addition of component activities, and to the specific classes of stimuli which evoke activity in the respective components. Efforts were !o be made to identify the nature of the biological adaptad~n signified by the activity of each component in efforts to recognize their psychological significance. The initial phases of this work (as described in the February .15, 1967, interim progress report) consisted of experiments as follows: (a) Comparison of microelectrocte recordings from sweat pores and areas between sweat pores. These have since been extended to comparison of surface recordings with those at the deepest level of the stratum corneum. (b) Comparison of recordings from the corneum in different states of hydration. (c) Recordings from cat foot· pad under' varying patterns of stimulation of the sympathetic nerve supply. {d) Re..::ordings o.f potential responses from the r.aU plate which is allegedly free ot sweat glands. (e) Study of the effect of surface electrolytes on the specific components of the skin potential response. (f) Produ::tion of local electrodennal responses by mechanical stimulation {calibrated stretch) and alteration of this response by chemkal agents, ischemia, temperature change, and combL'1ation with activity of central origin. -2- (g) Examination of the effects on skin potential response of vascular changes produceC. by engorgement (venous cuff), arterial occlusion, or exsanguination by a directed massage. (h) Comparison of electrodennal behavior as measured by constant voltage vs const<>nt current systems. The results of these experiments together with those already reported in the literature were utilized in the development of a new hypothesis describing the peripheral processes involved in the electrodermal response. This model, described in the interim report, ascribes conductance changes having a slow recovery rate and negative potential waves, also of slow recovery rate to the 1 rise of This page appears to be the title page of a proposal. It features a title in a standard font, broken into several lines, and a date at the bottom, "March 20, 1967". There are no photographs, handwritten annotations, stamps, forms, diagrams, tables, or redactions present. The page's visual elements are limited to the text and the underlying paper, which shows some inconsistencies and faint lines suggesting it might be a scanned or copied document. in the literature were utilized in the development of a new hypothesis describing the peripheral processes involved in the electrodermal response. This model, described in the interim report, ascribes conductance changes having a slow recovery rate and negative potential waves, also of slow recovery rate to the 1 rise of sweat in the ducts. The f~st recovering conductance waw~s and the positive potential waves are attributed to behavior of a neurally controlled membrane readily accessible to surface solution, and involved in the rapid reabsorption of water from the skin surface. An analysis of the manner in which these components combine was used to explain the cor:1plex wave forms obtained under actual recording conditions. From this model it wa·s concluded that the half-time of the recovery process of the skin conductance response should be a meaningful index of the amount of fast recovering (membrane) component in the response. A series of behavioral - experiments was analyzed with the use of this index to determine whether it distinguished different behavioral states for example, alerting for a task as 1 opposed to execution of the task. and relaxing as opposed to ta~k performance. The measure successfully distinguished between these conditions even in c~_e:s - where conventional amplitude comparison failed to do so. - II. PROPOSED INVESTIGATIONS A. Continuation of Physiological Investigation Although considerable progress has beeq made in clarirying the nature of peripheral mechanisms, several important questions remain to be resolved. These will receive continued investigation in terms of experiments described in the current contract. Among these are: 1. Does the nail bed in fact represent a sweat-gland free area and, if so, rnay vascular processes explain the nail potential responses of central origin and the local positive potential responses obtained by mechanical displacement? 'Ibis will be investigated by simultaneous recor"ings of skin potentials and reO.ectance plethysmographic changes from the nail plate. Efforts will also be made to alter the potential responses with electrolytes applied to the nail plate, to test for a surface membrane effect. e .. 2. Do local potential responses (produced mechJ.nically) depend upon •: surface membrane alone, or may a vascubr component be involved? The effect of surface agents and cxsanguin.;~tio:J. experiments point to a surface membrane as the responsible element but surfo:ce reflectance monitoring undertaken since the last interim report de;nonstrate5a marked similarity between the fonn of the local potcntiLtl response and that of the change of surface The page contains text from a document, organized into sections like "Period of Work," "Facilities," "Amount of Support," and "Reports." There are no photographs or diagrams visible. Several handwritten annotations are present in the margins, including a circled section of text and a pen sketch. There are no official stamps, forms, tables, or visual evidence of experimental procedures. The document appears to be an administrative report or proposal related to a project. a vascubr component be involved? The effect of surface agents and cxsanguin.;~tio:J. experiments point to a surface membrane as the responsible element but surfo:ce reflectance monitoring undertaken since the last interim report de;nonstrate5a marked similarity between the fonn of the local potcntiLtl response and that of the change of surface optical opacity following the mcc.hanical stimulus even in the exsanguinated extremity. The atwck on fhis problem will consist of attempts to selectively extinguish either the local potential response (e.g., with surface ...:naesthetics) or the vasomotor accompaniment, e.g., by u.sing electrical or vibratory stimuli to produce the local response. 3. Is the activity of the sweat gland observable at the surface only as a secondary effect of the rise of sweat in the ducts, or are there electrical changes at the secretory membrane which cor:tribute to the surface potential response? _ _]and his co-workers have shown that intra-ductal electrodes in t.'le cat sweat gland do not indicate responses when they are. inseited deeper than the level of the germinating layer. Recent experiments under the present contract indicate that the human sweat gland behaves diiferently in t1at responses may be recorded at deeper levels. It ~emains to be decided whether these are due to pickup from nearby str.;ctures or in fact originate in the sweat gland. 4. In addition to the three critical questi-ons stated above, numerous lines of approach to the clari!icati<:m of mechanisms~ described in the original proposal, remain to be undertaken. Special ane·ntion will be given to the combination of high frequency impedance measurement with potential and c. D. resistanc~ measurement, and to the effects of pre-exposure to various current densities upon the positive and negative waves and upon sweat gland and epidermal responses. B. Development of the Recovery Half·Time Index Eecause of the high success with which the t/2 recovery index distinguishes qualitatively different behavioral states, a key -eZfort in the continuing program will be direct~d toward rendering this measure maximally effective. This investigation :;;hall be concerned with: 1. The development of a method for automatic on-line presentation of the recovery limb index. ' 2. The determination as to whether some fraction of the recovery time other than SO%, e.g •• one third recovery to base line~ is a more sensitive measure. Various fractions of the recovery time are readily selected by the automatic circuitry now planned for this operation. -4- 3. The determination of the extent of This page appears to be a cost estimate document, likely from the MKUltra collection, with no photographic content. There are handwritten annotations, including a circled "A" next to "Travel (2 coordination trips)" and a loop-like drawing next to "Magnetic Recording Tape". The text lists various cost items for personnel, supplies, and services. A large, heavily drawn black outline encloses a significant portion of the right side of the page, obscuring any content that may have been present there. to whether some fraction of the recovery time other than SO%, e.g •• one third recovery to base line~ is a more sensitive measure. Various fractions of the recovery time are readily selected by the automatic circuitry now planned for this operation. -4- 3. The determination of the extent of the amplitude range in which this measure maintains its independence of amplitude. 4. The relationship of changes in the recovery index to various peripheral physiological processes as determined by independent measures such as vapor production, A.C. vs D.C. impedance, etc. 5. The classes of stimuli which tend to produce shortening or lengthening of the recovery index. 6. The lability of this measure during short term alteration of stimulus conditions. C. Application of Electrodermal Measures as tndices of Bio-Psychological Adaptability The ~terpretation of electrodermal activity as a biologically useful adaptation implies that its occurrence in response to a., arousing situation may indicate effe-ctive behavior. There are, however, two .additional requirements which must be evidenced by the behavio:;:- sample before this conclusion can be reached, na:nely that the type of adaptation be appropriate to the demands of the situation both qualitatively and quantitatively. The first implies, for example, that a defensive response to a situation which appropriately calls for maximum information intake is ineffective behavior. The second implies that autonomic activation should be graded in proportion to the situational demand, and most important, that the activation ShCtUld rapidly diminish as SOOn as the demands Of the situation are reduced. In other words the effective individual, in the interests of biological economy would pot remain continuously a:tivated, but should be able 1 to shift rapidly to the resting state while maintaining a system of sentries for defense pur.>oses. He should then be capable, upon being alerted by his sentries (i.e., his receptive screen) to shift gears rapidly to the activated state. The dissection of the electrodermal response into qualitatively different adaptive reflexes st'.ould allow evaluation of the qualitative appropriateness of the elicited activation. The recovery index shouJd allow observation of shifts in arousal even when the amplitude of the background activity faiLs to differentiate functional states. The appraisd of an individual's adaptability to environmental demands will be rum determin.ed by exposing to a sequence of rest conditions·alternated at unannounced times with tasks or stresses of varying C.emands (qualitatively and quantitatively). An index of adaptability will b~ constructed from the rapidity of activation and differentiate functional states. The appraisd of an individual's adaptability to environmental demands will be rum determin.ed by exposing to a sequence of rest conditions·alternated at unannounced times with tasks or stresses of varying C.emands (qualitatively and quantitatively). An index of adaptability will b~ constructed from the rapidity of activation and (especially) relaxation and the degree to which it is qualitatively appropriate to the task in tenns of three categories of behavior. defense, aggressive task orientation, or infonnation intake. This adaptability index will be validated against personal histories (job or military), clin1cal judgement of behavior, and performance on a battery of tasks aimed at assessing this ability. I ·, I \ I \ \ ~--· ----···· \ // \ /'. I for this follow-on action because··or the exceller.t per- fo~\la~:~r princi~f~:~trgftor·, ..::·.f-~V the Dr. ____ \ . /~--:~~- ;' _ .;;.-'"_, .. ...-- .. during the initial con•:ract period. / / \ L/ i I i I r / ' J I ' ' J l ; ! I The image provided is a scanned page of a declassified document, likely from a scientific report. It contains primarily text, with no photographs, diagrams, tables, or other visual elements such as experimental equipment. There are no handwritten annotations, signatures, or official stamps visible. There is a boxed word "initiated" above the beginning of the second paragraph and a small handwritten circle near the beginning of the page. The content is organized into a numbered section with sub-points labeled (a) through (f). There are no visible redactions or obscured content. The document is a typed page from a report, numbered "-2-" at the top. There are no photographs, handwritten annotations, stamps, forms, diagrams, tables, or redactions. The content consists of text describing research, specifically "Examination of the effects on skin potential response," and "Comparison of electrodermal behavior." It details experimental hypotheses, findings regarding conductance waves and potential waves, and the conclusion that "half-time of the recovery process of the skin conductance response should be a meaningful index." The page also introduces "PROPOSED INVESTIGATIONS" related to physiological investigation, posing questions about the nail bed's response to stimuli. The page is a typed document with numbered and lettered sections. It contains two small, circular, black ink marks near the top center and top right. There is a faint, curved, ink line to the left of the top right ink mark. No photographs, handwritten annotations, official stamps, forms, diagrams, tables, or redacted content are visible on this page. The visual elements are limited to the text and the two ink marks. The document page contains text arranged in two columns with numbered and lettered headings, indicating a structured report or academic paper. There are no photographs, stamps, forms, diagrams, tables, or redactions visible on the page. The only visual elements beyond the text are small, abstract ink marks at the top and bottom of the page, and a single, small dark circular shape near the top center, possibly representing a smudge or a very small, unidentifiable object. There is no visual evidence of experimental procedures, equipment, or facilities. This page contains typed text and significant handwritten annotations. The typed text mentions an "ATTACHMENT B" and discusses the selection of a principal investigator for a follow-on action based on excellent performance during an initial contract period. There are several lines of handwritten scribbles, swoops, and check marks overlaying the typed text, indicating review or emphasis by an un-identified individual. Some of these annotations appear to be attempts to underline or highlight sections of the text. There is no photographic content, official stamps, or evidence of experimental procedures present on this page.