Detecting Emotions through Electrodermal Activity in Learning Contexts: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Cognitive Science
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Growing use of electrodermal activity (EDA) devices to measure physiological arousal.
• Increasing interest in linking emotions, physiological arousal, and learning outcomes in educational settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• Systematically review the application of EDA in educational research.
• Investigate methodological variations in EDA measures.
• Synthesize evidence on the relationship between physiological arousal (EDA) and learning processes/outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies using EDA in education.
• Analysis of methodological approaches and empirical findings.
• Synthesis of data on EDA fluctuations during learning stages.

Main Results:

• Significant heterogeneity in EDA measurement and processing methods across studies.
• Inconsistent associations between physiological arousal and learning outcomes, likely due to methodological differences.
• EDA exhibits fluctuations throughout the learning process, suggesting the need for multimodal approaches.

Conclusions:

• A clear need exists for standardized guidelines for EDA data processing in educational research.
• Establishing standards will facilitate a deeper understanding of physiological arousal's role in learning.
• Multimodal designs may offer richer insights into learning-related physiological responses.