This study attempted to investigate the mechanical response of skin‐tissue systems under conditions commonly employed in psychophysical investigations of the tactile system. The influence of these conditions on the specific mechanical impedance was determined and evidence was found suggesting that if one desires to avoid altering the mechanical characteristics, then the parameters to be controlled are the pressure exerted by the probe and the area of the probe. The presence of a surround also influenced the mechanical characteristics when the site of stimulation was the volar forearm, but not when it was the finger or the thenar eminence.