Causes: Lack of Control - Geer & Maisel

Question 1

Aim of Geer & Maisel

Answer 1

To see if perceived or actual control can reduce stress reactions

Question 2

Method of Geer & Maisel

Answer 2

Lab experiment

• Shown photos of dead car crash victims
• Stress levels measure by GSR (Galvanic skin response) calibrated for 5 mins while participant relaxed to get a baseline measured
• Heart rate through EEG

Question 3

Participants of Geer & Maisel

Answer 3

60 undergraduates doing psychology at NYU

Question 4

Procedure of Geer & Maisel

Answer 4

Independent measures design. Random allocation to 1 of 3 conditions. Instructions read over intercom, in a soundproofed room.

Group 1: Given full control of images. Could press button to terminate it. Told tone would precede each new image

Group 2: Warned images would be 60secs apart. See pics of 35secs. 10secs before each image. No control

Group 3: Told from time to time a new image would appear. No timings, no control

Question 5

Results of Geer & Maisel

Answer 5

EEG recordings discarded. Group 3 showed most stress, Group 1 least

Question 6

Conclusions of Geer & Maisel

Answer 6

Having control over your environment reduces stress