EVANS AND WENER (2007)- using saliva samples to measure stress of commuters

Question 1

What was the aim of Evans & Wener (2007) study?

Answer 1

To investigate the effect of overall crowding on a train and crowding in the immediate vicinity of the ppts had on stress levels.

Question 2

What methods were used in Evans and Wener (2007)?

Answer 2

• Field expeirment

also an observation

Question 3

What data collection method were unsed in Evans and Wener (2007) study?

Answer 3

• Proof reading task- measured motivation
• Two 5 point scales- measured mood
• Distal and proximal measurments- measured crowding across the whole train/ near the ppts (number of ppl sitting in same row)

Question 4

Can you summarise the sample of Evans & Wener (2007)?

Answer 4

• 139 adult commuters
• Travelling from New Jersey to New York for work everyday.

Question 5

Can you summarise the procedure of Evans & Wener (2007)?

Answer 5

1. Saliva samplees- collected at the end of their morning trip to work and during the weekened at the same time,
2. Motivation was measured by a proof-reading task
3. Mood was assessed by two 5 point scales (carefree, burdened, contented, fustrated)
4. Crowding was assessed by distal level (density of the whole carriage) and proximal level (number of people sitting on same row as ppts)

Question 6

Summarise the results?

Answer 6

• Distal crowding had no significan effect on any measure of stress.
• Proximal crowding had a signficant effect on stress (according to all 3 measures)

Question 7

Name 1 strength and 1 weakness of the study?

Answer 7

• Strength- ecological validity as it was conducted in a real life, authentic setting, meaning the results can be generalised beyond the research setting.
• Weakness- field experiment- many uncontrolled variables (genetics, personality types, MH disorders) that could have affected the results

Question 8

What was the conclusion of the study?

Answer 8

• crowding in the immediate vicinity of an individual can have a signficant effect on stress