Geer And Maisel

Question 0

Method

Answer 0

Laboratory experiment in which participants were shown photographs of dead car crash victims and their stress levels were measured by GSR (galvanic skin response) and heart rate through EEG monitoring

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

To see if perceived control or actual control can reduce stress reactions to adverse stimuli

Question 2

Participants

Answer 2

60 undergraduates enrolled in a psychology course at a New York University

Question 3

Procedure

Answer 3

Independent measures design with participants randomly assigned to three groups
Each pp’s was seated in a sound proofed room and wired up to the GSR & ECG machine. The machine was calibrated for 5 minutes while the participant relaxed and a baseline measurement was then taken. Instructions were read over an intercom. Each photo was precede with a 10 second tone and then flash up for 35 seconds ( only the one group could terminate the photo and move on ) the GSR was taken at the onset of the tone and during the second half of the tone and in response to the picture

Question 4

Procedure Group 1

Answer 4

Were given control over how long they looked at the images for. They could press a button to terminate the image and were told a tone would precede each new image

Question 5

Procedure Group 2

Answer 5

Were warned the photos would be 60 seconds apart they would see the picture for 35 seconds and a 10 second warning tone would precede each photo. The group had no control but did know what was happening

Question 6

Procedure Group 3

Answer 6

Were told that from time to time they would see photos and hear tones but we’re not given timings or any control

Question 7

Results

Answer 7

ECG recordings were discarded as they appeared inaccurate

Group 2 sowed most stress. Group 1 showed least stress

Question 8

Conclusions

Answer 8

That having control over your environment can reduce stress response