Geer And Maisel: Lack Of Control

Question 1

Method?

Answer 1

Lab experiment
•shown photos of dead car crash victims
•stress measured by GSR (Galvanic Skin Response) and ECG (heart rate)

Question 2

PPs?

Answer 2

60 undergraduates enrolled in a psychology course at a NY UNI

Question 3

Procedure?

Answer 3

Independent measures design with PPs randomly assigned to 3 conditions

Question 4

What were the 3 groups?

Answer 4

1= given control over how long they looked at the photos for; told a tone would precede each new image

2= warned photos would be 60 seconds apart; see photo for 35 seconds; tone 10s before

3= told that from time to time they would see photos and hear tones

Question 5

Results?

Answer 5

• ECG results discarded as inaccuracies

* group 2 showed most stress; group 1 least

Question 6

Strengths?

Answer 6

• GSR calibrated to create baseline= increase validity
• independent measures= no order effects
• GSR objective= increases reliability+ supports psy as a science

Question 7

Weaknesses?

Answer 7

• ethnocentric
• demand characteristics
• low population v as small sample

Question 8

Aim?

Answer 8

To see if perceived or actual control can reduce stress reactions to averse (strong disliking) stimuli.