Self Report And Physiological Measures Of Stress

Question 1

How is stress measured physiologically?

Answer 1

Sympathetic arousal of the ANS is measured as this arousal results in the production of adrenaline and noradrenaline that are released in immediate stress and elicit the physical responses of increased heart rate, blood pressure etc

Question 2

How did skin conductance response come about?

Answer 2

Scientists in C.19 realised that skin is electrically active and this electricity can be conducted when wet

Question 3

How does skin conductance response work?

Answer 3

. Measures electrical resistance of the skin as an indicator of arousal in the nervous system
. As sweat is produced, the amount of electricity conducted increases
. Two electrodes placed on person’s index and middle finger
. Small voltage (0.5v) applied across electrodes and current flow is measured.

Question 4

What are the units that SCR is measured in?

Answer 4

MicroSiemens

Question 5

Why is measuring electrical resistance a good indicator of stress?

Answer 5

The amount of sweat on the skin can be picked up, which relates to the activity of the sweat glands that are stimulated during F/F