Investigating the Effects of Acute Stress on Sympathetic Nervous System Activity

Your response to the question should be provided in six parts: A, B, C, D, E, and F. Write the response to each part of the question in complete sentences. Use appropriate psychological terminology in your response.

Group 1

Using the source provided, respond to the following questions.

Source 1.1

Title: "Investigating the Effects of Acute Stress on Sympathetic Nervous System Activity: A Laboratory Study"

Introduction

This study explores how acute stress impacts the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which is responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response. Previous studies have shown that stress can lead to physiological changes, but the precise effects on SNS activity require further investigation. The researchers aim to measure physiological responses using heart rate and galvanic skin response (GSR) during a controlled stress-inducing task.

Participants

A total of 40 college students (20 males, 20 females) aged 18-25 were recruited from a local university. Participants were screened for health conditions that might affect their stress responses, such as cardiovascular issues or anxiety disorders. They were randomly assigned to either a stress group (n=20) or a control group (n=20).

Methodology

Participants in the stress group were exposed to a public speaking task designed to induce stress, while the control group engaged in a non-stressful reading task. Physiological measurements were taken before, during, and after the tasks. Heart rate was monitored using an ECG, and GSR was recorded using skin conductance sensors. The data were analyzed to compare SNS activity between groups.

Graph:

A line graph displays the average heart rate (beats per minute) over time for both groups.

| Time Point | Stress Group (HR) | Control Group (HR) |

|------------|------------------|-------------------|

| Baseline   | 70               | 72                |

| During Task| 95               | 74                |

| Post Task  | 80               | 72                |

Note: The graph shows a sharp increase in heart rate for the stress group during the task compared to the control group, which remained stable.

Results

The results indicate that the stress group experienced a significant increase in heart rate during the public speaking task (M = 95 bpm) compared to the control group (M = 74 bpm) (t(38) = 6.32, p < .001). GSR measurements also showed a significant increase in the stress group during the task, indicating heightened SNS activity. Post-task heart rates returned closer to baseline but remained elevated in the stress group compared to the control group.

Discussion

The findings confirm that acute stress significantly activates the sympathetic nervous system, as evidenced by increased heart rate and GSR. The results highlight the body's physiological responses to stress, reinforcing the connection between psychological experiences and biological reactions. These insights can inform future research on stress management and interventions aimed at reducing the negative effects of stress on health.

Question 1a

Short answer

Identify the research method used in the study.

Question 1b

Short answer

State the operational definition of stress.

Question 1c

Short answer

Describe the meaning of the differences in the means of both groups.

Question 1d

Short answer

Identify at least one ethical guideline applied by the researchers.

Question 1e

Short answer

Explain the extent to which the research findings may or may not be generalizable using specific and relevant evidence from the study.

Question 1f

Short answer

Explain how at least one of the research findings supports or refutes the researcher’s hypothesis that very few people would harm others just because they are instructed to do so.

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