For the ratio task, you are to judge the ratio of stress produced by the first (left) event in relation to the second (right) event. Compare the first event to the second.
That is, the first event's stress, divided by the second event's stress. Please use 100 for a ratio of 1; that is, if the first and second events are equally stressful,
you should respond 100. If the first event is more stressful than the second, the ratio will be greater than 1, and you should use numbers greater than 100. Similarly,
if the first event is less stressful than the second, then the ratio will be less than 1, and you will use numbers less than 100. The following are examples of how to
use responses to express the ratio of the first to the second event:
12.5 = The first event is one-eighth as stressful as the second event
25 = The first event is one-fourth as stressful as the second event
50 = The first is one-half as stressful as the second event
100 = The first event is equally stressful as the second event
200 = The first event is twice as stressful as the second event
400 = The first event is four times as stressful as the second event
800 = The first event is eight times as stressful as the second event
Feel free to use any other numbers, in between or more extreme than the examples above, to express your estimates of the ratios.
Keep in mind that "100" is point at which the level of stress produced by the first event is equal to level of stress
produced by the second event. Notice that
Warmup Trials for Ratio Task- Life Stress Scale
W2.
Anthrax scare (October, 2001) / Christmas Season
800
400
200
100
50
25
12.5
first event (left) is more stressful than the second (right)
equal stress
second event (right) is more stressful than the first (left)
If you think that the Anthrax scare is more stressful than Christmas season, you will use a number above 100, if you think they are equal, use 100, if you think Christmas season is more stressful, use a number less than 100.
W3.
Christmas Season / Christmas Season
800
400
200
100
50
25
12.5
first event (left) is more stressful than the second (right)
equal stress
second event (right) is more stressful than the first (left)
Here you judge the ratio of Christmas to Christmas, so the ratio is 1, and you will use 100.
W4.
Anthrax scare (October, 2001) / Terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001
800
400
200
100
50
25
12.5
first event (left) is more stressful than the second (right)
equal stress
second event (right) is more stressful than the first (left)
W5.
New family member / Death of spouse
800
400
200
100
50
25
12.5
first event (left) is more stressful than the second (right)
equal stress
second event (right) is more stressful than the first (left)
Actual trials start here. Please re-read the instructions once more. Remember, you are judging the ratio of stress created by
the first item divided by the second item.