Researchers are conducting a study on the effects of a novel probiotic supplement on university students experiencing exam-related stress. They divide the students into two groups: one receives the probiotic, and the other receives a placebo. According to the current understanding of the gut-brain axis, which of the following results would provide the STRONGEST evidence that the probiotic is effectively reducing stress via the gut-brain axis?
The probiotic group reports a subjective decrease in perceived stress levels, but no measurable changes in gut microbiota composition or diversity.
Both the probiotic and placebo groups report similar levels of stress, but the probiotic group shows improved memory recall on a cognitive test.
The probiotic group shows an increase in specific beneficial gut bacteria, a decrease in stress hormone levels (cortisol), and reports lower levels of anxiety compared to the placebo group.
The probiotic group reports a decrease in gastrointestinal discomfort, leading to improved sleep quality, but no change in psychological measures of stress.
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Create Free Account Log inThis is a free VCE Units 3 & 4 Psychology practice question worth 1 mark, testing your understanding of Gut–brain axis. It falls under How does the nervous system enable psychological functioning? in Unit 3: How does experience affect behaviour and mental processes?. Submit your answer above to receive instant AI-powered marking and personalised feedback.
In this unit students investigate the contribution that classical and contemporary research has made to the understanding of the functioning of the nervous system and to the understanding of the biological, psychological and social factors that influence learning and memory. Students examine how the human nervous system enables a person to interact with the world around them and explore how stress may affect a person’s psychological functioning. Students investigate how mechanisms of learning and memory lead to the acquisition of knowledge and the development of new and changed behaviours. A student-designed scientific investigation involving the generation of primary data related to mental processes and psychological functioning may be undertaken in either Unit 3 or Unit 4, or across both Units 3 and 4, and is assessed in Unit 4 Outcome 3.
In this area of study students explore the role of different subdivisions of the nervous system in enabling a person to integrate, coordinate and respond to internal and external stimuli. Students examine neurotransmitters and neuromodulators in the transmission of neural information. They investigate stress as a psychobiological process and consider the ways in which stress can affect psychological functioning. Students explore models that describe stress and consider strategies for coping with stress and improving mental wellbeing.
the gut–brain axis (GBA) as an area of emerging research, with reference to the interaction of gut microbiota with stress and the nervous system in the control of psychological processes and behaviour
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Which of the following statements best describes the gut-brain axis (GBA)?
Which of the following statements best defines the gut-brain axis (GBA)?
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