Psychology 9990/42 May/June 2020: question paper and mark scheme
Cambridge AS & A Level Psychology (9990), Paper 4 Specialist Options: Applications, May/June 2020. Read both free below, or download them. Done the paper? Get it marked by AI against this mark scheme.
The use of nalmefene, a biochemical treatment, is believed by Grant et al. (2008) to help reduce the urge to gamble. To test its effectiveness, participants were assessed to ensure they were suitable to participate. They were then randomly allocated to either a group receiving nalmefene or to a group receiving a placebo.
(a) Explain what is meant by the term ‘placebo’. [2]
(b) Outline two testing procedures used to assess participants’ gambling severity in the study by
Grant et al. (2008). [4]
(c) Give two reasons why this assessment excluded some participants from the study. [4]
(d) Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of using biochemicals to treat gambling disorder. You should include a conclusion in your answer. [5]
Psychology and consumer behaviour
Mark scheme
1 The use of nalmefene, a biochemical treatment, is believed by Grant et
al. (2008) to help reduce the urge to gamble. To test its effectiveness,
participants were assessed to ensure they were suitable to participate.
They were then randomly allocated to either a group receiving
nalmefene or to a group receiving a placebo.
1(a) Explain what is meant by the term ‘placebo’. 2
Most likely answer (other appropriate responses to be credited):
A placebo is a substance, such as a pill or injection (sugar or saline), given
to a participant that has no therapeutic effect, but is where the participant
responds as if they have received active ingredients.
Marks: 1 mark for basic answer e.g. identification. 1 mark for
elaboration/example.
1(b) Outline two testing procedures used to assess participants’ gambling 4
severity in the study by Grant et al. (2008).
Most likely answer (other appropriate responses to be credited):
Quote:
• ‘studies enrolled only individuals with DSM-IV PG; psychiatric
comorbidity was assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for
DSM-IV. A semi-structured, rater-administered questionnaire was used
to collect clinical information.
• Gambling severity was assessed with the Yale Brown Obsessive
Compulsive Scale Modified for Pathological Gambling [PG-YBOCS].
The first five items of the PG-YBOCS comprise the gambling
urge/thought subscale and the final five comprise the gambling
behaviour subscale.’
Marks: 1 mark for basic answer. 1 mark for elaboration/example × 2
1(c) Give two reasons why this assessment excluded some participants 4
from the study.
Quote ‘Exclusion criteria for both studies included:
1 infrequent gambling (i.e. less than one time per week) that did not meet
DSM-IV criteria for PG;
2 unstable medical illness or clinically significant abnormalities on
laboratory tests, EKG, or physical examination at screening visit;
3 current pregnancy or lactation, or inadequate contraception in women of
childbearing potential;
4 a need for medication other than nalmefene or naltrexone with possible
psychotropic effects or medications with unfavorable interactions with
nalmefene or naltrexone (e.g., narcotics);
5 lifetime history of bipolar disorder type I or II, dementia, schizophrenia,
or any psychotic disorder; 6) current DSM-IV substance abuse or
dependence with possible exception of nicotine dependence;
6 positive urine drug screen at screening;
7 initiation of psychotherapy or behavior therapy within 3 months prior to
study baseline;
8 previous treatment with nalmefene or naltrexone;
9 clinically significant suicidality;
10 treatment with investigational medication or depot neuroleptics within 3
months, with fluoxetine within 4 weeks, or with other psychotropics
within 2 weeks prior to study baseline.’
Marks: 1 mark basic answer, 2 marks detail/elaboration × 2.
1(d) Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of using biochemicals to treat 5
gambling disorder. You should include a conclusion in your answer.
Most likely answer (other appropriate responses to be credited):
Advantages:
• Biochemicals easy to take; swallowing a pill.
• Biochemicals mean the gambler is passive in their treatment (an
advantage for many people)
• Biochemicals prevent production of endorphins and other
neurochemicals associated with arousal/pleasure
Disadvantages:
• biochemicals are addictive and the aim is to treat an addictive
behaviour
• biochemicals may not be taken as prescribed (non-adherence)
• biochemicals ignore the role of alternative reasons why a gambler might
be addicted.
Conclusion: any appropriate conclusion drawn from the discussion that has
been presented. 1 mark if appropriate. A conclusion is a ‘decision reached
by reasoning’ and so a summary of points already made scores 0 marks.
Marks: Question requires discussion; always plural of each argument,
and always requires conclusion. 1 mark for each advantage/disadvantage
(however detailed) and related to the question up to 4 max. 2 marks max for
two strengths/weaknesses unrelated to the question. 1 mark for conclusion.
Section A: Stimulus question psychology and consumer behaviour
From the study by Robson et al. (2011) on consumers’ responses to table spacing in restaurants:
Comparison of survey items by table spacing: Privacy
7 Key:
Distance between
Mean Privacy Rating
6 diners in inches
5 6
4 12
3 24
2
1
Overheard Disturb Watched Exposed
Reaction items
Fig. 2.1
(a) Identify two features of the questionnaire used in the study by Robson et al. (2011). [2]
(b) Give two findings from the data in Fig. 2.1. [4]
(c) Suggest two ways that could be used to collect data about the effect of table spacing in restaurants, other than a questionnaire. [4]
(d) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using internet-based questionnaires to gather data about the effect of table spacing in restaurants. You should include a conclusion in your answer. [5]
Psychology and health
Mark scheme
2 From the study by Robson et al. (2011) on consumers’ responses to
table spacing in restaurants:
Fig. 2.1
2(a) Identify two features of the questionnaire used in the study by Robson 2
et al. (2011).
Answer:
• Closed questions
• It used a 7-point rating scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree
• In two parts, first to collect demographic data / find out whether they
had restaurant-trade experience and the second to find out about
behavioural reactions in a restaurant
• The questions were based on scenarios about restaurant eating
• The questions were based on three different settings (romantic, friend
and business)
• The questions were supported by photos in the questionnaire.
Marks: 1 mark for each correct answer
2(b) Give two findings from the data in Fig. 2.1. 4
Most likely answer (other appropriate responses to be credited):
All of the four variables show that 6’ spacing has a negative effect because
scores were higher than all the others.
Findings could be contrast of any two variables; could be difference
between scores of 6’ versus 12’, or either with 24’. Any permutation would
be correct.
Marks: 1 mark statement of finding, 1 mark for evidence for finding. × 2
2(c) Suggest two ways that could be used to collect data about the effect of 4
table spacing in restaurants, other than a questionnaire.
Most likely answer (other appropriate responses to be credited):
• People who have actually sat at tables could be interviewed
• People who are sitting at tables could be observed
• An experiment could be conducted with table spacings and time taken
comparing how long people stay at table (space invasion leads to flight
behaviour)
Marks: 1–2 marks basic answer (e.g. identification of method/technique)
3–4 marks elaboration/example of that technique.
2(d) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using internet-based 5
questionnaires to gather data about the effect of table spacing in
restaurants. You should include a conclusion in your answer.
Most likely answer (other appropriate responses to be credited):
Strengths:
• Web-based: potentially a very large sample size with people from all
over the world taking part
• Asking people directly means that participants are given the opportunity
to express their feelings and explain their behaviour rather than the
researcher trying to work out reasons for their behaviour from other
methods
• Questionnaires are easy to replicate; same for telephone interviews
• Data can be quantitative, but may also be quantitative depending on
type of question
Weaknesses:
• Web-based: potentially a small number of participants: the
research/questionnaire has to be in a place where it can be found by
potential participants.
• Some participants may provide socially desirable responses; not give
truthful answers; respond to demand characteristics.
• Closed/fixed choice questions may force people into choosing answers
that do not reflect their true opinion and therefore may lower the validity.
• Researchers have to be careful about use of leading questions; it could
affect the validity of the data collected.
Conclusion: any appropriate conclusion drawn from the discussion that has
been presented. 1 mark if appropriate. A conclusion is a ‘decision reached
by reasoning’ and so a summary of points already made scores 0 marks.
Marks: Question requires discussion; always plural of each argument,
and always requires conclusion. 1 mark for each advantage/disadvantage
(however detailed) and related to the question up to 4 max. 2 marks max for
two strengths/weaknesses unrelated to the question. 1 mark for conclusion.
Section A: Stimulus question psychology and health
Poor adherence in asthma patients has been associated with more wheezing and more frequent need for hospitalisations. Patients with the most severe asthma appear to have worse adherence than other asthma patients. The study by Sherman et al. (2000) was conducted to investigate whether telephoning the patient’s pharmacy to obtain a prescription refill history gathers accurate information about medication-taking behaviour.
(a) Explain how the participants were selected for the study by Sherman et al. (2000). [2]
(b) Give one strength and one weakness of selecting the participants in this way. [4]
(c) (i) Suggest one way in which data on adherence could be gathered, other than by using pharmacy records. [2]
(ii) Suggest one advantage of the way to gather data that you suggested in (c)(i). [2]
(d) Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of using pharmacy records to gather data on adherence to taking medication. You should include a conclusion in your answer. [5]
Psychology and organisations
Mark scheme
3 Poor adherence in asthma patients has been associated with more
wheezing and more frequent need for hospitalisations. Patients with
the most severe asthma appear to have worse adherence than other
asthma patients. The study by Sherman et al. (2000) was conducted to
investigate whether telephoning the patient's pharmacy to obtain a
prescription refill history gathers accurate information about
medication-taking behaviour.
3(a) Explain how the participants were selected for the study by Sherman 2
et al. (2000).
Most likely answer (other appropriate responses to be credited):
They were identified before clinics by chart review. At the beginning of the
clinic visit, a research nurse briefly interviewed the patient, caretaker, or
both to find out the name and location of each pharmacy from which they
obtained prescription medication.
Marks: 1 mark for basic answer e.g. identification, plus 1 mark for
elaboration/example.
3(b) Give one strength and one weakness of selecting the participants in 4
this way.
Most likely answer (other appropriate responses to be credited):
Strength:
• Being identified by chart review meant that they were appropriate
people to include
• Being interviewed meant that the nurse could explain the purpose of the
study and the participant could give consent.
Weakness:
• Opportunity sampling meant that the nurse could choose those who
were more likely to adhere to taking medication
• Being interviewed by the nurse may mean that the participant felt
obliged to take part.
Marks: 1 mark basic answer. 2 marks detail/elaboration x2.
3(c)(i) Suggest one way in which data on adherence could be gathered, other 2
than by using pharmacy records.
Most likely answer (other appropriate responses to be credited):
• subjective: asking practitioner (Riekart and Droter, 1999)
• objective: pill counting (Chung and Naya, 2000)
• biochemical tests (Roth and Caron, 1978)
Marks: 1 mark basic answer, 2 marks detailed answer/elaboration
3(c)(ii) Suggest one advantage of the way to gather data that you suggested 2
in (c)(i).
Most likely answer (other appropriate responses to be credited):
• subjective: asking practitioner: practitioner knows the patient and their
medical history: history of adhering or not
• objective: pill counting: gives quantitative data so comparisons can be
made
• biochemical tests: if medicine has been taken then the test will reveal it
with 100% accuracy
Marks: 1 mark basic answer, 2 marks detailed answer/elaboration
3(c) Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of using pharmacy records to 5
gather data on adherence to taking medication. You should include a
conclusion in your answer.
Most likely answer (other appropriate responses to be credited):
Advantages:
• Pharmacy records involve no subjective comment (which may be
dishonest answers) from a patient
• Pharmacy records are objective measures: if the prescription is
collected or not
• Pharmacy records provide quantitative data which can be statistically
analysed and compared
Disadvantages:
• a patient should be allowed to comment on their own medication and
why they may not be taking it
• the objective measure may not be valid: the pharmacy records only
records the medication leaving the pharmacy (for example)
• pharmacy records give numbers; they do not give explanations
• pharmacy records may not be reliable (recording of prescription,
reporting of prescription over telephone)
Conclusion: any appropriate conclusion drawn from the discussion that has
been presented. 1 mark if appropriate. A conclusion is a ‘decision reached
by reasoning’ and so a summary of points already made scores 0 marks.
Marks: Question requires discussion; always plural of each argument,
and always requires conclusion. 1 mark for each advantage/disadvantage
(however detailed) and related to the question up to 4 max. 2 marks max for
two strengths/weaknesses unrelated to the question. 1 mark for conclusion.
Section A: Stimulus question psychology and organisations
The Minnesota satisfaction questionnaire (MSQ) measures satisfaction with the work environment.
The long version takes 15–20 minutes to complete, using 100 satisfaction items. It is easy to read and Weiss et al. (1967) say it is both reliable and valid. It can be completed as a postal questionnaire or in an interview setting.
(a) Explain how Weiss et al. (1967) know the MSQ is reliable. [2]
(b) (i) Give two MSQ satisfaction items. [2]
(ii) Suggest one problem that would arise if the questionnaire took longer than 20 minutes to complete. [2]
(c) Suggest two disadvantages of using a five-point scale, using an example from the MSQ. [4]
(d) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using postal questionnaires to gather data about work satisfaction. You should include a conclusion in your answer. [5]
Section B
You must answer one question from this section.
Psychology and abnormality
Mark scheme
4 The Minnesota satisfaction questionnaire (MSQ) measures satisfaction
with the work environment. The long version takes 15-20 minutes to
complete, using 100 satisfaction items. It is easy to read and Weiss
et al. (1967) say it is both reliable and valid. It can be completed as a
postal questionnaire or in an interview setting.
4(a) Explain how Weiss et al. (1967) know the MSQ is reliable. 2
Most likely answer from study:
• Hoyt’s ANOVA was used. Table 1 presents co-efficients for all twenty
items and most are greater than 0.9.
• Test-retest correlations were used at one week (N = 75) and at one
year (N = 115). Correlations range from 0.66 to 0.91 for the twenty
items. Data in Table 2 of study.
• A correlation was applied to test-retest data
Marks: 1 mark for basic answer e.g. identification of test-retest, plus 1 mark
for elaboration/example.
4(b)(i) Give two MSQ satisfaction items. 2
Most likely answer (other appropriate responses to be credited):
From study:
1. Ability Utilization (e.g. Q7: the chance to do the kind of work that I do
best); 2. Achievement; 3. Activity; 4. Advancement; 5. Authority; 6.
Company Policies; 7. Compensation; 8. Co-workers; 9. Creativity; 10.
Independence (e.g. Q24: the chance to work alone on the job); 11. Moral
Values; 12. Recognition (e.g. Q18: the way I am noticed when I do a good
job); 13. Responsibility; 14. Security; 15. Social Status; 16. Social Service
(e.g. Q41: the chance to help people); 17. Supervision-Human Relations;
18. Supervision-Technical; 19. Variety (e.g. Q25: the chance to do different
things from time to time); 20. Working Conditions.
Marks: 1 mark for each correct identification.
4(b)(ii) Suggest one problem that would arise if the questionnaire took longer 2
than 20 minutes to complete.
Most likely answer (other appropriate responses to be credited):
• Participants may be enthusiastic at the start but lose interest as time
passes
• Same applies if any questionnaire is too long/has too many questions
• Participant does not answer questions in the right way, and validity is
lost
• This is why split-half measures are taken
Marks: 1 mark basic answer (e.g. first bullet point), 2 marks detailed
answer/elaboration (3rd bullet point)
4(c) Suggest two disadvantages of using a five-point scale, using an 4
example from the MSQ.
Most likely answer (other appropriate responses to be credited):
Disadvantages:
• participants could ‘opt-out’ and give neutral responses for certain
questions. A participant may do this if they fear that management will
see the responses (example from list of 20 above).
• Opting out/neutral responses do not help researchers to draw
conclusions. MSQ: 5-point scale is: Very dissatisfied – Dissatisfied –
Neither dissatisfied nor satisfied – Satisfied – Very satisfied. A forced
four- or six-point choice does not allow an opt out and a decision, even
51/49 one way or the other, must be made.
Marks: 1 mark basic answer, 2 marks detailed answer/elaboration × 2.
4(d) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using postal 5
questionnaires to gather data about work satisfaction. You should
include a conclusion in your answer.
Most likely answer (other appropriate responses to be credited):
Advantages:
• people can read at their own leisure (in their own home), think and then
make decisions (without pressure from anyone)
• questionnaires can provide quantitative data which may allow
comparisons; Questionnaires can provide qualitative data through open
ended questions allowing a worker to report in detail
• questionnaires can be completed anonymously, and so honest answers
are more likely
• postal questionnaire can be more detailed than an interview, or a ‘do-it-
now’ questionnaire
Disadvantages:
• people may not receive the mailing; or receive it but never read it
• people read the information but not act on it (or forget to act on it)
• people may forget to return it. Approx 10% of postal questionnaires are
returned
• costs of postage sending out and returning; cost of printing and
envelopes.
Conclusion: any appropriate conclusion drawn from the discussion that has
been presented. 1 mark if appropriate. A conclusion is a ‘decision reached
by reasoning’ and so a summary of points already made scores 0 marks.
Marks: Question requires discussion; always plural of each argument,
and always requires conclusion. 1 mark for each advantage/disadvantage
(however detailed) and related to the question up to 4 max. 2 marks max for
two strengths/weaknesses unrelated to the question. 1 mark for conclusion.
Section B: Design question (a) = 10 marks, (b) = 8 marks
(a) Design an experiment to investigate the effectiveness of covert sensitisation for treating kleptomania. [10]
(b) Explain the psychological and methodological evidence on which your experiment is based.
[8]
Psychology and consumer behaviour
Mark scheme
5(a) Design an experiment to investigate the effectiveness of covert 10
sensitisation for treating kleptomania.
Marks: use generic levels of response Design a study question part (a).
Additional: Candidates should design the study showing evidence of
design features appropriate to the named method. The named method is:
any appropriate method.
Specific features:
• Experiments: type, IV, DV, controls, experimental design.
• Observations: type, setting, response categories, sampling frame,
number of observers.
• Questionnaires/Interviews: type, setting, example questions.
Scoring/rating scale, analysis of responses.
• Case study: participant, length of study/longitudinal, methods used.
General features of research methodology: sampling technique and
sample, type of data, ethics, reliability, validity, data analysis.
5(b) Explain the psychological and methodological evidence on which your 8
experiment is based.
Marks: use generic levels of response ‘Design a study’ question part (b).
NB If only methodological or psychological explanation is provided max 5
marks
Candidates are expected to explain the reasons for the suggested design in
part (a). Explanation should be both psychological and methodological.
Psychological to include appropriate theory or research.
Additional: candidates are expected to justify their decisions or evidence
presented regarding the design made in answer to question part (a).
Syllabus: treating and managing impulse control disorders and non-
substance addictive disorder: cognitive-behavioural: covert sensitisation
(Glover, 2011)
Psychological:
Covert sensitisation involves imagining an aversive stimulus such as
anxiety-producing imagery (being caught stealing) being paired with the
undesirable behaviour to change that behaviour. Covert involves imagery
rather than the actual behaviour.
NB 2 marks max if psychological knowledge is not related to answer.
Methodological: explanation of method using general and specific features
as above.
(a) Design a study to investigate whether males are ‘raider’ type shoppers and females are
‘explorer’ type shoppers. [10]
(b) Explain the psychological and methodological evidence on which your study is based. [8]
Psychology and health
Mark scheme
6(a) Design a study to investigate whether males are ‘raider’ type shoppers 10
and females are ‘explorer’ type shoppers.
Marks: use generic levels of response Design a study question part (a).
Additional: Candidates should design the study showing evidence of
design features appropriate to the named method. The named method is:
any appropriate method.
Specific features:
• Experiments: type, IV, DV, controls, experimental design.
• Observations: type, setting, response categories, sampling frame,
number of observers.
• Questionnaires/Interviews: type, setting, example questions.
Scoring/rating scale, analysis of responses.
General features of research methodology: sampling technique and
sample, type of data, ethics, reliability, validity, data analysis.
6(b) Explain the psychological and methodological evidence on which your 8
study is based.
Marks: use generic levels of response ‘Design a study’ question part (b).
NB If only methodological or psychological explanation is provided max 5
marks
Candidates are expected to explain the reasons for the suggested design in
part (a). Explanation should be both psychological and methodological.
Psychological to include appropriate theory or research.
Additional: candidates are expected to justify their decisions or evidence
presented regarding the design made in answer to question part (a).
Syllabus: shopper movement patterns (Gil et al., 2009)
Psychological:
The Raider walks fast, makes decisions quickly and has a preference for
main aisles. Raiders go far into the store if necessary, on ‘top-up’ or ‘food for
tonight’ missions. Most Raiders are male.
The Explorer: shoppers making the longest trips, going everywhere more
than once, slowly, with long interactions with the products and buying a lot.
They cover all the aisles in the store, on a ‘main’ shopping mission.
NB 2 marks max if psychological knowledge is not related to answer.
Methodological: explanation of method using general and specific features
as above.
(a) Design a study to investigate age differences in the disclosure of medical information to a health practitioner. [10]
(b) Explain the psychological and methodological evidence on which your study is based. [8]
Psychology and organisations
Mark scheme
7(a) Design a study to investigate age differences in the disclosure of 10
medical information to a health practitioner.
Marks: use generic levels of response Design a study question part (a).
Additional: Candidates should design the study showing evidence of
design features appropriate to the named method. The named method is:
any appropriate method.
Specific features:
• Experiments: type, IV, DV, controls, experimental design.
• Observations: type, setting, response categories, sampling frame,
number of observers.
• Questionnaires/Interviews: type, setting, example questions.
Scoring/rating scale, analysis of responses.
General features of research methodology: sampling technique and
sample, type of data, ethics, reliability, validity, data analysis.
7(b) Explain the psychological and methodological evidence on which your 8
study is based.
Marks: use generic levels of response ‘Design a study’ question part (b).
NB If only methodological or psychological explanation is provided max 5
marks
Candidates are expected to explain the reasons for the suggested design in
part (a). Explanation should be both psychological and methodological.
Psychological to include appropriate theory or research.
Additional: candidates are expected to justify their decisions or evidence
presented regarding the design made in answer to question part (a).
Syllabus: disclosure of information (Robinson and West, 1992)
Psychological:
Robinson and West (1992) studied patients attending a sexually
transmitted disease centre. symptoms recorded: (i) a computerised
interview, (ii) a paper questionnaire (iii) a ‘standard physician interview’.
More information was given to a computer than the paper questionnaire and
both these methods was better than in a face-to-face consultation with a
doctor.
NB 2 marks max if psychological knowledge is not related to answer.
Methodological: explanation of method using general and specific features
as above.
(a) Design a study to investigate how colour of lighting in a factory affects productivity level. [10]
(b) Explain the psychological and methodological evidence on which your study is based. [8]
Section C
You must answer one question from this section.
Psychology and abnormality
Mark scheme
8(a) Design a study to investigate how colour of lighting in a factory affects 10
productivity level.
Marks: use generic levels of response Design a study question part (a).
Additional: Candidates should design the study showing evidence of
design features appropriate to the named method. The named method is:
any appropriate method.
Specific features:
• Experiments: type, IV, DV, controls, experimental design.
• Observations: type, setting, response categories, sampling frame,
number of observers.
• Questionnaires/Interviews: type, setting, example questions.
Scoring/rating scale, analysis of responses.
General features of research methodology: sampling technique and
sample, type of data, ethics, reliability, validity, data analysis.
8(b) Explain the psychological and methodological evidence on which your 8
study is based.
Marks: use generic levels of response ‘Design a study’ question part (b).
NB If only methodological or psychological explanation is provided max 5
marks
Candidates are expected to explain the reasons for the suggested design in
part (a). Explanation should be both psychological and methodological.
Psychological to include appropriate theory or research.
Additional: candidates are expected to justify their decisions or evidence
presented regarding the design made in answer to question part (a).
Syllabus: Physical and psychological work conditions: physical: The
Hawthorne studies (Wikstrom and Bendix, 2000)
Psychological:
Hawthorne studies – where workers increased production because
management, who changed the lighting, were observing them.
NB 2 marks max if psychological knowledge is not related to answer.
Methodological: explanation of method using general and specific features
as above.
Section C: Evaluation question = 12 marks
‘Telephone-administered cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) will never be as effective as face-to-face treatment.’
To what extent do you agree with this statement? Use examples of research you have studied to support your answer. [12]
Psychology and consumer behaviour
10 ‘Satisficing is the only model needed to explain consumer decision-making.’
To what extent do you agree with this statement? Use examples of research you have studied to support your answer. [12]
Psychology and health
Mark scheme
9 ‘Telephone-administered cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) to treat 12
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) will never be as effective as
face-to-face treatment.’
To what extent do you agree with this statement? Use examples of
research you have studied to support your answer.
Marks: use generic levels of response in table C.
Syllabus: treatment and management of O-C and related disorders:
psychological: cognitive (Lovell et al., 2006) and exposure and response
prevention (Lehmkuhl et al., 2008)
Most likely (any other appropriate responses should be credited):
Just as effective:
• no travelling time to see the therapist
• takes less time – 30 mins on phone
• person at home is more comfortable being in their familiar environment;
is less stressful than in an office
• therapy and procedures are exactly the same
Not as effective:
• no non-verbal communication
• verbal communication may be restricted (may talk for longer if face-to-
face but not on telephone)
• therapist can’t review materials (such as homework diary)
• therapist can’t control the environment such as no distractions in an
office, but may be lots at home
10 Satisficing is the only model needed to explain consumer decision- 12
making.’
To what extent do you agree with this statement? Use examples of
research you have studied to support your answer.
Marks: use generic levels of response in table C.
Syllabus: models: utility theory, satisficing, prospect theory
Most likely (any other appropriate responses should be credited):
Only model:
• satisficing (Simon, 1956) combines ‘satisfy’ and ‘sufficient’, the only two
terms needed in decision-making, making the model simple: ‘why
continue searching for an item when this one will do’
• it cuts out the time needed to make a decision, unlike utility theory
where people consider all options before deciding on one eventually
• unlike utility theory, which assumes that people can consistently rank
order their options based on their preferences, this model eliminates
this aspect
Not only model
• it assumes decisions can be made quickly and simply. Some decisions
can, but others cannot.
• it is a nice theory but does not explain the processes most people go
through
• it applies to consumer decision-making but it is of no help to the seller
who tries to persuade an undecided person to make a decision
• prospect theory goes beyond this model suggesting that the value
needs to be taken into account
‘It does not matter whether patients understand the medical terms their doctor uses. In order to get better, they just have to do what their doctor tells them.’
To what extent do you agree with this statement? Use examples of research you have studied to support your answer. [12]
Psychology and organisations
12 ‘The two-factor theory of job satisfaction is too reductionist to be useful.’
To what extent do you agree with this statement? Use examples of research you have studied to support your answer. [12]
Mark scheme
11 ‘It does not matter whether patients understand the medical terms 12
their doctor uses. In order to get better, they just have to do what their
doctor tells them.’
To what extent do you agree with this statement? Use examples of
research you have studied to support your answer.
Marks: use generic levels of response in table C.
Syllabus: practitioner style: doctor and patient-centred (Byrne and Long,
1976, Savage and Armstrong, 1990). McKinlay (1975)
Most likely (any other appropriate responses should be credited):
Agree
• the patient may use vague terms, e.g. ‘it’s really bad’, and may not use
words understood by a practitioner
• the practitioner may use complex words and the patient may not
understand, or need to understand
• studies have shown that some people prefer a doctor-centred approach
Disagree:
• the patient knows how they feel and knows the type of pain, for
example, they are experiencing.
• the patient needs to ask about their treatment and the practitioner
answer any question that may be asked.
• studies have shown that some people prefer a patient-centred approach
12 ‘The two-factor theory of job satisfaction is too reductionist to be 12
useful.’
To what extent do you agree with this statement? Use examples of
research you have studied to support your answer.
Marks: use generic levels of response in table C.
Syllabus: theories of job satisfaction: two factor theory (Herzberg, 1959)
Most likely (any other appropriate responses should be credited):
Reductionist:
• Job satisfaction is broken down into two components (hygiene and
motivational) and then each of these is further broken down into five or
more factors.
• Breaking down allows each factor to be studied in more detail (e.g.
isolating IV and controlling other factors)
• Different factors should be broken down i.e. satisfiers and dissatisfiers
because they are different.
Not reductionist:
• Breaking down into individual aspects may lose sight of overall model
(job satisfaction)
• Breaking down may not lead to a consideration of how each factor is
inter-related with the others
• There may be many, many more factors that are discovered at a later
date and so this model is only a little bit reductionist.
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