Psychology 9990/41 May/June 2026: question paper and mark scheme

Mark scheme

10(b)(i) Describe this psychological knowledge. 4 Syllabus: 2.2.3 Consumer behaviour and personal space. Defending place in a queue including nature of intrusion, number of intrusions, social structure of a queue, responses of people queuing, including a study, e.g. Milgram et al. (1986). Answers are likely to include the following (other appropriate responses to be credited). Several possibilities for inclusion: Hall (1966) outlines four zones of personal space: • intimate – for people in a relationship, close friends and family • personal – for friends and family • social – for interacting with work colleagues • public – for speaking in public, e.g. a lecture. Robson et al. (2011): personal space distances at tables. Distances could be used but peripheral. Milgram (1986) looked at aspects such as nature of intrusion, number of intrusions, social structure of a queue, responses of people queuing. Milgram focused on defending space (and this question is not about defending). Marks Description 3–4 The knowledge is appropriate. Relevant points are correctly described in good detail. 1–2 Basic points are identified with some elaboration and understanding. The answer lacks detail (a sentence or two). 0 No creditable response. Trace ID: PC-5DC29495BE Re-uploading, mirroring or re-hosting this file on any other website or domain is unauthorised and traceable. Licensed for hosting on papacambridge.com only. PapaCambridge Downloaded from PapaCambridge - https://papacambridge.com/ 10(b)(ii) Explain how you used two features of this psychological knowledge to 4 plan your study. Candidates should explain how the psychological knowledge described in (b)(i) has informed their plan in part (a). For each feature: Marks Description 2 Suitable answer that relates a feature and explains how the feature was used, expanded or modified to make it appropriate to the plan. The knowledge has clearly been applied to the plan. 1 Basic answer that identifies a feature. 0 No creditable response. Note: 1 mark for explanation of follow on from (i); 1 mark for explanation appearing in (a) x2. Example: (i) use of personal space distances which could be Hall’s, Robson’s or other, (ii) from Milgram could include distances due to nature of intrusion, number of intrusions, responses of people queueing. 10(c)(i) Explain one reason for your choice of behavioural categories. 2 Candidates must use the behavioural categories stated in (a). Award 2 marks: reason is given and applied to the plan. Award 1 mark: reason is given without being applied to the plan. Examples: • Behavioural categories were used because they could be agreed and defined before the observation started (1 mark); related to plan (+1 mark). • Behavioural categories were used because each observer would know exactly what they were looking for, reducing ambiguity and increasing inter-rater reliability (1 mark); related to plan (+1 mark). Trace ID: PC-5DC29495BE Re-uploading, mirroring or re-hosting this file on any other website or domain is unauthorised and traceable. Licensed for hosting on papacambridge.com only. PapaCambridge Downloaded from PapaCambridge - https://papacambridge.com/ 10(c)(ii) Explain one weakness with your choice of behavioural categories. 2 Candidates must use the behavioural categories stated in (c)(i). Award 2 marks: weakness is given and applied to the plan. Award 1 mark: weakness is given without being applied to the plan. Examples: • Unique or behaviours not planned for could be observed and have to be excluded (1 mark); related to study (+1 mark). • The categories chosen might not fully apply or be ambiguous when the observation is conducted (1 mark); related to study (+1 mark). 10(c)(iii) Explain one reason for the way you chose to analyse your data. 2 Candidates must use the analysis of data stated in (a). Award 2 marks: reason is given and applied to the plan. Award 1 mark: reason is given without being applied to the plan. Examples: • As the data gathered is quantitative, the data can be analysed using descriptive statistics such as mean, median and mode (or scatter graph for correlation); related to study (+1 mark). • As the data gathered is qualitative, the data gathered can be presented to raters / judges who will independently categorise the words so conclusions can be drawn from the data (1 mark); related to study (+1 mark). Trace ID: PC-5DC29495BE Re-uploading, mirroring or re-hosting this file on any other website or domain is unauthorised and traceable. Licensed for hosting on papacambridge.com only. PapaCambridge Downloaded from PapaCambridge - https://papacambridge.com/ 11(a) Plan a study using closed questions to investigate which diagnostic 10 features of Munchausen syndrome are most common. Your plan must include details about: •sample of participants •descriptive statistics. Use Table A: AO2 Application to mark candidate responses to this question. Credit both general features and specific features of the plan. The specific features of the plan The general features of the plan should include: should include (if appropriate) Use either interview or questionnaire: • sample and sampling technique • question technique • ethical guidelines (paper / pencil, online, postal) • a procedure • question format (open and / or • the location closed) • type of data, analysis of data, • interview technique (telephone use of descriptive statistics or face-to-face) • an aim or hypothesis • interview format (structured, (directional or non- unstructured, semi-structured) directional) / null hypothesis • examples of questions • steps for making the study • question scoring / interpretation valid and reliable. • number of questions. Credit other elements of the plan as appropriate using the marking grid. 11(b) For one piece of psychological knowledge on which your plan is based:

Mark scheme

11(b)(i) Describe this psychological knowledge. 4 Syllabus: 3.1.3 Misusing health services. Munchausen syndrome versus malingering. Diagnostic features of Munchausen (essential and supporting features), including a study, e.g. Aleem and Ajarim (1995). Answers are likely to include (other appropriate responses to be credited): • Neurological symptoms such as seizures, fainting or dizziness. • Test results manipulated by adding blood to urine samples. • Ingesting a substance, such as insulin. Trace ID: PC-5DC29495BE Re-uploading, mirroring or re-hosting this file on any other website or domain is unauthorised and traceable. Licensed for hosting on papacambridge.com only. PapaCambridge Downloaded from PapaCambridge - https://papacambridge.com/ 11(b)(i) • People may injure themselves or even induce illnesses as injecting themselves with faecal matter (Aleem & Ajarim, 1995). • Travelling widely (peregrination) and changing name. • Telling lies (pathological lying). • Multiple hospital visits. • Feigned or simulated illness. Marks Description 3–4 The knowledge is appropriate. Relevant points are correctly described in good detail. 1–2 Basic points are identified with some elaboration and understanding. The answer lacks detail (a sentence or two). 0 No creditable response. 11(b)(ii) Explain how you used two features of this psychological knowledge to 4 plan your study. Candidates should explain how the psychological knowledge described in (b)(i) has informed their plan in part (a). For each feature: Marks Description 2 Suitable answer that relates a feature and explains how the feature was used, expanded or modified to make it appropriate to the plan. The knowledge has clearly been applied to the plan. 1 Basic answer that identifies a feature. 0 No creditable response. Note: 1 mark for explanation of follow on from (b)(i); 1 mark for explanation appearing in (a) x2. Example: Questionnaire should focus on at least two aspects of diagnostic features (outlined in (b)(i), for example (i) multiple hospital visits; peregrination (two or more of these can be ‘two features’) (ii) the case study by Aleem & Ajarim, (1995). Trace ID: PC-5DC29495BE Re-uploading, mirroring or re-hosting this file on any other website or domain is unauthorised and traceable. Licensed for hosting on papacambridge.com only. PapaCambridge Downloaded from PapaCambridge - https://papacambridge.com/ 11(c)(i) Explain one reason for your choice of sample of participants. 2 Candidates must use the sample stated in (a). Award 2 marks: reason is given and applied to the plan. Award 1 mark: reason is given without being applied to the plan. Examples: • The number of participants in my study was X because (reason given) (1 mark) and related (+1 mark). • The sex / gender balance of participants in my study was X because (reason given) (1 mark) and related (+1 mark). • The location participants were chosen from in my study was because (reason given) (1 mark) and related (+1 mark). • The type of participants chosen to be in my study was because (reason given) (1 mark) and related (+1 mark). • The age range of participants chosen to be in my study was because (reason given) (1 mark) and related (+1 mark). 11(c)(ii) Explain one weakness of your choice of sample of participants. 2 Candidates must use the sample of participants stated in (c)i. Award 2 marks: weakness is given and applied to the plan. Award 1 mark: weakness is given without being applied to the plan. Examples: • The number of participants was too small because (reason given) (1 mark) and related (+1 mark). • The sex / gender balance of participants was imbalanced because (reason given) (1 mark) and related (+1 mark). • The location participants were from was restricted because (reason given) (1 mark) and related (+1 mark). • The type of participants chosen was restricted because (reason given) (1 mark) and related (+1 mark). • The age range of participants was restricted (reason given) (1 mark) and related (+1 mark). 11(c)(iii) Explain one reason for your choice of descriptive statistics. 2 Candidates must use the descriptive statistics stated in (a). Award 2 marks: reason is given and applied to the plan. Award 1 mark: reason is given without being applied to the plan. Examples: • Descriptive statistics describe (summarise) data via mean, median, mode, range so outcomes can be easily identified (1 mark); related to study (2 marks). • Descriptive statistics describe (summarise) data via a visual display bar chart, histogram, scatter graph (1 mark); related to study (2 marks). Trace ID: PC-5DC29495BE Re-uploading, mirroring or re-hosting this file on any other website or domain is unauthorised and traceable. Licensed for hosting on papacambridge.com only. PapaCambridge Downloaded from PapaCambridge - https://papacambridge.com/ 12(a) Plan a study using a structured interview to investigate which type of 10 accident due to human error is most common in a shoe factory. Your plan must include details about: • sampling technique • interview technique. Use Table A: AO2 Application to mark candidate responses to this question. Credit both general features and specific features of the plan. Note: candidates suggesting that participants deliberately have accidents (which could harm them) is unethical and depending on nature max 5 marks or 0 marks. The specific features of the plan The general features of the plan should include: should include (if appropriate): • interview technique • sample and sampling (telephone or face-to-face) technique • interview format (structured, • ethical guidelines unstructured, semi-structured) • a procedure • question format (open and / or • the location closed) • type(s) of data, analysis of • examples of questions data, use of descriptive • question scoring / interpretation statistics number of questions. • an aim or hypothesis (directional or non- directional) / null hypothesis • steps for making the study valid and reliable. 12(b) For one piece of psychological knowledge on which your plan is based: 12b(i) Describe this psychological knowledge. 4 Syllabus: 4.4.3 Health and safety. Accidents at work focusing on human errors (errors of omission, commission, sequencing and timing) and system errors in operator–machine systems (machine controls and displays). Answers are likely to include the following (other appropriate responses to be credited). Riggio (1990) suggests when operating machines there can be errors of: • Omission – failing to do something, such as forgetting to turn something off. • Commission – performing an act incorrectly, i.e. doing something wrong. • Sequence errors – doing something out of order. • Timing errors – doing something too quickly, or too slowly. Trace ID: PC-5DC29495BE Re-uploading, mirroring or re-hosting this file on any other website or domain is unauthorised and traceable. Licensed for hosting on papacambridge.com only. PapaCambridge Downloaded from PapaCambridge - https://papacambridge.com/

Mark scheme

12(b)(i) Errors can also be due to tiredness / fatigue, the use of alcohol and or drugs (including medications for illnesses), or because of accident proneness. When something does go wrong it is often because people apply what are known as motion stereotypes: a behaviour that is familiar and done without thinking about it. People make substitution errors – where one instrument is confused with another. Marks Description 3–4 The knowledge is appropriate. Relevant points are correctly described in good detail. 1–2 Basic points are identified with some elaboration and understanding. The answer lacks detail (a sentence or two). 0 No creditable response. 12(b)(ii) Explain how you used two features of this psychological knowledge to 4 plan your study. Candidates should explain how the psychological knowledge described in (b)(i) has informed their plan in part (a). For each feature: Marks Description 2 Suitable answer that relates a feature and explains how the feature was used, expanded or modified to make it appropriate to the plan. The knowledge has clearly been applied to the plan. 1 Basic answer that identifies a feature. 0 No creditable response. Note: 1 mark for explanation of follow on from (b)(i); 1 mark for explanation appearing in (a) ×2. Example: (i) Questions can be about different types of error (as detailed in (b)(i). (ii) Questions could be about ‘worker features’ such as tiredness, use of alcohol, medication, accident proneness. Also possible (iii) application of motion stereotypes or substitution errors. Trace ID: PC-5DC29495BE Re-uploading, mirroring or re-hosting this file on any other website or domain is unauthorised and traceable. Licensed for hosting on papacambridge.com only. PapaCambridge Downloaded from PapaCambridge - https://papacambridge.com/ 12(c)(i) Explain one reason for your choice of sampling technique. 2 Candidates must use the sampling technique stated in (a). Award 2 marks: reason is given and applied to the plan. Award 1 mark: reason is given without being applied to the plan. Examples: • A random sample was chosen so everyone in the target population has an equal chance of participating (1 mark); related to plan (+1 mark). • An opportunity sample was chosen because large numbers can be obtained relatively more easily than other methods (1 mark); related to plan (+1 mark). • A volunteer sample was chosen because people are willing and more likely to participate (1 mark); related to plan (+1 mark). 12(c)(ii) Explain one strength of using a structured interview in your study. 2 Candidates must use the structured interview stated in (c)(i). Award 2 marks: strength is given and applied to the plan. Award 1 mark: strength is given without being applied to the plan. Examples: • Used so all participants received the same questions in the same order (1 mark); related to plan (2 marks). • Used because all questions can be prepared in advance (1 mark); related to plan (+1 mark). • Used so the answers to questions can be compared (1 mark); related to plan (+1 mark). 12(c)(iii) Explain one reason for your choice of interview technique. 2 Candidates must use the interview technique stated in (a). Award 2 marks: reason is given and applied to the plan. Award 1 mark: reason is given without being applied to the plan. Examples: • Face-to-face and then non-verbal responses can be noted by the interviewer (1 mark); related to plan (+1 mark). • Face-to-face because it is much more ‘personable’ than talking on a telephone (1 mark); related to plan (+1 mark). • Telephone because the interview will be short and to the point (1 mark); related to plan (+1 mark). • Telephone because a much wider sample can be obtained - because there is no travelling involved by either interviewer or interviewee (1 mark); related to plan (+1 mark). • Telephone because the interviewee is in their own surroundings (at home?) and may feel more comfortable / relaxed when being interviewed (1 mark); related to plan (+1 mark). Trace ID: PC-5DC29495BE Re-uploading, mirroring or re-hosting this file on any other website or domain is unauthorised and traceable. Licensed for hosting on papacambridge.com only. PapaCambridge Downloaded from PapaCambridge - https://papacambridge.com/