Groups 13A

Group A Group B

Ella D Rachel D

Amelia V Isabelle L

Emily D Chloe S

Caitlin H Ella N

Meghan F

Groups 13C

Group A Group BCatherine C Lola D

Vicky K Christina S

Kirsty M Jess R

Izzy P Ellie W

Groups 13E

Group A1 Group A2 Group B1 Group B2

Bella B Lulu B Lucy C Lucy D

Lily F Upasna P Lydia T Sophie P

Marzia D Hannah W Alice P Jodie K

Sarah B

G544 Research Methods

Section B Guidance

• We have covered the format of Section A for Experiments and Observations so far

• We now need to ensure that we are aware of the exam requirements of Section B of this

paper

• Please also refer to p. 4 of your textbook for further guidance

PLEASE PRINT FULL PAGE SLIDES FOR THIS PARTICULAR SET OF LESSONS.

The Format1. Briefly outline ____________   used in psychology. (4)

2. Describe two pieces of research that use _____________. (8)

3. Discuss the strengths and limitations of ________________. (12)

4. Compare the method or approach   with another method or approach   .  (8)

5. Discuss the _________of using ___________ research. (8) 

E.g. You will have looked at this in Mrs Watt’s lessons…

Briefly outline the self-report method used in psychology. (4)

2. Describe two pieces of research that use the self-report method. (8)

3. Discuss the strengths and limitations of using self-report to investigate behaviour. (12)

4. Compare the self-report method with the observational method.  (8)

5. Discuss the usefulness of using self-reports in research. (8)

Things to think about.....

What are the IMPERATIVES in my question

e.g. describe / outline / discuss / evaluate / comment on

If asking about studies, what CONTEXT from the study do I need

e.g. results (findings) / the procedure / the sample / the sampling method etc

Can I see how the marks will be allocated?

e.g 8 marks = 4+4 as questions asks for two pieces of information

Do I understand how much detail I need

e.g. there are 6 marks to describe and evaluate the sampling method... this means 3 (describe) and 3 (evaluate) so I need to P.E.C on the sample and P.E.C on one evaluative issue

In groups, write your answer in the space:

Group A Group B

1. Briefly outline the experimental method in Psychology (4)

1. Briefly outline the observational method in Psychology (4)

5 mins

The experimental method involves the manipulation of a variable/s in order to find a cause effect relationship between the IV and DV. Lab experiments are reliable and replicable as they involve a high degree of control.

1 mark – Identification of the debate/issue/approach which is very basic and lacks detail (e.g. a list). Very limited or no evidence of understanding. Experimental method may not be referred to at all. Psychological terms and concepts may be absent. Expression poor.

2 marks – The main components of the debate/issue/approach are included, are generally accurate but errors may be evident. Detail is reasonable. There may be vague or no link to experimental method. Some understanding is evident. Expression and use of psychological terminology is competent.

3 marks – The main components of the debate/issue/approach are accurately described. Detail is good. The answer is linked to experimental method. Understanding is good and expression and use of psychological terminology is also good.

4 marks – The main components of the issue are clearly and accurately described. Detail is appropriate to level and time allowed. The debate is clearly related to experimental method. The candidate clearly understands the issue in question. Confident use of psychological terminology and concepts.

What should you include..?

Group A Group B

2. Describe two pieces of research that use the experimental method.

(8)

2. Describe two pieces of research that use the observational method. (8

Group A Group B

2. Describe two pieces of research that use the experimental method.

(8)

2. Describe two pieces of research that use the observational method. (8

12 mins

What should you include..?

Use the issues and debates framework and support with evidence. 

6-7

Evaluation (positive and negative points) is good. Range of points limited and may be imbalanced. Points are organised into issues/debates, methods or approaches. Selection of points is often related to the assessment request and demonstrates good

psychological knowledge. Limited use of supporting examples from unit content. Quality of argument arising from points is limited. Analysis (key points and valid generalisations) is sometimes evident. Evaluation is detailed and understanding is limited

8-9

Evaluation (positive and negative points) is very good. Range of points is good and is balanced. Points are well organised into issues/debates,

methods or approaches. Selection of points is related to the assessment request and demonstrates competent

psychological knowledge. Good use of supporting examples from unit content. Quality of argument arising from points is often clear and well developed. Analysis (key points and valid generalisations) is often evident.

Evaluation is quite detailed and understanding is good.10-12

Evaluation (positive and negative points) is comprehensive. Range (e.g. two or more positive and two or more negative) of points is balanced. Points are competently organised into issues/debates, methods or approaches. Selection of points is explicitly related to the assessment request and demonstrates

impressive psychological knowledge. Effective use of supporting examples from unit content.

Quality of argument (or comment) arising from points is clear and well developed. Analysis (valid conclusions that effectively summarise issues and arguments) is

evident. Evaluation is detailed and understanding is thorough.

Group A Group B

3. Discuss the strengths and limitations of using the experimental method to investigate behaviour. Use examples of psychological research to

support your answer. (12)

3. Discuss the strengths and limitations of using the observational method to investigate behaviour. Use examples of psychological research to

support your answer. (12)

Plan your answer: 15 mins

Discuss the strengths and limitations of using the EXPERIMENTAL method to investigate behaviour. Use examples of psychological research to support your answer. (12)

P

E

C

P

E

C

Discuss the strengths and limitations of using the EXPERIMENTAL method to investigate behaviour. Use examples of psychological research to support your answer. (12)

P

E

C

P

E

C

Discuss the strengths and limitations of using the OBSERVATIONAL method to investigate behaviour. Use examples of psychological research to support your answer. (12)

P

E

C

P

E

C

Discuss the strengths and limitations of using the OBSERVATIONAL method to investigate behaviour. Use examples of psychological research to support your answer. (12)

P

E

C

P

E

C

Comparisons - methods

Candidates may draw comparisons between the types of data collected, or may use evaluation issues such as reliability, validity, reductionism, determinism, ethics, usefulness, etc.Can be similarities and/or differences

Top marks: 7-8 marks – Explanation of terms is accurate and use of psychological

terminology is comprehensive. The supporting examples (two or more) of theories/studies

described is appropriate and taken from at least two different sources.

Explanation of knowledge (theories/studies) is accurate, coherent and detailed.

Elaboration, use of example, quality of description is very good. The answer is competently structured and organised (global structure introduced at start and followed throughout)

Quality of written communication is very good.

During exp and obs we thought about studies that used this method.

Compare the experimental method with one other method of collecting

data. [8]

(compare it to observations)

For 5–6 marks the candidate needs to give at least one point of comparison between the methods with well supported examples.

For 7–8 marks there should be at least two points of comparison linked with evidence from both the experimental method and the other method.

5–6 marks – Explanation of terms is mainly accurate and use of psychological terminology is competent. The supporting examples (two or more) of theories/studies described is taken from at least two different sources. Explanation of knowledge (theories/studies) is mainly accurate, coherent and reasonably detailed. Elaboration, use of example, quality of description is good. The answer has some structure and organisation. Quality of written communication is good.

7–8 marks – Explanation of terms is accurate and use of psychological terminology is comprehensive. The supporting examples (two or more) of theories/studies described is appropriate and taken from at least two different sources. Explanation of knowledge (theories/studies) is accurate, coherent and detailed. Elaboration, use of example, quality of description is very good. The answer is competently structured and organised (global structure introduced at start and followed throughout) Quality of written communication is very good.

Experiments and Observations Comparison

Similarities with examples

Differences with examples

How are you going to approach this type of Q – what will you include?

5. Discuss the _________of using ___________ research. (8) 

Let’s discuss this question together

It can come up in various forms

E.g. discuss the extent to which psychology can be considered a science

E.g. Discuss the usefulness of research that uses the experimental method

E.g. Discuss whether or not it is possible to conduct psychological research that is completely ethical