OCR Psychology For A Level Book 1 sample

4. Explain why Chaney et al. ’s Funhaler study is relevant to the area of behaviourist psychology. [3] David’s answer The Funhaler has a whistle and spinning disk that work best when the child breathes in the best way to get their medication. This is an example of behaviourism because there is a reward for the child. Katharine’s answer A behaviourist perspective is about learning, e.g. operant conditioning where there is reinforcement for learning. In the Chaney study the children are rewarded for taking their asthma medicine by using the Funhaler because they like the whistle and spinner and this means they are likely to keep using it. This is seen in the fact that more children took their medication with the Funhaler than with the ordinary spacer. Teacher’s comments David, you have given some detail of the Chaney study. However, the link to behaviourism is tenuous (a simple mention of reward). You have not de ned behaviourism nor linked directly from the perspective to the study. You need to explain how the Funhaler rewards the child and you have not done this. Katharine, this is an excellent answer. You have clearly outlined the perspective and said how it relates to the study. You have even backed up your statement with some evidence from the study. David (1 out of 3 marks) Katharine (3 out of 3 marks) 5. Explain how the study by Lee et al . enhances our understanding of moral development. [3] David’s answer In the Kohlberg study 75 participants were interviewed using moral dilemmas. The results helped Kohlberg to come up with his stages of moral development. However, Kohlberg only used males so making his research male-biased. Lee used both males and females and more children so his sample can be generalised more easily. In addition, Lee was comparing Chinese and Canadian children instead of looking at other cultures compared with USA. Lee concluded that differences in results between Chinese and Canadian children were due to the differences in cultural norms (children in China are encouraged not to boast about their good deeds) rather than because of a lack of development in one culture compared to another. Katharine’s answer The Kohlberg study is about stages of moral development. Lee looked at differences between two countries – Canada and China. Lee is better because he used different types of stories so this adds to our knowledge about lying and telling the truth when behaviour is good or bad. Teacher’s comments David, you have given a very good answer. It is a little long-winded and does lack focus on ‘enhancing understanding’ at times (you have highlighted some differences rather than applied them to how that adds to our understanding). Your best point is the conclusion at the end. Overall, your answer lacks clarity. Katharine, this answer really lacks focus and clarity. You clearly know about the two studies and you have made a comparison point which is creditworthy. However, you are not really addressing the question. You are actually answering a slightly different question, ‘How is the Lee et al. study an improvement on the Kohlberg study?’ Take care and make sure you answer the question asked rather than the one you think is being asked! David (2 out of 3 marks) Katharine (1 out of 3 marks) 6. In the study of transmission of aggression by Bandura et al. identify two of the independent variables (IVs). [2] David’s answer One independent variable was the age of the child. A second independent variable was whether the child showed imitative aggressive behaviour in the third room, when they were being observed by more than one rater. This was done through a one-way mirror. Katharine’s answer IV1 – gender of model (male or female). IV2 – type of model (aggressive or non-aggressive). Teacher’s comments David, neither of these were independent variables in the study. The age of the child was not being studied. The second independent variable you mention is actually one of the dependent variables in this study. Giving us a lot of detail about how it was measured does not make it a better answer! Katharine, this an excellent answer. For ‘identify’ questions you do not need to write very much at all. The independent variables are correct and you have even given us the value of each. Well done! David (0 out of 2 marks) Katharine (2 out of 2 marks) Mark scheme 3 marks Explanation of how the Lee et al . study enhances our understanding with clear reference to both studies 2 marks Explanation of how the Lee et al. study adds to understanding with reference to both studies but lacks detail and /or clarity. 1 mark Partial or vague answer. 0 marks No creditworthy response. Mark scheme 2 marks Any two from: • Type of model (aggressive or passive). • Gender of model. • Gender of child. 1 mark Only one correctly identified. 0 marks No creditworthy response. Mark scheme 3 marks A clear and accurate description of the behaviourist perspective with detailed reference to the Chaney et al. study. 2 marks A clear, accurate description of the perspective with limited reference to the study OR a brief outline of the perspective but detailed reference to the Chaney et al. study. 1 mark Partial or vague answer, e.g. behaviourism mentioned but no reference to the Chaney et al. study. 0 marks No creditworthy response. 219 AS & A level Exam preparation: Questions, answers and comments