Design a study to investigate worker preference for the metropolitan or the continental rapid rotation system of shiftwork.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Feb/Mar 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] Marks: use generic levels of response Design a study question part (a).
2. [A] Additional: Candidates should design the study showing evidence of design features appropriate to the named method. The named method is: any appropriate method.
3. [S] Specific features: Experiments: type, IV, DV, controls, experimental design.
4. [S] Observations: type, setting, response categories, sampling frame, number of observers.
5. [S] Questionnaires/Interviews: type, setting, example questions. Scoring/rating scale, analysis of responses.
6. [G] General features of research methodology: sampling technique and sample, type of data, ethics, reliability, validity, data analysis.
7. [L] Logically candidates will choose an experiment with IV being the two shifts and the DV being worker preference assessed on a questionnaire or through an interview.
8. [8] Marks: use generic levels of response 'Design a study' question part (b).
9. [N] N.B. If only methodological or psychological explanation is provided max 5 marks
10. [C] Candidates are expected to explain the reasons for the suggested design in part (a). Explanation should be both psychological and methodological.
11. [P] Psychological to include appropriate theory or research.
12. [A] Additional: candidates are expected to justify their decisions or evidence presented regarding the design made in answer to question part (a).
13. [S] Syllabus: shiftwork: rapid rotation theory (metropolitan rota and continental rota); slow rotation theory (Pheasant, 1991)
14. [P] Psychological:
15. [1] Metropolitan rota: work two early (6 am to 2 pm), two late (2 pm to 10 pm), two night (10 pm to 6 am), two rest.
16. [1] Continental rota: work two early, two late, three night, two rest, then two early, three late, two night, three rest.
17. [N] N.B. 2 marks max if psychological knowledge is not related to answer.
18. [M] Methodological: explanation of method using general and specific features as above.