'Cognitive explanations of schizophrenia ignore the effects of nature.' To what extent do you agree with this statement? Use examples of research you have studied to support your answer.

Mark scheme

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

1. [12] Marks: use generic levels of response in table C.
2. [S] Syllabus: explanations of schizophrenia and delusional disorder: cognitive (Frith, 1992); A2 issue of reductionism.
3. [M] Most likely (any other appropriate responses should be credited):
4. [F] For: People are different and what applies to some people will not apply to many others
5. [F] There are alternative approaches: genetic, biochemical and cognitive
6. [F] Being reductionist may exclude the role of other contributory factors
7. [A] Against: The cognitive explanation is useful because schizophrenia in many people is due to 'cognitive' factors
8. [A] Reducing to one explanation allows it to be studied more specifically to identify individual factors responsible.
9. [A] Useful because a treatment is based on this approach – cognitive behaviour therapy.