Saira is talking about the study by Saavedra and Silverman (button phobia). She says that the findings were subjective. Explain why Saira is correct that the findings were subjective, using evidence from this study in your answer.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Feb/Mar 2024). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] Being subjective is about feelings/emotions from the viewpoint of the individual.
2. [1] The boy rated his fear of each button himself.
3. [1] His level of fear for certain buttons are not comparable with other people with the same phobia.
4. [1] He also had an experience that he felt affected him in the classroom.
5. [1] There was no objective measure of fear (for example heart rate), so it was all based around how the boy felt about his disgust towards buttons.
6. [1] The mother may have exaggerated the severity of the boy's symptoms.
7. [1] He said that he did not like the smell of the buttons.
8. [1] The researchers may have formed a bond with the boy (during the time helping him with his phobia).
9. [1] The interviews about the buttons required interpretation of qualitative data.