A-LevelPsychologyOrganisational psychology9990/41 · May/June 2018 · Q415 Marks

The study by Gold et al. (1992) found that the number of shiftwork accidents made by nurses was significantly higher in those working a 'rotator' shift. To investigate this further, the researchers sent questionnaires to all nurses. However, only 78% returned their questionnaires.

(a)Explain what Gold et al. meant by a 'rotator' shift.[2]
(b)Give two findings for 'rotators' compared with 'non-rotators', other than the number of shiftwork accidents.[4]
(c)Suggest two reasons why only 78% of participants returned their questionnaires.[4]
(d)Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using questionnaires to gather data about accidents in the workplace. You should include a conclusion in your answer.[5]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[2] A rotator shift is where a worker works, within a month, 4 or more day or evening shifts and 4 or more night shifts. Other shifts patterns include: day/evening only; night, day/evening and occasional night; night/occasional day/evening; part-time rotator.
[2] Rotators had twice the odds of nodding off whilst driving to and from work; when compared to day/evening nurses, rotators had 3.9 times the odds and night nurses had 3.6 times the odds of nodding off while driving to or from work in the preceding year.
[2] Rotators had more sleep/wake cycle disruption and nodded off more at work. Nodding off on the night shift occurred at least once per week in 35.3% of rotators, 32.4% of night nurses, and 20.7% of day/evening nurses who worked occasional nights. On the other hand, neither day/evening nurses nor rotating nurses reported significant problems with nodding off on the day or evening shift (rates for nodding off: 2.8% and 2.7%).
[2] may not see the questionnaire;
[2] may see it and complete it but not return it;
[2] decide that it does not apply to them;
[2] they have something to hide;
[2] they do not want to give out personal details.
[1] Questionnaires can include a wide range of pertinent items that may not be included in a self report of an accident.
[1] Questionnaires can provide quantitative data which may allow comparisons to be made with other accidents of the same type.
[1] Questionnaires can provide qualitative data through open ended questions allowing a worker to report in detail what happened.
[1] the questionnaire might be pre-written with items that do not apply or do not cover the specifics of a particular accident.
[1] workers may not answer the questions truthfully if their job is at stake.
[1] Questionnaires may only give quantitative data; an open ended-question may be more revealing
[1] Questionnaires might include leading words.
[1] Conclusion: any appropriate conclusion drawn from the discussion that has been presented.