Kenley is studying whether manipulating participants' mood (to 'good' or 'bad') will make them better at identifying positive facial expressions such as 'friendly' and 'happy'.

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] (a) Level 3 (8-10 marks): Response is described in sufficient detail to be replicable (i.e. what and how). Response may have a minor omission (i.e. who or where). Use of psychological terminology is accurate and comprehensive. Level 2 (5-7 marks): Response is in some detail. Response has minor omission(s) (i.e. who and/or where). Use of psychological terminology is accurate. Level 1 (1-4 marks): Response is basic in detail. Response has major omission(s). If response is impossible to conduct max. 2. Use of psychological terminology is mainly accurate. Level 0 (0 marks): No response worthy of credit. Key elements for a lab experiment description: IV (+ operationalisation), DV (+ operationalisation), controls, experimental design, participants/sampling, location, data analysis, ethical issues.
2. [4] (b) Answer will depend on problem identified. Problems may, for example, be matters of: Validity (operationalisation, difficulty with lying / social desirability, difficulty with response biases), Reliability (inter-rater consistency, intra-rater consistency). This list is not exhaustive and other appropriate responses should also be credited. Mark criteria: 3–4 marks (Appropriate problem identified; Appropriate solution is clearly described); 2 marks (Appropriate problem identified; plus EITHER Explanation of why it is a problem OR Ineffectual but possible solution described); 1 mark (Appropriate problem identified; Little or no justification); 0 marks (No response worthy of credit).