Design an experiment to investigate the effectiveness of covert sensitisation for treating kleptomania.

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] (a) Marks: use generic levels of response Design a study question part (a). Additional: Candidates should design the study showing evidence of design features appropriate to the named method. The named method is: any appropriate method. Specific features: Experiments: type, IV, DV, controls, experimental design. Observations: type, setting, response categories, sampling frame, number of observers. Questionnaires/Interviews: type, setting, example questions. Scoring/rating scale, analysis of responses. Case study: participant, length of study/longitudinal, methods used. General features of research methodology: sampling technique and sample, type of data, ethics, reliability, validity, data analysis.
2. [8] (b) Marks: use generic levels of response 'Design a study' question part (b). NB If only methodological or psychological explanation is provided max 5 marks Candidates are expected to explain the reasons for the suggested design in part (a). Explanation should be both psychological and methodological. Psychological to include appropriate theory or research. Additional: candidates are expected to justify their decisions or evidence presented regarding the design made in answer to question part (a). Syllabus: treating and managing impulse control disorders and non-substance addictive disorder: cognitive-behavioural: covert sensitisation (Glover, 2011) Psychological: Covert sensitisation involves imagining an aversive stimulus such as anxiety-producing imagery (being caught stealing) being paired with the undesirable behaviour to change that behaviour. Covert involves imagery rather than the actual behaviour. NB 2 marks max if psychological knowledge is not related to answer. Methodological: explanation of method using general and specific features as above.