Design a study using observations to investigate which followership type is the most common in an organisation producing toys.

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] 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: observation. Specific features: Observations: type, setting, response categories, sampling frame, number of observers. General features of research methodology: sampling technique & sample, type of data, ethics, reliability, validity, data analysis.
2. [8] 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: leaders and followers: followership: qualities of and types (Kelley, 1988) Psychological: Kelley (1988) outlines five styles: • Conformist followers ('the yes people') allow leaders to think and act and are positive and on the leader's side. • Alienated followers: predominantly negative; think for themselves but do not contribute to direction of the organisation. • Passive followers ('the sheep') passive thinking and engagement; motivated by their leader rather than themselves. • Pragmatist followers minimal level of independent thinking and engagement; change to suit the situation • Exemplary ('star') followers think for themselves, have positive energy, and are actively engaged. NB 2 marks max if psychological knowledge is not related to answer. Methodological: explanation of method using general and specific features as above.