A-LevelPsychologyResearch methods9990/21 · May/June 2021 · Q1014 Marks

Nuan wants to test the idea that the way words are presented affects recall. She predicts that people will recall more words from a list they hear than from a list they see.

(a)Describe how Nuan could conduct a laboratory experiment to test the idea that the way words are presented affects recall.[10]
(b)Identify one practical weakness/limitation with the procedure you have described in your answer to part (a) and suggest how your study might be done differently to overcome the problem. Do not refer to ethics or sampling in your answer.[4]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

[10] Three majors for a laboratory experiment are:
What: - will be recorded, i.e. DV recall of the list (operationalisation: scoring)
How: - IV hearing or seeing a list (operationalisation: how it is presented visually and orally)
controls (e.g. limiting distractions, time allowed to study list)
The minors are:
where - location of participants when data is collected (i.e. lab)
who - participants
Other details for replication:
experimental design (any are appropriate here)
sampling technique
sample size
description of how data will analysed, e.g. use of measures of central tendency and spread, bar charts
ethical issues
Other appropriate responses should also be credited.
Mark according to the levels of response criteria below:
Level 3 (8–10 marks)
• Response is described in sufficient detail to be replicable.
• Response may have a minor omission.
• Use of psychological terminology is accurate and comprehensive.
Level 2 (5–7 marks)
• Response is in some detail.
• Response has minor omission(s).
• 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.
[4] Answer will depend on problem identified.
Problems may, for example, be matters of:
Validity
• operationalisation
• situational/participant variables factors
Reliability
inter-rater consistency
• intra-rater consistency.
This list is not exhaustive and other appropriate responses should also be credited.
Marks Comment
3-4 Appropriate problem identified. Appropriate solution is clearly described.
2 Appropriate problem identified. plus EITHER Explanation of why it is a problem OR Ineffectual but possible solution described.
1 Appropriate problem identified. Little or no justification.
0 No response worthy of credit