Emma is planning to conduct an interview-based study about how well people think their pets/ domesticated animals learn, for example whether cats learn to respond to their names.

Mark scheme

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

1. [10] Three major omissions for an interview study are: What: - content of questions asked (i.e. topics, examples) How: - interview structure detail (e.g. structured / unstructured / semi-structured) style of questions asked (e.g. open / closed) The minor omissions are: where - location of participants when being interviewed who - participants (pet/domesticated animal owners)
2. Indicative content for an interview study: What: content of questions asked (i.e. topics, examples) How: open/closed questions about beliefs about pets interview structure detail (e.g. structured / unstructured / semi-structured) lie questions filler questions sampling technique sample size description of how closed questions will be scored description of how quantitative data from closed questions will analysed description of how open questions will be interpreted ethical issues Other appropriate responses should also be credited.
3. 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. [4] Answer will depend on problem identified.
5. Problems may, for example, be matters of: Validity ∞ operationalisation ∞ difficulty with lying / social desirability ∞ difficulty with response biases Reliability ∞ standardisation ∞ intra-rater consistency (e.g. due to subjectivity of Emma's interpretation – may also be validity)
6. This list is not exhaustive and other appropriate responses should also be credited.
7. 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