Diners want enough personal space in a restaurant to enjoy their food. Psychologists want to know how much space is enough.

Mark scheme

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

1. Marks: use generic levels of response Design a study question part (a).
2. Additional: Candidates should design the study showing evidence of design features appropriate to the named method. The named method is: experiment using observation
3. Typical features:
4. ∞ Experiments: type, IV, DV, controls, experimental design.
5. ∞ Observations: type of observation in relation to participants, observers, setting and data. Also response categories, sampling frame, number of observers.
6. ∞ Typical features of research methodology: sampling technique & sample, type of data, ethics, reliability, validity, data analysis.
7. Marks: use generic levels of response ‘Design a study' question part (b).
8. Note: If only methodological or psychological explanation is provided max 5 marks
9. 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.
10. Additional: candidates are expected to justify their decisions or evidence presented regarding the design made in answer to question part (a).
11. Syllabus: personal space: space at restaurant tables (Robson et al., 2011).
12. Psychological: Quote from Robson et al. (2011): Having adequate personal space is an important aspect of users' comfort with their environment. In a restaurant, for instance, spatial intrusion by others can lead to avoidance responses such as early departure or a disinclination to spend. The Robson et al. study was a web-based questionnaire and not observation. There was no manipulation of conditions of the IV either. Robson et al. did suggest 6, 12 and 24 inch spacing.
13. Methodological: explanation of method using typical features as above.