Pihu, a teacher, has been watching the young children at her school playing at lunchtime. She has noticed that there are several different games and activities that they do. She is planning a structured observation to find out which activities are most common.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [10] Three major omissions for a structured observational study are: ∞ What: behaviours that will be recorded, e.g. named behavioural category (detail, i.e. definition/operationalisation) any two of: ∞ How: naturalistic/controlled ∞ How: covert/overt ∞ How: participant/non-participant (detail is how they are achieved OR more than one) The minor omissions are: ∞ where - location of participants when data is collected (i.e. school) ∞ who - participants (must be children) sampling technique sample size description of how tallying will be done description of how data will analysed, e.g. use of averages/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.
2. [4] Answer will depend on problem identified. If the problem was an obvious omission in 10(a), fewer marks will have been awarded in 10(a), so they can be awarded here. Problems may, for example, be matters of: Validity ∞ operationalisation (of games/other play behaviours) ∞ difficulty with demand characteristics/researcher effects Reliability ∞ standardisation ∞ intra-rater consistency (e.g. of recording play). 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