You must answer one question from this section. Psychology and health 'All patients would rather disclose to a computer than a human, in order to be diagnosed.' To what extent do you agree with this statement? Use examples of research you have studied to support your answer.

Mark scheme

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

1. Marks: use generic levels of response in table C.
2. Syllabus: patient and practitioner diagnosis and style: disclosure of information (Robinson and West, 1992)
3. Most likely (any other appropriate responses should be credited):
4. Computer:
5. A computer may be good at diagnosing simple or common illnesses.
6. People may prefer to give symptoms to a computer because the computer will not judge them.
7. People may prefer a computer for embarrassing problems/ illnesses.
8. Using a computer is simple, quick and does not take the time of a busy practitioner.
9. Human:
10. Humans may have experience to deal with ambiguous symptoms/ rare illnesses that a computer may not be programmed to do.
11. People might prefer to give symptoms to a computer but they would wish a practitioner to make the diagnosis.
12. People may prefer to give symptoms to a computer but would they trust the treatment programme prescribed by a computer.
13. A human can chat, be patient-centred, whereas a computer cannot.