'Physiological measures of stress are much more useful than psychological measures.' 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. [12] More useful: physiological data (e.g. brain activity, hormone, etc.) is objective and not open to bias or opinion by the participant (or misinterpretation by experimenter);
2. [12] More useful: the use of physiological recording devices provide consistent (reliable) measurement, e.g. a sphygmomanometer measures blood pressure on a standard scale;
3. [12] More useful: human physiological functioning is the same in all cultures: a cultural universal.
4. [12] Less useful: subjective (qualitative) data is important and should not be ignored by researchers; the person can explain how they feel and explain their stress;
5. [12] Less useful: physiological data can be correlational and so cause and effect cannot be assumed;
6. [12] Less useful: one measure of physiological functioning is reductionist; other measures should be taken also;
7. [12] Less useful: physiological measures in isolation from psychological measures mean nothing, e.g. there are many causes of high blood pressure and an explanation is essential.
8. [12] Conclusion: any appropriate conclusion drawn from the discussion that has been presented. (1 mark)