Hazel is conducting an overt, participant observation to identify factors that affect the emotions of residents in a home for elderly people. She is a volunteer at the home, so the residents know her.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [2] 1 mark for practical reason 1 mark for explanation the participants are more likely to behave normally; (practical reason) because Hazel is a volunteer so they are used to her being there; (detail) because the residents know Hazel well / will feel comfortable with her; (detail) it will reduce the effects of social desirability; (practical reason – 2nd mark only for term) the residents might change their behaviour if the observer was unfamiliar but they know Hazel; (detail) so it will make the results more valid; (practical reason – 2nd mark only for term)
2. [2] 1 mark for ethical problem (e.g. privacy, harm, right to withdraw) 1 mark for link There is a risk of invading privacy; (ethical problem) residents might expose emotions because they know Hazel that they wouldn't want to reveal in a study; (link) There is a risk of psychological harm; (ethical problem) if Hazel observes emotions that the residents wouldn't want to be seen, they may become distressed; (link) There is a reduced right to withdraw; (ethical problem) residents might feel unable to walk away if they are expressing emotions because Hazel knows them; (link)
3. [4] 1 mark for a generic solution + 1 mark for link } ×2 privacy: make the right to withdraw clear; (generic) e.g. put a sign up in the home saying residents can go to their rooms whenever they like; (link) psychological harm: debriefing; (generic) e.g. if Hazel sees a resident becoming distressed she should reassure them; (link) right to withdraw: reminders that they can leave at any time; (generic) e.g. each day Hazel arrives she should remind the residents they don't have to be watched; (link)