'Providing information is the best way to promote health.' 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 (Feb/Mar 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] For: Some studies (e.g. Janis and Feshbach, 1953) show that moderate fear is more effective (when providing information).
2. [1] For: There are alternative ways in which health can be promoted, such as providing information (implicitly).
3. [1] For: The study by Cowpe (1989) found that combining fear arousal and providing information was successful.
4. [1] Against: Some studies (e.g. Leventhal et al., 1967) show that 'high fear' is more effective.
5. [1] Against: Too little fear arousal will have no effect at all.
6. [1] Against: Fear can also act as a cue to action (Health Belief Model).