In the study by Laney et al. (false memory), a comparison was made between a ‘love asparagus' group and a control group.

Mark scheme

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

1. [1] Independent groups design
2. [1] Accept alternative terms independent measures design / between subjects design
3. [0] Do not accept 'independent' alone
4. [1] 1 mark disadvantage
5. [1] 1 mark detail (does not have to be linked but can be)
6. [1] Individual differences (between participants in different experimental groups/conditions/levels of the IV)
7. [1] So apparent differences between levels of the IV may be confounded/ exaggerated/hidden
8. [1] So the researcher cannot be sure of the effect of the manipulation on the DV
9. [1] 1 mark identify problem
10. [1] 1 mark link
11. [1] Participants may become distressed (which contravenes the guideline of protection); (problem)
12. [1] Because they feel foolish because they have been 'taken in' by the false memory; (link)
13. [1] Participants may feel that their privacy has been invaded; (problem)
14. [1] Because their relatives were asked for stories about their childhood; (link)
15. [1] Participants were deceived (about the false information); (problem)
16. [1] Because they were told the study was about food preferences and personality; (link)