Clarice is studying repetitive behaviours in lessons, such as playing with a pen or doodling. These behaviours could be beneficial to concentration or be a distraction. Clarice wants to know whether there is a correlation between repetitive behaviours and the understanding of a lesson.

Mark scheme

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

1. [1] Three majors are:
2. [1] What: variable 1 (correct operationalisation and quantification of first correlational variable e.g. a repetitive behaviour)
3. [1] variable 2 (correct operationalisation and quantification of second correlational variable e.g. understanding of lesson)
4. [1] How: technique for producing/collecting data i.e. procedure (e.g. tests, observations, questionnaires).
5. [1] The minors are:
6. [1] where: location of participants when completing the questionnaire / how it is distributed
7. [1] who: participants, sampling technique
8. [1] Also:
9. [1] a statement about whether a positive or negative correlation is expected
10. [1] sampling technique
11. [1] sample size
12. [1] description of how data will analysed, e.g. use of scattergram
13. [1] ethical issues
14. [1] Other appropriate responses should also be credited.
15. [10] Level 3 (8–10 marks): Response is described in sufficient detail to be replicable (i.e. what and how). Response may have a minor omission (i.e. who or where). Use of psychological terminology is accurate and comprehensive.
16. [7] Level 2 (5–7 marks): Response is in some detail. Response has minor omission(s) (i.e. who and/or where). Use of psychological terminology is accurate.
17. [4] Level 1 (1–4 marks): Response is basic in detail. Response has major omission(s). If response is impossible to conduct max. 2. Use of psychological terminology is mainly accurate.
18. [0] Level 0 (0 marks): No response worthy of credit.
19. [4] Answer will depend on problem identified.
20. [1] Problems may, for example, be matters of: Validity • operationalisation • difficulty with lying / social desirability • difficulty with response biases
21. [1] Reliability • inter-rater consistency • intra-rater consistency.
22. [1] This list is not exhaustive and other appropriate responses should also be credited.
23. [4] Marks Comment (3–4 marks): Appropriate problem identified. Appropriate solution is clearly described.
24. [2] Marks Comment (2 marks): Appropriate problem identified. plus EITHER Explanation of why it is a problem OR Ineffectual but possible solution described.
25. [1] Marks Comment (1 mark): Appropriate problem identified. Little or no justification.
26. [0] Marks Comment (0 marks): No response worthy of credit.