Example answers to Section A for Developmental Psychology

Question 1

Describe the sample in Bandura et al’s study.

Answer 1

72 participants
36 male, 36 female
All from Stanford Uni nursery
Aged 37 months - 69 months
Mean age was 52 months

Question 2

How did the model display aggressive behavior in Bandura et al?

Answer 2

Kicked and hit a 5ft tall Bobo doll, including use of a hammer
Said aggressive things e.g. “Kick him, pow, sock him on the nose”.

Question 3

Describe two findings from the study by Bandura et al.

Answer 3

• children who witnessed an aggressive model were significantly more aggressive themselves
• boys were significantly more physically aggressive than girls, girls more verbally aggressive

More:

• little difference between aggression in control group and that in non-aggressive model condition
• boys significantly more likely to imitate aggressive male models.

Question 4

Describe two ethical issues raised in Bandura et al’s study.

Answer 4

• Mild distress caused as children not allowed to play with nicest toys
• lasting effects on child’s behavior, may make them more aggressive

Question 5

Describe a pilot study.

Why might pilot studies be conducted?

Answer 5

A small-scale trial run of a method to pre test it before conducting the larger, real study.
May be conducted to identify possible problems with the study and resolve them before they occur in the large scale study.

Question 6

Describe the sample used by Chaney et al.

Answer 6

32 children
22 male, 10 female
Aged 1.5 - 6 years
Mean age of 3.2 years
Average duration of asthma for 2.2 years
Random sample = sampling technique
Recruited from clinics across a larger geographical area

Question 7

Describe two conclusions made in Chaney et al’s study.

Answer 7

• use of funhaler could possibly improve clinical outcomes

- devices that use self reinforcement strategies can improve overall health of children.

Question 8

Outline one similarity between Bandura et al’s study and Chaney et al’s study.

Answer 8

Both studies focus on helping understand external influences on children’s behavior.

Both collected mainly quantitative data.

Both can be applied to modifying behavior.

Question 9

What must you remember when answering Section A questions?

Answer 9

Always write in full sentences and rephrase / use question to start your answer.