Issues and debates

Question 1

Briefly outline one problem associated with alpha bias in psychological research, and one problem associated with beta bias in psychological research. (Total 4 marks)

Answer 1

• In the case of alpha bias there is a misrepresentation of behaviour researchers / theorists overestimate / exaggerate gender differences
• In the case of beta bias there is a misrepresentation of behaviour because researchers / theorists underestimate / minimise gender differences

Question 2

(calling kids from a certain school antisocial)

Briefly explain how the researchers could have dealt with the issue of social sensitivity in this study. (4)

Answer 2

• Awareness of issue: Researchers should be aware of the implications of their research: possible negative impact for the children in the sample; possible negative implications of the research for the reputation of Crayford school and the wider community; possible self-fulfilling prophecy
• Dealing with the issue: Researchers should take adequate steps to counter the above: sensitive briefing/debriefing of participants, parents, teachers etc; care in relation to publication, disclosure of results and confidentiality/anonymity.

Question 3

Explain how the newspaper headline might be an example of beta bias.

Answer 3

• The sample was all male, but the newspaper refers to ‘Everyone…’ suggesting that the effect would be the same for both males and females
• possible differences between genders are being ignored/minimised.

Question 4

Briefly suggest one way in which psychologists might address the problem of beta bias in their research.

Answer 4

• including participants of both sexes in their research

* making it clear in reporting that any conclusion relates only to the gender of the sample.

Question 5

Explain one problem with the method used to determine the number of miles walked in the week. (Self report)

Suggest an alternative measure that would overcome this problem

Answer 5

• self-reported estimates may lack reliability and/or validity
• explanations of reliability/validity in this context, eg unlikely to get same estimate on more than one occasion; people may forget to record on the day; unlikely to be a true record – people may over/underestimate for various reasons, eg poor recall, want to appear more sporty etc
• eg using a pedometer to accurately record the precise number of miles walked in the week.

Question 6

A prison psychologist used an idiographic approach to study offending. He asked two offenders to record their thoughts about their childhood and their offending behaviour in a journal over a period of four weeks.

Qualitative analysis of the journals showed that the offenders often thought about sad childhood events and believed that their childhood experiences had influenced their offending.

Findings from idiographic research like the study described above are often used as a basis for other investigations.

Explain how the researcher might develop the above investigation through taking a nomothetic approach.

Answer 6

• taking a nomothetic approach would involve the researcher testing a larger sample of offenders
• sampling should involve a method of sample selection to give representativeness of a larger population, eg random sampling of the prison population
• the researcher would probably use a testable hypothesis, eg violent offenders have more negative thoughts about childhood than non-violent offenders
• taking a nomothetic approach would involve collection of a large amount of data
• analysis would probably involve quantitative methods, eg statistical testing and the drawing of conclusions in relation to a wider population
• whereas nomothetic investigations enable the formulation of general laws, eg offenders have a more negative view of their childhood.

Question 7

Concordance rate for mathematical reasoning ability for MZ twins (58%) higher than DZ twins (14%)

Briefly explain the outcome of the study in relation to the nature-nurture debate

Answer 7

• appears to support the nature side of the debate
• because the concordance rate is stronger in the identical twins where there is greater genetic relatedness
• mathematical ability being partly due to nurture as both percentage concordance rates are less than degree of genetic relatedness.

Question 8

Dr Grant and Dr Austin both study people with depression. Dr Grant carries out experimental research to investigate the brain chemistry of people with depression. Dr Austin carries out unstructured interviews with people with depression to find out about their symptoms and various aspects of their lives, including their general behaviour and their relationships.

Referring to the item above, explain what is meant by holism and reductionism

Answer 8

• Holism – focus on the whole system or person
• Reductionism – focus on constituent elements or smaller, simpler aspects
• Dr Grant takes a reductionist approach focusing just on biological mechanism
• Dr Austin takes a more holistic approach focusing on broader experiences and circumstances