Keicolt (AO2)

Question 1

Criticise this research in terms of population validity

Answer 1

Although in this research the p’s were volunteers and had given informed consent to take part it lacks population validity because the sample were all students.
The research may not be showing us how stress affects the immune system and therefore illness in everyone because medical students are in a uniquely stressful situation that the effects may not be the same on different groups of people. Also the sample was self selecting and mainly males therefore may not be representative or generalisable

Question 2

Criticise this research in terms of individual differences

Answer 2

There are significant individual differences that need to be taken into account.
Ppts may have different personalities and see the examination period differently. Some might see it as highly anxious and some might enjoy the challenge therefore the findings may not be useful when suggesting how stress affects the immune system.