SECTION ONE
Explain what is meant by “the scientific method”.
You should identify what is meant by the scientific method, the methodology that makes psychology scientific, and explain the benefit of this in terms of the validity of psychological research, for example, research designs (repeated measures, independent measures design) and research methods (sampling strategies, variables — IV, DV and the control of extraneous variables).
(Indicative word count — 300 words)
SECTION TWO
Outline two research methods, one experimental and one non-experimental, used in psychology study and discuss their strengths and weaknesses.
Describe the key points of one of the experimental methods (laboratory, field or natural) and evaluate this method.
Describe the key points of one of the non-experimental methods (naturalistic observation, questionnaire, interview, case study) and evaluate this method.
(Indicative word count — 300 words)
SECTION THREE
Luke is 13 years old. He is behaving in a very aggressive manner at home. This is becoming an increasing concern for his mum and she confides in her friend that her daughter. Kate. was never as aggressive as her brother. What is going on? Apply psychological understanding to explain Luke’s behaviour.
You need to explain why Luke might be behaving in this way using two of the following psychological approaches:- Biological. Psychodynamic, Humanistic. Cognitive and Behavioural (this includes classical and operant conditioning and social learning theory).
You need to outline the main elements of the two chosen approaches and provide an evaluation of both approaches by considering their strengths and weaknesses.
(Indicative word count — 500 words)
