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Commentary on Candidate Evidence
Psychology (National 5): Assignment
National 5 Psychology Assignment - Session 2017-18 Commentaries and candidate evidence
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Commentary on candidate evidence
The evidence for this candidate has achieved the following marks for each Task of this course assessment task.
Candidate 1
Task A: Describe behaviour associated with a chosen psychological topic B & G
The candidate was awarded 1 mark out of a potential 2 because the topic is
clearly defined and associated behaviour is described. However, the candidate
has not outlined why this area is of psychological importance.
Task B: Explain features of the topic with reference to psychological research evidence, and Task G: Use appropriate terminology and provide basic references
The candidate was awarded 4 marks out of 9 because the candidate provided
detailed and accurate information from two studies (Asch and Mori & Arai) and
reference is made to psychological concepts, but no links between the concept
and research are made. The mark available for G was awarded as the candidate
did use appropriate terminology and provide basic references.
Task C: Describe an aim for research on this topic
The candidate was awarded 1 mark out of 1 because an aim was clearly
described that is relevant to the topic and background research.
Task D: Give an experimental/alternative hypothesis for the proposed research study
The candidate was awarded 1 mark out of 2 because although the hypothesis
was clearly connected to the topic and the stated aim of the research study, it
was not clear what the measure of the DV would be, for example, estimates of
beans in the jar.
Task E: Describe a suitable research plan, including method, sampling, variables and procedures
The candidate was awarded 9 marks out of 12 in the following ways:
Method: 2 marks were awarded for describing a suitable research method for
their planned study and for providing a potential strength. However, the
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candidate did not provide a valid weakness nor a justification for their choice
of method, so some potential marks were unavailable.
Sampling: as the candidate has described their chosen sampling method and
given information about its suitability for their study, 2 marks were awarded. If
they had provided a justification for their choice of sampling method, another
mark could have been given.
Variables: as two relevant variables (DV and extraneous) have been
adequately described, 2 marks were awarded. As the candidate has not
accurately described the IV (which was whether participants were male or
female), the third available mark could not be accessed.
Procedures: sufficient information has been provided on the candidate’s
planned procedure, including types of data to be collected (estimates of how
many beans in a jar), and the steps to be followed by researchers, 2 marks
were given.
Task F: Describe ethical issues and ways of addressing these
The candidate was awarded 0 marks, here, as their planned procedure was
unethical: it could have caused harm to participants (by involving them in a
discussion of estimates).
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Candidate 2
Task A: Describe behaviour associated with a chosen psychological topic B & G
The candidate was awarded the full 2 marks because the topic of sleep and
mood is clearly defined and associated behaviour has described. The candidate
also outlines why this area is of psychological importance (could enhance
physical and psychological wellbeing).
Task B: Explain features of the topic with reference to psychological research evidence, and Task G: Use appropriate terminology and provide basic references
The candidate was awarded 8 marks out of 9 because detailed and accurate
information is drawn from two studies (Randy Gardner, 1969, and Wood, 2013)
along with detailed and accurate links being made with Oswald’s restoration
theory (Gardner) and the biological approach (Wood). The mark available for G
was awarded as the candidate did use appropriate terminology and provide basic
references.
Task C: Describe an aim for research on this topic
The candidate was awarded 1 mark out of 1 because an aim was clearly
described that is relevant to the topic and background research.
Task D: Give an experimental/alternative hypothesis for the proposed research study
The candidate was awarded 1 mark out of 2 because the hypothesis was clearly
connected to the topic and the stated aim of the research study. However, the DV
was not clearly expressed (there was no indication of how mood would be
measured).
Task E: Describe a suitable research plan, including method, sampling, variables and procedures
The candidate was awarded 7 marks out of 12 in the following ways:
Method: 3 marks were awarded as the type of questionnaire being used was
identified, but not described. However, a potential strength and weakness
were explained and a justification given for the choice of method ‘it is very
familiar with people because almost everyone has completed one so no
guidance needed’.
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Sampling: 1 mark awarded for the sampling method was described, but no
information was provided about the suitability of the sampling decision for this
study, or a justification.
Variables: as two relevant variables (IV and DV) have been adequately
described, 2 marks were awarded. The full 3 available marks were not given
as only 2 variables were described.
Procedures: the candidate has provided the steps to be followed when
conducting the research (1 mark) but has not given information on the type of
data to be collected, which would have allowed the allocation of another
mark.
Task F: Describe ethical issues and ways of addressing these
The candidate was awarded the full 4 marks available, here, as the study is
ethical, and detailed and accurate information about avoiding at least two ethical
issues (informed consent, privacy and protection from harm) has been provided
which is relevant to their own study.
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Candidate 3
Task A: Describe behaviour associated with a chosen psychological topic B & G
The candidate was awarded 1 mark because the topic has been defined, but not
very clearly. However, associated behaviours have been described in the first
paragraph of B. The candidate has not outlined why this area of study is of
psychological importance therefore the full 2 marks could not be awarded.
Task B: Explain features of the topic with reference to psychological research evidence, and Task G: Use appropriate terminology and provide basic references
The candidate was awarded 5 marks out of 9 because at least 2 studies (Hess,
1959; Hess, Seltzer & Schlien, 1965; Simms, 1967) have been provided, from
which basic information has been drawn (although some detail is provided for
Hess, 1959, the others are less detailed). Basic links to the concept of pupil size
have also been made from the studies. The mark available for G was awarded as
the candidate did use appropriate terminology and provide basic references.
It is important that candidates are encouraged to avoid plagiarism – this section is largely taken from www.bodylanguageexpert.co.uk and it is unclear if the candidate understands how the studies link to the concepts/theories.
Task C: Describe an aim for research on this topic
The candidate was awarded 1 mark out of 1 because the aim was described and
relevant to the topic.
Task D: Give an experimental/alternative hypothesis for the proposed research study
The candidate was awarded 1 mark out of 2 because the hypothesis was clearly
connected to the topic and the stated aim of the research study. However, the DV
was not clearly expressed, for example, how participants rated attractiveness.
Task E: Describe a suitable research plan, including method, sampling, variables and procedures
The candidate was awarded 8 marks out of 12 in the following ways:
Method: 3 marks were awarded as the method has been identified but not
described. However, key features of the method chosen are given in the
explanation of the strengths and weaknesses. However, no justification for
their choice of method was provided.
Sampling: 2 marks the chosen sampling method (random) has been
described, along with a justification for the choice (so that every member has
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an equal chance of being selected). However, the suitability of the chosen
sampling method has not been provided which would have allowed the
allocation of another mark.
Variables: 1 mark was awarded as one accurate, appropriate variable has
been described (the DV), the IV is inaccurate (the IV is the relative size of the
pupils in the photos; not the way they have been photoshopped).
Procedures: the candidate has provided the steps to be followed when
conducting the research (1 mark) and given information on the type of data to
be collected, ‘write on a piece of paper which picture they found more
attractive’.
Task F: Describe ethical issues and ways of addressing these
The candidate was awarded 2 marks as some information about how the
candidate would ensure confidentiality has been provided. However, for informed
consent, no such information has been provided.
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Candidate evidence
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Candidate 1
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Candidate 2
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Candidate 3
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