Edexcel A-Level Psychology 9PS0
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Clinical Psychology
Comparing the classic studies
- 1 thing to know
- Papers 2 and 3
Overview
The five classic studies of Topics 1 to 5 compared on method, sample and ethics, and reviewed through issues and debates: reductionism, social sensitivity, culture and gender, science, development over time and social control.
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
Questions from this subtopic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
Compare the methods of Sherif et al. (1954) and Baddeley (1966).
Model answer
Sherif used a field experiment at a summer camp, giving high ecological validity but little control; Baddeley used a laboratory experiment with word lists, giving tight control but low ecological validity.
- 2
Compare the ethics of Watson and Rayner (1920) and Rosenhan (1973).
Model answer
Watson and Rayner conditioned fear in a baby without removing it, causing harm without proper consent; Rosenhan's pseudo-patients deceived hospital staff, who did not consent to being studied.
- 3
Compare Raine et al. (1997) and Baddeley (1966) as examples of psychology as a science.
Model answer
Both are objective and quantitative: Raine used PET scans to compare brain activity in murderers and controls, and Baddeley measured recall under controlled conditions, so both could be replicated.
- 4
What ethical issues does Sherif et al. (1954) raise?
Model answer
The boys were not told they were being studied, were deceived about the purpose of the camp, and were deliberately set against each other, causing hostility and distress.
- 5
What are the cultural and gender limitations of Sherif et al. (1954)?
Model answer
The sample was 22 white, middle-class, Protestant American boys, so the findings may not apply to girls, adults or other cultures.
- 6
What issues and debates does Raine et al. (1997) raise?
Model answer
It is reductionist in linking violence to brain activity, socially sensitive because it could be used to label people as violent, and relevant to the nature-nurture debate, as brain differences could be caused by experience.
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