CAIE A-Level Psychology OCD Explanations
Practise applying genetic, biochemical, cognitive, operant and psychodynamic explanations of OCD to cases, then evaluate situational accounts in context.
- Syllabus
- 2028–2030
- Course
- Psychology 9990
- Level
- A2
Exam points
- link washing relief to negative reinforcement that makes the compulsion more likely to recur
- apply genes, high dopamine, low serotonin or threat-thinking errors to the patient's symptoms
- evaluate a situational account for determinism and omission of biochemical or genetic causes
1.5.2—OCD explanations question 1
[Maximum number: 4]
Question (a)
(a)
Outline what is meant by a situational explanation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), including an example from the behavioural explanation of OCD.
[ 2 ]
Award 1 mark for an outline of the term/concept.
Award 1 mark for an example.
Example:
Situational explanation is the view that behaviour is caused by the environment the person is in.(1) AND
For example, the person with OCD learns that by washing their hands this provides temporary relief (negative reinforcement) from anxiety and so repeats this behaviour. (1)
Other appropriate responses should also be credited.
2
Context = explanation of obsessive-
compulsive disorder
Allow 1 mark for behavioural explanation of
OCD if doesn't mention environment.
Question (b)
(b)
Explain one weakness of the situational explanation of OCD, including an example from the behavioural explanation of OCD.
[ 2 ]
Award 2 marks for a detailed explanation of the weakness in context. Award 1 mark for a basic outline/identification of weakness.
Problems might include:
- Deterministic explanation - suggests that there is no free-will in the development of the obsessive-compulsive disorder as it has developed from situational factors outside of the control of the individual.
- Reductionist explanation - suggests obsessive-compulsive disorder is caused by psychological factors (e.g. negative reinforcement) and ignores other possible causes such as biochemical, genetic or individual causes.
- Difficult to determine if it is the situational factor that is the only cause of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Poor practical applications - as the explanation is based on situational factors and it is not possible for the patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder or a therapist to prevent the situational factor from occurring.
- Individual differences - not everyone who has a negative thought/anxiety about their environment (e.g. dirty surfaces) and then engages in cleaning will develop OCD even though they have experienced negative reinforcement.
Example:
One weakness of the situational explanation is that it is difficult to determine if the situational factor is the only cause of OCD.(1) For example, some people develop OCD due to genetic and/or biochemical causes rather than just the experience of doing the compulsion (interacting with their environment/ situation) and then experiencing negative reinforcement.
Other appropriate responses should also be credited.
2
Context = behavioural explanation of obsessive-compulsive disorder
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