CAIE A-Level Psychology A2 4.4 Organisational Work Conditions Questions
Practise analysing work conditions, from office design and shiftwork to accidents, safety interventions and research planning.
- Syllabus
- 2028–2030
- Course
- Psychology 9990
- Level
- A2
Exam points
- describe shiftwork patterns and link them to health or accident evidence
- plan or evaluate safety interventions using accidents, rewards and workplace controls
Covered syllabus points
Question 1
[Maximum number: 6]
Joseph works on a production line in a car factory. He forgot to use eye protection during his shift and damaged his eye.
Question (a)
(a)
Explain the type of human error made by Joseph.
[ 2 ]
Joseph works on a production line in a car factory. He forgot to use eye protection during his shift and damaged his eye.
Explain the type of human error made by Joseph.
Award 2 marks for an explanation of the type of error made by Joseph.
Award 1 mark for a basic explanation of the type of error made by Joseph.
Example:
Joseph made an error of omission OR an error where a behaviour should have been performed but is not. (1) He should put on his protection goggles when he is working on the production line, but he forgot to do this. (1)
Other appropriate responses should also be credited.
2
1 mark for identifying/outlining error of omission.
1 mark for link to Jospeh as to why it is an omission.
Question (b)
(b)
Suggest one way the management at this car factory could avoid this type of human error.
[ 2 ]
Suggest one way the management at this car factory could avoid this type of human error.
For the suggested way:
Award 2 marks for a suggestion of a way to avoid this type of human error.
Award 1 mark for a basic outline of a suggestion of a way to avoid this type of human error.
Suggestions may include:
- Token economy
- SMART target to reduce error of omission
- Safety supervisor
- Safety training
Example:
The management of this car factory could introduce a token economy system. (1) When the workers at the factory remember to put on their safety equipment before starting work, they can be given a token that could be exchanged for goods. (1)
Other appropriate responses should also be credited.
2
1 mark - specific idea
1 mark - why it will reduce error of omission/not wearing eye protection/human error
Question (c)
(c)
For the way you suggested in part (a)(ii):
Explain one weakness of this way to avoid this type of human error.
[ 2 ]
Award 2 marks for an explanation of the weakness. Award 1 mark for a basic explanation of the weakness.
Weaknesses may include:
- Difficulties in monitoring whether the SMART target has been met.
- Cost of implementing a token economy system.
- The workers may not want the goods that they can exchange for their tokens.
Example:
One weakness of introducing a token economy system/SMART target is that it may be difficult for the manager to monitor whether the target has been met. (1) Car factories are very busy places when there is a shift change and it may be difficult for the manager to see each employee to check that they are wearing all their protective gear. (1)
Other appropriate responses should also be credited.
2
Outline of weakness.
Question 2
[Maximum number: 6]
Joseph works on a production line in a car factory. He forgot to use eye protection during his shift and damaged his eye.
Question (a)
(a)
Explain the type of human error made by Joseph.
[ 2 ]
Joseph works on a production line in a car factory. He forgot to use eye protection during his shift and damaged his eye.
Explain the type of human error made by Joseph.
Award 2 marks for an explanation of the type of error made by Joseph.
Award 1 mark for a basic explanation of the type of error made by Joseph.
Example:
Joseph made an error of omission OR an error where a behaviour should have been performed but is not. (1) He should put on his protection goggles when he is working on the production line, but he forgot to do this. (1)
Other appropriate responses should also be credited.
2
1 mark for identifying/outlining error of omission.
1 mark for link to Jospeh as to why it is an omission.
Question (b)
(b)
Suggest one way the management at this car factory could avoid this type of human error.
[ 2 ]
Suggest one way the management at this car factory could avoid this type of human error.
For the suggested way:
Award 2 marks for a suggestion of a way to avoid this type of human error.
Award 1 mark for a basic outline of a suggestion of a way to avoid this type of human error.
Suggestions may include:
- Token economy
- SMART target to reduce error of omission
- Safety supervisor
- Safety training
Example:
The management of this car factory could introduce a token economy system. (1) When the workers at the factory remember to put on their safety equipment before starting work, they can be given a token that could be exchanged for goods. (1)
Other appropriate responses should also be credited.
2
1 mark - specific idea
1 mark - why it will reduce error of omission/not wearing eye protection/human error
Question (c)
(c)
For the way you suggested in part (a)(ii):
Explain one weakness of this way to avoid this type of human error.
[ 2 ]
Award 2 marks for an explanation of the weakness. Award 1 mark for a basic explanation of the weakness.
Weaknesses may include:
- Difficulties in monitoring whether the SMART target has been met.
- Cost of implementing a token economy system.
- The workers may not want the goods that they can exchange for their tokens.
Example:
One weakness of introducing a token economy system/SMART target is that it may be difficult for the manager to monitor whether the target has been met. (1) Car factories are very busy places when there is a shift change and it may be difficult for the manager to see each employee to check that they are wearing all their protective gear. (1)
Other appropriate responses should also be credited.
2
Outline of weakness.
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