Strengths include: reliability, standardisation, validity (internal), observations. Weaknesses include: validity (external), sample, ethics.
Example: in detail
The sample only had 34 rhesus monkeys as part of it. This could make generalisations difficult. This is because some of the troop were not used in the study as they were too young to be reliably identified and these may have played differently/chosen different toys/from a captivity troop. Therefore, the findings about monkey toy preferences may only apply to those in the sample/not apply to monkeys who live in the wild where toy choice is not available.
Example: brief but in context
The sample only had 34 rhesus monkeys as part of it. This could make generalisations difficult as they might not represent the whole troop.
Example: no context
The study followed a standardised procedure making it easier to replicate.
Mark
9-10
- Very good evaluation including the named issue.
- Thoroughly addresses both strengths and both weaknesses in detail.
- Selection of evidence is very thorough and effective.
- Good evaluation including the named issue.
- Addresses strengths and weaknesses but may include three or four points. The majority of the points are in depth.
- Selection of evidence is thorough and effective.
10
Ignore arguments about the ethics of not being in the wild. They were captive bred.
The list of ethical guidelines that are creditworthy are:
Minimising harm
Replacement
Species
Numbers
Pain/Distress
Housing
Reward/deprivation/aversive.
Ignore human ethical guidelines.
Main evidence includes:
Housing
- Size of enclosure ( 25×25 )
- Fed monkey chow every day/water present/fruit and veg available.
- Socially housed in troop.
Minimising harm/distress
- Use of video cameras.
- Familiarity with keepers in enclosure/lived in enclosure
- One monkey tore toy apart (broken)
10