Evaluate Edexcel Psychology as a science by applying replicability, falsifiability, objectivity, empirical measurement, control, ethics and research evidence.
Assess whether research into attachment can be considered scientific.
AO1 (4 marks), AO3 (4 marks)
AO1
- Attachment types can be investigated using the strange situation
procedure (SSP) developed by Ainsworth.
- Classifying attachment by typologies, such as secure (Type B),
suggests attachment is a universal law of development.
- Individual differences in the temperament of a child can affect their
attachment to their caregiver leading to subjectivity in research.
- The strange situation procedure reduces attachment to the
behaviours observed within the controlled observation setting.
AO3
- The SSP is structured and highly controlled, so eliminates any
situational variables, which increases scientific credibility.
- Cassibba et al. (2001) replicated the SSP to measure attachment
types in Italy suggesting typologies can be measured scientifically as
they are objective universal laws.
- Fuertes et al. (2006) found individual differences to be a factor in the
formation of attachment, so research using the SSP may not be
scientific as it cannot eliminate this subjectivity.
- Reductionism increases the scientific nature of the SSP as
attachment behaviours can be operationalised and empirically
observed.
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(8)
\begin{tabular}[t]{|l|l|l|}
\hline Level
Mark
Descriptor
\begin{tabular[t]{l}
AO1 (4 marks), AO3 (4 marks)
Candidates must demonstrate an equal emphasis between knowledge and understanding vs assessment/conclusion in their answer.
\end{tabular}}
0
No rewardable material.
Level
1
1-2
Marks
\begin{tabular}[t]{l}
Demonstrates isolated elements of knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
Generic assertions may be presented. Limited attempt to address the question. (AO3)
\end{tabular}
Level
2
3-4
Marks
\begin{tabular}[t]{l}
Demonstrates mostly accurate knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
Candidates will produce statements with some development in the form of mostly accurate and relevant factual material, leading to a generic or superficial assessment being presented. (AO3)
\end{tabular}
Level
3
5-6
Marks
\begin{tabular}[t]{l}
Demonstrates accurate knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
Arguments developed using mostly coherent chains of reasoning. leading to an assessment being presented which considers a range of factors. Candidates will demonstrate understanding of competing arguments/factors but unlikely to grasp their significance. The assessment leads to a judgement but this may be imbalanced. (AO3)
\end{tabular}
Level
4
7-8
Marks
\begin{tabular}[t]{l}
Demonstrates accurate and thorough knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
Displays a well-developed and logical assessment, containing logical chains of reasoning throughout. Demonstrates an awareness of the significance of competing arguments/factors leading to a balanced judgement being presented. (AO3)
\end{tabular}
CRIMINOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY