Edexcel A-Level Psychology A2 8.2.1 Rosenhan 1973 Sane in Insane Places Questions

Examine Rosenhan’s pseudo-patient procedure and ward observations, explain strengths and limitations, and connect findings to improved inpatient care.

Exam points

State Rosenhan’s aim of testing whether psychiatric staff could distinguish sane people from people judged mentally ill.
Describe the hospital sample using its US locations and variation in public/private institutions, age and staff–patient ratios.
Describe how pseudo-patients gained admission with reported voices, then behaved normally and observed ward life after admission.
Describe qualitative ward data through diary records of interactions, treatment and staff interpretations of patient behaviour.
Link a finding about loss of privacy, powerlessness or abuse to a specific improvement in inpatient dignity or protection.
Explain strengths and weaknesses by linking real hospital settings, varied institutions, subjective observations or deception to their methodological consequences.
Suggest concrete changes to consent, hospital sampling or data triangulation that improve Rosenhan’s research method.
Evaluate Rosenhan’s study with developed competing arguments about validity, generalisability and ethics, leading to a balanced conclusion.

[Maximum number: 1]

In your studies of clinical psychology you will have learned about the classic study by Rosenhan (1973) in detail.

State one aim of the classic study by Rosenhan (1973).

(1)

All question bank results loaded

Edexcel A-Level Psychology A2 8.2.1 Rosenhan 1973 Sane in Insane Places Questions question 1