Practise Edexcel Psychology questions evaluating Freud’s case-study method, including free association, unconscious material and generalisability limits.
Evaluate Freud's use of the case study as a research method.
SECTION C
AO1 (4 marks), AO3 (4 marks)
AO1
- Freud would see his clients individually and would seat himself behind
the client.
- Freud used free association where the clients would talk about
whatever they wanted in the hope something from the unconscious
would reveal itself.
- Freud would use dream analysis to find the unconscious meaning
behind symbols in the client's dreams.
- Slips of the tongue are when the client said something that they did
not mean, and they reveal the unconscious.
AO3
- As each study was on one individual it is hard to generalise the results
to everyone due to each person being unique.
- A lot of detailed, in depth data would be gathered from free association
giving greater understanding of the client's issues.
- Different analysts may find a different meaning behind the dreams, so
the method is subjective.
- By using all these methods to reveal the root cause of a client's issues
the issues can be resolved so the client be cured, unlike other therapies
that deal with the behaviour not the cause of the behaviour.
Look for other reasonable marking points.
(8)
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\hline Level
Mark
Descriptor
AO1 (4 marks), AO3 (4 marks)
Candidates must demonstrate an equal emphasis between knowledge and understanding vs
evaluation/conclusion in their answer.
0
No rewardable material.
Level
1
1-2
Marks
Demonstrates isolated elements of knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
A conclusion may be presented, but will be generic and the supporting evidence
will be limited. Limited attempt to address the question. (AO3)
Level
2
3-4
Marks
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 superficial conclusion being
made. (AO3)
Level
3
5-6
Marks
Demonstrates accurate knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
Arguments developed using mostly coherent chains of reasoning, leading to a
conclusion being presented. Candidates will demonstrate a grasp of competing
arguments but evaluation may be imbalanced. (AO3)
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\hline Level
4
7-8
Marks
Demonstrates accurate and thorough knowledge and understanding. (AO1)
Displays a well-developed and logical evaluation, containing logical chains of
reasoning throughout. Demonstrates an awareness of competing arguments,
presenting a balanced conclusion. (AO3)
Section C
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