Question 1
Discuss validity and reliability of diagnosis.
Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "discuss" requires candidates to offer a considered review that addresses various aspects of validity and reliability of diagnosis. Although a discussion of both validity and reliability is required, it does not have to be evenly balanced to gain high marks.
Relevant classification systems in the discussion of validity and reliability of diagnosis include, but are not limited to:
- Diagnostic Statistical Manual (DSM)
- Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders (CCMD)
- International Classification of Diseases (ICD).
Examples of research that could be used include, but are not limited to:
- Nicholls et al.'s (2000) studies of inter-rater reliability
- Seeman's (2007) literature review on the reliability of diagnosis
- Wakefield et al.'s (2007) study on the validity of diagnosis
- Silverman et al.'s (2001) study on test-retest of anxiety symptoms and diagnosis
- Rosenhan's studies of diagnostic validity.
If a candidate discusses only validity or only reliability, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [3] for criterion B: knowledge and understanding. All remaining criteria should be awarded marks according to the markbands independently, and could achieve up to full marks.