Practise IB Psychology SL 3.1.10 questions by evaluating psychological treatments and comparing individual, group and eclectic approaches.
Evaluate the use of an eclectic approach to treatment.
Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "evaluate" requires candidates to make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations of an eclectic approach to treatment. Although a discussion of both strengths and limitations is required, it does not have to be evenly balanced to gain high marks.
An eclectic approach to treatment refers to instances where the therapist selects treatments and strategies from a variety of current approaches. Responses may refer to an eclectic treatment in general or an eclectic treatment for specific disorders.
Candidates may claim clinicians have realized that often one type of treatment is not enough. Many examples of eclectic approaches to treatment are available: for example, for severely depressed individuals combining CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and drug therapy is a popular choice;
Sharp et al. (1999) found that in a study of depressed individuals, the most significant treatment gains were seen in a combination of drug therapy and CBT.
Strengths of the eclectic approach may include, but are not limited to:
- strengths of each separate approach are combined so that potential limitations of a specific approach are decreased
- the overall treatment is tailored to the specific needs of the client
- it provides flexibility in treatment (for example, many patients suffer from several disorders at the same time)
- lower relapse rates.
Limitations of the eclectic approach may include, but are not limited to:
- too complex for one clinician to manage
- difficult to empirically study its effectiveness
- using too many approaches may reduce the effectiveness of each individual approach.
If a candidate discusses only strengths or only limitations, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [5 marks] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to a maximum of [2 marks] for criterion C, organization. Up to full marks may be awarded for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension.
Candidates may evaluate one or a small number of eclectic approaches in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may evaluate a larger number of approaches in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.