Mark Scheme
PARADIGM
Kuhn believes that psychology does not fit the criterion of a science because
it lacks a single paradigm. Explain what this means (2 marks)
This means that Kuhn believed there were too many conflicting theoretical
approaches e.g. biological, cognitive, behavioural and no one global unifying
theory which all psychologists adhere to.
THE ROLE OF THEORY AND HYPOTHESIS TESTING
June 2009: Outline what is meant by hypothesis testing and explain the role
of hypothesis testing in scientific research. (4 marks)
Up to 2 marks for definition/outline of what is meant by hypothesis testing, eg a
hypothesis is a testable, predictive statement/proposition specifying the relationships
between events or variables.
Two further marks for explanation of the role of hypothesis testing in research, eg
theories need
to be tested by empirical studies, hypothesis testing allows researchers to refute or
support a theory, the degree of support determines confidence in a theory. Credit
references to the null hypothesis and falsification of a theory
EMPIRICAL METHODS AND REPLICATION
Understanding q: Why is replicability important in science (2 marks)
Any of the following:
 Confidence in results is increased when investigations can be replicated
 If similar results are found, a theory is strengthened
 Replication confirms the validity of the findings (remember validity
means if they were measuring what they set out to measure)
 It is not possible to generalise from the findings of one study only,
participant variables such as culture may bias the findings
 Replicable findings improve the practical value of theories
GENERALISATION
Understanding q: What is meant by ‘generalisation’ with regards to
psychology as a science (2 marks)
This refers to the ability of a researcher to make a justified extension of their
conclusions, applying them to other members of the target population and
other situations.
OVERT BEHAVIOUR AND SUBJECTIVE PRIVATE EXPERIENCE
June 2009
Outline what psychologists mean by:
Subjective experience (2 marks)
AO1 Up to 2 marks for outline dependent on detail: unique perception of the world;
understanding events from the individual’s point of view; private and internal; not
available for public scrutiny. Credit references to phenomenology and stream of
consciousness.
Overt behaviour (2 marks)
AO1 Up to 2 marks for the outline dependent on detail: behaviour that can be
objectively observed; behaviour that can be measured; behaviour amenable to
scientific research or similar. Credit references to behaviourist approach.
ROLE OF PEER REVIEW
June 2010 Explain the role of peer review in scientific research. (2 marks)
[AO3 = 2 marks]
AO3 Up to two marks for explaining the role of peer review in scientific research.
Answers will probably refer to: validating research; values and responsibilities of
scientists; ensuring integrity; ensuring the quality of the research and relevance
of research; acceptability of research reports for publication; funding approval.
Accept one or more points as above.
One mark for each valid point or two marks for one point elaborated.
Examiners Commentary
It was good to see so many candidates prepared for this type of question as peer
review is new to the specification. Again, an explanation of peer review rather than its
role was not uncommon. An unfortunate few simply had no idea and talked about
issues to do with inter-observer/rater reliability, ‘re-doing’ the research and
replication.