‘All that is psychological is first
physiological’
www.psychisn.weebly.com
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Session PowerPoints
Deadline Reminders
IB Course Information
Worksheets
Discuss how and why particular research
methods are used at the biological level of
analysis, with reference to one or more
studies.
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In our module of Introduction to Psychology
we looked at the strengths and limitations of
different research methods (lab experiments,
case studies etc) that are used in Psychology.
For this essay you need to discuss how these
research methods have been used at the
biological level of analysis and consider the
strengths and limitations of these methods.
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Your response should be between
750-1000 words.
The final deadline for the assignment is
Friday 2nd May.
Don’t forget to include a correctly formatted
reference section that includes all the studies
that you have used.
Late submissions will be penalised with a 10%
mark deduction for every day it is late.
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The command term “discuss” requires you to offer a considered
and balanced review of how and why particular research
methods are used at the biological LOA
Re-read 25-37 of your textbooks and pages 3-4 of your study
guide to refresh your memory about the different types of
research methods used in Psychology.
Use the sections of both books on the biological level of analysis
to find specific examples of research to include in your essay.
For example: case studies: H.M, MRI scanning: Ashtari et al
(2009), lab experiments: Newcomer et al (1999). You can use
any of the studies that we have looked at for the biological level
of analysis.
You can find all PowerPoint sessions on the class website
The material you need to complete this assignment has been
covered in our lessons but feel free to do further research
yourselves as long as you include it in your reference section.
Though examples of animal research may be discussed, the use
of animals in and of itself is not a research method. Responses
should focus on the method used in the study of the animals’
behaviour.
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Discussion about how the method is used might refer to key features of
the method as well as how the method was used in specific research. For
example, experimental studies may identify the sampling and allocation
procedures, the independent and dependent variables, and the way in
which extraneous variables were controlled.
Discussion about why the method is used might refer to the
appropriateness of the method for the aim, issues of validity and
reliability, sample choice and size, ease and cost of the procedure, and
the generalisability of findings.
You could address the strengths of the method as well as how it reflects
the principles of the biological level of analysis, i.e. candidates could
make clear how the selected research methods underpin one or more
principles of the level of analysis.
You may discuss a smaller number of research methods in order to
demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may discuss a larger number of
research methods in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both
approaches are equally acceptable.
Responses should focus on the research methods used in the studies
cited, not on the studies themselves.
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Lab experiments: Newcomer et al (1999), Rozenweig and
Bennett (1972), Martinez and Kesner (1991), Baumgartner
et al (2008)
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Case studies: H.M, Clive Wearing
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Twin studies: Bouchard et al (1990)
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fMRI scanning: Berridge and Kringelbach (2009), Harris
and Fiske (2009), Fisher et al (2003)
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MRI scanning: Ashtari et al (2009), Maguire et al (2000),
Corkin (1997)
Marks
Level Descriptor
0
The answer does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
1-3 The answer demonstrates limited knowledge and understanding that is of marginal
relevance to the question. Little or no psychological research is used in the response.
4-6 The answer demonstrates limited knowledge and understanding relevant to the
question or uses relevant psychological research to limited effect in the response.
7-9 The answer demonstrates detailed, accurate knowledge and understanding relevant
to the question, and uses relevant psychological research effectively in support of
the response.
Marks
Level Descriptor
0
The answer does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
1-3 The answer goes beyond description but evidence of critical thinking is not linked to
the requirements of the question.
4-6 The answer offers appropriate but limited evidence of critical thinking or offers
evidence of critical thinking that is only implicitly linked to the requirements of the
question.
7-9 The answer integrates relevant and explicit evidence of critical thinking in response
to the question.
Marks
Level Descriptor
0
The answer does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
1-2 The answer is organised or focused on the question. However, this is not sustained
throughout the response.
3-4 The answer is well organised, well developed and focused on the question.
Marks
0
1
2
Level Descriptor
Sources are not cited within the report. No references are provided, or no
standard citation method is used.
The references are incomplete or a standard citation method is not used
consistently.
All in-text citations and references are provided. A standard citation method
is used consistently throughout the body of the report and in the references
section.