Section B: Exam Questions
a) Briefly outline the self-report method used in psychology.
(4)
b)Describe two pieces of research that use the self-report
method. (8)
c)Discuss the strengths and limitations of using self-report to
investigate behaviour. (12)
d)Compare the self-report method with the observational
method. (8)
e) Discuss the usefulness of using self-reports in research. (8)
Section B

One 5-part question – 40 marks

5 parts will relate primarily to one research method
and one issue (a,b,c,e)

(a) & (b) require factual knowledge

(d)- compare two different research methods

(e)- will link with an issue

(c) – (e) require evaluative points
Section B – Research methods
and issues

G544 – choice of 2 questions
1.
Focused on approaches and perspectives
2.
Focused on research methods and methodological issues

Research methods

Lab experiment

Field experiment

Observation

Self-report

Correlation

Case Study
a) Briefly outline the self-report
method used in psychology. (4)
b) Describe two pieces of research
that use the self-report method. (8)

You will need to provide evidence from both AS and A2 to
support the points you will make in Section B of this paper.
List study and show how it is a self-report.
AS:
A2:
Guidance:
The more detail
the better (I.e.
number of
participants,
how they used
self-report and
summary of
results)
c) Discuss the strengths and limitations of
using self-report to investigate behaviour.
(12)
•
Be prepared to be able to do
this if they also ask
specifically for interviews or
questionnaires.
ST:
WK:
Guidance: Just like at AS you
need to write 4 paragraphs:
• 2 strengths and 2 weaknesses
However, you will use the
following format:
P
C
E
C
d) Using examples, compare the use of
self-report with any other one method
used in Psychology (8)
What research methods could you use?
Come up with 2 similarities and 2 differences between:
Self-Report and Experiments
Correlations and Self-Reports
Self-Report and Observations
Hint: You can prepare this before hand for all of the research methods! Know your
points before you go in!
e) Discuss the usefulness of using
self-reports in research. (8)
Guidance:

Things to think about: is it valid and can it be related to everyday life? Issues of generalisability &
reliability.

4 marks on how self-reports can be useful and 4 marks for how self-reports may not be useful in
everyday life.

2 Paragraphs:
Point: How are self-reports useful?
Comment: Explain why this is useful.
Evidence: Study to show its usefulness
Comment: Why is this useful?
Point: How are self-reports not useful?
Comment: Explain why this is not useful.
Evidence: Study to show it is not useful
Comment: Why this is not useful?
Homework

All questions (8-12 marks) that ask the following
must use the format of PCEC (all in context):

Strengths/weaknesses

Evaluate

How would you......

Discuss
Point: What is the strength
Comment: Explain why it is a strength
Evidence: Study to show it is a strength
(for example…)
Comment: Why is this a strength
Point: What is a limitation of using self
reports
Comment: Explain why this is a limitation
Evidence: Study to show it is a limitation
(for example…)
Comment: Why is this a limitation?
H/W - c) Discuss the strengths and
limitations of using self-report to investigate
behaviour. (12)
•
Be prepared to be able to do
this if they also ask
specifically for interviews or
questionnaires.
ST:
WK:
ST:
WK:
Guidance: Just like at AS you
need to write 4 paragraphs:
• 2 strengths and 2 weaknesses
However, you will use the
following format:
P
C
E
C
X4