ISSUES DEBATES & BIAS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH.

1. ISSUES DEBATES & BIAS IN PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH. How can I illustrate my knowledge of these topics in my answers?

2. Why are these issues important? • It allows you to be ‘thematic’- As learners of psychology you will be able to draw upon links and connections between topics. • This skill will allow your written response to have a more synoptic feel- Thus you will access the higher marks available in examinations.

3. Broadly speaking the above fall into the categories listed, the list is indicative not exhaustive… Gender Bias Androcentric Bias Ethnocentric Bias Free Will Determinism Reductionism Ethics Use of non human studies/ethics. Ok…So what are the issues/themes & debates?

4. What do I do with these topics… • The examiner wants you to demonstrate that you able to pull all these strands of issues together to produce a response that has depth and breadth. • Depth- Good detailed coverage of the topic. • Breadth- Illustration of how the topic is inter-related to a number of different topics across many disciplines e.g. law, Philosophy, Biology etc

5. Example question from Unit 3. • “As children branch out to social relationships with their peers, gender development continues in very powerful ways ,in the games they play, the relationships they form, and how they react to each other’s behaviours..” Discuss the influenceof social context on gender development. {16-13 marks Effective} • Evaluation demonstrates sound analysis and understanding. • The answer is well focused and shows coherent elaboration and/or a clear line of argument. • Issues/debates/approaches are used effectively. • There is substantial evidence of synopticity. • Ideas are well structured and expressed clearly and fluently. Consistently effective use of • Psychological terminology. Appropriate use of grammar, punctuation and spelling. • This is the top band of evaluative marks available….

6. Initial response!! O M G!! WTF!!

7. Lets look at this together! • Issues, debates and approaches relevant to this question might include: • Gender and cultural bias. • Ethical issues. • Nature/nurture. • Approaches. • Relevant reference to issues, debates and approaches is necessary for marks above 9/16. (Straight from the mouths of the examiners!)

8. Top band answers would consider!! • Is there evidence to support the view that gender development is the result of nature (genes) or nurture (environment)? • Ethical issues- Research using children(think...BPS to start with!) • How would the different approaches describe social influence gender development • Gender- Are boys & girls roles being stereotyped in the research? • Are the assumptions arrived at/focus of investigation really objective and value free? • Cultural- Has research been carried out cross culturally? • Is cultural variation being taken into account? Issues/debates/approaches are used effectively.There is substantial evidence of synopticity.

9. Another example of possible synoptic assessment. Cause = nature or nurture . Schizophrenia Free Will/Determinism/Reductionism ECT= irreversible Side effects Biology vs. psychological explanations Culture=Not diagnosed as much in some cultures...why? Treatments=ethical issues

10. Therefore remember…Synopcity • Should be used as much as possible. • Across all responses. • To gain access to higher marks remember (Relevant reference to issues, debates and approaches is necessary for marks above 9/16). • Is the bread and butter of advanced level evaluation from now on