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Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 3
Question 4
Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. The findings of psychological research have been used to help solve major problems across the wor... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Psychology is the scientific study of the human mind and behaviour - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 3
Step 1
Evaluate the cultural and gender issues of Sherif et al. (1954/1961)
Answer
Sherif et al.'s studies, particularly the Robbers Cave experiment, highlighted group dynamics and conflict. One cultural issue arises from its focus on American boys, which may limit its generalizability to other cultures. The methods used – with boys aged 11-12 participating in a summer camp – did not include diverse gender representations, potentially skewing understandings of gender dynamics in group conflict. While the study offers valuable insights into inter-group conflict resolution, its findings may not be applicable to different sociocultural contexts or to females, who may exhibit different relational patterns in conflict.
Step 2
Evaluate the cultural and gender issues of Rosenhan (1973)
Answer
Rosenhan's study highlighted issues in psychiatric diagnosis, revealing biases in labeling mental illness. The cultural aspect is significant as it primarily involved American psychiatric hospitals, raising questions about how cultural norms influence diagnoses. Additionally, the study did not fully explore gender dynamics, as the pseudopatients were predominantly male. This oversight may limit understanding of how mental health issues are perceived and diagnosed differently across genders. While the implications of the study led to a push for reform in mental health care, the lack of diversity in the sample calls for caution in applying its conclusions universally.