Studies — Edexcel GCSE Psychology
Test yourself on Studies with PEARSON EDEXCEL GCSE practice questions.
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Studies explained
Young (2007) investigated the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for internet addiction.
Read the full explanation
The study involved 114 participants who completed a 12-session CBT programme. Treatment outcomes were measured using a questionnaire at the 3rd, 8th, and 12th sessions, and a 6-month follow-up. Results showed significant improvements in motivation, time management, and social relationships, which were maintained at the 6-month follow-up. This implies that CBT is an effective treatment for internet addiction, offering long-term benefits. Students must understand the aims, procedure, findings, and conclusions, as well as evaluate the study's methodology, such as its reliance on self-report data and the lack of a control group.
Your focus
- Describe the aims, procedure, and findings of Young (2007).
- Explain the implications of the study for treating internet addiction.
- Evaluate the methodological strengths and weaknesses of Young (2007).
Studies exam tips
Marking Points
- Identify the aim of the study: to investigate the effectiveness of CBT for treating internet addiction.
- Recall the sample characteristics and procedure, including the 114 participants and the 12-session treatment programme.
- Describe the findings, noting the continuous improvement across sessions that was maintained at the 6-month follow-up.
- Evaluate the study by identifying methodological strengths, such as the use of a follow-up, and weaknesses, such as self-report bias and the absence of a control group.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Memorise the specific time intervals when data was collected (3rd, 8th, 12th sessions, and 6-month follow-up) to answer specific multiple-choice questions accurately.
- 💡Use the lack of a control group as a key evaluation point when discussing the validity of the findings.
- 💡Link the findings directly to the implications: CBT is a viable, long-term treatment for internet addiction.
Common Mistakes
- Mistake: Believing the study used a control group to compare treatments. Correction: The study did not use a control group; all participants received the CBT treatment.
- Mistake: Confusing the follow-up period. Correction: The follow-up was conducted at 6 months, not 12 months or 1 year.
- Mistake: Assuming the data collected was entirely objective. Correction: The data was collected via self-report questionnaires, which are subjective and prone to social desirability bias.