Topic 10: Language, thought and communication - 10.2 Studies — Edexcel GCSE Psychology
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Topic 10: Language, thought and communication - 10.2 Studies explained
This specification point requires students to systematically analyse the key studies in the language, thought, and communication topic.
Read the full explanation
For each named study, learners must be able to state the specific aims of the research and describe the procedures used, including the sample and tasks. They must also recall the findings, distinguishing between the numerical or descriptive results and the overall conclusions drawn by the researchers. Finally, students must evaluate each study by identifying and explaining its methodological strengths and weaknesses, such as issues with ecological validity, sample bias, or the level of control in the experimental design.
Your focus
- Identify the aims, procedures, findings, and conclusions of key psychological studies.
- Differentiate between the results obtained in a study and the conclusions drawn from them.
- Evaluate psychological studies by explaining their methodological strengths and weaknesses.
Topic 10: Language, thought and communication - 10.2 Studies exam tips
Examiner Tips
- 💡Create summary cards for each core study detailing the aim, procedure, findings, conclusions, strengths, and weaknesses.
- 💡When evaluating a study, use a structured approach to ensure the strength or weakness is fully developed and linked back to the study.
- 💡Practice distinguishing between results and conclusions by writing them out as separate bullet points for each study.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing the results (what the data showed) with the conclusions (what the data means). Correction: Ensure results refer to specific data or observations, while conclusions refer to the broader interpretation of that data.
- Failing to link a strength or weakness specifically to the study being evaluated. Correction: Always contextualise methodological evaluations by referring to the specific procedures or samples used in the named study.
- Describing the procedure without mentioning the aim of the study. Correction: Always start by clearly stating what the researchers were trying to find out before detailing how they did it.