Topic 7: The self - 7.2 Studies — Edexcel GCSE Psychology
Test yourself on Topic 7: The self - 7.2 Studies with PEARSON EDEXCEL GCSE practice questions.
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Topic 7: The self - 7.2 Studies explained
To evaluate psychological studies concerning the self, you must systematically analyse their core components.
Read the full explanation
The aim identifies the study's purpose and what the researchers intended to investigate. The procedure details the exact steps taken, including the sample, apparatus, and method, allowing for replication. Findings encompass both the raw results (quantitative or qualitative data) and the conclusions drawn from them. Evaluating a study requires identifying its strengths, such as high ecological validity or reliable standardised procedures, and its weaknesses, such as ethical issues, small sample sizes, or lack of generalisability. Mastering this framework enables comprehensive critical analysis of key studies.
Your focus
- Outline the aims, procedures, and findings of key psychological studies.
- Distinguish between the raw results of a study and the conclusions drawn from them.
- Evaluate psychological studies by identifying specific methodological strengths and weaknesses.
Topic 7: The self - 7.2 Studies exam tips
Marking Points
- State the specific aim of the study being discussed.
- Outline the key steps of the procedure, including sample details and methodology.
- Describe the main results obtained and the conclusions drawn by the researchers.
- Provide a balanced evaluation by explaining at least one methodological strength and one weakness.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Structure extended responses by dedicating distinct paragraphs to aims, procedures, findings, and evaluation.
- 💡Use specific data points or percentages from the results to support your description of the findings.
- 💡When discussing weaknesses, suggest how the methodological flaw might have affected the validity or reliability of the conclusions.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing results with conclusions. Results are the specific data collected, while conclusions are the interpretations of what that data means.
- Providing generic evaluations that could apply to any study. Always contextualise strengths and weaknesses using specific details from the study's procedure or sample.
- Omitting the procedure when asked to describe a study. Ensure you outline how the study was conducted, not just what it found.