Marking criteria
[How to get a perfect answer for the above question]
This question requires the candidate not just to describe research
on life changes but to assess the evidence.
They are likely to concentrate on the questionnaire approaches of
Holmes and Rahe, Lazarus, Sarason, and others, which essentially
assess the degree of life change using rating scales and look for
correlations with stress-related disorders. Although not dealing
with major life events, Lazarus’ Hassles scale would be valid.
Evaluation of this approach (such as the failure to take into account
individual differences, the sometimes weak correlations with stress-related
outcomes etc) would be relevant, and findings (if used effectively
in answer to the question) would be even better. Life change is
a broad concept, and it is likely that candidates will try to introduce
work from other areas of stress research. Whether such material
can receive credit will depend on how successfully it is linked
into the problem of life change and stressful outcomes.
Answers which offer appropriate material but at a descriptive level
only can receive a maximum of 4 marks for this question part. In
order to gain marks above this ceiling, candidates must engage with
the issues raised by the question. |