Marking criteria
[How to get a perfect answer for the above question]
In this part of the question the AO1 criteria are satisfied by the
outline of research into life changes as a source of stress. AO2
criteria will be satisfied by an evaluation of this research.
Candidates will probably focus on the Holmes-Rahe approach and its
successors (e.g. Sarason’s life events scale). Research includes
both theory and studies, so the development of scales would be relevant.
Better answers should be able to evaluate the Holmes-Rahe approach
in terms of its methodology and also via findings (e.g. the low
or absent correlations between life event scores and stress-related
illness), and also perhaps to discuss the improved approach of e.g.
Sarason. The hassles and uplifts scales do not involve major life
events, but developed as an alternative approach; thus they could
be introduced as effective evaluation of the life event approach.
If they are not linked in as evaluation, they cannot receive credit
beyond the 2-1 band for AO2.
Better candidates may also be able to discuss the variety of sources
of stress in everyday life at a more general level, pointing out
the problems in concentrating on only one aspect. It is very unlikely,
but if candidates focus on practical issues of doing this type of
research e.g. finding sufficient participants, this would be relevant
and creditworthy.
Candidates may introduce further theories/studies on life changes
as a source of stress as a form of commentary/evaluation. The degree
to which candidates use this material as part of a critical commentary,
rather than simply describing alternatives, will constitute the
effectiveness of the evaluation and hence the number of marks awarded
for AO2. Candidates who offer no commentary may still be judged
to have selected appropriate material and thus commentary can be
described as ‘just discernible’. |