ExpertHard5 marksExtended Response
Psychological problemsDepressionCBTWiles
AQA GCSE · Question 19.2
Evaluate Wiles' study of the effectiveness of CBT.
Evaluate Wiles' study of the effectiveness of CBT.
How to approach this question
To evaluate a study, use the GRAVE acronym (Generalisability, Reliability, Applicability, Validity, Ethics) or similar evaluation frameworks. For each point, use the P-E-E-L structure (Point, Evidence, Explain, Link).
1. **Point 1 (Strength)**: Start with a point about the methodology. Was it well-controlled? (e.g., it was a randomised controlled trial). Explain why this is a strength.
2. **Point 2 (Strength)**: Think about the usefulness of the findings. Does it have good practical applications?
3. **Point 3 (Weakness)**: Consider how the data was collected. Was it objective? (e.g., it used self-report). Explain why this could be a limitation.
Full Answer
Evaluating a study involves critically assessing its strengths and weaknesses.
- **Strengths of Wiles' study**: The use of a Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) is a major strength as it is a rigorous scientific method that allows for cause-and-effect conclusions. The large sample size enhances external validity (generalisability). The findings have high practical value (applicability) as they inform real-world treatment decisions.
- **Weaknesses of Wiles' study**: The use of a self-report measure (the BDI) to assess depression is a potential weakness. While practical, it can lack objectivity and be prone to biases. Another point could be the ethics of having a control group that receives only 'usual care' when a potentially more effective treatment is available, although this is a standard practice in RCTs to establish a baseline for comparison.
Common mistakes
Making generic evaluation points without linking them specifically to Wiles' study. For example, saying 'it has a large sample' without explaining why this is good in the context of this research (e.g., makes the findings about treatment-resistant depression more generalisable).
Practice the full AQA GCSE Psychology Paper 2
30 questions · hints · full answers · grading
More questions from this exam
Q01The following definition of 'deindividuation' is not complete.
Deindividuation happens when some...EasyQ02The 'cost of helping' affects bystander intervention.
Use an example to describe how the 'cost o...EasyQ03Outline one factor that affects obedience.EasyQ04Read the following conversation between two psychology teachers.
**Mrs Kaur:** I have been think...MediumQ05.1Read the following information.
Researchers wanted to find out how personality traits affect whe...Medium