| Date | May 2018 | Marks available | 22 | Reference code | 18M.Paper 2.BP.TZ0.2 |
| Level | SL and HL | Paper | Paper 2 | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Discuss | Question number | 2 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Abnormal psychology
Discuss the use of one or more examples of an eclectic approach to treatment.
Markscheme
Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered review of one or more examples of an eclectic approach to treatment.
An eclectic approach to treatment refers to instances where the therapist selects treatments and strategies from a variety of current approaches. Responses may refer to an eclectic treatment in general or an eclectic treatment for specific disorders. Both approaches are equally acceptable.
Many examples of eclectic approaches to treatment are available, for example:
• Sharp et al.‘s (1999) study of drug therapy combined with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Pampallona’s (2004) analysis of the relative effectiveness of drug therapy versus combined treatment
• Elkin et al.’s (1989) study of the relative effectiveness of interpersonal therapy (IPT), CBT, drugs and placebo
• McDermut et al.’s (2001) study of group therapy versus CBT.
Discussion may include, but is not limited to:
• strengths of each separate approach are combined so that potential limitations of a specific approach are decreased
• the overall treatment is tailored to the specific needs of the client
• it provides flexibility in treatment (for example, many patients suffer from several disorders at the same time)
• overall efficacy (lower relapse rates)
• treatment can be complex for one clinician to manage
• there are very few empirical studies on long-term effectiveness and more research is needed
• methodological, cultural and ethical considerations
• comparing the effectiveness of an eclectic approach to treatment to a singular approach.
Candidates may discuss one example of an eclectic approach to treatment in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or a greater number of examples of an eclectic approach to treatment in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.
If a candidate compares and evaluates two separate treatment methods without addressing the eclectic approach then the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [5] for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension, up to a maximum of [3] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to a maximum of [2] for criterion C, organization.
