Abnormal psychology

Explain, with reference to psychological research, two etiologies of one anxiety, affective or eating disorder.

Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.

The command term “explain” requires candidates to give a detailed account, including causes, of two etiologies of one disorder. The two etiologies explained could be from different levels of analysis or the same level of analysis. Although the question asks for two etiologies, the response does not need to be evenly balanced.

Anxiety disorders may include, but are not limited to: phobias, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) or OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). Eating disorders may include, but are not limited to: anorexia, bulimia or binge eating disorders. Affective disorders may include, but are not limited to: major depression, bipolar disorder or seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Examples of how candidates may show evidence of critical thinking could include, but are not limited to:
• analysis of the methodology and/or ethical considerations related to the studies
• application of empirical support in relation to the causes of the disorder
• using evidence from studies that support or disconfirm the explanation/etiology of one disorder
• analysis of the interaction between biological, cognitive and cultural factors
• addressing the issue of universality versus cultural differences
• questioning the direction of cause and effect.

If a candidate explains the etiology of a disorder which is neither an anxiety, affective nor eating disorder (for example, schizophrenia, or ADHD) then the response should be awarded [0] 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.

If a candidate approaches this question without referring to a specific disorder, then the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [4] for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension, up to a maximum of [4] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to a maximum of [2] for criterion C, organization.

If a candidate explains more than two etiologies, credit should be given only to the first two explanations. However, in some cases, candidates may use other etiologies in order to demonstrate critical thinking relevant to the two main etiologies addressed in the response. This approach is acceptable and should be awarded marks.

If a candidate explains etiologies of more than one disorder, credit should be given only to the first disorder.

If a candidate explains only one etiology of a disorder, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [5] for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension, up to a maximum of [4] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to a maximum of [2] for criterion C, organization.