Discuss two or more ethical considerations related to one study investigating the reliability of one cognitive process.

Refer to the paper 1 section B assessment criteria when awarding marks. These can be found under the “Your tests” tab > supplemental materials.

The command term “discuss” requires candidates to give a considered review of ethical considerations related to one study investigating the reliability of one cognitive process.

Cognitive processes may include, but are not limited to, memory, thinking and decision-making.

Ethical considerations may include, but are not limited to:

• anonymity
• debriefing
• deception
• informed consent
• right to withdraw
• undue stress or harm

The reliability of a cognitive process is the extent to which it is open to distortion. Some schema studies are appropriate (eg Bartlett’s (1932) War of the Ghosts), whereas others do not address distortion (eg Bransford and Johnson, 1972).

Relevant studies may include but are not limited to:

• Brown and Kulik’s (1977) study on flashbulb memory
• Loftus and Palmer’s (1974) study on reconstructive memory in relation to eyewitness testimony
• Tversky and Kahneman’s (1974) study on heuristics and biases.
• Yuille and Cutshall’s (1986) study on stress and eyewitness testimony

Discussions may include, but are not limited to:

• The justification of how ethical considerations were resolved – for example, why was deception used?
• How ethical considerations may limit the ability to carry out research
• Why ethical considerations are important – for example, with regard to a specific study, why is the anonymity of the participants important?
• Using a cost/benefit analysis when undertaking research
• How ethical considerations/guidelines have changed over time.

If a candidate only discusses one ethical consideration, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [3] for criterion B: knowledge and understanding. All remaining criteria should be awarded marks according to the best fit approach.

If a candidate uses a study that is not relevant to the reliability of one cognitive process, then [0] should be awarded for criterion C. All remaining criteria should be awarded marks according to the best fit approach.

If a candidate addresses more than one study, credit should be given to the first study addressed.

If a candidate addresses more than one cognitive process, credit should be given to the first cognitive process addressed.