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Spotting the difference - contrast

  • /
  • Psychology textbook/
  • 11. External assessment/
  • Command Terms/
  • Spotting the difference - contrast

Whenever you see the command term "contrast," you know that you are going to be looking at two models, theories or research methods. The command term "contrast" asks you to "give an account of the differences between two (or more) items or situations."  In addressing these differences, it is important to explain why these differences may exist.  This means that you need to go beyond describing differences and address the assumptions or reasons why these differences exist.

There are very few cases in which the "contrast" command term may be used on the exam. Examples of potential "contrast" questions will be outlined below.

Decoding the question

First, it is important to learn how to decode questions. Here are a some of the questions that you could be asked:

  • Contrast two models or theories of one cognitive process.
  • Contrast two techniques used to study the brain in relation to behaviour.
  • Contrast two studies in the sociocultural approach.
  • Contrast two theories of cognitive development.
  • Contrast a sociocultural approach and a biological approach to one health problem.

In order to get top marks for a contrast question, you should:

  • Clearly explain the two models/techniques/studies/theories or approaches
  • Choose examples that have a clear difference, rather than two things that are fairly similar.
  • Explicitly identify what the key differences are.

Contrasting

Let’s start with the first question above: Contrast two models or theories of one cognitive process.

What do we need to do before we begin?

  • Choose two models or theories to contrast. They should be "contrastable." For example, contrasting Flashbulb memory theory with Levels of processing would be a very poor choice, as there would be very little you could really write about.  A good contrast would be the Multi-Store Model and the Schema theory.
  • Make a list of differences between the two models.
  • Consider how to use two pieces of research to support the argument

An outline of the essay might look like this:

  • Schema theory explains memory distortion, which the MSM does not.  Use Bartlett to illustrate this.
  • The MSM model explains memory through repetition; Schema theory works with cues - for example, Bransford and Johnson.
  • The schema theory does not explain where memories are stored and is an over simplified explanation; the MSM attempts to explain different memory stores, which was supported by the study of HM.

Task 1

Now it’s your turn. Below are the other five questions listed above. For each question, think about what information is necessary to write your “contrast.” After you have done that, it is time to practice writing your ERQs!

1. Contrast two techniques used to study the brain in relation to be behaviour,

What are we going to contrast?

Two techniques used to study the brain. It would be important to think carefully before you begin about which two techniques are very different from each other.  Simply looking at structural vs. functional MRIs may not be the best choice.  Perhaps a PET scan vs. MRI would allow for a richer essay.

What are some of the key differences we could discuss?

Differences that could be considered are structural (MRI) vs. functional (PET) scanning.  In addition, invasive vs non-invasive; the level of precision; the limitations of each technique.

Task 2

2. Contrast two studies in the sociocultural approach.

What are we going to contrast?

Two studies.  This will require some serious thought to make sure that there is, in fact, something to contrast. For example, Bandura's Bashing Bobo and Charlton's St Helena Study. 

What are some of the key differences we could discuss?

Bandura's study was a highly controlled lab experiment; the St Helena study was a natural experiment, done in the field.  The advantages and disadvantages of these two methods could be contrasted.  In addition, you could contrast the findings of the studies - and then use critical thinking to try to determine why these differences might exist. 

Task 3

3. Contrast two theories of cognitive development.

What are we going to contrast?

Two theories of cognitive development - for example, Piaget and Vygotsky.

What are some of the key differences we could discuss?

It is important to contrast the assumptions on which these two theories are based. In addition, Piagetian theory is a stage theory and Vygotsky's theory is not.  Other contrasts could be related to the research methods used or the applications of the theories.

Task 4

4. Contrast a sociocultural approach and a biological approach to one health problem.

What are we going to contrast?

A sociocultural approach and a biological approach to a health problem.  If the health problem is "obesity" - we could discuss social cognitive learning theory and genetics.

What are some of the key differences we could discuss?

When asked to contrast two approaches, think about the assumptions that define them.  The above question is very similar to a "nature vs nurture" question.  The sociocultural approach looks at the role of environment and cultural influences on obesity; the biological approach looks at physiological dispositions that could influence the potential for obesity. Another difference is the way in which research is done. A sociocultural approach is much more holistic - whereas the biological approach can be seen as reductionist.  However, you could also discuss that although these two approaches may appear to be very different, today psychologists argue that it is the interaction between social and biological factors that may lead to obesity.