Outline and evaluate one or more biological explanations for schizophrenia. In your evaluation you should refer to research evidence. (9 marks + 16 marks)
This question comes from a specimen paper from the AQA. On this occasion I would like you to fully research, plan and develop your answer. As such - it will take longer than would be given in the exam.
You can see a basic level answer to this question on Pg 174 0f the Dog Book - however, the level of detail in the answer is for a 15 mark rather than 25 mark answer.
The mark scheme below is used by examiners in marking the question paper.
AO1 = 9 marks Outline of one or more biological explanations
Examiners need to be mindful of the breadth/depth trade-off here. The most likely explanation to be offered is the genetic explanation but it is probable that the dopamine hypothesis and the biochemical explanation will also be described. Neuroanatomical explanations are also acceptable. The diathesis-stress model is also relevant here and could be credited descriptively (AO1) as an explanation in its own right or evaluatively (AO2), depending on how the material is used. The focus in this question is on biological explanations. Psychological or socio/cultural explanations only attract credit if they are used as part of a sustained commentary on biological explanations.
AO1 Mark bands
AO2 / AO3 = 16 marks Evaluation of biological explanation(s) and methodological evaluation of studies/evidence
Candidates are likely to evaluate the explanation(s) of schizophrenia in terms of their strengths and weaknesses, effectiveness, including comparison with alternative explanations and the extent to which the explanations are supported by evidence. Credit evaluation of research studies in terms of their methodology, reliability, validity and the extent to which generalisations can be made. It is legitimate to use psychological explanations as evaluation but the material must be used effectively to offer commentary on the biological explanation(s). Straightforward descriptions of psychological explanations will not attract credit.
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