Photo AI
You will have learned about the classic study by Rosenhan (1973) - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 2
Question 3
You will have learned about the classic study by Rosenhan (1973). (a) Describe the results of Rosenhan (1973). (b) Explain one strength of Rosenhan (1973). (c) Ex... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:You will have learned about the classic study by Rosenhan (1973) - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 2
Step 1
Describe the results of Rosenhan (1973).
Answer
Rosenhan's study revealed significant findings regarding the diagnosis of mental health disorders. He found that 11 out of the 12 hospitals involved in the study admitted the pseudopatients, all of whom received diagnoses of schizophrenia. The average length of hospitalization for these individuals was 19 days, although this varied considerably, with lengths ranging from 7 to 52 days. Notably, in three hospitals, the writing behavior of the pseudopatients was interpreted by the nursing staff as affirming their pathological state. In a follow-up experiment, Rosenhan instructed a total of 41 individuals to present themselves as pseudopatients in various mental health facilities, with at least one staff member misidentifying them as being mentally ill.
Step 2
Explain one strength of Rosenhan (1973).
Answer
A significant strength of Rosenhan's study is its use of quantitative and objective data, such as the number of days spent in the hospitals. This rigorous methodology allows for a comparison between studies that could test the reliability of Rosenhan's findings across different contexts, making it easier for other researchers to validate or refute his conclusions regarding mental health diagnoses.
Step 3
Explain one improvement that could be made to Rosenhan (1973).
Answer
One potential improvement to Rosenhan's research would be to expand the range of hospitals involved in the study. Instead of focusing solely on institutions located in the east and west coasts of America, including various hospitals from different regions could provide a broader and more representative understanding of mental health treatment practices across the entire country.