Photo AI
You will have learnt about a key question from health psychology that is relevant to today's society - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 18 - 2017 - Paper 2
Question 18
You will have learnt about a key question from health psychology that is relevant to today's society. Assess the key question from health psychology.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:You will have learnt about a key question from health psychology that is relevant to today's society - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 18 - 2017 - Paper 2
Step 1
Assess the key question from health psychology.
Answer
In health psychology, a major question revolves around understanding the impact of various factors, such as lifestyle choices, environmental influences, and psychological variables, on health outcomes. This question is imperative today, especially in the context of rising health issues.
Key Factors and Their Implications
Laboratory experiments play a crucial role in investigating the relationship between variables in health psychology. Such experiments typically involve:
- Clear Hypothesis: A specific hypothesis guiding the research, focusing on what the experimenter intends to discover.
- Manipulation of Variables: The independent variable (IV) is manipulated to observe its effects on the dependent variable (DV), helping to establish causal relationships.
- Long-term Effects: These studies can explore long-term implications of treatments, aiding in understanding chronic health conditions.
Use of Controlled Conditions
Controlled conditions in experiments allow for more reliable outcomes. By isolating variables, researchers can better determine causation. For instance, using animal subjects in controlled environments helps eliminate external factors that could skew results.
Ethical Considerations
However, using animal models raises ethical questions. Critics argue that findings from animal studies may not fully translate to human behavior and health. Thus, while animal studies can provide insights, the generalizability of the results remains a concern. There is an emerging need to balance scientific inquiry with ethical considerations, ensuring that research adheres to humane treatment standards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, assessing the key question from health psychology involves a nuanced understanding of how experimental methodologies can shed light on health outcomes. Despite challenges, laboratory studies remain vital for advancing our knowledge in the field.