Culture, Learning & Cognition (DP IB Psychology: HL): Revision Note

Here is an example of a Paper 3 source and 6-mark SAQ using culture (HL extension) in the Learning & Cognition context:

Source 3

Here are the results of Bartlett's War of the Ghosts (1932) study:

Results: Bartlett found that the resulting stories bore little similarity to the original Native American folk tale. The changes made by the participants included:

• Omission: Key details of the story were ignored or missed out, particularly unfamiliar or unpleasant details such as a contorted face or black coming out of a mouth. Participants even omitted the key idea that ghosts were fighting, which is surprising as this is the title of the story. Ghosts were soon dropped from the retelling of the story, as they do not fit with the way that adult males see the world, particularly in relation to war; details such as a contorted face were omitted, as they may have caused unpleasant memories.

• Assimilation and sharpening: Story details were changed to suit the participants’ own cultural schemas; e.g., ‘canoes’ became ‘boats’, and ‘paddling’ became ‘rowing’. Details such as the spirit wound were reinterpreted as a flesh wound, with words such as ‘therefore’ and ‘because’ inserted to explain the events.

• Levelling: The story became shorter – the original story was approximately 350 words and the participants’ version was around 180 words.

Q3: Discuss how the researcher could improve the credibility of the findings in this source.

[6 marks]

Model answer:

The researcher could improve the credibility of this research in several ways, one of which is the use of triangulation. Bartlett could use triangulation of method by implementing additional ways of collecting data, e.g., via a questionnaire; research triangulation by asking other experts to look over his procedure and/or join him in collecting and analysing the data.

The use of reflexivity (acknowledging his own biases and preconceived ideas) would be a good way of keeping subjectivity in check. Using an audit trail would also help to improve credibility, as it ensures that precise records are kept of all research decisions, data collection methods, and analytical steps taken throughout the research life cycle.

Guidance

• The command term “Discuss” requires you to offer a considered review, acknowledging limitations as well as strengths, offering suggestions for improvement, demonstrating insight of the topic

• A discussion of how to improve credibility could include:

  • Checking the findings with participants

  • Using a focus group to validate the research, particularly the findings

  • Ask colleagues/experts to review the findings

  • Using reflexivity

  • Highlighting strengths and limitations of the procedure, sample, etc.