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Scientific processes

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Question 363

Environmental Distress and Nature-Exposure Study

An environmental psychologist designed a study to evaluate the effectiveness of a new virtual-reality (VR) forest-bathing intervention designed to reduce 'eco-anxiety' (distress about environmental degradation) in young adults. 150 participants who reported high levels of eco-anxiety were recruited. To select suitable participants, each participant completed a newly developed self-report tool called the Eco-Anxiety Scale (EAS), which scored their eco-anxiety from 10 (minimal distress) to 100 (severe distress).

Participants scoring between 70 and 90 were selected and randomly allocated to one of three groups:

  • Group A (VR Immersive): Participants experienced 20 minutes of immersive VR forest-bathing three times a week for 8 weeks.
  • Group B (Traditional Media): Participants watched 20 minutes of high-definition nature documentaries on a standard flat screen three times a week for 8 weeks.
  • Group C (Waitlist Control): Participants received no intervention for 8 weeks.

At the end of the 8 weeks, all participants completed the EAS again to compare changes in distress levels.

Explain what is meant by the term 'validity' in psychological research. Describe how the environmental psychologist could assess the validity of the new Eco-Anxiety Scale (EAS).

[4]
Markscheme

Scientific processes Questions

  1. A Level
  2. /Psychology
  3. /Scientific processes

689 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Psychology Scientific processes. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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