Mock Exam Set 1 - Paper 3

One [1] mark if the research method is stated: Semi-structured interview

AND

Two [2] marks if two characteristics are described, which may include $\underline{\textrm{any two}}$ of the following:

• Uses open-ended questions, which allows the interviewer to probe and for interviewees to elaborate on their responses.
• May also use close-ended questions which permit brief responses & minimal elaboration.
• Uses an interview guide.
• Information and conversational
• Any response relevant and related to the above characteristics

[3 marks maximum]

$\underline{\textrm{Sample answer}}$:
The research method used in the study is the semi-structured interview. ($\color{red} \checkmark$) Using the semi-structured interview facilitates a flexible conversation using open-ended questions, allowing the participants to elaborate drug-related experiences and motivations, while also enabling the researchers to delve deeper into specific topics of interest. ($\color{red} \checkmark$) Using an interview guide also ensures a standardised yet adaptable format, balancing consistency across participants with the flexibility to explore individual perspectives in depth. ($\color{red} \checkmark$)

One [1] mark if the sampling method is stated: Purposive sampling method

AND

Two [2] marks if the sampling method was described using $\underline{\textrm{any two}}$ of the following:

• Participants possess characteristics necessary for the study.
• Participants were gathered through advertisements or in areas where the sample criteria are observed.
• A non-probability sampling technique.
• The use of purposive sampling may lead to snowballing where existing study participants recruit future participants.
• Any response relevant and related to the above items

[3 marks maximum]

$\underline{\textrm{Sample answer}}$:
The study used the purposive sampling method.($\color{red} \checkmark$) This method involves intentionally looking for participants based on a certain criteria needed in the study such as age range or a specific background.($\color{red} \checkmark$) The participants were gathered by coordinating with youth shelters, drop-in centers, and partner organisations because the investigation focuses on street-involved youth.($\color{red} \checkmark$)

One [1] mark if a suitable alternative or additional method is stated. The alternative or additional method must be suitable for studying the topic in the stimulus material: semi-structured interview OR correlational study OR case study OR focused-group interviews.

AND

One [1] mark for providing a general reason for why the additional or alternative research method would be suitable AND One [1] mark if there is a justification for using the additional or alternative research method to study the topic in this specific stimulus material. That is, how or why it could be used in relation to this specific stimulus.

[3 marks maximum]

$\underline{\textrm{Sample answer}}:$
One alternative method which can be used for this study would be focused group discussions or FGDs.($\color{red} \checkmark$) FGDs, involve bringing together a group of participants, around 5 or more, to talk about specific topics or issues in-depth. Through this method, there can be a moderator which guides the discussion using open-ended questions.($\color{red} \checkmark$) This allows participants to interact and respond to the views of other participants as they share their experiences. This provides a dynamic exchange of ideas and see group dynamics and collective attitudes of adolescents in relation to drug-use and decision-making. This can help uncover shared experiences which may not be captured in individual interviews.($\color{red} \checkmark$)

Reporting results	Applying results
For ethical considerations in reporting results, answers may include $\bold{any\ three\ [3]}$ of the following.	For ethical considerations in applying results of the study, answers may include $\bold{any\ three\ [3]}$ of the following.
Note: For each ethical consideration, the response should also state how and why the ethical consideration was used in the stimulus.	Note: For each ethical consideration, the response should also state how and why the additional consideration in reporting the results should be included in this stimulus.
$\bullet$ Researchers must inform participants about study findings and how they will be used, particularly in designing prevention programs targeting drug use.	$\bullet$ Evaluate the study's generalisability beyond its context to avoid providing misleading information when developing health campaigns or drug-prevention strategies.
$\bullet$ Ensuring anonymity is crucial due to the sensitive nature of the study, safeguarding participants' privacy.	$\bullet$ Acknowledge and address researchers' biases and expectations (reflexivity) to ensure the relevance of findings.
$\bullet$ Special care is needed for vulnerable groups like homeless and/or street-involved adolescents to ensure minimal harm.	$\bullet$ Ensure the reliability of findings through independent replication; if results cannot be replicated, using them in health campaigns may be pointless or potentially harmful.
$\bullet$ Stigmatisation due to the sensitive nature of the topic	$\bullet$ Any response relevant and related to the above answers
$\bullet$ Misrepresentation and fabrication of data
$\bullet$ Any response relevant and related to the above answers

$\underline{\textrm{Sample answer}}$:
There are a number of ethical considerations in relation to how the results of the study will be reported. First, the researchers should inform participants about study findings and how they will be used, particularly in designing prevention programs targeting drug use.($\color{red} \checkmark$) When reporting the results, the researchers should ensure that the participants remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the research, which is about drug-use.($\color{red} \checkmark$) To add, the researchers should ensure that the participants will not be stigmatised when reporting the results of the study. This is because addiction is perceived negatively and the participants may feel labeled negatively due to their participation in the study.($\color{red} \checkmark$)

To ensure that ethical considerations are followed when applying the results of the study, the researchers should ensure the reliability of their findings by comparing it with other studies of the same focus or through reliability testing.($\color{red} \checkmark$) Similarly, the researcher's may check the extent to which the results are generalisable to ensure generalisability of the results to avoid providing misleading information in broader health campaigns or prevention strategies.($\color{red} \checkmark$) Lastly, when reporting the results of the study, the possible biases and other possible factors which may have affected the interpretation of the study should be examined as well.($\color{red} \checkmark$)

Full marks [9 marks] are awarded if the response includes all of the following:

$\textcolor{#000000}{\textbf{1. Direct Answer}}$
There is a direct answer to the question in the first few sentences (e.g. $\text{\textquotedblleft}$It would be difficult to generalise the findings of the study due to the following reasons..." $\text{\textquotedblleft}$The findings of the study can be generalised to the population due to the characteristics of the sample and the number of participants in the study".)

$\textcolor{#F04438}{\textbf{2. Focus on the question}}$
There is a consistent focus on the command term. In this case, the command term $\lq$discuss' asks to provide a balanced review of the results of the study can be generalized. Some examples of arguments to be used may include any but are not limited to the following:

• $\text{\textquotedblleft}$In this study, we didn't use quantitative data to conclude that the results apply to everyone. We looked at a small group who used drugs and/or exposed to drug-use. If we have detailed information supported by other studies, we can say the findings apply to similar groups. However, since the participants may come from different backgrounds, saying it applies to everyone might not work."
• $\text{\textquotedblleft}$ While the study's findings may offer valuable insights into the drug-related decision-making of homeless and street-involved youth in similar contexts, caution should be exercised when applying them to other populations or settings without further research to confirm their relevance."
• $\text{\textquotedblleft}$Looking at the stimulus material, the study found reasons like being influenced by friends, and using the internet when making decisions related to drug-use. It may be useful to investigate further on the personal decision-making strategies of adolecscents, when it comes to drug use, focusing on their use of the internet or social media."
• $\text{\textquotedblleft}$Based on the stimulus material, the study made use of semi-structured interviews. Though interviews allow for in-depth investigation of the participant's experiences and perspectives, caution must be exercised when applying the results to a different context or population, since the data acquired was self-reported and can be influenced by social desirability bias and personal beliefs."

$\textcolor{#4472C4}{\textbf{3. Link}}$
The response links to the stimulus material by referring to it when explaining ideas and discussing arguments, (e.g $\text{\textquotedblleft}$This is related to the stimulus material because...", $\text{\textquotedblleft}$The study used an interview which can influence how study can be generalised.")

4. Conclusion
There is a conclusion that provides a brief answer to the question OR a brief overview of the main argument.

Marking limits:

• The response shows a lack of understanding of the question, inaccurate research terminology, and only relies on direct quotes from the stimulus material. [3 marks maximum]
  

• The question was clearly understood but had limited arguments, use of related research terminology, and no clear links to the stimulus material. [6 marks maximum]
  

$\underline{\textrm{Sample answer}}$:
The results of the study can be generalised with certain considerations and limitations in mind. It would be challenging to broadly apply the findings universally due to several factors inherent in the study design and sample characteristics.($\color{red} \checkmark$)

The study employed a purposive sampling method, targeting specific settings like drop-in centers, shelters, and organisations. While this approach aimed to capture a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds, it inherently limits the generalisability of the findings to a broader adolescent population.($\color{red} \checkmark$) The participants, aged between 16 to 27, represent a specific age group, and their experiences may not be entirely representative of younger or older adolescents.($\color{red} \checkmark$)

Furthermore, the study utilized semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection method, focusing on qualitative insights rather than quantitative data.($\color{red} \checkmark$) While this approach offers valuable depth and context, it may not provide statistically generalisable results applicable to the entire population of adolescents.($\color{red} \checkmark$)

The findings highlighted different sources of information when making decisions related to drug-use, such as the peers and the use of internet. These factors suggest that the reasons for drug use may be multifaceted and context-dependent.($\color{red} \checkmark$)

In conclusion, while the study offers valuable insights into drug-related decision-making among a specific group of adolescents (street involved youth), caution should be exercised in generalising the findings to a broader population.($\color{red} \checkmark$) Future research utilising quantitative methods and encompassing a more extensive and diverse sample could provide a more comprehensive understanding of adolescent drug-use patterns and motivations.($\color{red} \checkmark$)