A group of VCE Psychology students investigated the effect of aromatherapy on self-reported mood. Participants were randomly assigned to either an aromatherapy group (inhaling lavender essential oil) or a control group (inhaling unscented oil). Mood was measured using a self-report questionnaire (Profile of Mood States - POMS) before and after a 20-minute exposure to the assigned oil. The students hypothesized that the aromatherapy group would report a more positive mood change compared to the control group.
a. Identify one potential limitation of using a self-report questionnaire like the POMS to measure mood in this investigation.
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Create Free Account Log inThis is a free VCE Units 3 & 4 Psychology practice question worth 2 marks, testing your understanding of Method limitations. It falls under How is scientific inquiry used to investigate mental processes and psychological functioning? in Unit 4: How is mental wellbeing supported and maintained?. Submit your answer above to receive instant AI-powered marking and personalised feedback.
In this unit students explore the demand for sleep and the influences of sleep on mental wellbeing. They consider how changes to a person’s sleep-wake cycle can affect psychological functioning. Students explore the concept of mental wellbeing, including social and emotional wellbeing as a multidimensional and holistic framework. They apply a biopsychosocial approach to specific phobia, exploring how biological, psychological and social factors are involved in its development and management. A student-designed scientific investigation involving the generation of primary data related to mental processes and mental wellbeing is undertaken in either Unit 3 or Unit 4 or across both Units 3 and 4, and is assessed in Outcome 3 of this unit.
Students undertake a student-designed scientific investigation in either Unit 3 or Unit 4, or across both Units 3 and 4, related to mental processes and mental wellbeing. The investigation involves the generation of primary quantitative data. Students apply key science skills to develop and test a research question, gather and analyse data, and communicate findings in a structured scientific poster. A logbook is maintained for authentication and assessment purposes.
assumptions and limitations of investigation methodology and/or data generation and/or analysis methods
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