Depression (AQA A Level Psychology)

A researcher studying depression wanted to see whether or not there was a relationship between level of self-esteem and negative schema score. She constructed two questionnaires and asked ten people who had been diagnosed with depression to complete them.

One questionnaire measured the participant’s level of self-esteem. A low score indicated low self-esteem.

The other questionnaire measured whether the participant showed evidence of negative schema. A low score indicated evidence of negative schema.

The two sets of results for each participant are shown in the table below.

Table 1 Self-esteem score and negative schema score for each patient 

Draw a suitable graphical display to represent the data in Table 1. Label your graph appropriately.

Title: ..........................................................................................

The researcher analysed the data in Table 1 using a Spearman’s rho statistical test.

Estimate the correlation coefficient most likely to result from analysis of the data in Table 1.

The correlation coefficient would be approximately:

With reference to level of measurement, explain why Spearman’s rho is an appropriate statistical test for this data.

Outline two behavioural characteristics of depression.

Discuss the cognitive approach to treating depression.