Discuss research into the effects of institutionalisation
Updated: 6 days ago
Question 10 Mark Scheme
Discuss research into the effects of institutionalisation. Refer to the English and Romanian Adoptees project in your answer.
[16 marks]
What is expected in the answer?
The command word “discuss” requires students to explain the effects that institutional care can have on development and then evaluate the research used to establish these effects. Because the English and Romanian Adoptees project is specifically named, students should accurately describe its procedure and findings, particularly the relationship between age of adoption and later outcomes, before considering issues such as recovery, generalisation, confounding variables and practical implications.
The current specification explicitly requires the effects of institutionalisation, including the English and Romanian Adoptees project.
Marks for this question: AO1 = 6, AO3 = 10
This exact assessment structure appears in the specimen materials for a 16-mark question on the effects of institutionalisation and Romanian orphan research. The official allocation is AO1 = 6 and AO3 = 10.
Level | Marks | Description |
4 | 13–16 | Knowledge of the effects of institutionalisation is accurate and generally well detailed. Discussion is thorough and effective. There is appropriate reference to the English and Romanian Adoptees project and clear links are made between the research and the effects of institutionalisation. The answer is clear, coherent and focused, with effective use of specialist terminology. |
3 | 9–12 | Knowledge of the effects of institutionalisation is evident. Discussion is mostly effective, although there may be occasional inaccuracies. There is appropriate reference to Romanian orphan research, although links to the effects are not always well explained. The answer is mostly clear and organised but may lack focus in places. |
2 | 5–8 | Knowledge of the effects is present but may be vague or inaccurate. The response is mainly descriptive and discussion is only partly effective. Reference to the English and Romanian Adoptees project may be partial or absent. |
1 | 1–4 | Knowledge of the effects of institutionalisation is limited and may consist mainly of a list. Discussion is limited, poorly focused or absent. The answer contains substantial inaccuracies or little relevant research evidence. |
0 | 0 | No relevant content. |
The level descriptors above closely follow the official specimen mark scheme for this topic.
Indicative content
AO1: Institutionalisation
Credit relevant knowledge such as:
Institutionalisation refers to the effects of living for a prolonged period within an institutional setting, such as an orphanage or children's home.
Institutions may involve:
large numbers of children
high child-to-caregiver ratios
frequent changes of staff
limited opportunities to form selective attachments
reduced emotional and social stimulation.
Severe institutionalisation can affect:
intellectual development
language development
physical growth
attachment
social and emotional development.
The Romanian institutions studied following the fall of the communist regime involved extremely poor conditions, including limited physical and emotional care and very high child-to-staff ratios.
Intellectual and physical development
Possible effects include:
delayed intellectual development
lower cognitive functioning or IQ
delayed language development
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