CBB701 Introduction to Psychology Assignment Brief 2026 | OCN London

CBB701 Assignment Brief

Assignment instructions

This assignment focuses on psychological perspectives, methods of researching behaviour and facing the ethical questions which research can pose for the psychologist. The assignment consists of three tasks.

Task 1: Poster comparing two psychological approaches [AC1.1, 2.1]

Choose two distinct approaches or perspectives within the field of psychology, such as behaviourism and humanistic psychology, or cognitive psychology and psychodynamic psychology. Ensure that they offer unique insights into understanding human behaviour and mental processes.

Create a poster that:

a) Provides a concise overview of each approach, explaining its key principles, assumptions, and main proponents.

b) Identifies any similarities between the two approaches. What concepts or ideas do they share? Are there common goals or assumptions?

c) Highlights the main differences between the two approaches. How do they diverge in terms of their fundamental beliefs, methods, or areas of focus?

d) Identifies the strengths and limitations of each approach. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using each perspective in studying human behaviour and cognition?

e) Explores how each approach offers distinct explanations or interpretations of human behaviour and mental processes. Are there conflicting viewpoints or theories?

f) Explains the practical applications of the approaches e.g. in early years education, the treatment of mental health conditions, managing staff in the workplace or in advertising. Are there differences in how the approaches are used practically?

Guidance:

• Your poster should be presented as A3 size. You can produce it by hand or digitally. If you do not have access to A3 paper then it can be produced on two A4 sheets that work side-by-side.
• Posters can include images, diagrams, mind-maps, tables, bullet points and variable text sizes.
• Remember that the purpose of your poster is to compare and contrast the two approaches. Listing factual information about each approach without making any clear comparison will not meet the assessment criterion.
• Where you use information from your wider reading, include an in-text reference on your poster. If you include images then each image should have a caption with either the source or a figure number. Your reference list and, if applicable, list of figures which includes the source
• of the images should be provided on a separate A4 sheet. References should follow the Harvard style
• Assessment and grading of your poster will focus on its content. You do not need to demonstrate professional design skills – a poster with carefully chosen headings and some variation between continuous text and short points can be just as effective as one with images, diagrams and tables. However, do consider carefully how easy your poster is to read and follow. For example, avoid using closely packed text that is smaller than font size 10 (3.5mm), as this can be difficult to read.

Task 2: Written response to two questions on psychological research methods [AC3.1] (200 words each)  

a: Explain the advantages and disadvantages of using observation in natural settings as a research method in Piliavin, Rodin, and Piliavin’s (1969) study: ‘Good Samaritanism: An underground phenomenon?’

b: It can be argued that studies of animal behaviour are relevant to human psychology because humans are thought to have evolved from other species. Explain, with examples, how the results of Harlow’s animal research studies can be related to human behaviour, emotions, and social development considering the evolutionary perspective.

Guidance:

• Your response should be given in continuous prose (i.e. sentences and paragraphs).
• Submit your word count at the end of each question.
• The work should be referenced in-text and in a reference list that covers both questions. References should follow the Harvard style. The in-text references and reference list are excluded from the word count.

Task 3: Debate and written argument on ethical issues within psychological research [AC3.2] (400 words)

You will participate in a small group debate on methodological and ethical issues in psychological research, focused around Zimbardo’s prison study. The evidence that you will submit for this task will consist of notes outlining an argument and counterargument for the ethical aspects of Zimbardo’s prison study, and a conclusion written after the debate that evaluates the two perspectives you presented. Your tutor will observe the debate and make notes on your contribution.

Guidance:

• Your notes can be set out as continuous text or in note form (e.g. bullet points), whichever works best for you as a prompt during the debate.
• The argument should support the ethical aspects of Zimbardo’s prison study, and the counterargument should critically examine the study’s ethical implications.
• To strengthen your argument and counterargument, incorporate short direct quotes from the BPS Code of Human Research Ethics (2021). The quotes are counted in the word count.
• During the debate, you will discuss both sides of the argument with your group. You will principally be assessed and graded on your written work for this task but the assessor will make an observation record which they may use to support their assessment decisions (particularly if you clearly met the assessment criteria by what you say, but this is less clear in your written work).
• Your conclusion should be evaluative, focusing on the two arguments you presented and justifying which argument you find most persuasive based on the evidence provided. It should be presented as continuous prose (i.e. sentences and one or two paragraphs).
• In your notes and conclusion, where you use information from your wider reading then this should be referenced in-text and in a reference list. References should follow the Harvard style. The in-text references and reference list are excluded from the word count.

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria