Question 1 Report
A charity evaluates a six-session programme for young carers experiencing low mood. Sessions include behavioural activation, where each person schedules small activities they previously enjoyed. Before the programme, the mean mood score was 14 out of 30; afterwards it was 20 out of 30. Attendance ranged from one to six sessions.
(a) Use the results to calculate the mean increase in mood score. Show your working. [2]
(b) Describe behavioural activation as used in this programme. [2]
(c) Evaluate one reason why the mean score change should be interpreted cautiously. [2]
(a) 20 - 14 = 6 [1]. Mean increase = 6 points [1].
(b) Encouraging people to plan/complete activities [1] that are enjoyable, meaningful or previously rewarding [1].
(c) Attendance varied, so some people received much less of the programme [1], making it difficult to attribute the mean change solely to behavioural activation / limiting conclusions about effectiveness [1].
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