PYC4808 ASSIGNMENT 5 2022
QUESTION 1-20 WITH ANSWERS AND
EXPLANATIONS
ECOSYSTEMIC PSYCHOLOGY
Assignment 5 Feedback/memorandum
Read the following case study, and answer questions 1-3 below.
Case Study:
Portia is a 26-year-old medical student, who is currently completing
her internship at Baragwaneth Hospital. Since she started her long
work hours, she has developed insomnia. The lack of sleep has started
impacting on her performance at work, and her supervisor referred
her to a psychologist to assist with possible stress, and the triggers for
the insomnia.
Tobias, the psychologist, suggested that she try listening to soothing
music, take a hot bath before going to bed, and limit screen time 1
hour before bed. After 2 weeks, Portia’s insomnia did not get any
better. Tobias then suggested that when she cannot sleep, instead of
trying to fall asleep, Portia should get up and clean the house.
Question 1:
The suggestion from the psychologist to ‘listen to soothing music, take
a hot bath before going to bed, and limit screen time 1 hour before
bed’ can best be described as:
1. Perturbation
2. First order change
3. Second order change
4. Maintaining the status quo
The correct answer is alternative 2, first order change.
Explanation: The psychologist’s initial intervention was based on a
logical solution to the problem which did not challenge the rules of the
system. First order change is consistent with the rules of the system,
and does not alter the underlying organisation of the system.
Therefore, the solution of listening to soothing music and taking a hot
QUESTION 1-20 WITH ANSWERS AND
EXPLANATIONS
ECOSYSTEMIC PSYCHOLOGY
Assignment 5 Feedback/memorandum
Read the following case study, and answer questions 1-3 below.
Case Study:
Portia is a 26-year-old medical student, who is currently completing
her internship at Baragwaneth Hospital. Since she started her long
work hours, she has developed insomnia. The lack of sleep has started
impacting on her performance at work, and her supervisor referred
her to a psychologist to assist with possible stress, and the triggers for
the insomnia.
Tobias, the psychologist, suggested that she try listening to soothing
music, take a hot bath before going to bed, and limit screen time 1
hour before bed. After 2 weeks, Portia’s insomnia did not get any
better. Tobias then suggested that when she cannot sleep, instead of
trying to fall asleep, Portia should get up and clean the house.
Question 1:
The suggestion from the psychologist to ‘listen to soothing music, take
a hot bath before going to bed, and limit screen time 1 hour before
bed’ can best be described as:
1. Perturbation
2. First order change
3. Second order change
4. Maintaining the status quo
The correct answer is alternative 2, first order change.
Explanation: The psychologist’s initial intervention was based on a
logical solution to the problem which did not challenge the rules of the
system. First order change is consistent with the rules of the system,
and does not alter the underlying organisation of the system.
Therefore, the solution of listening to soothing music and taking a hot
