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Do you need support with AQA A Level Psychology? Get tutored by an undergraduate student who was taught and is now mentored by Marie, and achieved an A* in A Level Psychology from just £45 per hour. Click here to find out more.
Exam
Unseen
Questions
Note from Marie
These questions are mostly 'curve-ball' questions to look at after you have already looked at the past paper questions. The questions are focused on using key terms named on the specification. If the key term is named on the specification, it means that the exam board can ask a specific question on it. Typically, this would then require more knowledge that would be needed for the same key term in the AO1 section for a 16 mark essay. These questions are designed with the Grade A and A* student in mind.
Social Influence
4 markers
These questions would demand more AO1 knowledge marks than you would need to include for the same concept if it were part of a 16 mark essay. Therefore, they are more demanding and are aimed at the higher achieving candidate.
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Outline informational social influence as an explanation for conformity. (4 marks)
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Outline a study investigating informational social influence as an explanation for conformity. (4 marks)
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Outline normative social influence as an explanation for conformity. (4 marks)
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Outline a study investigating normative social influence as an explanation for conformity.
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Outline compliance as a type of conformity. (4 marks)
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Outline identification as a type of conformity. (4 marks)
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Outline internalisation as a type of conformity. (4 marks)
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Outline the procedure of Asch’s investigation into conformity. (4 marks)
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Outline the findings of Asch’s investigation into conformity. (4 marks)
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Outline the variable of group size on conformity, as investigated by Asch. (4 marks)
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Outline the variable of unanimity on conformity, as investigated by Asch. (4 marks)
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Outline the variable of task difficulty on conformity, as investigated by Asch. (4 marks)
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Outline the agentic state explanation of obedience. (4 marks)
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Outline the legitimacy of authority explanation of obedience. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of proximity as a variable of obedience. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of location as a variable of obedience. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of uniform as a variable of obedience. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of consistency in minority influence. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of commitment in minority influence. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of flexibility in minority influence. (4 marks)
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Outline a study investigating consistency in minority influence. (4 marks)
6 markers
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Outline the procedure of Zimbardo’s study into conformity to social roles. (6 marks)
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Outline the findings of Zimbardo’s study into conformity to social roles. (6 marks)
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Outline the procedure of Milgram’s study into obedience. (6 marks)
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Outline the findings of Milgram’s study into obedience. (6 marks)
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Outline the findings of Milgram’s study into obedience. (6 marks)
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Outline social support as an explanation of resistance to social influence. (6 marks)
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Outline locus of control as an explanation of resistance to social influence. (6 marks)
Click here for suggested answers.
Memory
4 markers
These questions would demand more AO1 knowledge marks than you would need to include for the same concept if it were part of a 16 mark essay. Therefore, they are more demanding and are aimed at the higher achieving candidate.
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Outline what psychological research has shown about the sensory register according to the multi-store model of memory. (4 marks)
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Outline what psychological research has shown about short-term memory according to the multi-store model of memory. (4 marks)
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Outline what psychological research has shown about long-term memory according to the multi-store model of memory. (4 marks)
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Outline a study which investigated the capacity of short-term memory. (4 marks)
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Outline a study which investigated the coding of short-term memory. (4 marks)
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Outline a study which investigated the duration of short-term memory. (4 marks)
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Outline a study which investigated the coding of long-term memory. (4 marks)
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Outline a study which investigated the duration of long-term memory. (4 marks)
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Outline the features of episodic memory. (4 marks)
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Outline the features of semantic memory. (4 marks)
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Outline the features of procedural memory. (4 marks)
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Outline the central executive as part of the working memory model. (4 marks)
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Outline the phonological loop as part of the working memory model. (4 marks)
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Outline the visual spatial sketchpad as part of the working memory model. (4 marks)
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Outline the episodic buffer as part of the working memory model. (4 marks)
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Outline a study which investigated the different components of the working memory model. (4 marks)
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Outline a study investigating interference as an explanation for forgetting. (4 marks)
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Outline a study investigating retrieval failure as an explanation for forgetting. (4 marks)
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Outline a study investigating how leading questions can affect the accuracy of eyewitness testimony. (4 marks)
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Outline a study investigating how post event discussion can affect the accuracy of eyewitness testimony. (4 marks)
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Outline a study investigating how anxiety can affect the accuracy of eyewitness testimony. (4 marks)
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Outline one technique used in the cognitive interview to improve the accuracy of eyewitness testimony. (4 marks)
6 markers
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Outline interference as an explanation for forgetting. (6 marks)
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Outline retrieval failure as an explanation for forgetting. (6 marks)
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Outline how leading questions can affect the accuracy of eyewitness testimony. (6 marks)
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Outline how post event discussion can affect the accuracy of eyewitness testimony. (6 marks)
If you want help with how to answer any of these questions then you can book in with a member of the tutoring team for a one off session.
Attachment
4 markers
These questions would demand more AO1 knowledge marks than you would need to include for the same concept if it were part of a 16 mark essay. Therefore, they are more demanding and are aimed at the higher achieving candidate.
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Outline reciprocity as a caregiver-infant interaction in humans. (4 marks)
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Outline interactional synchrony as a caregiver-infant interaction in humans. (4 marks)
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Outline a study investigating interactional synchrony as a caregiver-infant interaction in humans. (4 marks)
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Outline how Schaffer identified the stages of attachment. (4 marks)
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Outline one stage of attachment identified by Schaffer. (4 marks)
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Outline one study investigating the role of the father. (4 marks)
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Outline how Lorenz studied attachment. (4 marks)
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Outline what Lorenz found about attachment. (4 marks)
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Outline how Harlow studied attachment. (4 marks)
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Outline what Harlow found about attachment. (4 marks)
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Outline the concept of the critical period. (4 marks)
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Outline how attachments are formed according to learning theory. (4 marks)
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Outline how attachments are maintained according to learning theory. (4 marks)
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Outline the concept of monotropy. (4 marks)
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Outline the concept of an internal working model. (4 marks)
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Outline how Ainsworth investigated attachment types. (4 marks)
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Outline what secure attachment looks like in infants. (4 marks)
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Outline what insecure-resistant attachment looks like in infants. (4 marks)
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Outline what insecure-avoidant attachment looks like in infants. (4 marks)
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Outline how van Ijzendoorn studied cultural variations in attachment. (4 marks)
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Outline what van Ijzendoorn found about cultural variations in attachment. (4 marks)
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Outline the effects of maternal deprivation. (4 marks)
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Outline a study investigating maternal deprivation. (4 marks)
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Outline the effects of institutionalisation. (4 marks)
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Outline the procedure of a study investigating the effects of institutionalisation. (4 marks)
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Outline the findings of a study investigating the effects of institutionalisation. (4 marks)
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Outline the effects of early attachment on childhood relationships. (4 marks)
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Outline a study that investigates the effects of early attachment on childhood relationships. (4 marks)
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Outline the effects of early attachment on adult relationships. (4 marks)
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Outline a study that investigates the effects of early attachment on adult relationships. (4 marks)
Click here for suggested answers.
Psychopathology
4 markers
These questions would demand more AO1 knowledge marks than you would need to include for the same concept if it were part of a 16 mark essay. Therefore, they are more demanding and are aimed at the higher achieving candidate.
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Outline deviation from social norms as a definition of abnormality.
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Outline failure to function adequately as a definition of abnormality.
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Outline statistical infrequency as a definition of abnormality.
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Outline deviation from ideal mental health as a definition of abnormality.
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Outline flooding as a way of treating phobias.
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Outline the role of relaxation in systematic desensitisation as a way of treating phobias.
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Outline the use of a hierarchy in systematic desensitisation as a way of treating phobias.
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Outline Beck’s negative triad as a way of explaining depression.
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Outline Ellis’s ABC model as a way of explaining depression.
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Outline the use of challenging irrational thoughts as a way of treating depression.
6 markers
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Outline the two-process model as a way of explaining phobias.
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Outline systematic desensitisation as a way of treating phobias.
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Outline the use of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) as a way of treating depression.
If you want help with how to answer any of these questions then you can book in with a member of the tutoring team for a one off session.
Approaches
4 markers
These questions would demand more AO1 knowledge marks than you would need to include for the same concept if it were part of a 16 mark essay. Therefore, they are more demanding and are aimed at the higher achieving candidate.
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Outline what is meant by introspection. (4 marks)
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Outline how Pavlov studied classical conditioning. (4 marks)
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Outline how Skinner studied operant conditioning. (4 marks)
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Outline how behaviour is learnt though classical conditioning. (4 marks)
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Outline how behaviour is learnt though operant conditioning. (4 marks)
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Outline how behaviour is learnt though reinforcement. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of identification in social learning theory. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of vicarious reinforcement in social learning theory. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of mediational processes in social learning theory. (4 marks)
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Outline how Bandura researched social learning theory. (4 marks)
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Outline what Bandura found in his research into social learning theory. (4 marks)
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Compare two differences between behaviourism and social learning theory. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by internal mental processes. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of schema in the cognitive approach. (4 marks)
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Outline the use of computer models in the cognitive approach. (4 marks)
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Outline the use of theoretical models in the cognitive approach. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of inferences in the cognitive approach. (4 marks)
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Outline one strength and one limitation of the role of schema in the cognitive approach. (4 marks)
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Outline one strength and one limitation of the use of theoretical and computer in the cognitive approach. (4 marks)
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Outline one strength and one limitation of making inferences about mental processes in the cognitive approach. (4 marks)
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Outline the emergence of the cognitive approach in the cognitive approach. (4 marks)
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Using an example, outline the role of genes in human behaviour. (4 marks)
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Using an example, outline the role of neurochemistry in human behaviour. (4 marks)
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Using an example, outline the role of hormones in human behaviour. (4 marks)
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Using an example, outline how biological structures of the brain can affect human behaviour. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant be genotype and phenotype. (4 marks)
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Outline how evolution has affected human behaviour. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of the unconscious in the psychodynamic approach. (4 marks)
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Outline the structure of personality in the psychodynamic approach. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of defence mechanism in the psychodynamic approach. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by free will in the humanistic approach. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of self-actualisation in the humanistic approach. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of congruence in the humanistic approach. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of conditions of worth in the humanistic approach. (4 marks)
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Outline how the humanistic approach has influenced counselling psychology. (4 marks)
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Outline two ways in which the humanistic approach rejects the scientific method. (4 marks)
6 markers
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Outline the emergence of psychology as a science. (6 marks)
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Outline Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. (6 marks)
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Outline the psychosexual stages in the psychodynamic approach. (6 marks)
8 markers
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Discuss the emergence of psychology as a science. (8 marks)
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Discuss the role of theoretical and computer models in the cognitive approach. (8 marks)
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Discuss the emergence of the cognitive neuroscience in the cognitive approach. (8 marks)
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Discuss how the humanistic approach has influenced counselling psychology. (8 marks)
Click here for suggested answers.
Biopsychology
These questions would demand more AO1 knowledge marks than you would need to include for the same concept if it were part of a 16 mark essay. Therefore, they are more demanding and are aimed at the higher achieving candidate.
3 markers
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Outline the structure and function of the motor cortex. (3 marks)
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Outline the structure and function of the somatosensory area. (3 marks)
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Outline the structure and function of the visual area. (3 marks)
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Outline the structure and function of the auditory area. (3 marks)
4 markers
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Outline the function of the nervous system. (4 marks)
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Outline the structure and function of the central nervous system. (4 marks)
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Outline the structure and function of the peripheral nervous system. (4 marks)
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Outline the structure and function of the somatic nervous system. (4 marks)
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Outline the structure and function of the autonomic nervous system. (4 marks)
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Outline the structure and function of the sensory neurons. (4 marks)
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Outline the structure and function of the relay neurons. (4 marks)
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Outline the structure and function of the motor neurons. (4 marks)
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Outline the process of excitation in synaptic transmission. (4 marks)
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Outline the process of inhibition in synaptic transmission. (4 marks)
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Outline the process of summation in synaptic transmission. (4 marks)
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Identify and outline the function of one neurotransmitter. (4 marks)
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Outline the function of the endocrine system. (4 marks)
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Identify and outline the function of one hormone. (4 marks)
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Identify and outline the function of one gland. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of adrenaline. (4 marks)
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Using an example, outline what is meant by localisation of function. (4 marks)
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Outline the structure and function of Broca’s area. (4 marks)
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Outline the structure and function of Wernicke’s area. (4 marks)
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Outline the structure and function of the language centres. (4 marks)
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Using an example, outline what is meant by hemispheric lateralisation. (4 marks)
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Outline a study using split brain patients. (4 marks)
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Outline the procedure of a study using split brain patients. (4 marks)
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Outline the findings of a study using split brain patients. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by plasticity of the brain. (4 marks)
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Outline a study investigating plasticity of the brain. (4 marks)
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Outline the procedure of a study investigating plasticity of the brain. (4 marks)
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Outline the findings of study investigating plasticity of the brain. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by functional recovery of the brain after trauma. (4 marks)
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Outline how fMRIs are used as ways of studying the brain. (4 marks)
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Outline how EEGs are used as ways of studying the brain. (4 marks)
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Outline how ERPs are used as ways of studying the brain. (4 marks)
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Outline how postmortem examinations are used as ways of studying the brain. (4 marks)
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Outline circadian rhythms. (4 marks)
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Outline a study investigating circadian rhythms. (4 marks)
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Outline the procedure of a study investigating circadian rhythms. (4 marks)
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Outline the findings of a study investigating circadian rhythms. (4 marks)
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Outline infradian rhythms. (4 marks)
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Outline a study investigating infradian rhythms. (4 marks)
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Outline the procedure of a study investigating infradian rhythms. (4 marks)
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Outline the findings of a study investigating infradian rhythms. (4 marks)
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Outline ultradian rhythms. (4 marks)
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Using an example, explain the differences between infradian and ultradian rhythms. (4 marks)
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Outline the effects of endogenous pacemakers on the sleep/wake cycle. (4 marks)
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Outline a study investigating the effects of endogenous pacemakers. (4 marks)
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Outline the procedure of a study investigating the effects of endogenous pacemakers. (4 marks)
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Outline the findings of a study investigating the effects of endogenous pacemakers. (4 marks)
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Outline the effects of exogenous zeitgebers on the sleep/wake cycle. (4 marks)
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Outline a study investigating the effects of exogenous zeitgebers. (4 marks)
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Outline the procedure of a study investigating the effects of exogenous zeitgebers. (4 marks)
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Outline the findings of a study investigating the effects of exogenous zeitgebers. (4 marks)
6 markers
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Outline the process of synaptic transmission. (6 marks)
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Outline the fight or flight process in humans. (6 marks)
8 markers
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Discuss the effects of endogenous pacemakers on the sleep/ wake cycle. (8 marks)
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Discuss the effects of exogenous zeitgebers on the sleep/ wake cycle. (8 marks)
Click here to download suggested answers.
Issues & Debates
These questions would demand more AO1 knowledge marks than you would need to include for the same concept if it were part of a 16 mark essay. Therefore, they are more demanding and are aimed at the higher achieving candidate.
4 markers
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Using an example, outline what is meant by universality in psychological research. (4 marks)
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Using an example, outline what is meant by gender bias in psychological research. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by androcentrism in psychological research. (4 marks)
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Using an example, outline what is meant by alpha bias. (4 marks)
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Using an example, outline what is meant by beta bias. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by cultural bias in psychological research. (4 marks)
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Describe two ways in which researchers can reduce cultural bias in psychological research. (4 marks)
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Describe two ways in which researchers can reduce gender bias in psychological research. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by ethnocentrism. (4 marks)
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Using an example, outline what is meant by cultural relativism. (4 marks)
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Using an example, outline what is meant by free will. (4 marks)
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Outline one limitation of the argument of free will when conducting psychological research. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by the scientific emphasis on causal explanations. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by the nature side of the nature–nurture debate. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by the nurture side of the nature–nurture debate. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by the interactionist approach in psychology. (4 marks)
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Using an example, outline how nature and nurture may interact to influence behaviour. (4 marks)
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Describe how do psychologists investigate heritability in research. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by heritability in psychological research. (4 marks)
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Outline a research study which investigates heritability in psychological research. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by holism in psychology. Describe the types of research methods used when taking a holistic approach. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by reductionism in psychology. Describe the types of research methods used when taking a reductionist approach. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by levels of explanation in psychology. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by biological reductionism. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by environmental (stimulus–response) reductionism. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by hard determinism. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by soft determinism. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by biological determinism. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by environmental determinism. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by psychic determinism. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by an idiographic approach in psychology. (4 marks)
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Using an example, outline what is meant by a nomothetic approach in psychology. (4 marks)
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Outline how socially sensitive research may affect the groups being studied. (4 marks)
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Outline one way in which socially sensitive research can influence public policy. (4 marks)
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Outline a study in psychological research which could be considered socially sensitive. Explain why it could be considered socially sensitive. (4 marks)
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Outline a theory in psychological research which could be considered socially sensitive. Explain why it could be considered socially sensitive. (4 marks)
6 markers
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Outline one strength and one limitation of universality in psychological research. (6 marks)
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Outline two limitations of androcentrism in psychological research. (6 marks)
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Describe how a researcher could develop an idiographic study into a nomothetic study. (6 marks)
8 markers
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Discuss the scientific emphasis on causal explanations. (8 marks)
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Discuss the interactionist approach in psychology. (8 marks)
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Discuss the levels of explanation in psychology. (8 marks)
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Discuss biological determinism. Refer to one example you have studied on the course. (8 marks)
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Discuss environmental determinism. Refer to one example you have studied on the course. (8 marks)
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Discuss psychic determinism. (8 marks)
If you want help with how to answer any of these questions then you can book in with a member of the tutoring team for a one off session.
Schizophrenia
These questions would demand more AO1 knowledge marks than you would need to include for the same concept if it were part of a 16 mark essay. Therefore, they are more demanding and are aimed at the higher achieving candidate.
4 markers
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Outline the difference between classification and diagnosis of schizophrenia. (4 marks)
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Using an example, outline the difference between positive symptoms and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by hallucinations and delusions as symptoms of schizophrenia. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by reliability in the diagnosis and classification of schizophrenia. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by validity in the diagnosis and classification of schizophrenia. (4 marks)
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Outline the issue of co-morbidity in the diagnosis and classification of schizophrenia. (4 marks)
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Outline the issue of culture bias in the diagnosis and classification of schizophrenia. (4 marks)
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Outline the issue of gender bias in the diagnosis and classification of schizophrenia. (4 marks)
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Outline the issue of symptom overlap in the diagnosis and classification of schizophrenia. (4 marks)
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Outline the dopamine hypothesis as a biological explanation for schizophrenia. (4 marks)
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Outline dysfunctional thought processing as a biological explanation for schizophrenia. (4 marks)
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Outline one similarity and one difference between typical and atypical antipsychotics. (4 marks)
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Outline the importance of an interactionist approach in explaining schizophrenia. (4 marks)
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Outline the importance of an interactionist approach in treating schizophrenia. (4 marks)
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Outline the diathesis-stress model in explaining schizophrenia. (4 marks)
8 markers
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Discuss typical antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia. (8 marks)
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Discuss atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia. (8 marks)
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Discuss the diathesis-stress model as an explaination of schizophrenia. (8 marks)
If you want help with how to answer any of these questions then you can book in with a member of the tutoring team for a one off session.
Relationships
These questions would demand more AO1 knowledge marks than you would need to include for the same concept if it were part of a 16 mark essay. Therefore, they are more demanding and are aimed at the higher achieving candidate.
4 markers
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Outline one factor affecting attraction in romantic relationships. (4 marks)
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Outline the matching hypothesis as a factor affecting attraction in romantic relationships. (4 marks)
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Outline one theory which explains the maintenance of romantic relationships. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of commitment in Rusbult’s investment model. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of satisfaction in Rusbult’s investment model. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of comparison with alternatives in Rusbult’s investment model. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of investment in Rusbult’s investment model. (4 marks)
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Outline the intra-psychic phase in Duck’s phase model of relationship breakdown. (4 mark)
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Outline the dyadic phase in Duck’s phase model of relationship breakdown. (4 mark)
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Outline the social phase in Duck’s phase model of relationship breakdown. (4 mark)
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Outline the grave dressing phase in Duck’s phase model of relationship breakdown. (4 mark)
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Outline the levels of parasocial relationships. (4 marks)
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Outline the absorption addiction model explanation of parasocial relationships. (4 marks)
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Outline attachment theory explanation of parasocial relationships. (4 marks)
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Outline the effects of absence of gating on the nature of virtual relationships. (4 marks)
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Using an example, explain two differences between similarity in attitudes and complementarity in filter theory. (4 marks)
8 markers
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Discuss the absorption addiction model explanation of parasocial relationships. (8 marks)
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Discuss attachment theory explanation of parasocial relationships. (8 marks)
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Discuss the effects of absence of gating on the nature of virtual relationships. (8 marks)
If you want help with how to answer any of these questions then you can book in with a member of the tutoring team for a one off session.
Aggression
These questions would demand more AO1 knowledge marks than you would need to include for the same concept if it were part of a 16 mark essay. Therefore, they are more demanding and are aimed at the higher achieving candidate.
4 markers
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Outline the role of the limbic system as a neural mechanism in aggression. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of serotonin as a neural mechanism in aggression. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of testosterone as a hormonal mechanism in aggression. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of the MAOA gene in aggression. (4 marks)
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Outline what is meant by an innate releasing mechanisms and fixed action pattern. (4 marks)
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Outline one social psychological explanation of aggression. (4 marks)
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Outline a research study investigating the effects of computer games on aggression. (4 marks)
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Outline a research study investigating media influences on aggression. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of desensitisation in aggression. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of disinhibition in aggression. (4 marks)
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Outline the role of cognitive priming in aggression. (4 marks)
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Outline a study investigating a dispositional explanation of institutional aggression. (4 marks)
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Outline a study investigating a situational explanation of institutional aggression. (4 marks)
8 markers
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Discuss dispositional explanations of institutional aggression in the context of prisons. (8 marks)
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Discuss situational explanations of institutional aggression in the context of prisons. (8 marks)
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Discuss the role of desensitisation in aggression. (8 marks)
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Discuss the role of disinhibition in aggression. (8 marks)
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Discuss the role of cognitive priming in aggression. (8 marks)
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Discuss the effects of computer games in aggression. (8 marks)
If you want help with how to answer any of these questions then you can book in with a member of the tutoring team for a one off session.
Compare Questions
Compare is a command word that could be used anywhere across the specifiction when asking a question, but it is probably the least prepared for type of questions by students. These questions will get you thinking about the similarities and differences between concepts and theories you had not considered before to prepare you for those more demanding questions.
Short answer questions
Paper 1
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Compare two differences between compliance and internalisation as types of conformity. (4 marks)
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Compare two differences between the multistore model of memory and the working memory model. (4 marks)
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Describe one difference between Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation and Bowlby’s monotropic theory. (3 marks)
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Compare two differences between failure to function adequately and deviation from ideal mental health as definitions of abnormality. (6 marks)
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Compare one difference between systematic desensitisation and flooding as methods to treat phobias. (2 marks)
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Compare two differences between Beck’s negative triad and Ellis’s ABC model as explanations of depression. (4 marks)
Paper 2
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Compare one similarity and one difference between sensory neurons and motor neurons. (4 marks)
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Compare two differences between the nervous system and the endocrine system. (4 marks)
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Outline one difference between Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area. (2 marks)
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Explain one similarity and one difference of MRIs and EEGs as ways of studying the brain. (4 marks)
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Compare one difference between endogenous pacemakers and exogenous zeitgebers. (2 marks)
Paper 3
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Outline the difference between positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. (2 marks)
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Outline one similarity and one difference between cognitive behaviour therapy and family therapy as a treatment for schizophrenia. (4 marks)
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Compare one differences between social exchange theory and equity theory in explaining romantic relationships. (4 marks)
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Explain two differences between Klinefelter’s syndrome and Turner’s syndrome. (4 marks)
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Compare two differences between Piaget’s theory of cognitive development and Vygotsky’s theory of cognitive development. (6 marks)
Essay questions
Paper 1
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Outline situational variables affecting obedience. Compare to a dispositional explanation for obedience. (16 marks)
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Compare Bowlby’s monotropic theory and learning theory as explanations of attachment. (16 marks)
Paper 2
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Outline the cognitive approach. Compare the cognitive approach with the humanistic approach. (16 marks)
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Compare fMRIs and event related potentials (ERPs) as ways of studying the brain. (8 marks)
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Outline ultradian biological rhythms. Compare to infradian biological rhythms. (8 marks)
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Compare the biological approach with the behaviourist approach. (16 marks)
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Outline social learning theory. Compare with the behaviourist approach. (16 marks)
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Compare the cognitivist approach with the psychodynamic approach in psychology. (8 marks)
Paper 3
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Outline one or more biological explanation(s) for gender. Compare biological explanation(s) for gender with a cognitive explanation for gender. (16 marks)
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Outline equity theory as a theory of romantic relationships. Compare to Rusbult’s investment model. (16 marks)
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Compare Piaget’s theory of cognitive development and Vygotsky’s theory of cognitive development. (8 marks)
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Research Methods Questions
These are tricky research methods questions. They are designed to be challenging and test your knowledge.
4 markers
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Explain what it means for a test to have high concurrent validity. (2 marks)
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Some ways of establishing validity involve the use of a statistical test. Outline how these researchers could use a statistical test to establish concurrent validity of a mathematical reasoning ability test. (4 marks)
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Patients with OCD were asked to keep a daily diary of their experiences as part of their therapy. Two researchers analysed the same extracts from the diaries using content analysis. The two researchers’ analyses of the diary extracts were found to be quite different. Explain how the reliability of this content analysis could be improved. (4 marks)
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A sleep questionnaire used by researchers had not been checked to see whether or not it was a reliable measure of sleep quality. Explain how the sleep quality test could be checked for test-retest reliability. (4 marks)
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The test–retest reliability was low for the sleep questionnaire. Explain how the researchers could improve the reliability of the questionnaire.. (4 marks)
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A psychologist measured the effect of sleep music 30 minutes before bed on sleep quality on a self report questionnaire. She found the results were significant at p<0.05. What is meant by ‘the results were significant at p<0.05’ in this study? (3 marks)
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The psychologist found that the difference was not significant at the 0.01 level. The psychologist was concerned that there might have been a type II error. Explain what is meant by a type II error in the context of this study. (2 marks)
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If a researcher tests at the 0.05 level of significance how likely is it that they made a type I error? (1 mark)
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If a researcher tests at the 0.01 level of significance how likely is it that they made a type I error? (1 mark)
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A researcher found their results were significant at the 0.05 and 0.01 level of significance. Explain why it is unlikely thay have made a type 1 error. (2 marks)
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The students thought that having a dog on a lead was a useful measure of considerate behaviour because it had face validity. Explain what is meant by face validity in this context. (3 marks)
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An independent researcher reviewed the design of a study and noted that there was no control group. Explain how having a control group could have improved the study. (2 marks)
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An independent researcher was also concerned that the psychologists had not checked the reliability and validity of the anger questionnaire used in a study. Outline how the psychologists could check the reliability and the validity of the questionnaire. (6 marks)
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Explain the purpose of the introduction section of a scientific report. (3 marks)
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Explain the features of the abstract of a scientific report. (3 marks)
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Explain the features of the results section of a scientific report. (3 marks)
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Explain the features of the discussion section of a scientific report. (3 marks)
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Explain the purpose of inferential statistics in psychological research. (2 marks)
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Explain the purpose of descriptive statistics in psychological research. (2 marks)
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Briefly discuss one strength and one limitation of content analysis. (4 marks)
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Briefly discuss one strength and one limitation of thematic analysis. (4 marks)
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A report was subjected to peer review before it was published in a journal. Explain why peer review is an important aspect of the scientific process. (4 marks)
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Explain the process of peer review. (4 marks)
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Early psychologists explained behaviour using deterministic causal explanations. In the 1960s, some psychologists began to emphasise free will instead. More recently, psychology has shifted back towards biological and cognitive explanations. Referring to the text above, explain what is meant by a paradigm shift. (4 marks)
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A psychodynamic psychologist wished to investigate the function of dreams. He asked five friends to keep a ‘dream diary’ for a week by writing a descriptive account of their dreams as soon as they woke up in the morning. He interpreted the content of their dreams as an expression of their repressed wishes. Referring to the study above, explain why psychodynamic psychologists have often been criticised for neglecting the rules of the scientific approach. (4 marks)
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