Know and understand the assumptions

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Element SAMs Know and understand the assumptions The 3 assumptions named on the specification must be taught as they

biological assumption of localisation of function. [3] (b) Describe the positive assumption of 'focus on the good life.

experiences and one other assumption of the psychodynamic approach in explaining human behaviour.

1 Element SAMs Know and understand the assumptions The 3 assumptions named on the specification must be taught as they could be named in exam paper Easy to over-teach on this section Use examples from Psychology (a) Describe the biological assumption of localisation of function. [3] (b) Describe the positive assumption of 'focus on the good life. [3] (WJEC AS SAMs) Apply the assumptions to explain a variety of behaviours Describe the influence of childhood experiences and one other assumption of the psychodynamic approach in explaining human behaviour. [6] Apply your knowledge of the assumptions of the biological and behaviourist approaches to explain aggressive behaviour in a teenage boy. [8] 1 P a g e

2 Know and understand how the approach can be used in therapy Need to explain how the approach would explain psychiatric problems and how this makes the particular therapy appropriate for that approach. Demonstrate how a cognitive assumption has been used in either cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) OR rational emotive behaviour therapy (REBT). [10] Know and understand the main components of the therapy Only need to teach one of the two named therapies for each approach. Ensure it is clearly explained as a therapy (can be an issue with dream analysis for example). Useful to have specific examples or an example of research that shows the therapy being used in practice. Describe the main components of a psychodynamic therapy (either dream analysis OR group analysis psychotherapy). [8] (WJEC AS SAMs) Evaluate the therapy Effectiveness and ethical considerations must be taught as they can be named in exam questions. Effectiveness likely to include specific research studies but bear in mind marks available when considering how many to use and how much detail to go into. Wider issues such as determinism could be used but they must be clearly linked to the therapy being Evaluate the therapy you described in 3(a). [10] (WJEC AS SAMs) 2 P a g e

3 discussed. Evaluate the approach Important to show how the evaluation point links to the approach rather than just generic points. Acronyms to remember evaluation points can be useful but they may restrict more able learners in the longer answer questions. Although issues and debates can be used as evaluation points there are many other issues that could be considered, for example the use of an effective therapy. Compare and contrast the biological approach and the behaviourist approach. [12] Know, understand and make judgements on a classic piece of research Accuracy and detail are important here. Stick to information from the original article. Procedure can be written in bullet points. Tables can also be used for findings. Ethical issues and social implications must be taught as they can be named in exam questions. Describe the methodology and procedures of Loftus and Palmer s (1974) research Reconstruction of automobile destruction: an example of the interaction between language and memory. [12] Analyse and evaluate Raine, Buchsbaum and LaCasse s (1997) research Brain abnormalities in murderers indicated by positron emission tomography in relation to the ethical issues and social implications. [16] By asking who is happy, and why, we can help people rethink their priorities and better understand 3 P a g e

4 Other evaluation points can be enhanced using alternative evidence but this is no longer a requirement of the specification. Acronyms to remember evaluation points can be useful but they may restrict more able learners in the longer answer questions. how to build a world that enhances human wellbeing (Myers & Diener, 1995) With reference to the above quote and using your own knowledge, discuss how the positive approach could be applied to human behaviour in practical contexts. [12] Explore both sides of the contemporary debates Always the last question on the paper. An even split between AO1 and AO3 skills. The answer should show both sides of the debate. Arguments should be backed up by research evidence. Political evidence can be used for example but clear links must be made to the debate. Any criticism of research methods should be linked back to the debate. Although the debates are linked to particular approaches, material can be drawn from other approaches as well. An appropriate conclusion should be drawn. 'Mothers should stay at home for the first two years of their babies lives. Discuss to what extent you agree with this statement. You should demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas and processes in your response. [24] 4 P a g e

5 There will be at least one extended writing question (8-16 marks) for research methods Element SAMs Principles of research The research studies (Milgram and Kohlberg) will be assessed in this section with at least one on each assessment. A lot of centres have started by delivering this part of the component. Learners should be able to show knowledge, understanding and evaluation of Milgram and Kohlberg in terms of quite specific questions based on the themes proposed in the specification content of research methods e.g. With reference to Milgram s (1963) research Behavioural Study of Obedience, discuss the use of the experimental method in investigating social behaviour. [12] Describe the findings and conclusions of Milgram s (1963) Behavioral study of obedience. [8] (WJEC AS SAMs) 5 P a g e

6 Personal Investigations Methodologies, Participants, Ethics etc. Learners should be able to consider the issues of Social Psychologists and Developmental Psychologists in general to give an appropriate context. Learners will be required to respond to all the questions concerning these investigations in the assessment. Both investigations will be assessed (not necessarily with equal weighting). Summer 2017 investigations: 1. A Correlational research relationship between age and reaction time 2. An observation of gender differences in food choices. Questions will be asked on both investigations. "Learners are encouraged to use ICT in researching, designing, analysing and presenting their investigation. - ICT usage will not be assessed in the exam. Learners should be prepared to (a) (i) State the alternative hypothesis for your correlational investigation. [3] (ii) Explain whether this alternative hypothesis for your correlational investigation was directional or non-directional. [2] (b) (i) Describe the sampling method that you used. [2] (ii) Explain why this sampling method was chosen. [3] (c) Suggest two ways your investigation could have been improved. [6] With reference to details from your own investigation, describe how you ensured that the observation you carried out was ethical. [12] 6 P a g e

7 describe, evaluate (in relation to the aspects noted above) and suggest how their research could be refined. It is suggested that the learners complete a log book of their personal investigations. This will not be allowed into the assessment but will provide an excellent resource for exam preparation. Application of research methods to a novel scenario Leaners may be asked to undertake calculations. Calculators are allowed within the examination. (i) Calculate the median scores for the low levels of noise condition and the high levels of noise condition. [2] (ii) Calculate the modal scores for the low levels of noise condition and the high levels of noise condition. [2] (iii) Discuss which measure of central tendency is the most appropriate for this set of data. [6] (b) Identify the measure of dispersion used and describe one advantage of using this measure of dispersion. [3] (c) Identify and justify which inferential statistical test should be used to analyse this data. [4] 7 P a g e

8 Element SAMs Applications Learners must answer three questions from this section (from choice of six). Each question will total 25 marks (10 AO1, 5 AO2 and 10 AO3) with between 1 and 3 sub-questions. (a) Describe the characteristics of behaviour that lead to a diagnosis of schizophrenia. [10] (b) Schizophrenia has significant economic consequences; the costs impact on many different parts of society, especially on individuals with schizophrenia and their families. Overall, schizophrenia is estimated to cost English society 11 billion per year. With reference to this fact, apply your knowledge and understanding to discuss the ethical and social implications of two different methods of modifying schizophrenia. [15] Controversies Learners must answer one from two questions from this section. The questions could cover the whole controversy or focus on specific bullet points as given in the specification. Two different controversies will be covered by the questions. 7. Are unethical studies in psychology acceptable if you consider their greater good to society? Using your knowledge of psychology, justify your answer. [25] OR 8. It is crucial for psychology to be scientific. Discuss the validity of this statement with reference to psychological ideas and procedures. [25] 8 P a g e

9 The controversies of psychology are fundamental to an overall appreciation of psychological endeavours. There should be an awareness of them throughout the studying of the specification. Care should be taken not to simplistically recycle without ensuring absolute relevance and appropriateness to the context of the question. To assist with the preparation of this section detailed bullet points have been included in the specification to emphasise the areas considered key to appreciating the controversy. 9 P a g e

Paper 1 Introductory Topics. Multi-Store Model Models of memory tie in to Cognitive Assumptions on Component 1.

Paper 1 Introductory Topics. Multi-Store Model Models of memory tie in to Cognitive Assumptions on Component 1. AQA AS Psychology Paper 1 Introductory Topics Conformity variables and Asch Conformity to social roles- Zimbardo Social Influence Explanations for obedience and situational and dispositional explanations