approaches exam questions

Question 1

Explain one reason why using schema might be useful when processing information from
the world around us, and explain one reason why using schema might not be useful when
processing information from the world around us.

Answer 1

schema enable us to process vast amounts of information rapidly
OR
* schema prevent us from becoming overwhelmed by environmental stimuli.
( 1 mark for either)

schema can cause biased recall / see what we expect
OR
* negative / faulty schema may have a negative impact on mental health
( 1 mark for either)

Question 2

Q2.
Give two assumptions of the cognitive approach. For each assumption, illustrate your
answer with reference to a topic in psychology. Use a different topic for each assumption

Answer 2

thoughts acts as meditational processes between stimulus and behavioural response. Relevant topic: trial and error learning vs observational learning
( 2 marks)

mental processes can be regarded as information processing. relevant topics might be: memory
( 2 marks)

Question 3

Explain what is meant by inference

Answer 3

going beyond the immediate evidence to
make assumptions about mental processes that cannot be directly observed

Question 4

Describe Wundt’s role in the development of psychology

Answer 4

Wundt is known as the father of psychology and he was the first person to truly separate psychology from philosophy. He introduced the technique of introspection which involves analysing ones internal thoughts and feelings when presented with certain stimuli. Additionally, he introduced the idea of structuralism which includes breaking down ideas such as perception into their basic elements. He also set up the first psychology lab in Leipzig Germany in 1870s. His work paved the way for later controlled research and the study of mental processes.

Question 5

Explain how reinforcement may be used to encourage primary school children to pick up litter in the playground.

Answer 5

• use of a token economy system with respect to litter picking ie rewards for picking up the litter
• direct primary reinforcement eg deliberately awarding children who pick up litter)
• use of vicarious reinforcement ie watching a film showing children picking up litter

Question 6

Explain two strengths of the behaviourist approach in psychology

Answer 6

It has research to support that it has an effect on behavior. Watson and Raynor showed how classical conditioning can create phobias with Little Albert experiment ( cue expand and talk about experiment). Also with operant conditioning research is said to be highly scientific and well controlled as shown with Skinner’s box experiments. In addition, operant conditioning has positive applications in real life ie with token economy regime ( cue expand on that)

Question 7

Briefly discuss the value of behaviorism in helping us to understand human behaviour.

Answer 7

• Behaviourism can help us understand phobias and how they can be treated through classical conditioning ( Pavlov’s experiments with dogs can be generalised to humans as shown with Little Albert experiment. However methods of research methods of research for example Skinner’s box have been criticised because humans and animals may not learn in the same way so may not be generalisable. We are different from animals in the way that human behaviour is a lot more complex and influenced by emotion and reflective thought.

Question 8

Outline what is meant by cognitive neuroscience.

Answer 8

Cognitive neuroscience refers to the scientific studey of the brain/neurological structures, mechanisms, processes that are responsible for cognitive processes
Uses scanning techniques such as MRI to delve into brain structures. Additionally, studies neurotypical individuals to locate the physical basis of cognitive processes in the brain.

Question 9

Briefly explain one strength of the cognitive approach in psychology

Answer 9

It considers the impact of mental processes on behavior and is less reductionist than behaviourist approach because it mainly uses experimental/controlled methods to
conduct research.