Exam PPQ's

Question 1

Discuss Wundt’s role in the emergence of psychology as a science. (3)

Answer 1

3 marks for AO3:
• first to open a laboratory designated to the scientific study of psychological enquiry under controlled conditions facilitating accurate measurements and replication
• focus was on trying to understand psychological processes of perception etc and structuralism rather than philosophical or biological processes
• he later recognised that higher mental processes were difficult to study using his procedures and this encouraged others to look for more appropriate methods and techniques, paving the way for approaches such as scanning
• introspection still used today in areas such as therapy and studying emotional states demonstrating its value as one way mental processes can be investigated
• issues of determinism and predictability could be presented as a strength or limitation.

Question 2

Explain how reinforcement might be used to encourage primary school children to pick up litter in the playground. (3)

Answer 2

3 Marks for AO2:
• Use a ‘token economy system’ with respect to litter-picking. Use of a positive reinforcement strategy – for ‘x’ amount of litter, a reward of ‘y’ and exchange of ‘y’ for something pleasant the children will value.
• direct primary reinforcement (e.g. deliberately rewarding children who pick up litter)
• use of vicarious reinforcement (e.g. watching a film or seeing teacher deliberately rewarding children who pick up litter).

Question 3

Discuss two limitations of social learning theory. (6)

Answer 3

• difficulty demonstrating cause and effect – although Bandura research controlled variables and demonstrated behaviour was imitated it is difficult to show cause and effect in real life
• sees behaviour as environmentally determined whereas some behaviours may be innate
• mediating cognitive factors have to be inferred so cannot measure extent of their influence
• SLT does not explain cognitive processes, leaving this to cognitive psychologists
• can explain learning of outward behaviours, SLT is not so able to explain the learning of abstract notions, eg fairness, justice etc which cannot be observed directly
• credit comparison with other theories where presented in terms of a limitation.
(Credit other relevant limitations.)

Question 4

Jed was given a detention meaning that he would miss the football match after school. Jed felt extremely angry. Later that day, Jed was called in to the Head of Year ’s office for kicking his locker at break time.
Identify and explain the defence mechanism Jed was displaying. (3)

Answer 4

• 1 mark for identification of displacement.
• 1 mark for a brief explanation of displacement. The focus of a strong emotion is expressed on to a neutral / alternative person or object.
• 1 mark for relevant elaboration in the context of the stem. Jed’s anger at the detention / missing the football match is transferred to the locker.
  (These marks can be awarded independently.)