exam practice deck

Question 1

(a) Using the data below, explain the procedure used for the time sampling technique this study. (3 marks)

10 minutes
total observations - 40
20 observations for mum, 20 observation for dad

Answer 1

• The total observation time for each parent was 10 minutes.
• The psychologist made 20 observations for each parent.
• To generate 20 observations for each parent she must therefore have recordedher observation every ½ minute or every 30 seconds.

Question 2

Write a debrief that the psychologist could read out to the participants. (6 marks)

Answer 2

• explanation of the aim
• information about the other condition – in an independent design people must know about the other condition
• general ethical considerations, eg respect for participants.

Question 3

How could a psychologist analyse data from two conditions further by using percentages? (2 marks)

Answer 3

For each condition the number of x observed that condition in should be divided by the overall total observed in both conditions
The result for each condition should then be multiplied by 100 to give a %

Question 4

(c) The sleep questionnaire used by the researchers had not been checked to see whether or not it was a reliable measure of sleep quality.
Explain how this study could be modified by checking the sleep questionnaire for test-retest reliability. (4 marks)

Answer 4

• the same participants would complete the sleep questionnaire on more thanone occasion
• each participants’ scores from the first occasion should be correlated with his /her results from the later occasion to be shown on a scattergraph to describe the correlation, with scores from the first test plotted on one axis and the scores from the second test plotted on the other axis
• the strength of the correlation should then be assessed using either aSpearman’s rho test (or a Pearson’s r test)
• the degree of reliability is then determined by comparing the correlation with thestatistical table to determine the extent of correlation – there should be a (strong) positive correlation between the two sets of scores.

Question 5

Dominic is unhappy and lacks confidence. He thinks he is dumb and unattractive. His therapist says he lacks congruence. What is congruence and how much he Dominic achieve this? (4 marks)

Answer 5

• Rogers - an individual’s concept of the self must be similar to their ideal self to achieve self actualisation
• gap can be reduced if he develops a more healthy view of himself - unconditional positive regard from therapist or have more faith in himself

Question 6

Calculate the sign test (calculated) value of s for the data in Table 1. Explain how you reached your answer. (2 marks)

Answer 6

• value of s is X

- The total for the least frequently occurring sign is the value of s = X

Question 7

HOW TO ANSWER:

What is the operationalised dependent variable in this study? (2)

Answer 7

• YOU MUST FULLY OPERATIONALISE TO GET THE 2 MARKS
• e.g DV is whether the teachers thought their confidence in managing difficult behaviour was better, worse or the same after the course

Question 8

Explain why statistical testing is used in psychological research. (2 marks)

Answer 8

researchers use statistical tests to determine the likelihood that relationship they found has occurred due to chance.

Question 9

How can psychological research into depression impact the economy? (3 marks)

Answer 9

• Psychological research may lead to improvements in psychological health/treatment programmes which may mean that people manage their health better and take less time off work.
• Psychological research may lead to better ways of managing people whilst they are at work to improve productivity: e.g. research into motivation and workplace stress.
• ‘Cutting-edge’ scientific research may encourage investment from overseas companies into this country.

Question 10

Answer 10

A - relay

Question 11

Which neuron carries nerve impulses from the brain/spinal cord to muscles/glands?

Answer 11

C - motor

Question 12

Which neuron carries nerve impulses between neurons?

Answer 12

A - relay

Question 13

label X and Y

Answer 13

X - automatic nervous system

Y - somatic nervous system

Question 14

sensory neurons carry impulses…
motor neurons carry impulses…
relay neurons carry impulses…

Answer 14

to the the spinal cord and brain
from the CNS to effectors
between motor and sensory neurons

Question 15

draw each type of neuron

Answer 15

Question 16

Using an example, explain what is meant by the fight or flight response. (3 marks)

Answer 16

One mark for reference to perceived threatening / stressful situation (could be through definition or example).
One mark for reference to physiological change.
One mark for example of response / action.

Question 17

Outline the role of adrenaline in the fight or flight response.
(4 marks)

Answer 17

• Adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla in response to activation of the sympathomedullary pathway.
• Adrenaline has a range of effects on the body
• Direct effects of adrenaline
– increase heart rate
– constricts blood vessels, increasing rate of blood flow and raising blood pressure
• The general effects of adrenaline
– prepare the body for action, fight or flight,
– increase oxygen to brain for rapid response planning

Question 18

Martha was telling her friend Sanya about her recent frightening experience.
’I was walking home by myself in the dark. Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me and I realised that someone was getting closer to me. I saw a bus at the bus stop and decided to run. I don’t think I have ever moved with such speed. I leapt on the bus – shaking, sweating and my heart was beating so fast I nearly collapsed.’
Outline the role of the central nervous system and autonomic nervous system in behaviour. Refer to Martha’s frightening experience in your answer.
(Total 4 marks)

Answer 18

For CNS, possible points might include brain and role in life functions / psychological processes / higher mental functions and spinal cord and its role in transmitting information to and from the brain. Controls reflex behaviours.
auditory cortex / temporal lobe in processing auditory information (… I heard footsteps behind me…);
For ANS, possible points might cover that it controls life-maintaining processes such as heart rate; transmits information to and from internal organs; sympathetic division of ANS prepares body for action; parasympathetic division conserves / stores energy.
Fight or flight response
.