mark scheme answers

Question 1

state one assumption of the cognitive approach

Answer 1

•internal mental processes can be studied
•mental processes can involve schema
•theoretical and computer models can be used
•it is possible to make inferences about mental processes (from models)
•neural mechanisms can be combined with cognitive processes in cognitive neuroscience

Question 2

strengths of the social learning theory

Answer 2

•it offers a positive approach to explaining behaviour and suggests it can be shaped by our environment, meaning we can lean better behaviours
•it is an evidence- based approach (Bandura)
•the SLT considers meditational processes so is less deterministic (soft determinism) than approaches like the Behaviourist

Question 3

limitations of the social learning theory

Answer 3

•the SLT is deterministic with behaviours being shaped by our environment and role models rather than empowering an individual with free will
•ignores the influence of hormones/ genetics
•the research underpinning the approach could be criticised (Bandura- artificial)

Question 4

what is cognitive neuroscience?

Answer 4

•cognitive neuroscience aims to explore the neurological basis of thought processes and disorders
•it has emerged with improvements in technology such as fMRI and PET scans

Question 5

possible discussion points for cognitive neuroscience:

Answer 5

•more scientific/ objective in research study
•nature/ nurture debate- cognitive neuroscience has demonstrated the brain’s plasticity throughout life supporting the role of nurture
•can be used as evidence for the freewill debate, biology is not destiny
•Tulving- PET scan study on memory
•neural basis in schizophrenia, gyrus, ventral striatum

Question 6

what is the correct arrangement of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs from bottom to top of the hierarchy?

Answer 6

•physiological, safety, love/ belongingness, esteem, self actualisation

Question 7

what is the correct order of Freud’s psychosexual stages?

Answer 7

oral, anal, phallic, latency, genital

Question 8

describe the role of defence mechanisms according to the psychodynamic approach

Answer 8

•they help the ego manage the conflict between the id and the superego
•examples like denial/ displacement/ repression

Question 9

strengths of the psychodynamic approach

Answer 9

•psychotherapy as a treatment for mental health issues
•explanatory power to many psychological topics

Question 10

limitations of the psychodynamic approach

Answer 10

•unconscious concepts cannot be tested
•lack of scientific rigour and empirical evidence
•based on case studies like little hans, not generalisable

Question 11

outline the way in which pavlov studied classical conditioning

Answer 11

•detail of Pavlov’s classical conditioning experiments into salivation reflex in dogs
•knowledge of Pavlovian concepts in the context of Pavolvs d experiments: unconditioned stimulus; conditioned stimulus; unconditioned stimulus; conditioned response
•learning by association

Question 12

use your knowledge of two types of reinforcement to suggest how lily and jemima could train their rat to come to the cage door when they open it

Answer 12

•positive reinforcement- when they open the cage door they can give the rat treats like chocolate drops for coming to the cage door when they open it. this will make the ray more likely to come to the door
•negative reinforcement- have something unpleasant like spraying the rat with water then stop this when the rat comes to the door so the rat will be more likely to come to the door

Question 13

compare the humanistic approach with the psychodynamic approach

Answer 13

•determinism- the humanistic approach assumes people have free choice over their behaviour whereas the psychodynamic approach assumes that behaviour is determined by unconscious factors
•nature/ nurture- the humanistic approach assumes behaviour is affected by the desire to self- actualise (nature) and the psychodynamic has the id/ego/ superego (nature)
•therapy- client centred and psychoanalysis

Question 14

describe the oral and anal stages

Answer 14

•oral (0-1)- focus of pleasure is the mouth and the mothers breast is the focus of desire
•anal (1-3)- focus of pleasure is the anus and the child focuses on withholding and expelling faeces

Question 15

describe the phallic and latency stages

Answer 15

•phallic (3-5)- focus of pleasure is the genitals and children experience the oedipus/ electra complex
•latency (6-12)- previous conflicts are resolved/ repressed and early years are largely forgotten

Question 16

outline the genital stage and how to move on to the next psychosexual stage

Answer 16

•genital (12- puberty- adulthood)- sexual desires become conscious with the onset of puberty
- there is an unconscious conflict at each stage which must be resolved before the next stage is reached

Question 17

4 aspects of learning (that aren’t the mediational processes)

Answer 17

•observational learning
•imitation
•modelling
•vicarious reinforcement

Question 18

what are the 4 mediational processes?

Answer 18

•attention
•retention
•reproduction
•motivation

Question 19

discuss self actualisation in explaining human behaviour

Answer 19

•self actualisation concerns psychological growth, fulfilment and satisfaction in life and is the final stage of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
- lack of scientific evidence
- over simplification
- does not explain self destructive behaviours
- discussion of cultural differences

Question 20

discuss the conditions of worth in explaining human behaviour

Answer 20

•psychological issues are thought to arise as a direct result of conditions of worth, which are constraints an individual believes are put upon them by significant others that they deem necessary to gain positive regard
•Rogers believed that therapists should provide clients with unconditional positive regard to help resolve conditions of worth and guide clients towards self- actualisation
- comparison of conditions of worth with other approaches
- discussion of the Q sort
- real world application to counselling