Paper 1: 2017 Flashcards
Using examples from psychology describe two assumptions of the psychodynamic approach. (4+4) Influence of childhood experiences:
Credit could be given for explanations of:
Influence of childhood experiences e.g. psychosexual stages (oral, anal, phallic,
latent, genital), libido, fixations that may become evident in adult life.
Using examples from psychology describe two assumptions of the psychodynamic approach. (4+4)
The unconscious mind:
The unconscious mind e.g. Freud’s iceberg (conscious mind as visible,
unconscious mind as hidden), Freudian slips, use of defence mechanisms
(keeping traumatic events in the unconscious mind).
Using examples from psychology describe two assumptions of the psychodynamic approach. (4+4)
Tripartite personality:
Tripartite personality e.g. ID (pleasure principle), Ego (reality principle),
Superego (morality principle).
Any other appropriate assumption.
Describe the procedures of Watson and Rayner’s (1920) research ‘Conditioned emotional
reactions’. (10)
Credit could be given for:
Key elements – Albert’s confrontation with various animals and objects,
emotional and sound tests, visual recordings, transference of conditioned
response to other objects/animals, equipment used, role of the researchers,
information on time frame of behaviours.
Any other appropriate description of procedures.
Evaluate one strength and one weakness of the cognitive approach. (4+4)
Credit could be given for:
Scientific nature of the approach, e.g. use of brain scans.
Focus on the individual.
Rejection of biological factors, e.g. role of genes.
Determinist, e.g. schemas.
Usefulness, e.g. therapy.
Mediational processes/mental processes in explaining behaviour.
Successful applications, e.g. social cognition.
Comparison to machines /lack of consideration for emotions and social factors.
NB There is no definitive list of strengths and/or weaknesses as it is subjective and
one issue can be presented as being both.
Apply your knowledge of the assumptions of the behaviourist approach to explain one human
behaviour. (10)
Credit could be given for:
Any human behaviour can be credited.
Classical Conditioning theory.
Operant Conditioning theory (e.g. role of reinforcement, punishment).
Social Learning Theory.
All human behaviour as learnt (tabula rasa).
The role of observation.
Human behaviour must be measured scientifically.
Discussion on role of determinism as opposed to free will in explaining one
human behaviour.
Credit can be given for application of assumptions to relationship formation.
No credit is given for description of research using non-human animals, unless
a comparison point is made with human behaviour.
Any other appropriate application.
(a) Describe the main components of drug therapy OR psychosurgery. (10)
Drug Therapy
Use of antipsychotics (typical
and atypical).
Use of antidepressants (e.g.
SSRI’s, SNRI NASSA’s,
Tricyclics, MAOI’s).
Use of anti-anxiety drugs (e.g.
BZ’s, BB’s).
Role in treating specific mental
disorders, (e.g. schizophrenia,
depression, stress).
History of drug therapy (e.g.
typical, atypical, targeting
serotonin).
Any other relevant component.
‘Biological therapies are successful in treating mental illness.’
With reference to the above statement, discuss the effectiveness of the biological therapy
you described in part (a), using psychological knowledge and research. (10)
Credit could be given for:
Drug Therapy
Side effects.
Issues of addiction.
Treating symptoms, not cause.
Length of treatment.
Comparison with other
therapies.
Historical developments.
Issues, e.g. reductionism.
Improved ability to function.
Any other relevant evaluation.
Evaluate Myers & Diener’s (1995) research ‘Who is happy?’ in relation to ethical issues and
social implications. (10) Ethical issues:
Credit could be given for:
Ethical issues:
Anonymous data.
Intrusion of privacy with the
‘beeper’ research.
Ethical issue of raising
individual dissatisfaction.
Evaluate Myers & Diener’s (1995) research ‘Who is happy?’ in relation to ethical issues and
social implications. (10) Social implications:
Social implications:
Less focus on mental illness due to focus
on mental health.
Positive impact to increasing workforce
happiness and productivity.
Could lead to prejudice/ stereotypes e.g.
collectivist cultures as less happy,
married versus non-married individuals.
Less focus on role of biology in
treatments.
Gives individual’s intrinsic motivation to
take control of their own happiness.
Any other appropriate ethical issue or social implication evaluated.
Compare and contrast the psychodynamic approach and the positive approach. (10)
Credit could be given for:
Relevance to today’s society/outdated theories.
Ethnocentrism (both based mainly on Western ideology).
Application of assumptions to real life.
Inability to measure emotions/behaviours.
The scientific nature of the approaches.
Validity of methodologies used by both approaches (case studies, self-reports).
Deterministic versus free will view held by both approaches.
Usefulness (e.g. success of therapeutic applications).
Comparison of therapies.
Judgement on the overall comparison of both approaches.
Any other appropriate analysis.
NB The above issues could be noted as similarities and/or differences by a
candidate.
‘Neuroscience is ethical.’
Discuss to what extent you agree with this statement. You should demonstrate your understanding
of psychological knowledge and research in your response. (24)
This question is focused on demonstrating knowledge and understanding of scientific
ideas, processes, techniques and procedures.
This debate is linked to the biological approach. However, the materials used in the
responses may be taken from any approach and perspective within psychology.
Some reference could also be made to economic, legal, social and political evidence
(as long as it is explicitly linked to the psychological issue).
Credit could be given for:
Description of neuroscience.
History of neuroscience (in relation to psychology).
Work of Raine (1997).
Work of Libet (1985).
Work of Fuchs (2006)
Uses of neuroscience e.g. neuromarketing, prediction of mental illness,
psychopharmacology, mood and attention enhancement, further education on
the brain etc.
Any other appropriate material.
Credit could be given for:
Reliability and validity of neuroscience techniques e.g. is it consistent across
users?, reliability of being able to predict future mental illness etc.
Impact on the justice system e.g. predicting crime and sentencing laws.
Impact on education e.g. intelligence tests used to support or deny entry to
schools.
Ethical implications of eyewitness statements.
Influence from the media.
Issues of reductionism, free will, determinism etc.
Use of neuroethics in neuroscience research.
Ethical issues e.g. privacy, confidentiality, protection from harm.
Issues of extrapolation from animal research
Conclusion to the debate. Overall agreement or disagreement with the quote.
