Possible Questions Flashcards
- briefly outline how two variables investigated by asch were found to affect conformity 2mrks
- increasing the size of the majority increased conformity
- increasing task difficulty increase conformity
- presence of a dissenter who did not conform reduced conformity
- withdrawal of a dissenter led to increased conformity
- writing the answer down reduced conformity
- individual differences eg highly confident individuals conformed less
- Describe the phonological loop component of the working memory model 3mrks
- one of slave systems controlled by CE
- deals with auditory/sound info or deals with both written and spoken material
- can be subdivided into phonological store (inner ear) & articulatory process (inner voice)
- the phonological store stores the words you hear (in speech form)
- the articulatory process allows for maintenance rehearsal
- has limited capacity/the capacity of the loop is what can be said in 2 seconds
- Suggest one way in which the working memory model might be a better explanation for short term memory than the multi store model 1mrk
- not a unitary store
- range of research support eg dual task studies,brain scanning studies
- the WMM explains STM as a more active process than MSM
- discuss Wundts role in the emergence of psychology as a science 3mrks
- first to open a lab 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 structuralism rather than philosophical or biological processes
- he later recognised that higher mental processes were difficult to study using his procedure and this encouraged others to look for other methods and techniques paving the way for approach eg 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 a limitation
- Identify two glands that form part of the endocrine system and outline their functions 4marks
- thyroid gland- secretes thyroxine/increases metabolic rates and affects growth
- adrenal glands-secretes adrenaline/controls the sympathetic division in the fight or flight response
- pituitary gland-causes other glands to secrete their hormones or directly produces effects eg causing the breasts to lactate
- outline the use of one or more drugs in the treatment of ocd 4mrks
- attempt to increase/decrease levels of neurotransmitters/activity of neurotransmitter in brain
- general purpose is decrease anxiety, lower arousal, lower blood pressure or heart rate
- antidepressants SSRIs prevent reuptake of serotonin & prolong activity in synapse in order to reduce anxiety/normalise the worry circuit
- tricyclics-block the transporter mechanism that reabsorbs serotonin & noradrenaline again prolonging their activity
- anti anxiety drugs -benzodiazepines-enhance the activity of GABA and therefore slow down the CNS causing relaxation
- SNRIs -more recent drugs which also increase serotonin and noradrenaline and are tolerated by those for whom SSRIs are not effective
- Explain one reason why using schema might be useful when processing info from the world around us and one reason one reason why using schema might not be useful when processing info from the world around us 4mrks
Might be useful
- schema help us predict what will happen in our world based on our experiences
- schema enable us to process vast amounts of info rapidly
-schema help us form becoming overwhelmed by environmental stimuli
Not useful
-schema can distort our interpretation of sensory info
-schema lead to perceptual errors or inaccurate EWT/memories
-schema can caused bias recall/ see what we expect
-negative/faulty schema may have a negative impact on mental health
- Give one difference between the autonomic nervous system and the somatic nervous system 1 mrk
- the autonomic nervous system is involuntary whereas the somatic nervous system is under conscious control
- ANS controls smooth muscles and glands whereas the SNS controls skeletal muscles
- Explain why neurons can only transmit info in one direction at a synapse 3mrks
- synaptic vessels containing neurotransmitter are only released from presynaptic membrane
- receptors for neurotransmitters only present on post synaptic membrane
- it’s the binding of neurotransmitter to receptor which enables signal/ info to be passed/transmitted on (to the next neuron)
- diffusion of neurotransmitters mean they can only go from high to low concentration so can only travel from the presynaptic to postsynaptic membrane
- The fight or flight response enabled our ancestors to survive but can be less helpful in response to more modern stressors. Explain how the body responds during fight or flight and why this could be unhelpful in a driving test situation 4mrks
- fight or flight response causes adrenaline to be released which cause an increased production of sweat and faster heartbeat and breathing rate which could be off putting and unhelpful during a driving test eg sweaty hands may make it harder to grip the steering wheel
- fight or flight response enable quick reaction to fight threat or run away from it but neither of these options would be helpful in driving test as if you ran away or attacked instructor you would fail test
- Julia complains that her baby is sleeping all day and keeping her awake all night. Using your knowledge of research into exogenous zeitgebers discuss what Julia could do to encourage her baby to sleep more at night 8mrks
Content: external cues act as exogenous zeitegebers eg klein & wegmann
-cues may influence/entrain endogenous pacemakers
-light suppresses production of melatonin from pineal gland which influences peoples sleep/wake cycle
Application: Julia should try to keep baby in dark at night eg shutting curtains & keeping lights off but expose baby to light in day time eg keeping curtains open go outside
-Julia should use social cues eg ensuring verbal communication, eye contact & feeding only in day time
Discussion: research to provide support for importance of light as a zeitgeber eg Campbell and Murphy, vetter et al, burgees et al
- use of research to provide evidence against importance of social cues as a zetigeber eg lughton miles et al
-discussion for & against role of light as an exogenous zeitgeber
-counter arguments eg role of endogenous pacemakers -biological clock
- Briefly outline and evaluate normative social influence as an explanation for conformity. 4mrks
-A01people agree with opinion of majority so to be liked & gain acceptance/avoid rejection/avoid ridicule
-often leads to compliance-people agree publicly with group but privately don’t change personal opinion
A03-evidence support eg asch-when interviewed afterwards participants said they conformed to avoid rejection by others
-individual differences-how much people want to be liked by others &therefore not everyone will conform due to this desire
-other explanations eg ISI, conformity to social roles, social identity theory
- Memory studies are sometimes criticised for being unrealistic. Briefly explain two ways that this criticism could be addressed in memory research. 4mrks
- researchers could use natural environments for participants like school classrooms when learning & recalling info
- researchers could ensure tasks are everyday tasks for their participants such as learning definitions if they are student participants
- realistic stimuli can be used to recall info such as visual tasks so that they more closely reflect everyday memory tasks
- different methodology/ data collection techniques
- outline bowlbys theory of maternal deprivation 3 marks
- deprivation definition
- effects on development-intellectual, emotional, social eg affectionless psychopathy, delinquency, low IQ
- critical period-issue if prolonged separation, if before 2 and a half years ( but risk up to 5 years) and if no substitute available
- internal working model-can lead to inability to be a good parent
- continuity hypothesis- if there are prolonged separations then there may be issues into adulthood
-explain one criticism of bowlbys theory of maternal deprivation 3mrks
- contradictory research eg Lewis
- Rutters criticism that there could be an overstatement of the effects of deprivation
- Sensitive vs critical period
- real world applications eg way children are cared for in hospital has changed as a result of bowlbys theory/research
- economic implications of the theory eg care, work etc
- explain one strength and one limitation of a reductionist approach in psychology 4 marks
-strengths- studying basic units of behaviour adds weight to scientific research
-more objective to consider basic components of behaviour
-leads to greater clarity of understanding at chemical, cellular level
-better able to isolate cause when studying basic units of behaviour eg can see which chemicals are implicated in certain behavioural disorders then may be able to affect treatments
-parsimonious- simplest explanation often the best
Limitations
-simplistic & ignores complex interaction of many factors
-leads to us losing sight of behaviour in context
-less able to understand behaviour because we do not understand it’s meaning-loss of validity
-ignores emergent properties/distracts from a more appropriate level of explanation
- Discuss one or more ethical implications of research in psychology. Refer to at least one topic you have studied in psychology in your answer 8marks
- content:effects of research on participants
-effects of publication on wider public
-potential use of the findings eg allocation of resources
-potential use of the findings eg political consequences-changes in legislation
Applications - milgrams obedience research and attitudes to people of different nationalities
-bowlbys research and the effects on child rearing/ working mothers
-diagnosis of depression/ schizophrenia
-labelling eg gender identity
-biological research into addiction/aggression/offending- issue of who is to blame eg if offending/aggression/addiction is inherited
-piagets research into discovery learning-changes in educational system/classroom practice
-implications of relationship counselling based on research into relationships
-how research into gender might affect parenting/educational practice
Discussion: evidence to explain/elaborate/analyse the implications - how researchers have dealt with the implications
-cost/benefit discussion eg consideration of whether the benefits of publication outweigh the costs
-short term cost (at time of publication) vs long term gain ( in years to come and for future generations)
-issues of reflexivity- the influential position of the researcher and researcher responsibility
- briefly outline what is meant by a gender schema 2 marks
- organised group of related concepts/cognitive structures/mental representation
- about each sex and sex appropriate behaviour
- Outline social learning theory as an explanation for gender development.explain one strength of social learning theory as an explanation for gender development 6mrks
- SLT explains gender development in terms of socialisation and experience
-involves observation and imitation of same sex role model eg parents, older siblings, TV characters
-identification with same sex model is more likely if model is attractive, high status,similar etc - vicarious reinforcement is important eg child sees others rewarded for what is seen as sex appropriate behaviour and therefore imitates
-mediational processes are involved eg attention, retention etc
Strengths
-use of evidence to support social learning explanations for gender eg evidence that young children do copy same sex models - SLT is consistent with findings that gender related behaviours differ across cultures
-consistent with findings that suggest media influence in gender behaviour
- In the context of schizophrenia outline what it meant by co morbidity 2marks
- co-morbidity is where two conditions co exist in the same individual at the same time/have a tendency to co exist alongside each other
- so a person with schizophrenia might also at the same time be suffering from another condition eg personality disorder, depression, alcoholism etc
- evaluate the atavistic form explanation for offending 6marks
- important role in shift away from theories based on feeble mindedness,wickedness & demonic possession
- forerunner of more scientific biological explanations
- use of evidence to support/refute the atavistic explanation
- biological determinism- racial undertones, discrimination and eugenic implications
- emphasised the criminal stereotype
- use of evidence to support/refute the explanation
Outline techniques used in the cognitive interview and discuss the effectiveness of those techniques on the accuracy of eyewitness testimony 8marks
-report everything – interviewer encourages witness to report all details about event, even if details may seem unimportant
-context reinstatement –mentally recreate image of situation,including details of environment,like weather conditions & individual’s emotional state including feelings at time of incident
-recall from changed perspective –mentally recreate situation from different POV eg describing what another witness present at scene wouldve seen
-recall in reverse order –witness asked to recall scene in different chronological order, eg from end to beginning.
Discussion
-how/why recall is enhanced,eg role of context reinstatement; work on reconstructive memory; use of context; makes event more meaningful
-Limitations, eg usefulness of cognitive interview with children; less useful when increased time between event & recall
-relative effectiveness of individual features of cognitive interview;better for recall of peripheral detail than central detail
-use of relevant evidence to support/refute argument, eg Kohnken et al (1999); Milne & Bull (2002).
- one explanation of forgetting/evaluation
Retrieval failure evaluation points:
-use of evidence, eg Godden & Baddeley suggests retrieval absence of cues is valid explanation of forgetting
-application of explanation, eg improving memory using mnemonics, category headings
-context has to be different in real-life to have any effect
-context effect only occurs when memory is tested in particular ways – free recall vs recognition
Interference
Possible evaluation points:
-use of evidence from lab studies, eg McGeoch & McDonald & real-life, eg Schmidt supports effects of interference
-application of explanation, eg avoiding similar material when revising for exams
-use of artificial materials in lab studies, eg recall of word lists
-deliberate attempt to induce interference in lab studies, eg by limiting time between learning & recall
-evidence suggests interference can be overcome using cued recall
-interference tends not to occur with experts
What is meant by agentic state as an explanation for obedience 2 marks
- when a person acts on behalf of an authority figure/person of higher status
- the person feels no personal responsibility/guilt for their actions
- the opposite of an autonomous state where people act according to their own principles
STEM about two mothers and toddlers and their involvement
- discuss the learning theory of attachment and bowlbys monotropic theory of attachment.refer to the conversation above in your answer 16marks
Possible content: Learning theory
-emphasises importance of food in formation of attachment cupboard love/drive reduction
– children love those who feed them
-cc creates attachment –association of caregiver (NS) with food (UCS) causes conditioned response of pleasure
-operant conditioning strengthens attachment – crying positively reinforced by caregiver;
caregiver receives negative reinforcement when crying stops
Monotropic theory- importance of primary attachment figure – bond with mother-figure is unique
-more time spent with mother-figure,betterlaw of continuity;law of accumulated separation
-internal working model –first attachment is blueprint for future relationships;child forms mental representation
-importance of critical period
-role of social releasers
Possible application: Learning theory
-first mother’s view is consistent with principles of learning theory – her bond with her daughter based on breastfeeding/food
-husband’s bond with Millie isn’t as strong as she hasnt formed association with her
father & pleasure
Monotropic theory -second mother’s view is consistent with monotropic theory-bond with mother is unique & special
-she suggests maternal bond is ‘important for future development’=consistent with Bowlby’s view of internal working model
Possible discussion points: Learning theory
-plausible &scientific as founded in established theory
-reductionist –focus on basic processes (S-R links, reinforcement) too simplistic to explain
complex attachment behaviours
-evidence,eg Schaffer & Emerson -primary attachment figure not always person who feeds child
-environmentally deterministic- early learning determines later attachment behaviours
Monotropic theory
-evidence, eg Schaffer & Emerson -multiple & not monotropic attachments are norm
-concept of monotropy=social sensitive-places pressure on mothers &underestimates role of father
-evidence eg Bailey et al -concept of internal working model
The sample used in this pilot study was an opportunity sample. Briefly explain how using a stratified sample when the final study is conducted might be an improvement to the design. 3marks
- stratified sampling ensures each identified sub group of whole target population of possible participants represented in sample so generalisation of results to target population is more valid than if participants just available at time of asking
- stratified sampling improvement because people who’re identified by opportunity likely to be present at same time, doing similar things, possibly similar personality types etc may limit representativeness of sample.
Outline one ethical issue that should have been taken into account when carrying out the questionnaire. 1 mark
-students should be treated with respect by explaining their answers will be kept confidential -students must be assured they can withdraw answers if they want to
-students must be told exactly what researcher was trying to find out about relationship
between satisfaction & way info was delivered.
Cultural relativism, ethnocentrism, holism and universality are four concepts relevant to issues and debates in psychology. -Which definition (A-E) best describes cultural relativism & others 4m
A-Appreciating that behaviour varies between cultures
B Believing some behaviours are same for all cultures
C Considering all aspects of experience, including culture
D Emphasising importance of behaviour of one’s own culture
E Understanding whole cultures have same experience
- Cultural relativism A -Ethnocentrism D
- Holism C
- Universality B
Explain how the researchers could have obtained a stratified sample from the four different schools 4 marks
-identify strata/sub-groups in their population eg four different schools
-calculate required proportion from each stratum based on proportion in population
-select sample at random from each school/stratum/sub-group.
-use random selection method, eg assign each student a number then use computer,
calculator or random number table to select specified number of numbers between 0 and X (or hat method).
Suggest two additional points that could be added to the debriefing statement to better ensure ethical treatment of the students. 4 marks
- confidentiality: advise students data is kept confidential so individual responses will not be identifiable & will not be accessible to anyone other than researchers/their agents
- withdrawal of data: ensure students told they have right to withdraw data after event even if consented to survey & aware of aim at start
- protection from harm: ensure no one has been upset or offended by questions on survey, eg if they felt to be intrusive or offensive, or upset by feelings aroused during survey. If so, then discuss these feelings are normal etc
- debrief: explain full purpose/aim of survey, check again they are willing to allow data used.
Explain how social influence processes contribute to social change. 4 marks
- content:minorities contribute to social change by being consistent, flexible & non-dogmatic. Through social crypto-amnesia & snowball effect, gradually minority turns into majority
- influence of obedience, eg changes to laws which make certain behaviour more social norm which others then adopt
- majority influence can occur through social norms/normative social influence
- dictators can bring about social change through power & through process of obedience. This leads to groups of people changing their behaviour because of fear of punishment/consequences of not obeying
- consistency contributes to social change when minority repeatedly gives same message. makes majority reassess belief & consider issue more carefully (may adopt minority POV)
- commitment contributes to social change when minority show theyre willing to give up something for their belief majority take their argument more seriously (& may adopt it as their own)
- flexibility/being non-dogmatic contributes to social change when minority show theyre willing to listen to other viewpoints majority listen to their POV/take their argument more seriously (& may adopt it as their own)
- theories linked to minority influence, eg social impact theory, snowball effect, social cryptoamnesia
- outlining how drawing attention, creating cognitive conflict, augmentation, identification with minority, appearance of objectivity or certainty of correctness as processes used by minorities can contribute to social change.
Discuss two or more types of determinism. Refer to the case of Dancho as part of
your discussion. 16 marks
- Possible content -determinism – general idea traits & behaviours are outside our control, due to factors either internal or external over which we have no control
-biological determinism – idea traits & behaviours are governed by internal biological factors like genes, neurochemistry, brain structure & function
-psychic determinism –idea traits & behaviours governed by unconscious instincts & drives, cause of behaviour is rooted in childhood experiences
-environmental determinism – idea traits & behaviours governed by external forces like experiences, upbringing, learning, schools, parents, peers etc.
-hard determinism – traits & behaviours entirely out of individual’s control
-soft determinism – traits & behaviours determined by external or internal forces but
an individual can still exercise some control, eg via thought processes.
Possible application
-biological determinism - Dancho’s musical ability may be genetic -inherited from his father who also plays piano well, Dancho appears to suggest his talent is innate ‘my earliest memories’, ‘music is a part of me’
-environmental determinism – ability is product of learning from father, ability was nurtured at a specialist school from 4yrs, hrs of practice every day providing reinforcement, applause providing reinforcement
-hard determinism – Dancho cant control his behaviour ‘Even if I wanted to stop…’.
-psychic determinism – through Oedipus complex Dancho identified with pianist father
Possible discussion -contrast with free will position people able to choose how to behaviour
-soft determinism as compromise between hard determinism & free will -role of
consciousness & subjective awareness
-links with broad approaches in psychology eg behaviourism
-role of single versus multiple causes
-comparisons of different types of determinism
-implications for science & emphasis on causes of behaviour–determinism fundamental to scientific focus on investigating causes & being able to predict behaviour
-implications for child-rearing, eg role of parental expectations &implications for society, eg education, offending behaviour, addiction, economic implications etc
-studies/theories to support or counter determinism Strengths/limitations of adopting a determinist stance.
