Exam Guidance, Assessment Objectives, Assumptions, Therapy Components, and Application in Psychology

Unit 1: Exam Guidance

GENERAL INFORMATION 80 marks 1 hour 30 minutes Each approach will be included at least once. At least one piece of classic evidence will be covered.

ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVES Description Type of Question Define Describe Outline State Explain Demonstrate knowledge and understanding AO1 Apply Explain With reference to...discuss AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding Evaluate Discuss Compare Analyse Critically assess Analyse, interpret and evaluate AO3

ASSUMPTIONS Examples from the SAMs (a) Describe the biological assumption of localisation of function . [3] (b) Describe the positive assumption of 'focus on the good life . [3] Points to note exam paper. The 3 assumptions named on the specification must be taught as they could be named in Easy to over-teach on this section. Use examples from Psychology. Could use application to a relationship as an example for one assumption.

APPLICATION TO A RELATIONSHIP Example from the SAMs Using your knowledge of two different psychological approaches explain how a relationship is formed. [10] Points to note See notes from later session

HOW THE APPROACH CAN BE USED IN THERAPY Examples from the SAMs Demonstrate how a cognitive assumption has been used in either cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) OR rationalemotive behaviour therapy (REBT). [10] (Eduqas AS Question) Describe how the assumptions of the positive approach have been used in either Quality of life therapy OR mindfulness therapy. [10] (Eduqas A Level Question) Points to note question. therapy appropriate for that approach. On previous specification this was required at the start of a therapy answer. It can now be a separate Need to explain how the approach would explain psychiatric problems and how this makes the particular

COMPONENTS OF THERAPY Example from the SAMs (a) Describe the main components of a psychodynamic therapy (either dreamanalysis OR group analysispsychotherapy). [8] Points to note used in practice Only need to teach one of the two named therapies for each approach Ensure it is clearly explained as a therapy (can be an issue with dream analysis for example) Useful to have specific examples or an example of research that shows the therapy being

EVALUATION OF THERAPY Example from the SAMs (b) Evaluate the therapy you described in 3(a). [10] Points to note questions. when considering how many to use and how much detail to go into. therapy being discussed. Effectiveness and ethical considerations must be taught as they can be named in exam Effectiveness likely to include specific research studies but bear in mind marks available Wider issues such as determinism could be used but they must be clearly linked to the

EVALUATION OF APPROACH Example from the SAMs Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the positive approach. [10] Points to note points. candidates in the longer answer questions. that could be considered, for example the use of an effective therapy. Important to show how the evaluation point links to the approach rather than just generic Acronyms to remember evaluation points can be useful but they may restrict more able Although issues and debates can be used as evaluation points there are many other issues

EVALUATION OF APPROACH - COMPARE AND CONTRAST Example from the SAMs A psychologist needs to explain to his client why they may be better using a therapyfrom a biological approachrather than a therapy from the cognitive approach. Usingyour knowledge of both approaches compare and contrast the cognitive andbiological approaches and their therapies. [10] Points to note Can use strengths and weaknesses as a framework for this. Need to be careful to compare the approaches and not just describe them.

CLASSIC PIECE OF RESEARCH - METHODOLOGY AND PROCEDURES Example from the SAMs Describe the procedures of Raine, Buchsbaum and LaCasse s (1997) research Brain abnormalities in murderers indicated by positron emission tomography . [10] (Eduqas AS Question) Points to note Accuracy and detail are important here Stick to information from the original article Procedure can be written in bullet points

CLASSIC PIECE OF RESEARCH - FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS Example from the SAMs Describe the findings and conclusions of Loftus and Palmer s (1974) researchReconstruction of automobile destruction: an example of the interaction betweenlanguage and memory. [10] Points to note Accuracy and detail are important here. Stick to information from the original article. Can be written in bullet points. Tables can also be used for findings.

CLASSIC PIECE OF RESEARCH - EVALUATION OF CLASSIC EVIDENCE Points to note questions. requirement of the specification. candidates in the longer answer questions. Ethical issues and social implications must be taught as they can be named in exam Other evaluation points can be enhanced using alternative evidence but this is no longer a Acronyms to remember evaluation points can be useful but they may restrict more able

LONGER ANSWER AO3 QUESTIONS Example from the SAMs Evaluate the therapy you described in 3(a). [10] Points to note marks. similarities/differences). Students will be required to include a conclusion in their answer to access the highest Answers need to show both sides of the argument (strengths/weaknesses or

AO2 QUESTIONS Points to note repeating what they have learnt. same way as some of the others and this will be reflected in the mark scheme. These questions will involve the application of knowledge to a novel scenario. They will allow candidates to display their understanding of content rather than simply Examiners will be mindful of the fact that these questions cannot be prepared for in the Quotes or any stimulus material need to be referred to in the answer.