Specimen 2 MS - Paper 3 AQA Psychology A-level.

Section A Issues and debates in Psychology 01 Which of the following statements best describes a nomothetic approach in psychology? Shade one box only. [1 mark] Marks for this question: AO1 = 1 C 02.1 With reference to the item above, explain what is meant by ‘determinism’. Refer to three types of determinism in your answer. [6 marks] Marks for this question: AO2 = 6 Level Marks Description 3 5–6 There is accurate and detailed knowledge of determinism with appropriate reference to three different types of determinism. Most of the application to the stem is clear and effective. The answer is coherent and well organised with effective use of specialist terminology. 2 3–4 There is some relevant knowledge of determinism and types of determinism and some appropriate application to the stem. The answer is mostly clear and organised, with appropriate use of specialist terminology. 1 1–2 Knowledge of determinism and/or types of determinism is muddled but can be inferred. Application is limited/absent. Specialist terminology is either absent or inappropriately used. 0 No relevant content. Content and application: x determinism – understanding that behaviour is controlled and we do not exercise free will over our own behaviour x biological determinism – behaviour is controlled by aspects of biology eg genes, chemicals etc – depression ‘runs in families’ implies biological determinism x environmental determinism – behaviour is controlled by external influences eg parents, society etc – ‘serious social problems’ implies environmental determinism x psychic determinism – behaviour is controlled by unconscious fears, desires etc – ‘experienced traumatic events in the past’ implies psychic determinism Credit also appropriate references to hard and soft determinism PMT MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY PAPER 3 – 7182/3 – SERIES 5 of 33 02.2 With reference to the item above, identify one influence of nature on our behaviour and one influence of nurture on our behaviour. [2 marks] Marks for this question: AO2 = 2 1 mark – nature is indicated by reference to genetic inheritance ‘runs in families’ Plus 1 mark – nurture is indicated by reference to environment or experience ‘serious social problems’, ‘traumatic events in the past’. 03.1 The study on the opposite page is an example of socially sensitive research. Briefly explain how the researchers could have dealt with the issue of social sensitivity in this study. [4 marks] Marks for this question: AO3 = 4 Level Marks Description 2 3–4 Clear understanding of the notion of social sensitivity is demonstrated through effective application to the stem. Explanation of how the researchers could have dealt with the issue of social sensitivity in this case is clear. The answer is generally coherent with effective use of terminology. 1 1–2 Some understanding of the notion of social sensitivity is demonstrated through limited application to the stem. There is limited/partial explanation of how the researchers could deal with the issue of social sensitivity in this case. The answer lacks accuracy and detail. Use of terminology is either absent or inappropriate. 0 No relevant content. Content: x Awareness of issue: Researchers should be aware of the implications of their research: possible negative impact for the children in the sample; possible negative implications of the research for the reputation of Crayford school and the wider community; possible self-fulfilling prophecy x Dealing with the issue: Researchers should take adequate steps to counter the above: sensitive briefing/debriefing of participants, parents, teachers etc; care in relation to publication, disclosure of results and confidentiality/anonymity. 03.2 What level of measurement is being used in this study? [1 mark] Marks for this question: AO2 = 1 1 mark for nominal level/categorical level PMT MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY PAPER 3 – 7182/3 – SERIES 6 of 33 03.3 Explain one limitation of the level of measurement you have identified in your answer to 03.2. [2 marks] Marks for this question: AO3 = 2 1 mark – categorical data is crude/unsophisticated/does not enable very sensitive analysis Plus 1 mark – because it does not yield a numerical result for each participant 04 Outline and evaluate reductionist explanations in psychology. [8 marks] Marks for this question: AO1 = 3 and AO3 = 5 Level Marks Description 4 7–8 Outline of reductionist explanations is accurate and generally well detailed. Evaluation is effective, with some balance. The answer is clear, coherent and focused. Specialist terminology is used effectively. Minor detail and/or expansion of argument sometimes lacking. 3 5–6 Outline of reductionist explanations is evident. There are occasional inaccuracies. There is some effective evaluation. The answer is mostly clear, organised and focused. Specialist terminology mostly used effectively. 2 3–4 Outline of reductionist explanations is present. Focus is mainly on description. Any evaluation is of limited effectiveness. The answer lacks clarity, accuracy, organisation and focus in places. Specialist terminology used inappropriately on occasions. 1 1–2 Outline of reductionist explanations is limited. Evaluation is limited, poorly focused or absent. The answer as a whole lacks clarity, has many inaccuracies and is poorly organised. Specialist terminology either absent or inappropriately used. 0 No relevant content. Possible content: x Reductionism – explaining a phenomenon in terms of constituent parts x Studying underlying elements x Description linked to approaches eg biopsychologists analyse brain chemicals, neurons; cognitive psychologists analyse components of models eg models of memory Possible evaluation: x Parsimonious thus economical x Consistent with approach used in other sciences x Enables a more concrete understanding x Focus on elements enables greater testability x Misses complexity of many behaviours x Fails to take account of context of behaviour x Contrast with holistic approach Answers that focus on a particular approach that is reductionist can gain full credit as long as the focus is on the issue of reductionism. Credit other relevant information.