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WJEC Psychology Unit 1 Questions with
Detailed Verified Answers
Assumption 1 (Evolutionary influences) Theory of Natural
Selection :
⼀Answer:⼀ Any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an
individual's chance of survival and reproduction (the genes) will be
passed on to the next generation. E.g. altruistic behaviour, where
parents risk their lives to save their offspring.
Assumption 1 (Evolutionary influences) The environment of
evolutionary adaptiveness :
⼀Answer:⼀ The environment to which a species is best suited to due
to the selective pressures at the time. With an example being those
that are better at forming relationships are more likely to survive so
the genes for such behaviour are passed on.
Assumption 2 (Localisation of brain function) Four lobes :
⼀Answer:⼀ Frontal lobe - Involved in creativity, thinking and is
linked to our personality.
Parietal lobe - Receives sensory information such as touch.
Temporal lobe - Responsible for memory and auditory processing.
Occipital lobe - Responsible for visual processing as it receives
information directly from the eyes.
Assumption 2: (Localisation of brain function) Localisation of
language :
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⼀Answer:⼀ Left temporal lobe (Carl Wernicke) - His patients could
speak but were unable to understand language.
Assumption 3: Neurotransmitters
⼀Answer:⼀ Play a significant role in our mental health in relation to
their levels. For example, serotonin helps to reduce stress. High levels
of the neurotransmitter dopamine have been associated with symptoms
of schizophrenia
Biological approach - relationship formation
⼀Answer:⼀ Evolutionary theory - Relationships form with individuals
who posses certain traits
Neurotransmitters - The chemicals in our brain have a powerful effect
on our emotions, and in turn will influence our perceptions of others
Strengths of the Biological approach
⼀Answer:⼀ Scientific-biological explanations have clear variables
that can be measured, tracked and examined.
Deterministic- if we know what predetermines our behaviour, we are
more able to treat people with abnormal behaviour
Successful Applications- research has led to many forms of treatment
for mental disorders e.g drug therapy and psychosurgery.
Weaknesses of Biological approach
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⼀Answer:⼀ Reductionist- reduce complex behaviours to a set of
simple explanations which may prevent us reaching a true
understanding of behaviour.
Nature not nurture- ignores life experiences and psychological factors
like thinking and feeling.
Individual Differences- nomothetic, looking to make generalisations
about people, ignoring the differences.
Classic evidence : Watson and Rayner (1920) - Procedures
⼀Answer:⼀ Aim: to see if a phobia can be conditioned into
someone.
Sample: 1 male aged 9 months, referred to as Albert
Design: controlled observation
Procedure: Albert was tested to see what he did and didn't fear.
Tested with a white rat, rabbit, a dog, a monkey, masks, cotton wool
etc, all of which he was unafraid of. Then they stuck a hammer upon a
metal bar which made Al cry and show fear. When Al was 11mths
they brought he back. A white rat was presented to him and when he
reached out for it, the bar was struck, creating fear. This joint
stimulation occurred 7 times so that by the end Albert would cry just
upon the sight of the rat. Wooden blocks were given as a control
which Al happily played with. A few months after, his reaction was
tested again and he still showed fear to the white rat and other white
fluffy objects.
Classic evidence : Watson and Rayner (1920) - Conclusions
⼀Answer:⼀ The study demonstrated the ease with which a feared
response can be created and that such conditioned responses can be
generalised on to other similar stimuli. Watson & Rayner suggest it is
probable that many phobias are acquired in this way.
WJEC Psychology Unit 1 Questions with
Detailed Verified Answers
Assumption 1 (Evolutionary influences) Theory of Natural
Selection :
⼀Answer:⼀ Any genetically determined behaviour that enhances an
individual's chance of survival and reproduction (the genes) will be
passed on to the next generation. E.g. altruistic behaviour, where
parents risk their lives to save their offspring.
Assumption 1 (Evolutionary influences) The environment of
evolutionary adaptiveness :
⼀Answer:⼀ The environment to which a species is best suited to due
to the selective pressures at the time. With an example being those
that are better at forming relationships are more likely to survive so
the genes for such behaviour are passed on.
Assumption 2 (Localisation of brain function) Four lobes :
⼀Answer:⼀ Frontal lobe - Involved in creativity, thinking and is
linked to our personality.
Parietal lobe - Receives sensory information such as touch.
Temporal lobe - Responsible for memory and auditory processing.
Occipital lobe - Responsible for visual processing as it receives
information directly from the eyes.
Assumption 2: (Localisation of brain function) Localisation of
language :
, Page | 2
⼀Answer:⼀ Left temporal lobe (Carl Wernicke) - His patients could
speak but were unable to understand language.
Assumption 3: Neurotransmitters
⼀Answer:⼀ Play a significant role in our mental health in relation to
their levels. For example, serotonin helps to reduce stress. High levels
of the neurotransmitter dopamine have been associated with symptoms
of schizophrenia
Biological approach - relationship formation
⼀Answer:⼀ Evolutionary theory - Relationships form with individuals
who posses certain traits
Neurotransmitters - The chemicals in our brain have a powerful effect
on our emotions, and in turn will influence our perceptions of others
Strengths of the Biological approach
⼀Answer:⼀ Scientific-biological explanations have clear variables
that can be measured, tracked and examined.
Deterministic- if we know what predetermines our behaviour, we are
more able to treat people with abnormal behaviour
Successful Applications- research has led to many forms of treatment
for mental disorders e.g drug therapy and psychosurgery.
Weaknesses of Biological approach
, Page | 3
⼀Answer:⼀ Reductionist- reduce complex behaviours to a set of
simple explanations which may prevent us reaching a true
understanding of behaviour.
Nature not nurture- ignores life experiences and psychological factors
like thinking and feeling.
Individual Differences- nomothetic, looking to make generalisations
about people, ignoring the differences.
Classic evidence : Watson and Rayner (1920) - Procedures
⼀Answer:⼀ Aim: to see if a phobia can be conditioned into
someone.
Sample: 1 male aged 9 months, referred to as Albert
Design: controlled observation
Procedure: Albert was tested to see what he did and didn't fear.
Tested with a white rat, rabbit, a dog, a monkey, masks, cotton wool
etc, all of which he was unafraid of. Then they stuck a hammer upon a
metal bar which made Al cry and show fear. When Al was 11mths
they brought he back. A white rat was presented to him and when he
reached out for it, the bar was struck, creating fear. This joint
stimulation occurred 7 times so that by the end Albert would cry just
upon the sight of the rat. Wooden blocks were given as a control
which Al happily played with. A few months after, his reaction was
tested again and he still showed fear to the white rat and other white
fluffy objects.
Classic evidence : Watson and Rayner (1920) - Conclusions
⼀Answer:⼀ The study demonstrated the ease with which a feared
response can be created and that such conditioned responses can be
generalised on to other similar stimuli. Watson & Rayner suggest it is
probable that many phobias are acquired in this way.
