A LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY
PAPER 2 – Psychology in context
Wednesday 21 May 2025 MORNING
Time allowed: 2 hours
IB/G/Jun25/G4006/V6 7182/2
SECTION A
APPROACHES IN PSYCHOLOGY
1.) Describe how Skinner investigated the effect of reinforcement on
behaviour. (4 marks)
Model Answer:
Skinner investigated reinforcement using a device called the Skinner box.
He placed hungry rats or pigeons inside the box and used food pellets as rewards.
When the animal pressed a lever, it was rewarded with food, reinforcing the behaviour.
He found that animals repeated actions that led to positive outcomes, demonstrating operant
conditioning.
, 2.) Outline how evolution might influence behaviour. Give an example
from a topic in psychology. (4 marks)
Model Answer:
Evolution influences behaviour through natural selection, where traits that improve survival
are more likely to be passed on.
One example is infant attachment behaviours, such as crying or clinging, which keep the
caregiver close. Bowlby’s monotropic theory suggests these behaviours evolved to ensure
infants stay near their primary attachment figure.
This increases the chance of protection and survival, meaning such behaviours are naturally
selected over generations.
3.) Describe and evaluate the psychodynamic approach in psychology.
(16 marks)
Model Answer:
The psychodynamic approach, founded by Freud, emphasises the influence of the
unconscious mind on behaviour. It suggests that much of our behaviour is driven by
unconscious conflicts formed in early childhood. The mind is divided into the id, ego, and
superego, which are in constant conflict. Freud proposed that unresolved conflicts in
psychosexual stages can lead to fixation and affect adult personality.
He also introduced defence mechanisms like repression, denial, and displacement to protect
the ego. The approach uses case studies and techniques like dream analysis and free
association to explore unconscious processes.
One strength of the psychodynamic approach is its explanatory power.
This is because it has helped explain a wide range of psychological phenomena, including
personality development and mental disorders. This is useful because it has had lasting
influence on psychology and paved the way for modern therapies such as psychoanalysis.
However, critics argue that many of Freud’s concepts, such as the unconscious or the
Oedipus complex, are not testable or falsifiable.
Another strength is its practical application in therapy.
PAPER 2 – Psychology in context
Wednesday 21 May 2025 MORNING
Time allowed: 2 hours
IB/G/Jun25/G4006/V6 7182/2
SECTION A
APPROACHES IN PSYCHOLOGY
1.) Describe how Skinner investigated the effect of reinforcement on
behaviour. (4 marks)
Model Answer:
Skinner investigated reinforcement using a device called the Skinner box.
He placed hungry rats or pigeons inside the box and used food pellets as rewards.
When the animal pressed a lever, it was rewarded with food, reinforcing the behaviour.
He found that animals repeated actions that led to positive outcomes, demonstrating operant
conditioning.
, 2.) Outline how evolution might influence behaviour. Give an example
from a topic in psychology. (4 marks)
Model Answer:
Evolution influences behaviour through natural selection, where traits that improve survival
are more likely to be passed on.
One example is infant attachment behaviours, such as crying or clinging, which keep the
caregiver close. Bowlby’s monotropic theory suggests these behaviours evolved to ensure
infants stay near their primary attachment figure.
This increases the chance of protection and survival, meaning such behaviours are naturally
selected over generations.
3.) Describe and evaluate the psychodynamic approach in psychology.
(16 marks)
Model Answer:
The psychodynamic approach, founded by Freud, emphasises the influence of the
unconscious mind on behaviour. It suggests that much of our behaviour is driven by
unconscious conflicts formed in early childhood. The mind is divided into the id, ego, and
superego, which are in constant conflict. Freud proposed that unresolved conflicts in
psychosexual stages can lead to fixation and affect adult personality.
He also introduced defence mechanisms like repression, denial, and displacement to protect
the ego. The approach uses case studies and techniques like dream analysis and free
association to explore unconscious processes.
One strength of the psychodynamic approach is its explanatory power.
This is because it has helped explain a wide range of psychological phenomena, including
personality development and mental disorders. This is useful because it has had lasting
influence on psychology and paved the way for modern therapies such as psychoanalysis.
However, critics argue that many of Freud’s concepts, such as the unconscious or the
Oedipus complex, are not testable or falsifiable.
Another strength is its practical application in therapy.
