Approaches Short Exam Question
Describe Wundt’s role in the development of psychology (6 marks)
Millie is asked to do a class presentation on introspection. As part of her presentation she said,
‘Introspection is thinking about your own thoughts’. After the presentation, her classmates said
they had learned very little about introspection. Explain what else Millie could have said about the
major features of introspection so that her classmates would be better informed (4 marks).
Outline Pavlov’s research into classical conditioning and describe how classical conditioning might
explain a child’s fear of school (8 marks).
Explain one strength of the behaviourist approach to psychology (3 marks).
Explain one weakness of the behaviourist approach to psychology (3 marks).
Discuss two limitations of social learning theory (6 marks).
Outline and evaluate Bandura’s research into social learning theory (6 marks).
Outline what is meant by cognitive neuroscience and describe one practical application of
cognitive neuroscience (6 marks).
Read the item below and then answer the question that follows.
Rita and Holly are identical twins who were separated at birth. When they finally met each other
at the age of 35, the were surprised at how different their personalities were. Rita is much more
social and out-going than Holly.
Use your knowledge of genotype and phenotype to explain this difference in their personalities (4
marks).
Tim used to run a family business. About two years ago, the business got into financial difficulties.
Tim’s bank demanded repayment of a loan. Tim lost the business and is very angry. Two defence
mechanisms are denial and displacement. Outline what is meant by denial and displacement and
suggest how each could be involved in Tim coping with his situation (4 marks).
Briefly evaluate defence mechanisms as a way of explaining human behaviour and experience (4
marks).
Read the item and then answer the question that follows.
Dominic is unhappy and lacks confidence. He also thinks he is very good-looking and not very
clever. He goes to a counselling therapist for help. The therapist suggest that Dominic lacks
congruence.
Describe Wundt’s role in the development of psychology (6 marks)
Millie is asked to do a class presentation on introspection. As part of her presentation she said,
‘Introspection is thinking about your own thoughts’. After the presentation, her classmates said
they had learned very little about introspection. Explain what else Millie could have said about the
major features of introspection so that her classmates would be better informed (4 marks).
Outline Pavlov’s research into classical conditioning and describe how classical conditioning might
explain a child’s fear of school (8 marks).
Explain one strength of the behaviourist approach to psychology (3 marks).
Explain one weakness of the behaviourist approach to psychology (3 marks).
Discuss two limitations of social learning theory (6 marks).
Outline and evaluate Bandura’s research into social learning theory (6 marks).
Outline what is meant by cognitive neuroscience and describe one practical application of
cognitive neuroscience (6 marks).
Read the item below and then answer the question that follows.
Rita and Holly are identical twins who were separated at birth. When they finally met each other
at the age of 35, the were surprised at how different their personalities were. Rita is much more
social and out-going than Holly.
Use your knowledge of genotype and phenotype to explain this difference in their personalities (4
marks).
Tim used to run a family business. About two years ago, the business got into financial difficulties.
Tim’s bank demanded repayment of a loan. Tim lost the business and is very angry. Two defence
mechanisms are denial and displacement. Outline what is meant by denial and displacement and
suggest how each could be involved in Tim coping with his situation (4 marks).
Briefly evaluate defence mechanisms as a way of explaining human behaviour and experience (4
marks).
Read the item and then answer the question that follows.
Dominic is unhappy and lacks confidence. He also thinks he is very good-looking and not very
clever. He goes to a counselling therapist for help. The therapist suggest that Dominic lacks
congruence.
