AQA A Level Psychology Paper 1,2 & 3 Latest Updated 2025 With
Complete Solutions
PAPER 1
Systematic desensitisation - ANSWER-A behavioural therapy based on the
principles of classical conditioning. Wolpe based the technique on the premise of
what can be learnt can be unlearnt. The basis is counter conditioning where a new
association is taught with the patient being taught to relax like with reciprocal
inhibition. Patients are taught relaxing techniques, and create a hierarchy of fear
with each scenario causing more anxiety. They slowly teach the patient to be calm
in each situation so they can master the feared situation.
systematic desensitisation evaluation - ANSWER-Strengths:
- Evidence supports the effectiveness of desensitisation helping to reduce phobic
anxiety. Bronson and Thorpe used a 10 week long desensitisation program to help
technophobes learn more about technology on a learning course. At the end, their
anxiety levels were significantly lowered.
- Patients had some control over therapy which may factor into the effectiveness
of treatment.
,Weaknesses:
- Reduces the phobic behaviour but is not always a cure, it may worsen again
after a few months so it is not permanent.
- Works better on some phobias, social and agoraphobia do not show as much
improvement. Suggesting other causes than classical conditioning.
- System substitute, a common criticism is that when a phobia disappears another
appears as the underlying cause is never confronted like psychodynamic
psychologists say it must be.
Attrition - ANSWER-High drop out rates
Flooding - ANSWER-A treatment for phobias in which clients are exposed
repeatedly and intensively to a feared object and made to see that it is actually
harmless and their fear has no basis. It is not unethical but can be unpleasant and
patients must give fully informed consent.
Extinction of the fear - ANSWER-When there is no longer a conditioned response
rather than altering a pre-existing conditioned response.
Evaluation of flooding - ANSWER-Strength:
- Cost effective and is highly effective and quicker than SD with sometimes only
one session being required.
,Weaknesses:
- Doesn't work on all phobias like social phobias as these have cognitive aspects
which flooding doesn't acknowledge.
- Flooding is very traumatic experience and there is high attrition as often many
people do not wish to continue.
- System substitute, a common criticism is that when a phobia disappears another
appears as the underlying cause is never confronted like psychodynamic
psychologists say it must be.
Definitions of abnormality - ANSWER-- Statistical infrequency
- Deviation from social norms
- Failure to function adequately
- Deviation from ideal mental health
Rosenhan - ANSWER-Proposed three signs to show someone not functioning
adequately;
- Not conforming standard interpersonal rules
- Person experiences severe personal distress
- A person's behaviour becomes irrational and dangerous to themselves or
others.
, Phobias - ANSWER-An anxiety disorder marked by a persistent, irrational fear and
avoidance of a specific object, activity, or situation that negatively impacts a
person's everyday life. .
Jahoda - ANSWER-Suggested eight criteria to see if someone was mentally
healthy;
- No symptoms or distress
- Able to think rationally
- Has the ability to self-actualise
- Can cope with stress
- Independent of others
- Good self-esteem
- Realistic view of the world
- Has the ability to work, love and enjoy leisure.
Types of phobias - ANSWER-specific: Objects, animals, body parts or a situation
social: social situations like public speaking Agoraphobia: being outside or in a
public space
Phobia characteristics - ANSWER-Behavioural: Panic, avoidance and endurance
Emotional: Anxiety, high arousal
Complete Solutions
PAPER 1
Systematic desensitisation - ANSWER-A behavioural therapy based on the
principles of classical conditioning. Wolpe based the technique on the premise of
what can be learnt can be unlearnt. The basis is counter conditioning where a new
association is taught with the patient being taught to relax like with reciprocal
inhibition. Patients are taught relaxing techniques, and create a hierarchy of fear
with each scenario causing more anxiety. They slowly teach the patient to be calm
in each situation so they can master the feared situation.
systematic desensitisation evaluation - ANSWER-Strengths:
- Evidence supports the effectiveness of desensitisation helping to reduce phobic
anxiety. Bronson and Thorpe used a 10 week long desensitisation program to help
technophobes learn more about technology on a learning course. At the end, their
anxiety levels were significantly lowered.
- Patients had some control over therapy which may factor into the effectiveness
of treatment.
,Weaknesses:
- Reduces the phobic behaviour but is not always a cure, it may worsen again
after a few months so it is not permanent.
- Works better on some phobias, social and agoraphobia do not show as much
improvement. Suggesting other causes than classical conditioning.
- System substitute, a common criticism is that when a phobia disappears another
appears as the underlying cause is never confronted like psychodynamic
psychologists say it must be.
Attrition - ANSWER-High drop out rates
Flooding - ANSWER-A treatment for phobias in which clients are exposed
repeatedly and intensively to a feared object and made to see that it is actually
harmless and their fear has no basis. It is not unethical but can be unpleasant and
patients must give fully informed consent.
Extinction of the fear - ANSWER-When there is no longer a conditioned response
rather than altering a pre-existing conditioned response.
Evaluation of flooding - ANSWER-Strength:
- Cost effective and is highly effective and quicker than SD with sometimes only
one session being required.
,Weaknesses:
- Doesn't work on all phobias like social phobias as these have cognitive aspects
which flooding doesn't acknowledge.
- Flooding is very traumatic experience and there is high attrition as often many
people do not wish to continue.
- System substitute, a common criticism is that when a phobia disappears another
appears as the underlying cause is never confronted like psychodynamic
psychologists say it must be.
Definitions of abnormality - ANSWER-- Statistical infrequency
- Deviation from social norms
- Failure to function adequately
- Deviation from ideal mental health
Rosenhan - ANSWER-Proposed three signs to show someone not functioning
adequately;
- Not conforming standard interpersonal rules
- Person experiences severe personal distress
- A person's behaviour becomes irrational and dangerous to themselves or
others.
, Phobias - ANSWER-An anxiety disorder marked by a persistent, irrational fear and
avoidance of a specific object, activity, or situation that negatively impacts a
person's everyday life. .
Jahoda - ANSWER-Suggested eight criteria to see if someone was mentally
healthy;
- No symptoms or distress
- Able to think rationally
- Has the ability to self-actualise
- Can cope with stress
- Independent of others
- Good self-esteem
- Realistic view of the world
- Has the ability to work, love and enjoy leisure.
Types of phobias - ANSWER-specific: Objects, animals, body parts or a situation
social: social situations like public speaking Agoraphobia: being outside or in a
public space
Phobia characteristics - ANSWER-Behavioural: Panic, avoidance and endurance
Emotional: Anxiety, high arousal
