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WJEC Psychology Unit 1 Questions and Verified
Answers
Assumption 1 (Evolutionary influences) Theory of Natural Selection :
Ans: 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 :
Ans: 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 :
Ans: 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 :
Ans: Left temporal lobe (Carl Wernicke) - His patients could speak but were
unable to understand language.
Assumption 3: Neurotransmitters
Ans: 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
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Ans: 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
Ans: 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
Ans: 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
Ans: 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
WJEC Psychology Unit 1 Questions and Verified
Answers
Assumption 1 (Evolutionary influences) Theory of Natural Selection :
Ans: 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 :
Ans: 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 :
Ans: 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 :
Ans: Left temporal lobe (Carl Wernicke) - His patients could speak but were
unable to understand language.
Assumption 3: Neurotransmitters
Ans: 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
, Page | 2
Ans: 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
Ans: 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
Ans: 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
Ans: 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
