Summary AQA A Level Psychology - EXAM TECHNIQUE GUIDE

General exam tech

,Exam technique - Psychology
-​ New improved 16m structure = ao1 chunks + ao3 x4 (2 strengths + 2 limitations)
-​ Analysis - how does my evidence prove my point??
-​ Lovely thoughtful linking sentence
-​ ANSWER THE EXACT QUESTION, KNOW THE AO_ + MARKS
-​ Explicit stem links
-​ State + explain + link
-​ Remember for 16m = ao1 = 6 + ao3 = 10 (shorter x4, concise & focused on the
question - DON’T GO ON A TANGENT)
-​ Tailor ao3 to the exact question, don’t hallucinate the essay question
-​ Ao2 = need key terms, not overly descriptive, use the stem effectively
-​ Don’t be afraid to cross over topics (can be more effective to tailor to the demands of
the question)
-​ Discuss research into ___ vs discuss topic = more methodological ao3 vs a mix
-​ Issues & debates with ao3 - think about the essay plans to enrich para / quality
-​ Ao3 is NOT a description, you are asking WHY and EVALUATING based on the
niche question given
Exam tips
-​ FOCUS your essay on the QUESTION = best answers
-​ Properly READ + ANALYSE the question’s demands = max chances of marks
-​ Keep on topic (agg / attachment / etc) = keep focus
-​ Stop + think before you link
-​ Properly evaluate the question
-​ Be passionate + confident with ao3 like in History
-​ AO3 = 10 marks = very important + link to question
-​ Note down the AO_ & check how many marks are available
-​ Count / estimate the mark ratio - guidance to the number of points / depth

AO1
-​ Outline / Define / Identify / State / Describe / Outline the procedure
AO2
-​ Application
-​ Refer to stem, specific key terms & principles BUT don’t explain or ao1 it
-​ Explain / Apply / Using your knowledge of / How would you… relating to STEM?
-​ Using your knowledge of x, explain… / How would… relate to (stem)?
-​ In what ways might the x approach explain.. (stem)
-​ Explain how a cognitive behaviour therapist might treat.. Symptoms
AO3
-​ Evaluate (ao1 + ao3) / Discuss (Ao1 + ao3)… / Compare / TWE / Assess
-​ Outline 1 limitation / 1 strength (state it - explain it - eg, ssris - side effects, like x)
-​ Briefly outline 2 criticisms
-​ Outline… Compare with x. (16m)
-​ Briefly outline & evaluate one study in relation to.. (4)
-​ JUSTIFY = AO3
MARKING POINTS
Ao1
-​ Clear description vs limited / muddled
-​ Coherent
-​ Clear elaborate description of…
-​ Accurate detail
-​ Answer is generally coherent with effective use of appropriate terminology
Ao2
-​ How… effective application
Ao3 - 16 markers

, -​ Knowledge is accurate & generally well detailed
-​ Effective evaluation
-​ Specialist terminology is used effectively
-​ Answer is clear & coherent

STRUCTURES
https://mrkpsychology.co.uk/how-to-structure-a-level-psychology-exam-questions/
VALIDATING

‘Outline study’ (4 - 6 marks)
-​ ‘To achieve full marks students must address aim, method, sample, findings + conclusions

‘Evaluate’ (5 marks)
-​ 2 developed points
-​ Identify + explain + link = 2 sentences per point ish

Explain X using two or more examples… / one or more
-​ Do the minimum WELL & thoroughly
-​ Don’t risk 2 weak examples & loosing marks

Compare x with x
-​ Ao1 for one of them + WHERE AS + ao1 for the other

Compare ___approach with the _____ approach (8)
Ao1 = 3 / Ao3 = 5
-​ Ao1 of ONE
-​ Ao3 - compare on DM RNA (x2)

Discuss ____. Refer to at least one topic you have studied in your answer (8)
-​ Ao1 = 3 / Ao2 = 2 / Ao3 = 3
-​ Ao2 = ‘refer to at least one topic’
-​ Ao2 = don’t be ‘wishy washy’, stick with one example & do it well

Discuss (___) in psychological research, refer to 1 topic you have studied in your answer (8)
-​ Ao1 - 3 (definition, principle)
-​ Ao2 - 2 (apply to Freud / Milgram - research)
-​ Ao3 - 3 (1x PEEL - use an ao3)

Discuss _____ IN RESEARCH STUDIES
-​ Whatever topic it is, tailor your ao1 to include research
-​ May mean doing some switcheroos (eg - aggression, using ao3 as ao1 and using other
biological / social psych theories as ao3)

Evaluation framework for the economy
PP HEAV
-​ Physical health (motive to exercise & reduced NHS costs?)
-​ Productivity (maximising employee output/work?
-​ Human resources (using psych to gain & retain employees?)
-​ Relationships (relationship counselling & divorce costs?)
-​ Education techniques (faster learning?)
-​ Advertising (convincing people to buy/use products?)
-​ View of other areas (social benefits, improving the quality of life - drug treatments, along with
working)

16 MARKERS
-​ Use 2 coloured highlighters; command word / topic