MARK SCHEME
AQA
A Level
Psychology
Unit Assessment
Mark Scheme
Issues and Debates
(Edition 1)
, ©
Section A: Issues and Debates
01 Which two of the following statements about socially sensitive research are correct?
(2 marks)
Marks for this question: AO1 = 2
Answer: A and C
02
Explain the difference between alpha bias and beta bias. Make reference to at least two topics you
have studied in your answer.
(6 marks)
Marks for this question: AO3 = 6
Level Description Marks
3 There is accurate and detailed knowledge of alpha bias and beta bias and the difference 5-6 marks
between them. Appropriate reference has been made to at least two topics studied.
The answer is coherent and well organised with effective use of specialist terminology.
2 There is some relevant knowledge of alpha bias and beta bias and the difference 3-4 marks
between them. There is appropriate reference to at least one topic studied. The answer
is mostly clear and organised, with appropriate use of specialist terminology.
1 Knowledge of alpha bias and beta bias and the difference between then is muddled but 1-2 marks
can be inferred.
Reference to topics studied is very limited or absent. Specialist terminology is either
absent or inappropriately used.
No relevant content. 0
Possible content:
h Alpha bias refers to theories which exaggerate the differences between males and females.
h A beta bias occurs when sex differences are minimised or ignored, often by assuming that findings from studies
of males apply equally well to females.
h Examples of theories that show alpha bias are Freud’s theory of the Oedipus complex and evolutionary
explanations for behaviour.
h Examples of research that shows beta bias are research into the ‘fight or flight’ response using male animals
and Asch’s conformity research that used all male samples.
Credit other relevant material.
Page 2 AQA A Level Psychology Unit Assessment Mark Scheme
AQA
A Level
Psychology
Unit Assessment
Mark Scheme
Issues and Debates
(Edition 1)
, ©
Section A: Issues and Debates
01 Which two of the following statements about socially sensitive research are correct?
(2 marks)
Marks for this question: AO1 = 2
Answer: A and C
02
Explain the difference between alpha bias and beta bias. Make reference to at least two topics you
have studied in your answer.
(6 marks)
Marks for this question: AO3 = 6
Level Description Marks
3 There is accurate and detailed knowledge of alpha bias and beta bias and the difference 5-6 marks
between them. Appropriate reference has been made to at least two topics studied.
The answer is coherent and well organised with effective use of specialist terminology.
2 There is some relevant knowledge of alpha bias and beta bias and the difference 3-4 marks
between them. There is appropriate reference to at least one topic studied. The answer
is mostly clear and organised, with appropriate use of specialist terminology.
1 Knowledge of alpha bias and beta bias and the difference between then is muddled but 1-2 marks
can be inferred.
Reference to topics studied is very limited or absent. Specialist terminology is either
absent or inappropriately used.
No relevant content. 0
Possible content:
h Alpha bias refers to theories which exaggerate the differences between males and females.
h A beta bias occurs when sex differences are minimised or ignored, often by assuming that findings from studies
of males apply equally well to females.
h Examples of theories that show alpha bias are Freud’s theory of the Oedipus complex and evolutionary
explanations for behaviour.
h Examples of research that shows beta bias are research into the ‘fight or flight’ response using male animals
and Asch’s conformity research that used all male samples.
Credit other relevant material.
Page 2 AQA A Level Psychology Unit Assessment Mark Scheme
