NAME: ______________
AQA B AS PSYCHOLOGY
INDEPENDENT STUDY
BOOKLET
PSYB1: KEY APPROACHES,
BIOPSYCHOLOGY, GENDER
DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH
METHODS
AQA B AS Psychology
Unit 1: Introducing Psychology
I.S. for Sept – Dec 2011
Complete 1 set of I.S. per week, handing work in on a Monday morning. Make sure your name is on your
work; unnamed work will not be marked. Some I.S. is reading and note taking, whilst other work will be
answering exam style questions to help improve your exam technique. You will be expected to reach your
target grade on the exam questions.
Psychology support lessons
These will be run on Thursday afternoons at 3.15pm for one hour. If at any point during
the year, you feel that you need to go over anything more slowly or to talk about
anything that you feel is getting in the way of your understanding and importantly,
your enjoyment of the course, please come and talk to me as soon as possible, don’t
delay!
You may be asked to come along to these lessons if you do not meet your target
grades in your I.S. or in class tests. Your parents will be contacted to let them
know that you need to attend these lessons to improve your progress on the
course. You need to show this to your parents/guardians and have them sign
below. This is to be kept in your folder.
Parents/guardians:
Please read the expectations regarding I.S. outlined above and sign to say that you agree with them. These
are the minimum expectations and are there to help your son or daughter to be successful in Psychology. If
you have any questions regarding their progress at any time, please contact me on the school number,
extension 218.
Mrs Mortimer
Head of Psychology
I have read the expectations for Psychology I.S. outlined above and understand that if my son/daughter
does not comply with them he/she will be asked to attend the extra lesson held on Thursdays after school
until she/he has caught up.
Signed ______________________
Date ______________________
Key approaches: The Biological Approach
AO1: Learning objectives
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Understand what is meant by the term biological psychology
Explain the influence of genes on behaviour
Suggest how evolutionary theory can be used to explain human and non human behaviour
Explain how our brain structure and chemicals influence our behaviour
Describe the research methods used by biological psychologists
AO1: Description of biological Psychology
Topic line: Biological Psychology is
The Three main assumptions of the approach are:
1. Our behaviour is influenced by our genes -
2. Our behaviour is the result of evolution -
3. Our brain structure and chemicals influence our behaviour –
A study to support these ideas was carried out by:_____________________________________
Aim
Method
Findings
Conclusion
The research methods used by Biological Psychologists are:


AO2: Evaluation of the biological approach
AO2: Learning objectives:


To evaluate the biological approach
To evaluate the research methods used by the biological approach
Issues relevant to the biological approach include (circle all those that apply)
Use of animals
culture bias
researcher bias
ethical issues gender bias
Explain how at least ONE issue is a strength/limitation of the biological approach
Debates relevant to the biological approach include (circle all those that apply)
Reductionism/holism
determinism/free will
nature/nurture
ideographic/nomothetic
Psychology as a science
Explain how at least ONE of these applies to the biological approach
Explain how the biological approach has developed treatments for mental health problems
Give one strength and one limitation of the research methods used in the biological approach
Biological approach key terms:
List here the new key terms and their definitions that you have learnt studying this approach:
Biological approach: Exam style questions
1. Outline one assumption of the biological approach in Psychology
(2 marks)
2. Explain one strength and one limitation of the biological approach
(4 marks)
3. Describe one Key study used to support the biological approach. Include the aim, method, findings and
conclusions in your answer.
(4 marks)
The behaviourist approach
AO1: Learning Objectives
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Know and understand the basic assumptions of the behaviourist approach
Explain classical and operant conditioning
Describe at least one key study in behaviourism
Describe the research methods used by Behaviourist Psychologists
AO1: Know and understand the basic assumptions of the behaviourist approach
Topic Line: Behaviourist Psychology sees behaviour as the result of
The Three main assumptions of the approach are:
1. We are born a blank slate and our behaviour is the result of our environment -
2. Behaviour is determined by reinforcement or punishment of past learning experiences -
3. Only observable behaviour should be studied –
Classical conditioning is defined as:
An example is Pavolv’s study – fill in the details of how the dogs were classically conditioned
UCS (
)
UCS
CS(
UCR(
NS (
)
)
)
UCR
CR (
)
A study to support these ideas was carried out by:_____________________________________
Aim
Method
Findings
Conclusion
The research methods used by Biological Psychologists are:

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Operant conditioning is defined as:
Positive reinforcement is:
Negative reinforcement is:
Punishment is defined as:
A study to support these ideas was carried out by:_____________________________________
Aim
Method
Findings
Conclusion
AO2: Evaluation of the Behaviourist approach
AO2: Learning objectives:


To evaluate the behaviourist approach
To evaluate the research methods used by the behaviourist approach
Issues relevant to the Behaviourist approach include (circle all those that apply)
Use of animals
culture bias
researcher bias
ethical issues gender bias
Explain how at least ONE issue is a strength/limitation of the Behaviourist approach
Debates relevant to the Behaviourist approach include (circle all those that apply)
Reductionism/holism
determinism/free will
nature/nurture
ideographic/nomothetic
Psychology as a science
Explain how at least ONE of these applies to the Behaviourist approach
Explain how the Behaviourist approach has developed treatments for mental health problems
Give one strength and one limitation of the research methods used in the Behaviourist approach
Behaviourist approach key terms:
List here the new key terms and their definitions that you have learnt studying this approach:
Behaviourist approach: Exam style questions
1. Describe one assumption of the behaviourist approach in psychology.
(2 marks)
2. What is meant by the Law of Effect?
(1 mark)
3. Explain one key study used to investigate the behaviourist approach. Include the aim, methods findings and
conclusions in your answer.
(4 marks)
4. Give one strength and one limitation of the study described in Q3.
(4 marks)
5. What do behaviourists mean by the term operant conditioning? Give an example of how operant
conditioning might be used to train an animal.
(3 marks)
6. What is meant by classical conditioning?
(1 mark)
7. Briefly outline how researchers, such as Pavlov, have investigated classical conditioning.
(2 marks)
8. Jake has a very stressful job. He is often late home from work and hardly gets any sleep. One night, Jake is so
stressed and angry that he punches a door. Jake comes from a violent family.
Suggest how a biological psychologist and a behavioural psychologist might explain Jake’s violent behaviour.
(4 marks)
Social Learning theory
AO1: Learning objectives
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Know and understand the basic assumptions of social learning theory
Explain the role of mediating cognitive factors
Describe the conditions that are necessary for effective modelling to occur
Explain a study that supports social learning theory
AO1: Know and understand the basic assumptions of social Learning theory
Topic Line: Social Learning theory sees behaviour as the result of:
The Three main assumptions of the approach are:
1. Mediating processes lie between stimulus and response influence our behaviour
2. There are 4 conditions to observational learning
3. Learning can be the result of observing role models, direct reinforcement and vicarious reinforcement
The four conditions of observational learning are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
The characteristics of a role model that increase the likelihood of behaviour being copied are:
A study to support these ideas was carried out by:_____________________________________
Aim
Method
Findings
Conclusion
The research methods used by Biological Psychologists are:


AO2: Evaluation of the Social learning theory
AO2: Learning objectives:


To evaluate the social learning theory
To evaluate the research methods used by the social learning theory
Issues relevant to the Social learning theory include (circle all those that apply)
Use of animals
culture bias
researcher bias
ethical issues gender bias
Explain how at least ONE issue is a strength/limitation of the Social learning theory
Debates relevant to the Social learning theory include (circle all those that apply)
Reductionism/holism
determinism/free will
nature/nurture
ideographic/nomothetic
Psychology as a science
Explain how at least ONE of these applies to the Social learning theory
Explain how the Social learning theory has developed treatments for mental health problems
Give one strength and one limitation of the research methods used in the Social learning theory
Social learning theory key terms:
List here the new key terms and their definitions that you have learnt studying this :
Social learning theory: Exam style questions
1. What do social learning theorists mean by mediating cognitive factors? (1 mark)
2. Suggest one methodological problem that might arise when investigating mediating cognitive factors. (1
mark)
3. Explain one strength and one limitation of the Social Learning Theory (4 marks)
4. Jake has a very stressful job. He is often late home from work and hardly gets any sleep. One night, Jake is so
stressed and angry that he punches a door. Jake comes from a violent family.
Suggest how a Social Learning Theorist would explain his behaviour
(4 marks)
Cognitive approach
AO1: lesson Objectives
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To understand the basic assumptions of the cognitive approach
Explain the way models are used to explain internal mental processes
Know and understand the research methods used by cognitive psychologists.
AO1: To understand the basic assumptions of the cognitive approach
Topic line: The cognitive approach focuses on
The Three main assumptions of the approach are:
1. Mental processes lie between the stimulus and response
2. Humans are information processors who actively organise and manipulate information from the environment
3. The mind operates in the same way as a computer
A typical model used by cognitive psychologists is:
A study to support these ideas was carried out by:_____________________________________
Aim
Method
Findings
Conclusion
Research methods used by Cognitive psychologists;
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AO2: Evaluation of the Cognitive approach
AO2: Learning objectives:


To evaluate the cognitive approach
To evaluate the research methods used by the cognitive approach
Issues relevant to the Cognitive approach include (circle all those that apply)
Use of animals
culture bias
researcher bias
ethical issues gender bias
Explain how at least ONE issue is a strength/limitation of the Cognitive approach
Debates relevant to the Cognitive approach include (circle all those that apply)
Reductionism/holism
determinism/free will
nature/nurture
ideographic/nomothetic
Psychology as a science
Explain how at least ONE of these applies to the Cognitive approach
Explain how the Cognitive approach has developed treatments for mental health problems
Give one strength and one limitation of the research methods used in the Cognitive approach
Cognitive approach key terms:
List here the new key terms and their definitions that you have learnt studying this :
Cognitive approach: Exam style questions
1. Outline one assumption of the cognitive approach in psychology
(2 marks)
2. Describe one Key study used to support the cognitive approach. Include the aim, method, findings and
conclusions in your answer. (4 marks)
3. Describe how cognitive psychologists use models to explain internal mental processes. Illustrate your answer
with an example (4 marks)
4. Explain the information processing approach to behaviour (4 marks)
The Psychodynamic Approach
AO1: learning objectives
 Describe the role of the unconscious mind
 Know and understand the key features of the psychosexual stages of development
 Describe how our personality is structured
 Describe what is meant by defence mechanisms and explain the role they play in reducing conflict
AO1: Main assumptions
Topic Line: The psychodynamic approach focuses on the role of
The Three main assumptions of the approach are:
1. Unconscious processes determine our behaviour
2. Childhood experiences determine adult personality
3. Personality has three parts; id, ego and superego
The role of the unconscious mind
Psychosexual stages
O
A
P
L
G
The Oedipus complex
The Electra complex
The structure of the personality
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The role of the id
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The role of the Ego
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The role of the Superego
Defence mechanisms are:
Examples of Defence mechanisms
Term
Explanation
Denial
Displacement
Rationalisation
Sublimation
Applied example
Research methods used by Psychodynamic approach
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A study to support these ideas was carried out by:_____________________________________
Aim
Method
Findings
Conclusion
AO2: Evaluation of the Psychodynamic approach
AO2: Learning objectives:


To evaluate the Psychodynamic approach
To evaluate the research methods used by the Psychodynamic approach
Issues relevant to the Psychodynamic approach include (circle all those that apply)
Use of animals
culture bias
researcher bias
ethical issues gender bias
Explain how at least ONE issue is a strength/limitation of the Psychodynamic approach
Debates relevant to the Psychodynamic approach include (circle all those that apply)
Reductionism/holism
determinism/free will
nature/nurture
ideographic/nomothetic
Psychology as a science
Explain how at least ONE of these applies to the Psychodynamic approach
Explain how the Psychodynamic approach has developed treatments for mental health problems
Give one strength and one limitation of the research methods used in the Psychodynamic approach
Psychodynamic approach key terms:
List here the new key terms and their definitions that you have learnt studying this approach:
Psychodynamic approach: Exam style questions
1. What is meant by a defence mechanism? Illustrate your answer with an example (2 marks)
2. Explain one methodological weakness of the psychodynamic approach. (2 marks)
3. Explain two strengths of the psychodynamic approach
(4 marks)
4. Name one of Freud’s psychosexual stages of development. Explain how an adult might demonstrate one
behaviour associated with this stage of development. (3 marks)
5. Describe one Key study used to support the Psychodynamic approach. Include the aim, method, findings and
conclusions in your answer.
(4 marks)
The Humanistic Approach
AO1: Lesson objectives
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Describe the basic assumptions of the humanistic approach
Explain some of the contributions of the humanistic approach
Know and understand the research methods used by the humanistic approach
AO1: the main assumptions
Topic Line: The humanistic approach takes the view that
The four main assumptions of the approach are:
1. Humans should be viewed as a whole and not reduced to component parts
2. Humans strive towards achieving self-actualisation
3. To be psychologically healthy, the real self and ideal self must be congruent
4. Humans are active agents – able to control and determine their own development
Concept of self and self-worth
Congruence means:
Conditions of self worth means
Person centred therapy is
Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs
Explain what is meant by self-actualisation
and how we achieve it:
Research methods used by the Humanistic Approach
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AO2: Evaluation of the Humanistic approach
AO2: Learning objectives:
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
To evaluate the Humanistic approach
To evaluate the research methods used by the Humanistic approach
Issues relevant to the Humanistic approach include (circle all those that apply)
Use of animals
culture bias
researcher bias
ethical issues gender bias
Explain how at least ONE issue is a strength/limitation of the Humanistic approach
Debates relevant to the Humanistic approach include (circle all those that apply)
Reductionism/holism
determinism/free will
nature/nurture
ideographic/nomothetic
Psychology as a science
Explain how at least ONE of these applies to the Humanistic approach
Explain how the Humanistic approach has developed treatments for mental health problems
Give one strength and one limitation of the research methods used in the Humanistic approach
Humanistic approach key terms:
List here the new key terms and their definitions that you have learnt studying this :
Humanistic approach: Exam style questions
1. What do humanistic psychologists mean by conditions of worth? Suggest how a parent might place
conditions of worth on his or her child.
(2 marks)
2. Outline one assumption of the Humanistic approach in psychology
(2 marks)
3. Describe what is meant by the term ‘self actualisation’
(2 marks)
4. Naveed is 24 years old. He has low self-esteem and feels worthless. As a child he felt that no matter how
hard he tried to please people, no one ever approved of him. With reference to one assumptions of the
Humanistic approach, explain a possible cause of Naveed’s problems
(4 marks)