CONFIDENTIAL DRAFT
Further information on National 5 Specimen
Question Paper and National 5 Specimen
Coursework
Psychology
Key points
The National 5 Psychology Course builds on current good practice and popular elements of the
Intermediate 2 Course, while creating opportunities for personalisation and choice for learners. It
provides opportunities for learners to develop their understanding of psychology as the scientific
study of the mind and behaviour.
At National 5, Course assessment will consist of two components: a question paper (50 marks) and
an assignment (30 marks).
The question paper will sample and assess skills, knowledge and understanding from the
mandatory information on Course coverage. The style of questions will build on the existing
Intermediate 2 approach. The structure of the paper will differ from Intermediate 2 as there will be
no optional questions.
The assignment will require learners to use research skills and psychological knowledge and
understanding. This is a new method of assessment in Psychology at this level. It will allow
learners to explore an area of interest in greater depth and develop research skills to aid
progression to Higher.
The topic of ‘Sleep and dreams’ is a new topic in the Course and is mandatory.
Course assessment will be out of 80 marks.
National 5 Specimen Question Paper
(publication by 28 February 2013)
The purpose of the question paper is to assess the learner’s ability to integrate and apply skills,
knowledge and understanding from across the Course content.
This question paper will ask learners to demonstrate the following skills, knowledge and
understanding:
 describing and explaining psychological concepts, theories, approaches and
terminology
 applying knowledge and understanding of psychology to explain human behaviour
 knowing and understanding the basic research process in psychology; including the
ability to explain the strengths and weaknesses of methods standards
CONFIDENTIAL DRAFT
CONFIDENTIAL DRAFT
 using research evidence to explain human behaviour
 interpreting basic descriptive statistics in psychological research
The question paper will have a total of 50 marks. Learners will complete it in one hour and 30
minutes.
The question paper will have one section and there will be no options. It is anticipated that
questions will be structured, with scenarios or stimuli used throughout to allow learners to apply
their psychological skills, knowledge and understanding. There will be three or four of these
structured questions, each with sub-questions worth between 1 and 6 marks.
Knowledge and understanding of the research process will feature in the Coursework and will not
form part of the question paper.
National 5 Specimen Coursework
(publication by 30 April 2013)
The purpose of the assignment is to assess the learner’s ability to follow and apply the scientific
research process used in psychology. SQA will provide an assignment booklet to be completed.
This will be the assessment evidence.
This assignment asks learners the opportunity to demonstrate the following skills, knowledge and
understanding:
 using basic investigation skills to select, organise and interpret information in psychology
 understanding the basic research process in psychology, including the ability to explain
strengths and weaknesses of methods and to describe ethical and scientific standards
 using communication skills appropriate to psychology
 interpreting basic descriptive statistics in psychological research
The assignment will have a total of 30 marks.
This assignment will be compiled over a period of time and under supervision.
It is proposed that an assignment booklet is provided as a framework for learners to record their
assessment evidence.
The assignment will be externally marked by SQA.
CONFIDENTIAL DRAFT
CONFIDENTIAL DRAFT
Further information on National 5
Sample Questions and Tasks
Psychology
National 5 Specimen Question Paper (publication by 28 February
2013)
The question paper will carry 50 marks and will have one section: there will be no options. It
is proposed that there will be three or four structured questions, each with sub-questions
with mark allocations of between 1 and 6 marks. Scenarios and stimuli may be used in the
paper to allow learners to apply their psychological skills, knowledge and understanding.
This is an illustrative example of the type of question that may be used in the Specimen
Question paper:
Laura is a psychology student. She has been keeping a sleep and dream diary for a
research project.
Marks
a Give one reason that psychologists study sleep and dreams.
(1)
b Laura’s sleep diary shows that she dreams most nights. According to the psychodynamic
approach in psychology, what is the function of dreaming?
(2)
c Describe one way, other than a sleep and dream diary, that a psychologist could use to
investigate sleep and dreams.
(2)
d Sleep progresses through five stages. Describe the main features of two of these
stages.
(4)
e
(6)
Explain the Restoration Theory of Sleep.
(Total 15 marks)
The approach to marking will draw on the approach taken at Intermediate 2. This includes
credit being given to the accuracy and relevance of learners’ answers and rewarding
accurate use of terminology and relevant use of research evidence.
CONFIDENTIAL DRAFT
CONFIDENTIAL DRAFT
National 5 Specimen Coursework
(publication by 30 April 2013)
The purpose of the assignment is to assess the learner’s ability to understand and follow the
scientific research process used in psychology.
The assignment has 30 marks.
To produce their response, learners are expected to:
 Complete a research log book in which they follow the research process. Learners will
provide information about a research topic and the stages to be followed in the research
process in order to conduct a psychological study of the topic.
It is proposed that there will be two main sections, with the following mark allocations:
 Introducing the study: 12 marks
 Designing and carrying out the study: 18 marks
Marking instructions may be similar to the following:
 Provides a reason for psychological interest in the topic
Introduction and
background
research
4-6 marks
 Gives a description containing at least two details of
behaviour associated with the topic
 Refers to evidence from at least two sources
(6 marks)
 Weak or inadequate reasons for psychological interest
in the topic
0-3
marks
 Gives a description that is lacking in detail or weakly
associated with the topic
 Makes little reference to evidence or refers to fewer
than two sources of evidence
CONFIDENTIAL DRAFT