A-Level Psychology Exam Paper 1 by AQA has been introduced
The AQA A-level Psychology Paper 1, titled "Introductory Topics in Psychology," is a 2-hour written exam that forms 33.3% of the full A-level. This paper assesses the compulsory content of four key topics: Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, and Psychopathology.
Paper 1 consists of three sections, each contributing 24 marks, totalling 72 marks. The remaining marks are likely allocated to questions with multiple parts. Question types include multiple choice, short answer, and extended writing (essay-style questions requiring critical evaluation and application of knowledge).
In terms of marks allocation, each topic contributes to the total of 96 marks, with question types varying across multiple choice, short answer, and extended writing. A summary table has been provided below for a clearer understanding:
| Content Area | Marks Allocated | Question Types | |---------------------|-----------------|-----------------------------------| | Social Influence | Part of 96 total| Multiple choice, short & extended | | Memory | Part of 96 total| Multiple choice, short & extended | | Attachment | Part of 96 total| Multiple choice, short & extended | | Psychopathology | Part of 96 total| Multiple choice, short & extended |
It is essential to note that the course encompasses developing knowledge, understanding of research methods, practical skills, and mathematical skills, which may be tested through applied questions.
The mathematical skills assessed in Paper 1 can include arithmetic calculations, interpreting numerical data, drawing and interpreting graphs, and understanding statistical concepts. At least 10% of the overall assessment for both AS and A-level Psychology will require the use of mathematical skills, with the required standard being at least the standard of higher tier GCSE mathematics.
Research Methods questions can appear in Paper 1 for both AS and A-level Psychology. These questions may require designing experiments, conducting research, analysing and interpreting data, using ICT, and understanding mathematical concepts.
Animal Research is another topic that raises ethical concerns, as it raises questions about whether it's morally and/or scientifically right to use animals. The main criterion is that benefits must outweigh costs. Additionally, extrapolation becomes an issue, as it may not be possible to generalize from studies on animals to humans due to differences in anatomy and physiology.
In the extended writing questions, examiners look for effective application to the scenario, meaning that you need to describe the theory and explain the scenario using the theory, making the links between the two very clear.
The assessment objectives in each examination include Demonstrate Knowledge, Application of Knowledge, and Analyze, Interpret, and Evaluate. If there is more than one individual in the scenario, you must mention all the characters to get to the top band.
In the AQA A-level Psychology Paper 1, relationships between theories and real-world scenarios are examined in extended writing questions, requiring understanding and clear application of knowledge. This 2-hour written exam forms 33.3% of the full A-level and assesses four key topics: Social Influence, Memory, Attachment, and Psychopathology. Each topic contributes to the total of 96 marks, with question types varying across multiple choice, short answer, and extended writing.
Learning about classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and their roles in behavior and personality forms part of the Social Influence topic. Attachment theory, addressing human interactions and development, is another crucial aspect. Anxiety and depression, as related to psychopathology, are also explored.
Research methods are essential skills taught within the course, with questions potentially involving designing experiments, analyzing and interpreting data, using ICT, and understanding mathematical concepts. Mathematical skills assessed can include arithmetic calculations, interpreting numerical data, drawing and interpreting graphs, and understanding statistical concepts, with at least 10% of the overall assessment requiring such skills.
It's important to note that the course requires knowledge, understanding, and practical skills, all of which may be tested through applied questions. The ethical concerns surrounding animal research are highlighted, as it raises questions about whether it's morally and scientifically right to use animals in experiments, given that benefits must outweigh costs, and extrapolation may not be possible given differences in anatomy and physiology between animals and humans.
Memory experiments, cultural influences on thoughts and behaviors, and psychological theories explaining anxiety are among the topics discussed in the Memory and Psychopathology topics. Education-and-self-development resources help students in their understanding and mastery of these topics. Therapy techniques and their applications in treating various psychological disorders are also covered.
Ultimately, the goal of this course is to develop students' knowledge, skills, and abilities, allowing them to contribute positively to society by understanding human behavior and mental health issues better.
