Paper 1: Cognition and behaviour
The content required for each topic is given below. Use the specification to check your understanding and to create revision materials.
Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of these topics.
- Memory
- Perception
- Development
- Research Methods
"The most important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”
- Albert Einstein
Paper 2: Social Context and behaviour
The content required for each topic is given below. Use the specification to check your understanding and to create revision materials.
Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of these topics.
- Social influence
- Language, thought and communication
- Brain and neuropsychology
- Psychological problems
"The interpretation of dreams is the royal road to a knowledge of the unconscious activities of the mind.”
- Sigmund Freud
Research Methods
The video below provides an overview of different methods for conducting research within Psychology.
Top exam tips
Use the source in your answerHighlight the source and identify key details. Identify the variables and write them at the top of the exam paper. Make sure you refer to them in all exam answers.
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Learn the definitions of key wordsRevise weekly the key words for research methods and their definitions. This will help you to understand the questions in exam answers.
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Learn strengths and weaknessesLearn the definitions and key words for each of the research methods within Psychology. Then apply them to the question, for example a weakness of an independent groups design will always be that you cannot make comparisons between participants. This weakness now just needs to be contextualised.
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Key Psychological Terminology
*Alternate hypothesis – a statement which predicts a difference or correlation in results.
Bar chart – A chart that summarises data by using bars to represent the different frequencies.
Bias – only viewing things from a certain perspective.
Case study – An in-depth analysis of one-person or group.
Closed questions – Questions for which there are set responses to choose from.
Correlation study – A study that analyses two sets of data for a relationship.
Cross-sectional study – A study where two or more groups are compared, to investigate changes or differences.
Cultural bias – viewing things from the perspective of one culture.
Cultural variations – This describes differences in behaviour across different countries, societies or communities.
Culture – A way of life made up of a set of rules, standards and expectations.
Demand characteristics – Cues in an experiment, which give away the aim.
*Dependent variable – Something that is measured to see if it has changed (after an independent variable has been manipulated)
Ecological validity – Reflecting a real life situation.
Ethical considerations – Issues of research that take into account the welfare of participants.
Experiment – A method by which the researcher controls variables and measures their effect.
Experimental design – a way of allocating participants to conditions in an experiment.
Experimenter bias – Setting up an experiment and/or interpreting the results to fit in a certain idea or theory.
Extraneous variable – A variable (which is not the independent variable_ but could affect the dependent variable is not controlled.
Field experiment – An experiment carried out in a natural environment.
*Hypothesis – A statement predicting the outcome of research.
Independent groups design – An experimental design in which participants are different in each condition.
*Independent variable – Something the researcher changes or manipulates.
Informed consent – When participants agree to take part in a study and also know what the aim of the study is.
Inter-rater reliability – When two or more researchers agree on (are consistent in) their findings.
Interview – face to face questioning
Laboratory experiment – An experiment carried out in a controlled environment.
Line graph – A graph that summarises data using a line to show changes in the frequencies of scores.
Longitudinal study – A study carried out over a period of time.
Mean – A type of average; the total of a data set divided by the number of scores in it.
Median – A type of average; the middle score when a data set is in numerical order.
Mode – a type of average; the most popular score in a data set.
Non-participant observation – to observe people from a distance
*Null hypothesis – A statement which predicts no difference or correlation in results.
Observation – to watch someone with the purpose of learning about behaviour.
Observer effect – When participants behave differently from normal because they know they are being observed.
Open questions – Questions for which there is no fixed response, and participants answer as they please.
Opportunity sample – A sample drawn from the target population because they are available and convenient.
Overt observation – To observe people with their knowledge.
Participant observation – To observe people whilst joining in their activities.
Qualitative data – Descriptive data
Quantitative data – Numerical data
Questionnaire – A set of pre-determined questions which are the same for all participants.
Random Sample – A sample for which everyone in the target population has an equal chance of being chosen.
*Reliability – Consistency; replicates itself
Repeated measures design – An experimental design in which participants take part in each condition.
Representative – An accurate reflection of a larger group
Right to withdraw – When participants are allow to stop participating in a study or can stop the study altogether.
Sample – A smaller group selected from a larger population
Self-report – When participants report their own experiences
Social desirability – This describes responses that participants give when they say what the research wants to hear.
Standardisation – A way of controlling extraneous variables; to keep variables the same across conditions.
Structured interview – An interview with pre-set questions.
Table – A way of presenting data by summarising it under headings.
Target population – The entire set of people researchers want to generalise their results to.
Unstructured interview – An interview where questions vary depending on the interviewee’s responses.
*Validity – Reflecting the truth.
*Variable – Anything that is open to change.
*Alternate hypothesis – a statement which predicts a difference or correlation in results.
Bar chart – A chart that summarises data by using bars to represent the different frequencies.
Bias – only viewing things from a certain perspective.
Case study – An in-depth analysis of one-person or group.
Closed questions – Questions for which there are set responses to choose from.
Correlation study – A study that analyses two sets of data for a relationship.
Cross-sectional study – A study where two or more groups are compared, to investigate changes or differences.
Cultural bias – viewing things from the perspective of one culture.
Cultural variations – This describes differences in behaviour across different countries, societies or communities.
Culture – A way of life made up of a set of rules, standards and expectations.
Demand characteristics – Cues in an experiment, which give away the aim.
*Dependent variable – Something that is measured to see if it has changed (after an independent variable has been manipulated)
Ecological validity – Reflecting a real life situation.
Ethical considerations – Issues of research that take into account the welfare of participants.
Experiment – A method by which the researcher controls variables and measures their effect.
Experimental design – a way of allocating participants to conditions in an experiment.
Experimenter bias – Setting up an experiment and/or interpreting the results to fit in a certain idea or theory.
Extraneous variable – A variable (which is not the independent variable_ but could affect the dependent variable is not controlled.
Field experiment – An experiment carried out in a natural environment.
*Hypothesis – A statement predicting the outcome of research.
Independent groups design – An experimental design in which participants are different in each condition.
*Independent variable – Something the researcher changes or manipulates.
Informed consent – When participants agree to take part in a study and also know what the aim of the study is.
Inter-rater reliability – When two or more researchers agree on (are consistent in) their findings.
Interview – face to face questioning
Laboratory experiment – An experiment carried out in a controlled environment.
Line graph – A graph that summarises data using a line to show changes in the frequencies of scores.
Longitudinal study – A study carried out over a period of time.
Mean – A type of average; the total of a data set divided by the number of scores in it.
Median – A type of average; the middle score when a data set is in numerical order.
Mode – a type of average; the most popular score in a data set.
Non-participant observation – to observe people from a distance
*Null hypothesis – A statement which predicts no difference or correlation in results.
Observation – to watch someone with the purpose of learning about behaviour.
Observer effect – When participants behave differently from normal because they know they are being observed.
Open questions – Questions for which there is no fixed response, and participants answer as they please.
Opportunity sample – A sample drawn from the target population because they are available and convenient.
Overt observation – To observe people with their knowledge.
Participant observation – To observe people whilst joining in their activities.
Qualitative data – Descriptive data
Quantitative data – Numerical data
Questionnaire – A set of pre-determined questions which are the same for all participants.
Random Sample – A sample for which everyone in the target population has an equal chance of being chosen.
*Reliability – Consistency; replicates itself
Repeated measures design – An experimental design in which participants take part in each condition.
Representative – An accurate reflection of a larger group
Right to withdraw – When participants are allow to stop participating in a study or can stop the study altogether.
Sample – A smaller group selected from a larger population
Self-report – When participants report their own experiences
Social desirability – This describes responses that participants give when they say what the research wants to hear.
Standardisation – A way of controlling extraneous variables; to keep variables the same across conditions.
Structured interview – An interview with pre-set questions.
Table – A way of presenting data by summarising it under headings.
Target population – The entire set of people researchers want to generalise their results to.
Unstructured interview – An interview where questions vary depending on the interviewee’s responses.
*Validity – Reflecting the truth.
*Variable – Anything that is open to change.
Steps to Success - 1 to 9 GCSE Grades
The following steps outline the skills and content required to make progress in Psychology GCSE:
AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures
Step 1 - I can give the definitions of key Psychological terminology.
Step 2 - I can recall and recognise some structures, models or processes and give a partial description of them.
Step 3 - I can apply in a superficial way, a few concepts, terms and theories. I can describe relevant issues or debates.
AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures.
Step 4 - I can use a limited range of methods, sources, information and data uncritically to find out about issues or topics. I can begin to interpret information, make judgements and reach conclusions.
Step 5 - I can apply a variety of, concepts, terms and theories to sources. I can describe relevant issues or debates and select appropriate arguments in relation to the issues, theories and evidence.
Step 6 - I can analyse a variety of structures, models or processes of psychology, including contemporary contexts.
AO3 Analyse and evaluate psychological information, ideas, processes and procedures to make judgements and draw conclusions
Step 7 - I can evaluate information and data to make reasonable judgements, and present plausible conclusions that are supported by relevant evidence.
Step 8 - I can show precise understanding of, and apply accurately, appropriate concepts, terms and theories. I can analyse links between structures, processes and issues. I can recognise and explain appropriate issues or debates, and substantiate these with evidence and reach valid conclusions.
AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures
Step 1 - I can give the definitions of key Psychological terminology.
Step 2 - I can recall and recognise some structures, models or processes and give a partial description of them.
Step 3 - I can apply in a superficial way, a few concepts, terms and theories. I can describe relevant issues or debates.
AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures.
Step 4 - I can use a limited range of methods, sources, information and data uncritically to find out about issues or topics. I can begin to interpret information, make judgements and reach conclusions.
Step 5 - I can apply a variety of, concepts, terms and theories to sources. I can describe relevant issues or debates and select appropriate arguments in relation to the issues, theories and evidence.
Step 6 - I can analyse a variety of structures, models or processes of psychology, including contemporary contexts.
AO3 Analyse and evaluate psychological information, ideas, processes and procedures to make judgements and draw conclusions
Step 7 - I can evaluate information and data to make reasonable judgements, and present plausible conclusions that are supported by relevant evidence.
Step 8 - I can show precise understanding of, and apply accurately, appropriate concepts, terms and theories. I can analyse links between structures, processes and issues. I can recognise and explain appropriate issues or debates, and substantiate these with evidence and reach valid conclusions.