Key term
Eduqas A-Level Psychology A290QS
Biological Approach
Topic overviewAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Evolutionary influences and Localisation of brain functionAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Neurotransmitters and Weaknesses of the approachTherapy derived from the approach: Drug therapyTherapy derived from the approach: PsychosurgeryClassic research: the methodology and proceduresClassic research: the findings, conclusions and evaluationContemporary debate
Psychodynamic Approach
Topic overviewAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Influence of childhood experiences and Unconscious mindAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Tripartite personality and Weaknesses of the approachTherapy derived from the approach: Dream analysisTherapy derived from the approach: PsychodramaClassic research: Methodology and ProceduresClassic research: Findings and ConclusionsClassic research: Ethical issues and social implicationsContemporary debate: the mother as primary care-giver — the argumentsContemporary debate: the mother as primary care-giver — the evidence and conclusion
Behaviourist Approach
Topic overviewAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Blank slate and Behaviour learnt through conditioningAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Humans and animals learn in similar waysTherapy derived from the approach: Aversion therapyTherapy derived from the approach: Systematic desensitisationClassic research: Methodology and ProceduresClassic research: Findings and ConclusionsClassic research: Ethical issues and social implicationsContemporary debate: using conditioning to control children — the argumentsContemporary debate: using conditioning to control children — the evidence and conclusion
Cognitive Approach
Topic overviewAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Computer analogy, Internal mental processes and SchemasAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Strengths of the approach and Weaknesses of the approachTherapy derived from the approach: Cognitive behavioural therapyTherapy derived from the approach: Rational emotive behaviour therapyClassic research: Methodology and ProceduresClassic research: Findings and ConclusionsClassic research: Ethical issues and social implicationsContemporary debate: the reliability of eye-witness testimony — the argumentsContemporary debate: the reliability of eye-witness testimony — the evidence and conclusion
Positive Approach
Topic overviewAssumptions and evaluation of the approach: Acknowledgement of free will and Focus on 'the good life'Assumptions and evaluation of the approach: Strengths of the approach and Weaknesses of the approachTherapy derived from the approach: MindfulnessTherapy derived from the approach: Quality of life therapyClassic research: Methodology and ProceduresClassic research: Findings and ConclusionsClassic research: Ethical issues and social implicationsContemporary debate: the relevance of positive psychology today — the argumentsContemporary debate: the relevance of positive psychology today — the evidence and conclusion
Comparing the Five Approaches
Core Studies in Social and Developmental Psychology
Topic overviewSocial psychology core study: Milgram (1963) — Method and procedure, ResultsSocial psychology core study: Milgram (1963) — Conclusions and Evaluation of the studyDevelopmental psychology core study: Kohlberg (1968) — Method and procedure, ResultsDevelopmental psychology core study: Kohlberg (1968) — Conclusions and Evaluation of the study
Planning Psychological Research
Topic overviewDeciding on a research question: Aim of the research and Independent variablesDeciding on a research question: Co-variables, Operationalisation of variables and Extraneous variablesMethodologies: Experiments, Participant observations and Non-participant observationsMethodologies: Content analysis, Structured interviews / questionnaires and Correlational studiesMethodologies: Case studies, Cross-sectional studies and Self-reportsLocation of researchParticipants and sampling: Target populations, Sampling frames and Opportunity samplingParticipants and sampling: Systematic sampling, Stratified sampling and Quota samplingParticipants and sampling: Self-selected samplingExperimental design
Data Handling, Statistics and Mathematical Skills
Topic overviewLevels of measurementGraphical representation: Frequency tables and Graphical representation (including line graphsGraphical representation: Distribution curves (including normal, positive and negative skewedDescriptive statistics: Measures of central tendencyDescriptive statistics: Measures of dispersion and Calculating from a set of resultsInferential statistics: Chi Square testInferential statistics: Mann Whitney U test and Critical values from tablesMathematical requirements (Appendix A): Standard form and unit conversionMathematical requirements (Appendix A): Calculations for statistical tests
Evaluating and Validating Research
Topic overviewReliabilityValidity: Internal validity, External validity and Specific validity issues (including researcher biasValidity: Ways of dealing with issues of validityEthics: Confidentiality and Risk to the participants’ valuesEthics: Valid consent and Managing the risk posed by ethical issues (including the use of ethicsThe role of the scientific community: Peer review and its purposes, Criticisms of peer reviewThe role of the scientific community: Sections of a psychological report
Personal Investigations and Novel Research Scenarios
Topic overviewPersonal investigations: applying — Hypotheses and variables, Methodology and experimental designPersonal investigations: applying research methods to first-hand investigations — SamplingPersonal investigations: applying research methods to first-hand investigations — Inferential statisticsApplication of research methods to a novel scenario
Addictive BehavioursAddictive
Topic overviewCharacteristics of the behaviour: What the behaviour is, How it is recognised and diagnosedCharacteristics of the behaviour: How common it is, Effects on the individual and on societyBiological explanations: Addiction genes and Disease of the brainBiological explanations: DopamineIndividual differences explanations: Cognitive biases and Field dependenceIndividual differences explanations: Lang's addictive personality traitsSocial psychological explanations: Co-morbidity with mental and Peer pressureSocial psychological explanations: Role of the mediaMethods of modifying the behaviour: Agonist and antagonist substitutionMethods of modifying the behaviour: Aversion therapy
Autistic Spectrum BehavioursAutistic spectrum
Topic overviewCharacteristics of the behaviour: What the behaviour is, How it is recognised and diagnosedCharacteristics of the behaviour: How common it is, Effects on the individual and on societyBiological explanations: Amygdala dysfunction and Chloride ions at birthBiological explanations: Genetic predispositionIndividual differences explanations: Gender differences and Theory of mindIndividual differences explanations: Weak central coherence theoryExtreme male brain and empathising-systemising theoriesThe refrigerator mother theory, and evaluationMethods of modifying the behaviour: Picture Exchange Communication SystemMethods of modifying the behaviour: Relationship Development InterventionMethods of modifying the behaviour
Bullying BehavioursBullying
Topic overviewCharacteristics of the behaviour: What the behaviour is, How it is recognised and diagnosedCharacteristics of the behaviour: How common it is, Effects on the individual and on societyBiological explanations: Bullying genes and Evolved gender differencesBiological explanations: HormonesIndividual differences explanations: Cognitive biases and Narcissistic personalityIndividual differences explanations: Threatened egotism, narcissism and theory of mindSocial psychological explanations: Cultural differences and In-group / out-groupSocial psychological explanations: Moral disengagementMethods of modifying the behaviour: Creating A Peaceful School Learning EnvironmentMethods of modifying the behaviour: Olweus Bullying Prevention ProgrammeMethods of modifying the behaviour
Criminal BehavioursCriminal
Topic overviewCharacteristics of the behaviour: What the behaviour isCharacteristics of the behaviour: How it is recognised and diagnosedBiological explanations: Disinhibition hypothesis and Inherited criminality personality theoryBiological explanations: Role of the amygdalaIndividual differences explanations: Eysenck's criminal personalityIndividual differences explanations: Intelligence factors and Psychopathic personalitySocial psychological explanations: Differential associationSocial psychological explanations: Gender socialisation and Normalisation theoryMethods of modifying the behaviour: Anger managementMethods of modifying the behaviour: Restorative justice
SchizophreniaSchizophrenia
Topic overviewCharacteristics of the behaviour: What the behaviour is, How it is recognised and diagnosedCharacteristics of the behaviour: How common it is, Effects on the individual and on societyBiological explanations: Dopamine hypothesis and Enlarged ventriclesBiological explanations: Cannabis, genetics and the diathesis-stress modelIndividual differences explanations: Thought disorderIndividual differences explanations: Schizophrenogenic mother and Sex differencesSocial psychological explanations: Cultural normsSocial psychological explanations: Dysfunctional familiesSocial psychological explanations: Expressed emotionMethods of modifying the behaviour: Antipsychotic drugsMethods of modifying the behaviour: Cognitive behavioral therapy
StressStress
Topic overviewCharacteristics of the behaviour: What the behaviour is, How it is recognised and diagnosedCharacteristics of the behaviour: How common it is, Effects on the individual and on societyBiological explanations: Adrenaline and Evolutionary adaptationBiological explanations: Stress genesIndividual differences explanations: Type A behaviour and hardinessIndividual differences explanations: Self-efficacySocial psychological explanations: Daily hassles and Life eventsSocial psychological explanations: Locus of control and control at workMethods of modifying the behaviour: Beta blockersMethods of modifying the behaviour: Stress inoculation training
Controversies in Psychology
Topic overviewCultural bias: Cross cultural studies and Difference or biasCultural bias: Ethnocentrism, Historical and social contextEthical costs of conducting research: Benefits to society and the economy, Individual participantsEthical costs of conducting research: Potentially negative consequences for societyThe use of non-human animals: Why animals are used, comparative psychology and ethologyThe use of non-human animals: Therapy, speciesism and the BPS GuidelinesScientific status of psychology: Features of science, Popper and KuhnScientific status of psychology: Methods, benefits and costs of being a scienceSexism: Gender difference or gender biasSexism: Heterosexism, Historical and social context, 'invisibility' of women in psychology
Planning Psychological Research
- 10 subtopics
- 24 things to know
- Component 2
What Planning Psychological Research covers
Planning Psychological Research is examined on Component 2 of Eduqas Psychology, Psychology: Investigating Behaviour. 116 recall questions across 10 subtopics.
The 10 subtopics
Each one has its own page.
- Deciding on a research question: Aim of the research and Independent variablesRecall questions on Aim of the research and Independent variables.Open →
- Deciding on a research question: Co-variables, Operationalisation of variables and Extraneous variablesRecall questions on Co-variables, Operationalisation of variables and Extraneous variables.Open →
- Methodologies: Experiments, Participant observations and Non-participant observationsRecall questions on Experiments, Participant observations and Non-participant observations.Open →
- Methodologies: Content analysis, Structured interviews / questionnaires and Correlational studiesRecall questions on Content analysis, Structured interviews / questionnaires and Correlational studies.Open →
- Methodologies: Case studies, Cross-sectional studies and Self-reportsRecall questions on Case studies, Cross-sectional studies and Self-reports.Open →
- Location of researchRecall questions on Location of research.Open →
- Participants and sampling: Target populations, Sampling frames and Opportunity samplingRecall questions on Target populations, Sampling frames and Opportunity sampling.Open →
- Participants and sampling: Systematic sampling, Stratified sampling and Quota samplingRecall questions on Systematic sampling, Stratified sampling and Quota sampling.Open →
- Participants and sampling: Self-selected samplingRecall questions on Participants and sampling: Self-selected sampling.Open →
- Experimental designRecall questions on Experimental design.Open →
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
Your recallNot started
Key term
One memory condition is tested at nine in the morning and the other at four in the afternoon. What is wrong with this?
Evaluation
Give two limitations of the laboratory environment.
Evaluation
Give two advantages of field research.
Evaluation
Give one strength and one weakness of event sampling.
Key term
How does a hypothesis differ from an aim?
Key term
When should a researcher choose a directional rather than a non-directional hypothesis?
Evaluation
Give one strength and one weakness of the laboratory experiment.
Key term
Why is a quasi-experiment weaker evidence for cause and effect than a true experiment?
Key term
Why can a correlational study never establish cause and effect?
Key term
What is a cross-sectional study, and what is a cohort effect?
Evaluation
Distinguish quantitative from qualitative data, giving one advantage of each.
Key term
Why does an incomplete sampling frame threaten a study?
Key term
What is stratified sampling?
Key term
What is event sampling in an observation?
Key term
What is an independent groups design?
Evaluation
Give two weaknesses of an independent groups design.
Key term
Why does a study need a null hypothesis at all?
Key term
Why does poor operationalisation damage a study?
Evaluation
Give one strength and one weakness of participant observation.
Key term
Distinguish primary from secondary sources of data.
Evaluation
Give two advantages of working in a laboratory.
Key term
Which observational sampling technique suits a behaviour that occurs rarely, and why?
Key term
What is a repeated measures design?
Take Planning Psychological Research further
The same content, four other ways.
Commonly confused
Pairs that lose marks when they are blurred together.
Stratified sampling vs Quota sampling
Stratified sampling: selecting randomly within each subgroup. Quota sampling: filling each subgroup with whoever is available.
Event sampling vs Time sampling
Event sampling: counting every occurrence of a behaviour throughout an observation. Time sampling: recording only at fixed intervals.
Repeated measures vs Matched pairs
Repeated measures: using the same people in both conditions. Matched pairs: using different but paired people, so it has no order effects.
Questions from this topic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
What is the aim of a piece of research?
Model answer
It is a general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate and why, written before any prediction is made.
- 2
How does a hypothesis differ from an aim?
Model answer
An aim states the general purpose of the study, whereas a hypothesis is a precise, testable prediction about the variables that the results can either support or fail to support.
- 3
When would you call a prediction an experimental hypothesis rather than an alternative hypothesis?
Model answer
It is called experimental when an independent variable has actually been manipulated, and alternative when the study is not an experiment, for example a correlation or an observation.
- 4
What is a directional hypothesis?
Model answer
It predicts not only that there will be a difference or relationship but also which way round it will go.
- 5
What is a non-directional hypothesis?
Model answer
It predicts that there will be a difference or relationship but does not state its direction.
- 6
When should a researcher choose a directional rather than a non-directional hypothesis?
Model answer
A directional hypothesis is used when previous research points clearly one way, and a non-directional one when there is no previous research or the existing findings conflict.
What is inside Levo
Six ways to work the same material.
Planning Psychological Research revision questions
- What does Planning Psychological Research cover in Eduqas A-Level Psychology?
- 10 subtopics: deciding on a research question: aim of the research and independent variables, deciding on a research question: co-variables, operationalisation of variables and extraneous variables, methodologies: experiments, participant observations and non-participant observations, methodologies: content analysis, structured interviews / questionnaires and correlational studies, methodologies: case studies, cross-sectional studies and self-reports, location of research, participants and sampling: target populations, sampling frames and opportunity sampling, participants and sampling: systematic sampling, stratified sampling and quota sampling, participants and sampling: self-selected sampling and experimental design. Each one has its own page with questions and model answers.
- How is Planning Psychological Research organised?
- By the Eduqas A290QS specification, subtopic by subtopic, so it matches the order you are taught it in.
Every question in Planning Psychological Research, on a schedule.
Attempt a question from memory, write the correct version, then attempt it again. Levo records the jump between your first attempt and your last, and brings each question back on the day you are due to forget it.
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