Year 10 Psychology Exam

What is Psychology?

What is Psychology?

Psychology is the systematic study of thoughts, feeling and behaviours. (Science)

Distinguish between Psychologist and Psychiatrist: qualifications, prescriptions, therapy

Psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors who can prescribe medicine and perform surgery, while psychologists are not qualified doctors and are specialised in different areas.

What is an Abnormal Psychologist

Abnormal Psychologists study abnormal behaviours or patterns.

What is a Clinical Psychologist

Clinical Psychologists study mental illnesses and psychological problems.

What is a Cognitive Psychologist

Cognitive Psychologists study the brain and how we think.

What is a Developmental Psychologist

Developmental Psychologist study the development of the human body and brain.

What is an Education Psychologist

Education Psychologists study learning and teaching.

What is an Organisational Psychologist

Organisational Psychologists study the behaviours of people in the workplace.

What is a Forensic Psychologist

Forensic Psychologists study criminal behaviours and patterns.

What is a Neuro Psychologist

Neuro Psychologists study the brain and specific areas such as memory, learning and attention.

What is a Positive Psychologist

Positive Psychologists study how to keep people positive and happy.

What is a Social Psychologist

Social Psychologists study group dynamics and social changes.

What is a Sports Psychologist

Sports Psychologists study performance enhancements and mental skill development.

Explain why psychology has so many different specialisations rather than just one.

Psychology has so many different specialisations because it means that people can go to specific people for their problems because they will know more and in more detail in their specific area of expertise.

What is an IV (Independent Variable)

IV Is what you change

What is a DV (Dependent Variable)

DV is what you measure

What are the three things that should be included in a hypothesis

The IV, DV and a direction(eg. higher, lower)

What structure and things should an aim include

Must be in the form:

…the effect of IV….on DV

What are Controlled variables

A variable that could influence the DV, and thus is kept constant to ensure it is the IV affecting the DV

What are Extraneous variables

Variables other than the IV which can affect the DV.

Can you differentiate between the population of research interest and the sample?

A population refers to the entire group of research interests while the sample is the group of people you pick to take part in the experiment from the population.

What is the difference between a convenience sample and a random sample?

A convenience sample is the easily accessible people for an experiment(eg. psych students) while a random selection gives an equal chance for someone to be picked.

Describe the two types of research designs

Between subject design is when the subject is exposed to one treatment condition(scenario)

Within subjects design is when the subject is exposed to all treatment conditions(scenarios)

List one advantage and one disadvantage of a Between-subjects design

Advantage – Quick

Disadvantage – less accurate

List one advantage and one disadvantage of a Within-subjects design

Advantage – more accurate

Disadvantage – takes longer

What are ethics?

Ethics are moral guidelines, or rules of conduct which protect patients, research participants and the profession itself.

What is the purpose of a code of ethics?

The purpose of a code of ethics in psychological experiments is to ensure that participants are treated with respect, dignity, and confidentiality. It also helps to prevent harm, deception, and coercion. The code of ethics also emphasises the importance of informed consent, debriefing, and the use of appropriate research methods.

List and describe the key participant rights

Confidentiality: Participant's information is kept private.

Informed consent: Participants must agree to the study's procedures.

Debriefing: Participants are informed of the study's true purpose after it ends.

Voluntary participation: Participants can choose whether or not to take part.

Withdrawal rights: Participants can leave the study at any time.

No harm principle: Researchers must ensure that participants are not harmed physically or mentally.

Differentiate the SNS, PNS, and ENS

Parasympathetic – relaxes body after stress or danger(homeostatis, rest & digest)

Sympathetic – response to stress or danger(fight-flight-freeze)

Enteric – the system of nerves connecting the gut and digestive tract to the brain. (Gut-brain axis)

What is the structure and function of a neuron

dendrite, myelin sheath, axon, axon terminal, vesicles, neurotransmitters, pre-synaptic neuron, post-synaptic neuron, direction of a neural impulse along a neuron

Describe a neural transmission and its process

The process of sending information between neurons is called neural transmission. It occurs at the synapse, which is the gap between the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neuron, where neurotransmitters act as keys to bind to specific receptor sites which act as locks on the post-synaptic neuron. This allows the message to be passed along.

Draw and annotate the synapse

axon terminals (pre-synaptic neuron), vesicles, neurotransmitters, synaptic gap, receptor sites, dendrites (post synaptic neuron), action potential (nerve impulse).

What is Glutamate

Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter which increases the likelihood of the post synaptic neuron (dendrite) firing.

What is GABA

GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter which decreases the likelihood of the post-synaptic neuron (dendrite) firing.

What effect can other neuromodulators have on the brain and synapse

Other neuromodulators have excitatory or inhibitory effects at the synapse and cause different effects in the brain.

What is serotonin and what happens when you have a low level of it

Serotonin is important in mood regulation and low levels lead to depression.

What is dopamine and what happens when you have a low level of it

Dopamine is reward based (low levels lead to ADHD and Parkinson’s disease) and causes structural changes in neural connections at the synapse, linked heavily to addiction.

What is Acetylcholine and what happens when you have a low level of it

Acetylcholine activates the nervous system and plays an important role in attention, memory, and learning (low levels are seen in Alzheimer’s disease).

Understand the effects of damage to neurons, such as the neurological disease: Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease that affects the central nervous system. It is caused by damage to the myelin sheath, which is the protective covering around nerve fibers.

Causes: The exact cause of MS is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissues.

Symptoms: Muscle weakness, fatigue, and vision problems.

Treatment Difficulties: There is no cure for MS, and treatments aim to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. However, finding the right treatment can be challenging as the disease affects each person differently.

What is neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is the brain and neuron’s ability to change and adapt due to learning, experiences, trauma, and development.

List and describe the two types of neuroplasticity

Developmental plasticity refers to the changes in neural connections during development, while adaptive plasticity includes the ability to learn new information and skills.

Describe the structure and function of the Cerebral Cortex

Cerebral Cortex includes lots of folds in the brain, allowing for more surface area and therefore, more neurons. There are two hemispheres, the left and right (Left hemisphere controls rights side of body, right hemisphere controls left side of body).

Label all four Lobes and their general functions of the cerebral cortex

Frontal lobe: Controls voluntary muscle movements and is involved in planning, decision making, personality, speech and problem solving

Parietal lobe: processes sensory information like touch, temperature, and pain and is involved in spatial awareness

Temporal lobe: Hearing, understanding speech, memory and emotions

Occipital lobe: responsible for visual processing.(select, organise and integrate)

Describe the location and function of the corpus callosum

The corpus callosum is in the middle of the brain, in between the two hemispheres and connects the two hemispheres together, maintaining connection and communication between each side.

List three specialisations of the right hemisphere

Three functions of the right hemisphere of the brain are Creativity, imagination, and curiosity.

List three specialisations of the left hemisphere

Three functions of the left hemisphere of the brain are Rules, Strategy, and Logic.

What is Mental Health

Mental Health is our social, emotional and psychological wellbeing.

Describe the mental health continuum:

The Mental health continuum is a bar which describes how someone feels in their day to day. They can place themselves along it

mental wellbeing - mental health problem - mental illness/disorder.

What are the 5 D’s

Dysfunction

Duration

Distress

Diagnosis

Deviation

What is meant by the holistic approach of the Biopsychosocial framework that influences mental health.

The holistic approach of the bio-psycho-social framework is shown through a Venn diagram and describes the factors which goes into each area of mental health.

Describe what is meant by the biological component of the biopsychosocial framework and provide 3 examples

The biological component of the bio-psycho-social framework can consist of genetics, the biological gender of a person and a response to medication.

Describe what is meant by the psychological component of the biopsychosocial framework and provide 3 examples

The Psychological component can consist of areas such as mood, thoughts and one’s personality traits.

Describe what is meant by the social component of the biopsychosocial framework and provide 3 examples

The Social component can consist of areas such as lifestyle, access to healthcare and level of education.

What is depression and list three symptoms

Depression is a mental disorder characterised by a persistently depressed or low mood. Symptoms can include low mood and a loss of interest in activities.

What is Social Anxiety Disorder and list three symptoms

Social Anxiety Disorder is a mental disorder characterised by a fear of social settings and the belief that they may be judged negatively. Symptoms may include a persistent fear of specific social settings as well as the avoidance of these social settings.

What is Bipolar and list three symptoms

Bipolar Disorder is characterised by a manic changes in mood, a constant change from high to low. Symptoms may include changes in mood and depressive episodes.

What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and list three symptoms

OCD is a mental disorder characterised by an acute attention to detail and an inability to perform everyday tasks because of small outside details. Symptoms can include hoarding, constant re-checking of tasks, and cleaning/hand-washing.

Differentiate between social stigma and self-stigma and its effect on preventing mental illness treatments

Social stigma is the disapproval or discrimination against certain groups or people for the characteristics which differentiate them from the rest of society such as an illness. Self-stigma is the negative attitudes or shame people have about the mental disorder they experience or have. The social or self-stigma people can sometimes makes the illness or disorder worse and harder to recover from.

Name and explain 4 protective factors to maintain good mental health and identify which category of the biopsychosocial framework they belong to

4 Protective factors which can help maintain a good mental health are a good diet, a good amount of sleep, lots of exercise and socialising.

These are all social factors

Describe the characteristics of Conduct Disorder

Conduct Disorder is characterised by serious emotional and behavioural problems in children (under the age of 18).

Describe 3 symptoms of conduct disorder

• Aggressive behavior towards people and animals

• Destruction of property

• Violation of rules and laws

Describe one bio-psycho-social risk (contributing) factor from each category for conduct disorder

Bio: Genetic predisposition Psycho: Impulsivity and poor emotional regulation Social: Exposure to violence or abuse

What can Conduct Disorder be a precursor to

Conduct Disorder may be a precursor to anti-social personality disorder once they reach the age of 18.

What is personality and how is it influenced

Personality is the combination of different characteristics which make up a person, including feelings, emotions and how they act. Personality is influenced mostly by genetics.

Define a personality disorder

A personality disorder is a mental disorder characterised by different patterns of behaviour and cognition.

Describe the characteristics of Anti-social Personality Disorder (ASPD)

Anti-social Personality Disorder is characterised by patterns of behaviours which don’t conform to social patterns or laws

Describe 3 symptoms for the diagnosis of Anti-social Personality Disorder

• Repeatedly breaking laws and disregarding the rights of others

• Deceitfulness and lying for personal gain or pleasure

• Lack of remorse or guilt for harmful actions towards others.

Describe one bio-psycho-social risk (contributing) factor from each category for ASPD

Contributing factors for ASPD are genetics (biological), traumatic experiences or child abuse (psychological), and a childhood diagnosis of conduct disorder (social).

Differentiate between psychopathy and ASPD

ASPD is a deep-seated pattern of anti-social behaviours, such as law breaking or physical aggression. While Psychopathy is a trait primarily characterised by a lack of empathy and a grandiose sense of self-worth.

Differentiate between sociopathy and psychopathy as traits of ASPD

The traits of a psychopath and sociopath both fall under the diagnosis of ASPD, though psychopaths are deemed more dangerous due to their lack of empathy and how they don’t show remorse for their actions.

What is the PCL-R test

The PCL-R is a test sued to measure psychopathic traits based on emotional detachment and antisocial behaviour. A score of 30+ (out of 40) gives the psychopathic classification.

List and Describe the 4 dimensions of the PCL

Affective includes Shallow emotions, callous lack of empathy, a lack of remorse or guilt, and a failure to accept responsibility.

Interpersonal includes a grandiose sense of self-worth, pathological lying, being manipulative and cunning and being superficial or glib.

Lifestyle includes impulsivity, irresponsibility, a lack of realistic goals and being simulation seeking.

Antisocial includes childhood behavioural problems, juvenile delinquency, poor behavioural goals and criminal versatility.

Describe the characteristics of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a personality disorder which includes individuals with the characteristics of a lack of a solid sense of self identity, are impulsive and are easily bored.

Describe 3 symptoms for the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

• Intense and unstable emotions, such as anger, anxiety, and depression

• Impulsive and risky behavior, such as substance abuse, reckless driving, and unsafe sex

  • Unstable relationships, including idealising someone one moment and then quickly turning against them

Describe one bio-psycho-social risk (contributing) factor from each category for BPD

Contributing factors include genetic heritability, meaning that its five times more common in people whose first degree relatives have BPD (biological). Personality traits are also a factor (psychological), as well as childhood adversity, meaning that BPD is more common in people who have experienced abuse or abandonment (social).

What does the learning curve show?

The learning curve shows how people can quickly get better at something, although eventually they reach something called a plateau where they cannot improve anymore.

Outline the 5 stages of observational learning in terms of the understanding of the role of attention

The 5 stages of observational learning are Attention, where the person watches the model’s behaviour. Retention, where the learner attempts to store the information in their long term memory. Reproduction, where the learner tries to do the behaviour themselves. Motivation, where the learner must have the desire to achieve success, and reinforcement, where the learner must have feelings of desire or feeling which will make them want to achieve the behaviour again, such as pride.

Describe Visualisation

Visualisation is the use of imagination of a specific environment or performance of a specific activity. As many senses as possible are used and internal and external perspectives should be used.

What are some performance improving techniques

Performance improvement techniques include marginal gains, which is where you are increasing your ability bit by bit slowly, and a locus of control which can be superstitions and includes the belief that they are or are not responsible for the events which are happening in their life.

Describe the effect of choking

Choking is the failure to perform at or above the expected level while under immense pressure. It can occur suddenly and is very hard to overcome.

Describe the effect of imposter syndrome

Imposter syndrome is the psychological pattern in which an individual believes that their own accomplishments came about as a result of having being lucky or having manipulated other people’s impressions, not through their own hard work or genuine ability.

What is arousal theory

Arousal theory states that we need to maintain a level of arousal that is optimal in a given situation to perform our best.

Draw and explain the inverted U-shaped curve of Yerkes Dodson Law

The U curve of the arousal theory explains that performance is best at the top of the curve, at the optimal level, it can’t be too high or too low.

List and explain 4 techniques to overcome choking

Mindfulness helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the body down to reduce stress, returning to optimum level.

Visualisation uses mental imagery to visualise their success and to refocus their attention (block out the crowd) if they feel they are under pressure.

Reframing the mind and reframing the situation to think of it as a challenge not a stress helps with optimising performance.

Shifting the focus to focus on the repetitive element such as counting their steps or strokes so they can redirect their attention, it helps them to refocus.

What are the 5 types of imposter syndrome and provide a deescription for each

The perfectionist is focussed on how something is done and will feel like a failure with the smallest mistake.

The expert is concerned about how much they know or can do and will feel like a failure if they have even the smallest lack of knowledge in something.

The soloist cares about the ‘who’ and feels like they cannot take help from others.

The natural genius measures their worth by how and when accomplishments happen in terms of ease and speed. They are ashamed to redo anything or take extra time.

The super student measure their accomplishments by how many roles they can juggle and excel in.

What are 3 mindset techniques to overcome imposter syndrome

To overcome imposter syndrome, you can practice setting realistic goals, recognise your expertise, stay away from toxic competitors and don’t rely exclusively on external validation.