Untitled

Topic 1: Memory and Forgetting

  1. Craik and Lockhart’s Levels of Processing (LoP) Model of Memory

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on levels of processing (Craik and Tulving, experiment 2 only)[3].

  • Argument AGAINST: Levels of processing cannot explain the limited capacity of memory[3].

  1. Atkinson and Shiffrin’s Multistore Model (MSM) of Memory

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on the serial position effect (Murdock)[4].

  • Argument AGAINST: The multistore model of memory cannot explain depth of processing[4].

  1. Role of the Brain (Amygdala and Hippocampus) in Memory

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on HM amnesia (Milner et al.)[5][6].

  • Argument AGAINST: Other parts of the brain are also implicated in memory, such as different regions of the cerebral cortex[6].

Topic 2: Sleep and Dreams

  1. Restoration Theory of Sleep

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on sleep restriction (Robinson et al.)[7].

  • Argument AGAINST: Muscle repair also occurs effectively during waking rest as well as sleep[8].

  1. Hobson & McCarley’s Activation-Synthesis Theory of Dreaming

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on the bizarreness of dream content (Williams et al.)[9].

  • Argument AGAINST: Some dreams are meaningful to individuals and do not seem to be random[10].

  1. Psychodynamic Theory of Dreaming

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on dreams and trauma (Iorio et al.)[11].

  • Argument AGAINST: Interpretation of symbols in dreams is subjective and impacted by personal opinions and feelings (biased)[12].

Topic 3: Prosocial Behaviour

  1. Biological Explanation of Prosocial Behaviour

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on the heritability of social responsibility (Rushton)[13].

  • Argument AGAINST: Heritability is not entirely responsible for prosocial behaviour, as there are also environmental influences (e.g., social groups and roles)[13].

  1. Social Identity Theory of Prosocial Behaviour

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on helping behaviour (Levine et al., study 1 only)[14].

  • Argument AGAINST: Prosocial behaviour is not just influenced by social identity, as there are individual differences between members of the same social groups as well as cultural factors[14][15].

  1. Bandura’s Social Learning Theory of Prosocial Behaviour

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on prosocial media (Prot et al., study 1 only)[16].

  • Argument AGAINST: Environmental influences are not entirely responsible for prosocial behaviour, as there are also biological factors (e.g., hormones, neurotransmitters, brain areas, and genetics)[16].

Topic 4: Visual Perception

  1. Gibson’s Direct Theory of Perception

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on the visual cliff (Gibson and Walk)[17].

  • Argument AGAINST: Ignores the influence of expectation and culture on perception[18].

  1. Gregory’s Constructivist Theory of Perception

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on familiarity and perception (Haber and Levin, experiment 2 only)[19][20].

  • Argument AGAINST: Ignores the role of nature in perception[20].

  1. Visual Illusions and Culture

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on culture and visual illusions (Bremner et al., experiment 2 only)[21].

  • Argument AGAINST: There are universal aspects of human perception that go beyond cultural differences[21].

Topic 5: Motivation and Needs

  1. Positive Reinforcement in Education

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on classroom token economies (Boniecki and Moore)[22].

  • Argument AGAINST: Environmental and individual factors also influence learners’ experiences[22].

  1. Psychodynamic Motivation and Marketing

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on nostalgic advertising (Merchant et al., study 3 only)[23][24].

  • Argument AGAINST: The influence of unconscious motives is difficult to observe or measure[24].

  1. Deci and Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory (Motivation to Exercise)

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on sports persistence (Calvo et al.)[25].

  • Argument AGAINST: Environmental barriers to exercise exist (e.g., lack of time, health issues, and social limitations)[26].

Topic 6: Language Development

  1. Chomsky’s Biological Explanation of Language Acquisition

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on sign language acquisition (Senghas)[27].

  • Argument AGAINST: Language acquisition is not just influenced by biology, as cultural and social factors also play a role[27].

  1. Learning Theory of Language Development

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on speech and social feedback (Goldstein et al.)[28].

  • Argument AGAINST: Children’s use of novel language cannot be explained purely by imitation and reinforcement[29].

  1. Piaget’s Cognitive Theory of Language Development

  • Argument FOR: Supported by the named study on schemas and language (Hewitt)[30].

  • Argument AGAINST: Children’s abilities at different ages and stages are influenced by their environment (e.g., culture and upbringing)[30].