WJEC AS Psychology Unit 1 Revision

Preparing for the Unit 1 Exam

  • Possible Questions & How to Answer Them:
    • Describe Influences:
    • Focus on childhood experiences and another assumption from the psychodynamic approach.
    • Use page 22, outline 6 points (3 for each assumption, S-E-E format).
    • No conclusion.
    • Methodology of Loftus & Palmer:
    • Describe methodology of experiments and procedures from page 48.
    • Around 10 points, no conclusion.
    • Evaluate Raine et al.'s Study:
    • Discuss ethical issues and social implications (3-4 evaluations from page 20).
    • Conclusion needed to address ethicality.
    • Cognitive Assumption in Therapy:
    • Discuss cognitive assumptions in CBT or REBT.
    • Use S-E-A-L format for each assumption, around 8 points, no conclusion.
    • Practical Application of Positive Approach:
    • Utilise Myers & Diener's quote, assess practical applications of the positive approach (strengths).
    • Discuss social implications from pages 63-64 with a conclusion required.

Writing Style Guidelines

  • Be wary of command words and their implications.
  • Conclusions needed for AO3 command words when the mark is 10+.

The Biological Approach - 3 Assumptions

  • Evolution and Genetics:
    • Behavior results from evolutionary adaptations (e.g., phobias).
  • Localisation of Function:
    • Different brain areas govern specific functions (e.g., the hippocampus in memory).
  • Role of Neurons and Neurotransmitters:
    • Chemical messengers enable communication and behavior (e.g., serotonin linked to depression).

Application to Therapy

  • Psychosurgery:
    • Localisation of function leads to psychosurgery for modifying behavior (historical context).
  • Neurochemical Techniques:
    • Techniques such as deep brain stimulation to encourage neurotransmitter balance.

Evaluation of Biological Approach

Effectiveness
  • Pros:
    • Modern psychosurgery demonstrates success (e.g., capsulotomy).
  • Cons:
    • High risk and ethical issues regarding consent in early surgeries.
Ethical Issues
  • Valid consent, especially in mentally ill populations.

The Psychodynamic Approach - 3 Assumptions

  • Childhood Influence:
    • Experiences shape adult personality (Freud's psychosexual stages).
  • Tripartite Personality:
    • The balance between id, ego, and superego influences behavior.
  • Subconscious Factors:
    • The unconscious mind drives behavior (ego defenses).

Evaluation of Psychodynamic Approach

Strengths
  • Applications in therapy, such as revelation through dream analysis.
Weaknesses
  • Subjectivity and lack of scientific rigor.

The Behaviourist Approach - 3 Assumptions

  • Blank Slate:
    • All behavior learned from the environment.
  • Conditioning:
    • Pavlov's classical and Skinner's operant conditioning.
  • Similar Learning in Humans and Animals.

Therapy - Systematic Desensitisation

  • Description:
    • Hierarchy of fears, relaxation techniques, gradual exposure.
  • Evaluation:
    • Generally effective for specific phobias, but less so for generalized fears.

The Cognitive Approach - 3 Assumptions

  • Internal Processes Influence Behavior:
    • Focus on mental processes.
  • Computer Analogy:
    • The human mind processes information akin to computers.
  • Role of Schemas:
    • Influence how we interpret experiences.

Application to Therapy

  • CBT Techniques:
    • Replace negative schemas with constructive thoughts through various techniques.

Evaluation of Cognitive Approach

Strengths
  • Scientific methodology and empowerment of clients.
Weaknesses
  • Overlooks biological factors, individual differences in therapy effectiveness.

The Positive Approach - 3 Assumptions

  • Free Will:
    • Emphasis on self-directed change.
  • Goodness and Excellence:
    • Focus on positive traits and states.
  • A Good Life Concept.

Application to Therapy

  • Quality of Life Therapy (QoLT):
    • Focus on improving well-being through positive psychology principles.

Macroconsiderations for Exam

  • Aim responses at provided question context, detailing comparisons, ethical implications, and practical applications respective to each approach. Remember, structured answers should guide towards conclusions where specified, thereby incorporating analysis, and evaluation capabilities for comprehensive marks.
  • Time Management:
    • Allocate time based on marks available per question.
  • Final Tips:
    • Write clearly and illustrate examples where applicable.
    • Review responses to ensure clarity and adherence to the question criteria.