Tolerance
What Tolerance means in Psychology A-Level, as defined for AQA, Eduqas.
Definitions of Tolerance
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Tolerance in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
A reduced response to the same dose after repeated use, explained by receptor downregulation, so the user escalates the amount to get the original effect.
The process whereby the body adapts to a substance, requiring increasingly larger doses to achieve the same physiological and psychological effects.
Topics that use Tolerance
- Addiction (AQA A-Level)
- Component 3: Addictive behaviours (Eduqas A-Level)
Related terms
- Addiction
- Agonist
- Agonists
- Antagonist
- Conditioning
- Covert sensitisation
- Cue Reactivity
- Diathesis-stress model
Using Tolerance in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Psychology questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge