Question 1

What is the difference between conformity and obedience?

Accepted Answer

Conformity involves changing your behaviour or beliefs to match those of a group, often due to real or imagined social pressure (e.g., Asch's line study). Obedience is following direct orders from an authority figure, where the power imbalance is clear (e.g., Milgram's shock study). Both are forms of social influence, but obedience typically involves a hierarchy, while conformity occurs among peers.

Question 2

How does the multi-store model explain forgetting?

Accepted Answer

The multi-store model suggests forgetting occurs due to decay (information fades over time if not rehearsed) or displacement (new information pushes out old information in STM, which has limited capacity). In LTM, forgetting may result from retrieval failure (lack of appropriate cues) or interference (other memories disrupt recall). However, the model has been criticised for oversimplifying memory processes.

Question 3

What are the key attachment types identified by Ainsworth?

Accepted Answer

Ainsworth's Strange Situation identified three main attachment types: secure (distressed on separation, easily comforted on reunion), insecure-avoidant (ignores caregiver, treats stranger similarly), and insecure-resistant (clingy, distressed, but resists comfort). A fourth type, disorganised, was later added by Main and Solomon. Secure attachment is linked to positive outcomes, while insecure types are risk factors for later difficulties.

Question 4

How is OCD explained by the biological approach?

Accepted Answer

The biological approach explains OCD through genetic factors (e.g., the COMT and SERT genes affecting neurotransmitter levels) and neural mechanisms (abnormalities in the orbitofrontal cortex, caudate nucleus, and low serotonin). Treatment includes SSRIs to increase serotonin and CBT to manage compulsive behaviours. However, this approach is reductionist and ignores cognitive and environmental factors.

Question 5

What is the cognitive interview and how does it improve eyewitness testimony?

Accepted Answer

The cognitive interview is a technique developed by Fisher and Geiselman to enhance recall accuracy. It includes four components: report everything (even trivial details), reinstate context (mentally recreate the scene), change perspective (describe from another viewpoint), and reverse order (recall events backwards). It reduces the impact of leading questions and improves retrieval by using multiple cues.

Question 6

Why is Milgram's study considered unethical?

Accepted Answer

Milgram's study raised ethical concerns because participants were deceived (told the shocks were real), exposed to severe psychological distress (extreme tension, sweating, seizures), and not given the right to withdraw (the experimenter used prods to continue). However, Milgram argued the findings justified the methods, and debriefing was thorough. Modern ethical guidelines now require informed consent and the right to withdraw.

Psychology in context

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Related Topics in AQA A-Level Psychology

Addiction

Aggression

Approaches in Psychology

Attachment

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