How to Revise Psychology: Past to Present — WJEC A-Level Psychology
Psychology: Past to Present is a topic in the WJEC A-Level Psychology specification. This guide covers learning objectives, examiner tips, common mistakes, and key terminology to help you revise effectively.
Examiner Tips for Psychology: Past to Present
- Ensure you can clearly define and distinguish between the three core biological assumptions
- When evaluating the approach, use the 'comparison' requirement to contrast it with the other four approaches studied in Component 1
- For the classic study (Raine et al.), be prepared to discuss the social implications of identifying brain abnormalities in murderers
- When discussing the ethics of neuroscience, consider the implications for legal systems and personal privacy
- Use specific terminology related to brain function and neurotransmitters to demonstrate AO1 knowledge
Common Mistakes in Psychology: Past to Present
- Failing to explicitly link the biological assumptions to the specific behaviours being explained
- Neglecting to provide a balanced evaluation of the therapy (e.g., focusing only on effectiveness and ignoring ethical implications)
- Describing the classic study without evaluating its methodology or ethical implications
- Failing to compare the biological approach with the other four approaches (psychodynamic, behaviourist, cognitive, positive)
- Treating the contemporary debate as a general discussion rather than a psychological exploration of ethical, social, and economic implications
Key Marking Points
- Knowledge and understanding of biological assumptions (evolutionary influences, localisation of brain function, neurotransmitters)
- Application of biological assumptions to explain a variety of behaviours
- Knowledge and understanding of drug therapy or psychosurgery as a treatment
- Evaluation of the chosen therapy, including effectiveness and ethical considerations
- Evaluation of the biological approach, including strengths, weaknesses, and comparisons with other approaches
- Critical analysis of Raine et al. (1997) including methodology, procedures, findings, conclusions, ethical issues, and social implications