Psychology Exam Revision Unit 2

Psychology Exam Revision Unit 2

• How to answer an exam question:

  • Look at the marks allocated.
  • Highlight key terms and command terms.
  • If a scenario is present, refer to it specifically (e.g., use names).
  • Define key terms before explanations.
  • Identify trends in the data.

• Key Science Skills (CH1):

  • Use numerical data in explanations.

• Psychology Definition:

  • The scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes.

• Mental Processes:

  • Series of actions occurring in the mind (e.g., thinking).

• Behaviour:

  • Actions that can be observed and measured (e.g., whistling).

• Aim:

  • Statement outlining the purpose of an investigation.

• Hypothesis:

  • Testable prediction of the relationship between variables.

• Controlled Variable:

  • Variable kept constant to eliminate effects on the dependent variable.

• Operationalising:

  • Defining how a variable will be measured and changed in a research setting.

• Research Methodology:

  • Techniques, processes, and types of studies used to understand psychological phenomena.

Experimental Design

• Controlled Experiment:

  • Investigates the causal relationship between two variables.
  • Advantages: examines cause-effect relationships.
  • Disadvantages: some experiments may be ethically or practically challenging (e.g., studying grief).

• Between-Subjects Design:

  • Participants assigned to either an experimental or control group.
  • Advantages: reduces order effects.
  • Disadvantages: requires more participants than within-subjects designs and participants may differ.

• Within-Subjects Design:

  • Participants complete both control and experimental conditions.
  • Advantages: eliminates order effects, needs fewer participants.
  • Disadvantages: potential order effects.

• Mixed Design:

  • Combines between- and within-subjects approaches.
  • Advantages: allows comparison between and within participants.
  • Disadvantages: more time-consuming and resource-intensive.