The PSYA4 Exam
85 marks Parts A (Schizophrenia) and B
(Addiction) = 25 marks each9 marks description (AO1), 16 marks
Evaluation (AO2/3)Roughly 10/25 min time split.Part C – Research Methods = 3545 mins. How Science Works (AO3)
Top Tips
The difference between a good answer and a mediocre one is that you have correctly identified what the examiner wants and provides it.
Make sure the content is relevant. Make a brief plan – and then stick to it!! Jot down AO1 items and then AO2 (double the
amount!!) Highlight the command words and key content
points
Top Tips
At the start don’t waste time re-stating the question!!
You have very little time so make sure you can write succinctly – BUT with enough depth and breadth to pick up marks
In other words try not to repeat yourself or waffle!!
Top Tips – Evaluation Skills
For 16-13 marks you can …. Analyse, evaluate and apply to show good
understanding of the topic Essay is well focused on the question. Good line of argument Elaborated and explained/justified critical
points Used relevant issues, debates and
approaches (Synoptic points) Used psychological language effectively Ideas expressed clearly and fluently
Where was the A02/3?
Top Tips – Which Order?
Some like to start with the topic they find easiest
Others like to start with the hardest!Part C may be a good one to start with
as the answers are shorter and it is easy to pick up marks
Leave a space at the beginning and end so if you have time you can add in an intro and a conclusion
Timing is everything!!
Take a watch into the exam35mins each for Part A and B45 mins for part C10 mins for planning and re-readingDo not overrun each time!!It is better to do both essays getting 15
marks and 20 for part C than 2 fantastic 20/25 mark essays!
Practice question – Addictive Behaviour
Why do you think many people can drink alcohol regularly in social settings without becoming addicted? (5 marks)
Discuss ways in which the media can have both positive and negative effects on addictive behaviours. (10marks)
Adolescent problem gamblers have been shown to have more school-related difficulties. Why should these two observations be correlated? (5 marks)
Plan for 5-10 minutes, write for 30mins maximum
Socially Sensitive Research
Read p284-285 and identify examples of SSR
Answer questions 2-4 p285What can Psychologists do to minimise
the effects of SSR?
Practice question – Research Methods
Answer qu 5 p297 (or questions on p302) Extension – qu 4 p297
In the exam you should give about 50 minutes to answer the Research Methods section
Share your answers with your partner. What marks would you both get?