Preparation for PSYA4 Exam

February 2010

Review

BATs

Use strategies to improve my grade in the exam

Use a mark scheme to assess performance

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?

Pub Quiz

Get into groups

Good Luck!!!