AQA Psychology for A Level Year 2 - Student Bk

practice questions, answers and feedback Question 1 Using an example, explain what is meant by localisation of function. ( 2 marks) Morticia’s answer Localisation of function means that the parts of the brain all have a specific function such as the language area of the brain. Morticia has provided a brief response to both parts of the question. Luke’s definition is clear and precise, and the example is well explained. Similar to Morticia’s answer: the definition lacks detail, as does the example and so limited credit overall. Luke’s answer A localised function is where different areas of the brain are responsible for different behaviours or processes. One example of this is the visual area of the brain, which is in the occipital lobe and has the specific function of processing information from the eyes. If this area is damaged then no other part of the brain takes over. Vladimir’s answer Areas of the brain have specific functions, for example the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body and is also related to language. Question 2 A researcher conducted a meta-analysis of studies that investigated the length of the sleep-wake cycle. The researcher concluded that the average length of the sleep-wake cycle is between 24 and 25 hours. What is meant by a meta-analysis? Refer to the investigation above in your answer. (2 marks) Morticia’s answer This is a study where the results from a number of other studies are analysed, for example in this case the researcher is looking at a number of studies that have investigated sleep. There is a brief definition of meta-analysis and reference to the question stem. However, the main aim of meta-analysis (to produce an overall conclusion) is not present. Luke has included the key element not present in Morticia’s answer. Vladimir’s answer is similar to Luke’s and the notion of ‘an overall view’ is sufficient. Luke’s answer A researcher may combine a number of different studies as has been done here. The studies are all related to the same topic – in this case it is the length of the sleep- wake cycle. Then the researcher produces an overall conclusion. Vladimir’s answer Meta-analysis is the process of combining results from a number of studies on a particular topic (such as the sleep-wake cycle) to provide an overall view. Question 3 Briefly discuss the implications of psychological research for the economy. Refer to the investigation in question 2 in your answer. (4 marks) Morticia’s answer Research on the sleep-wake cycle has implications for the economy because it is used to inform practices on shift work. One study by Boivin et al. found that found that mistakes are more likely to happen early in the morning for nightshift workers. Sleep-wake research also has implications for drug treatments because it matters what time of day certain drugs are given for them to be most effective. Many other areas of psychological research have implications for the economy such as research related to attachment and memory and mental illness. In all of these areas the government can save a lot of money by following advice given by psychologists about the things that cause certain negative behaviours. The research costs a lot to fund but it saves billions and that is why psychological research is good for the economy. This answer starts well though the link to shift workers’ errors and the implications for the economy could be made more specific. The reference to drug treatment does not add anything substantial to the answer, as again the implications for the economy are not explained. The last paragraph also adds little to the answer. Morticia would have been better advised to select one example from the list offered and link this clearly to the economy. Notice how Luke’s answer makes a clear link to economic gains and losses in the context of shift work which Morticia’s response failed to do. There are two clear issues discussed here: the increased likelihood of mistakes and the negative impact on workers’ health, which are clearly linked to the economy. The link to sleep and circadian rhythms in Vladimir’s answer is poorly realised and the economic implication is not discussed. The material on dementia is better in this respect though the reference to ‘bigger and bigger taxes’ is a little vague. Luke’s answer Research such as on the sleep-wake cycle can be applied to improving shift work to avoid expensive accidents. Psychological research has shown that people working at night lose concentration and make mistakes, which can be very costly for the government – both economically and also just in terms of a personal cost. Furthermore, research shows that shift work is related to poor health outcomes, which costs the national economy money. Therefore, if psychologists can recommend ways to reduce the health issues, it will benefit the economy. Vladimir’s answer Psychological research can provide great benefits to our economy. For example, work on sleep and circadian rhythms is important and so is research on mental illness. Mental illness costs us billions of pounds every year and is going to get worse because of increasing dementia. If psychologists can find ways to reduce cases of dementia or cheap treatments to help people with dementia, that’s our only way of avoiding bigger and bigger taxes. Chapter 2 Biopsychology 56 •