Edexcel Psychology for A Level Yr 2 Revision Guide

Exam skills In your answers you are assessed on three skills – called assessment objectives (AOs). AO1 Description Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures. Good AO1 – aim for one well- detailed and accurate sentence per mark. Command terms, e.g. state, define, give, describe . AO2 Application Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures: • In a theoretical context. • In a practical context. • When handling qualitative data. • When handling quantitative data. Questions have a stem/scenario (the context). Good AO2 – every sentence you write must be linked to the context fully. Command terms, e.g. using your knowledge of psychology, explain [the context], discuss (ERQ with AO1 + AO2). AO3 Evaluation and analysis Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, to: • Make judgements and reach conclusions. • Develop and refine practical design and procedures. Good AO3 uses chains of reasoning – PET, make your point , explain and elaborate , conclude with a link back to the exam question you are answering with ‘ This means that …’. Command terms, e.g. evaluate , assess , to what extent . Types of exam question SAQ Short answer questions (SAQs). Marks range from 1 to 7. Marks are awarded for each ‘creditworthy’ idea. See full-mark examples on pages 10–11. ERQ Extended response questions (ERQs), often called ‘essays’. Marks range from 8 to 20 and all have an evaluative component except for 8-markers with the command term discuss . ERQs are levels-marked, meaning the examiner will compare your answer to a set of descriptors and choose the set which best describe your essay. See full-mark examples on pages 12–22. Specialist terms turn your broad- strokes into a detailed answer. In answers to ERQs, lists are bad. Do FEWER points but explain each carefully. To be fair lists are not good in answers to SAQs either. All ideas need to be elaborated really effectively to get marks, so if you try to tackle too many points you leave no time for elaboration = a low mark. Context is king. 7