A Level Psychology CAIE

This subject is broken down into 473 topics in 11 modules:

  1. Core Studies (AS) 136 topics
  2. Core Studies: Fagen et al. (elephant learning) 12 topics
  3. Core Studies: Hassett et al (monkey toy preferences) 13 topics
  4. Core Studies: Hölzel et al. 11 topics
  5. Core Studies: Piliavin et al. (1969) 11 topics
  6. Core Studies: Pozzulo et al. (Line-ups) 12 topics
  7. Research Methods (AS) 77 topics
  8. Psychology and Abnormality (A2) 58 topics
  9. Psychology and Consumer Behaviour (A2) 47 topics
  10. Psychology and Health (A2) 50 topics
  11. Psychology and Organisations (A2) 46 topics
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  • 11
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  • 473
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  • 170,230
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  • 21+
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This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Psychology

Core Studies (AS)

Biological Approach: Assumptions

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Biological Approach: Assumptions

Background Information

  • The Biological Approach to psychology believes that behaviour and mental processes are largely shaped by biological factors.
  • The approach assumes that the brain and the nervous system, hormones, and genetics play significant roles in human behaviour.
  • Central to this approach is the notion that psychological disorders can be treated medically, given their biological genesis.

Key Assumptions

  • Genetics: The biological approach assumes that an individual's genetic makeup influences personality traits, intelligence, mental illness, and other psychological attributes.
  • The Brain and Nervous System: This approach posits that the structure and function of the brain have a huge impact on behaviour.
  • Hormones and Neurotransmitters: It also assumes that chemical imbalances within the brain, often related to hormones and neurotransmitters, can affect psychological processes and behaviour.
  • Evolutionary Influence: The biological approach also gives weight to the idea that behaviours that were once advantageous for survival and reproduction have been passed down across generations.

Implications

  • Biological Treatments: Given these assumptions, the biological approach often favails biological interventions such as drug therapies and surgical interventions to alter brain function or structure.
  • Scientific Measurement: Due to the emphasis on biological systems, this approach utilizes precise scientific measurements, such as brain scans and genetics, to investigate behaviour.
  • Deterministic View: The biological approach often adopts a deterministic view, suggesting that human behaviour is pre-set and follows a biological blueprint.

Evaluation

  • Strengths of the biological approach include its scientific rigor and the practical applications that arise from understanding the biological underpinnings of behaviour.
  • Weaknesses include the determinism it espouses, which undermines the role of free will and social influences on behaviour. It can also overlook individual differences as it often generalises findings from studies of the brain and behaviour.
  • Ethical issues are a major concern in biological psychology, particularly regarding invasive methods and the use of animals in research.

Course material for Psychology, module Core Studies (AS), topic Biological Approach: Assumptions

Psychology

Research Methods (AS)

Situational variables

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Situational variables

Understanding Situational Variables

  • Situational variables are conditions or circumstances that differ across settings, which could affect the behaviour of participants in an experiment.
  • They are factors external to the individual that are present in the environment. Variations in situational variables could significantly impact the results of a study.
  • Examples of situational variables include the time of day, temperature, location, or the presence of other people.

Impact of Situational Variables

  • Situational variables can introduce systematic bias into a study. They can influence the behaviour of participants and nudge responses in a specific direction, thereby influencing the results.
  • They may result in extraneous results, that is, outcomes that are not a direct effect of the independent variable(s) being investigated in the study.
  • The likelihood of confounding may increase with situational variables, where an external variable might be mistaken for or obscure the influence of an independent variable.

Managing Situational Variables

  • A crucial aspect of research design is the identification and management of situational variables. Researchers should make a conscious effort to identify potential situational variables in the experimental setting.
  • Standardisation and control are key to managing situational variables. Researchers can create an environment where situational variables remain consistent across all conditions.
  • For instance, by holding the experiment at the same time of day for all participants, any effects of time (morning alertness, afternoon fatigue, etc.) can be controlled.

Considerations for Situational Variables

  • While it's important to control situational variables, total control isn't always possible or even desirable. For instance, making an environment too sterile might risk creating an artificial setting that doesn't reflect real-life conditions.
  • Researchers should strive for a balance: control enough situational variables to reduce bias but maintain a degree of ecological validity, where the conditions reflect those that participants might encounter in day-to-day life.

Assessing the Impact of Situational Variables

  • One way of determining the impact of situational variables is through replication in different situations. This involves carrying out the same experiment in different conditions or environments.
  • Another way is through analysis of variance (ANOVA), a statistical technique that helps researchers determine whether the differences in results across groups are significant or due to chance.
  • This assessment helps to ensure the validity and generalisability of the research findings. It is vital to differentiate between the effects of the independent variable(s) being studied and the potential impact of situational variables.

Course material for Psychology, module Research Methods (AS), topic Situational variables

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