A Level Psychology OCR

This subject is broken down into 50 topics in 12 modules:

  1. Research Methods 5 topics
  2. Social Psychology 3 topics
  3. Cognitive Psychology 3 topics
  4. Developmental Psychology 3 topics
  5. Biological Psychology 3 topics
  6. The Psychology of Individual Differences 3 topics
  7. Perspectives and Debates 3 topics
  8. Issues in Mental Health 3 topics
  9. Child Psychology 6 topics
  10. Criminal Psychology 6 topics
  11. Experimental Psychology 6 topics
  12. Sport and Exercise Psychology 6 topics
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  • 12
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  • 50
    topics
  • 17,430
    words of revision content
  • 2+
    hours of audio lessons

This page was last modified on 28 September 2024.

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Psychology

Research Methods

Research Methods and Techniques

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Research Methods and Techniques

Research Design

  • Replicated study: This is a research that is carried out with the same procedures as a previous study but with different participants. It is done to verify or refute the findings of the previous study.
  • Longitudinal vs Cross-sectional studies: Longitudinal studies monitor the same participants over an extended period of time, while cross-sectional studies compare different groups of participants at the same time.
  • Case studies: These are in-depth studies of a single individual/unit. They are often used when it's impossible or unethical to conduct controlled experiments.
  • Correlational studies: These studies are used to investigate the relationship between two variables, but they cannot determine causality.

Data Collection Methods

  • Self-report techniques: This includes methods such as questionnaires, interviews, and diaries where participants are asked to provide information about themselves.
  • Observations: This can be naturalistic (observing in a natural setting) or controlled (observing in a lab setting).
  • Experiments: This involves manipulating one variable and measuring the effect on another variable. It can be conducted in a lab, field or through natural/ quasi experiments.

Sampling Methods

  • Random sampling: Each member of the population has an equal chance of being chosen.
  • Systematic sampling: Every nth member of the population is chosen.
  • Stratified sampling: The population is divided into subgroups based on certain characteristics (e.g. age, sex), and participants are selected from each subgroup.
  • Opportunity sampling: The sample consists of participants who are available and agree to take part.

Data Analysis

  • Descriptive statistics: Used to summarise and describe the data collected. Measures include mean, median, and mode.
  • Inferential statistics: Used to draw conclusions about the population based on the data collected from the sample. It includes hypothesis testing and statistical significance.

Ethical Considerations

  • Informed consent: Participants should be fully informed about the nature of the research and agree to participate voluntarily.
  • Deception: Researchers should avoid deceiving participants wherever possible, and if used, participants should be debriefed afterwards.
  • Confidentiality: Participants' identity and responses should be kept confidential.
  • Protection from harm: Researchers should ensure that participants are not subjected to physical or psychological harm.

Course material for Psychology, module Research Methods, topic Research Methods and Techniques

Psychology

Issues in Mental Health

Alternatives to the Medical Model

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Alternatives to the Medical Model

The Behavioural Model

  • This model views abnormal behaviour as learned through processes of classical and operant conditioning.
  • Main assumption: All behaviour is learned. Therefore, if behaviour could be unlearned, it is possible to replace it with new learned behaviours through treatment.
  • Strength: Focusses on the 'here and now' which can make for highly practical therapies such as CBT.

The Cognitive Model

  • This model places emphasis on the role of thoughts and cognitions, suggesting they play a key role in the development and maintenance of disorders.
  • Main assumption: Cognitive maladaptations (unhelpful thinking styles) lead to mental health issues.
  • Strength: Treatments such as CBT that aim to alter thinking patterns have been proven popular and effective.

The Psychodynamic Model

  • This model promotes the idea that disorders stem from unresolved conflicts and traumas in childhood.
  • Main assumption: Unresolved inner conflicts from childhood harmfully affect adult mental health.
  • Limitation: This model has been criticised due to its strong focus on childhood experiences, overlooking possible biological and cognitive influences.

The Humanistic Model

  • An alternative model that suggests each individual has the capacity to fulfil their potential, and mental illnesses occur when this potential is blocked.
  • Main assumption: Mental illnesses arise when individuals are unable to actualise their potential due to barriers in their life.
  • Strength: Treatments such as client-centred therapy focus on creating an environment where the person feels valued, which helps in promoting self-belief and self-growth.

Course material for Psychology, module Issues in Mental Health, topic Alternatives to the Medical Model

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