The answers provided below are model answers written by highly experienced A-Level Psychology teachers. These are not official AQA mark scheme answers, but they reflect strong understanding and exam technique based on past examiner reports and specification guidance.

Please don’t worry if your answers looked different — there are often multiple valid ways to respond to a question, and wording can vary while still achieving full marks. Instead of stressing over what’s already done, keep your energy focused on Paper 2 and Paper 3, where there are still plenty of marks to secure. You’ve got this!

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Section A 

Topic: Social Influence 

1.) What is meant by flexibility in the context of minority influence? ( 2 marks)  

Model Answer 

Flexibility in the context of minority influence refers to the ability of the minority to adapt their views and accept reasonable counterarguments. This approach makes them appear more cooperative and less rigid and dogmatic, increasing the likelihood of influencing the majority. 

2.) Outline the Authoritarian Personality as an explanation for obedience. ( 4 marks)  

Model Answer 

The Authoritarian Personality is a dispositional explanation for obedience, suggesting that some individuals are more likely to obey authority due to their personality traits. People with this personality show extreme respect for authority and submissiveness to those of higher status. They often hold rigid beliefs, are hostile to those they see as inferior, and view society in black-and-white terms. This personality type is thought to develop from harsh parenting that emphasises obedience and discipline. 

3.) Outline one limitation of the Authoritarian Personality explanation for obedience. (2 marks)  

Model Answer 

One limitation of the Authoritarian Personality explanation is that situational factors may have a greater influence on obedience. For example, Milgram found that obedience dropped when proximity to the learner increased, suggesting external factors can play a stronger role than personality. 

4.) A parent-toddler group meets for a trip to a soft play centre. They choose to go to MiniWorld. Julie, one of the parents, thinks MiniWorld is overpriced and would rather go to Kids' Cave. She doesn't say anything though, as all the other parents seem keen on MiniWorld. 

Anthony always used to take his twins to Kids' Cave. He has since joined the parent- toddler group. Anthony has heard the other parents talk about the play area at Miniworld as being better than the one at Kids' Cave. He now takes his twins to Miniworld on the days the group does not meet. 

Discuss two explanations for conformity. Refer to Julie and Anthony in your answer. [16 marks] 

Model Answer 

One explanation for conformity is normative social influence (NSI). This is when a person conforms to be liked or accepted by a group, often to avoid rejection or social disapproval. It usually leads to compliance, where someone goes along with the group publicly but may privately disagree. 

 Another explanation is informational social influence (ISI). This is when a person conforms because they believe others have more knowledge or are correct, especially in ambiguous situations. ISI often results in internalisation, where a person adopts the group’s views both publicly and privately. 

Julie’s behaviour can be explained by normative social influence, as she prefers Kids' Cave but stays quiet and agrees with the others to avoid standing out or being rejected. She conforms publicly but probably still believes Kids' Cave is better, showing compliance. 
Anthony’s behaviour reflects informational social influence. Although he previously preferred Kids' Cave, he is influenced by the group's views that MiniWorld is better, so he now goes there even when alone. This suggests internalisation, as he seems to have changed his private opinion. 

One strength of these explanations is that they are supported by research evidence. For example, Asch’s line study showed that participants conformed to a clearly incorrect majority opinion, often explaining afterwards that they conformed to avoid standing out. This supports the role of normative social influence, showing how people conform even when they know the group is wrong, simply to fit in. However, this study was conducted in a highly artificial setting with strangers, which may not reflect how people behave in everyday situations like a parent-toddler group. 

 Another strength is that informational social influence is supported by research in real-world settings. Jenness (1932) found that participants changed their estimates of how many beans were in a jar when exposed to group estimates, suggesting people conform when they believe others know better. This supports ISI as a valid explanation for conformity in ambiguous situations. However, this early research lacks the rigour of more recent studies and may not fully capture the complexity of decision-making in modern social settings. 

Section B 

Topic: Memory  

5.)  Which two of the following statements about types of long-term memory are true? [2 marks] 

Shade two boxes only. 

A Episodic memories are sometimes referred to as 'action memories'. 

B Episodic memories do not require information about facts to be stored. 

C Procedural memories are often stored below the level of conscious awareness. 

D Semantic memories are more difficult to describe than procedural memories. 

E Semantic memories include knowing the rules of football. 

Model Answer 

C -Procedural memories are often stored below the level of conscious awareness. 
E-Semantic memories include knowing the rules of football. 

6.) Outline the procedure and/or findings of one study in which coding in memory was investigated. ( 4 marks)  

Model Answer 

Baddeley (1966) investigated how information is coded in both short-term and long-term memory using word lists that were either acoustically or semantically similar or dissimilar. For short-term memory, participants recalled the words immediately and made more errors with acoustically similar words, suggesting STM is coded acoustically. For long-term memory, recall was tested after 20 minutes, and more errors occurred with semantically similar words, suggesting LTM is coded semantically. These findings show that different memory stores use different types of coding. 

7.) One explanation of forgetting is retrieval failure.  

Suggest one revision strategy based on retrieval failure that could be used to improve performance in an exam. Justify your answer. ( 2 marks)  

Model Answer 

One revision strategy is to revise in an environment similar to the exam setting, such as a quiet room with minimal distractions. This helps because retrieval failure is less likely when the context at recall matches the context at encoding, aiding memory retrieval. 

8.) Another explanation for forgetting is interference.  

Evaluate the interference explanation for forgetting ( 6 marks)  

Model Answer 

One strength of the interference explanation for forgetting is that it is supported by real-life research evidence. For example, Baddeley and Hitch (1977) found that rugby players who played more games forgot more of the teams they had played against, compared to those who played fewer games. This supports the idea that interference, rather than simply the passage of time, can cause forgetting in real-life settings. 

 However, a weakness is that interference may not be a complete explanation because forgetting can often be reversed with cues.  For instance, Tulving and Psotka (1971) showed that when participants were given category cues, recall improved significantly, suggesting the information was not lost but just inaccessible. This challenges interference theory, as it suggests forgetting may be due to retrieval failure rather than interference alone. 

9.) In an investigation into the accuracy of eyewitness testimony, 40 participants were shown the same film of a car crash. 

Following the film, they were randomly allocated to one of two conditions. Each participant was interviewed separately and was asked one critical question. 

In Condition A, 20 participants were asked: 'Did you see the set of traffic lights, Yes or No?' 

In Condition B, the other 20 participants were asked: 'Did you see a set of traffic lights, Yes or No?' 

There was no set of traffic lights in the film. 

The researcher chose to use a chi-squared statistical test to see whether there was a significant difference in responses to the critical question in the two conditions. 

Explain three reasons for this choice with reference to this investigation. (6 marks)  

Model Answer 

One reason the researcher chose a chi-squared test is because the data is nominal. In this study, the responses were simply 'Yes' or 'No', which are categories with no numerical value. Chi-squared is appropriate for analysing frequency data in such categories. 

A second reason is that the researcher was looking for a difference between two conditions. Specifically, the study aimed to see whether wording the question as "a set" or "the set" of traffic lights affected participants' responses. Chi-squared is used when testing for a difference between groups using categorical data. 

A third reason is that the design involved independent groups. Each participant only experienced one version of the question, meaning the groups were unrelated.  

10.) The researcher found that significantly more participants in Condition A responded 'Yes' compared to participants in Condition B. 

Use your knowledge of research into one factor that affects eyewitness testimony to explain this finding. [4 marks] 

Model Answer 

This finding can be explained by leading questions, which is a factor known to affect eyewitness testimony. In Condition A, the question used the phrase "the set of traffic lights," which implies that traffic lights were present, potentially leading participants to respond 'Yes'. This supports research by Loftus and Palmer, who found that the wording of questions can distort memory. Leading questions can influence recall by adding false details to a witness’s memory of the event. 

Section C 

Topic: Attachment 

11.) Two researchers conducted an observational study of reciprocity involving mother-infant pairs in a controlled environment. 

What is meant by reciprocity in attachment? [2 marks] 

Model Answer 

Reciprocity in attachment refers to the two-way interaction between a caregiver and an infant, where each responds to the other's signals. This turn-taking behaviour helps to develop and strengthen the emotional bond between them. 

12.) To conduct the observation of mother-infant pairs, the researchers needed examples of reciprocal behaviours that they could record. 

Suggest two examples of reciprocal behaviours that could be used as behavioural categories in this study. [2 marks] 

Model Answer 

One example of a reciprocal behaviour is the infant smiling after the mother says "peek-a-boo" and smiles. Another example is the mother sticking out her tongue after the infant does so first. 

13.) Outline one way in which the reciprocal behaviours could be sampled in this study. [2 marks] 

Model Answer 

One way the reciprocal behaviours could be sampled is through event sampling, where the researchers record every time a specific reciprocal behaviour (e.g. mutual smiling) occurs during the observation. This allows them to focus on the frequency of key behaviours throughout the session. 

14.) The two researchers compared their data to assess inter-observer reliability. This produced a correlation coefficient of +0.26 

Briefly explain what a correlation coefficient of +0.26 means in terms of the reliability of the two researchers' observations. [2 marks] 

Model Answer 

A correlation coefficient of +0.26 indicates a weak positive relationship between the two researchers' observations. This suggests low inter-observer reliability, meaning the researchers did not consistently record the same behaviours. 

15.) Outline one way in which the reliability of the two researchers could be improved. [2 marks] 

Model Answer 

One way to improve reliability is to train the researchers using a standardised set of behavioural categories before the observation. This ensures both researchers interpret and record behaviours in the same way, increasing consistency. 

16.) Outline the findings of one animal study of attachment. ( 3 marks)  

Model Answer 

Lorenz found that goslings who saw him first after hatching followed him instead of their biological mother. The goslings who hatched naturally followed their mother as expected. This showed that imprinting is automatic, occurs during a critical period, and is irreversible. 

17.) Outline one limitation of the study you have referred to in your answer to question 16. ( 3 marks)  

Model Answer 

One limitation of Lorenz’s study is that the findings may be difficult to extrapolate to humans. This is because imprinting in birds is a simple, automatic process, whereas human attachment involves more complex emotions and social interactions. Therefore, the study may lack relevance when explaining human attachment behaviour. 

18.) Discuss findings from studies that have investigated the role of the father in attachment. (8 marks)  

Model Answer 

Research into the role of the father in attachment suggests that fathers can be important attachment figures, but their role is often different from that of mothers. Schaffer and Emerson (1964) found that while most infants formed primary attachments to their mothers, a significant number also formed secondary attachments to their fathers. Other studies, such as Grossman (2002), found that the quality of a father's play was related to later attachment quality, suggesting fathers play a more stimulating and play-based role. 

One strength of research into the role of the father is that it has practical applications for modern family structures. This is because studies such as Grossman’s show that fathers can form meaningful attachments, especially through play and interaction. This highlights that fathers can take on active roles in childrearing and supports policies like shared parental leave. However, this may depend on individual differences such as the amount of time spent with the child or cultural expectations, meaning not all fathers will play the same role. 

 
One weakness is that research into the father’s role lacks consistency in definitions and methods . Some studies look at fathers as primary caregivers, while others focus on them as secondary attachment figures, making it hard to draw firm conclusions. This inconsistency limits the reliability and clarity of findings about the father’s true role in attachment. Therefore, generalising the findings is difficult, as the role of the father may vary greatly depending on the family context or methodology used. 

Section D 

Topic: Psychopathology 

19.) There are four definitions of abnormality. 

Which of the four definitions of abnormality would be best applied to the examples A, B, C and D below? 

Write a different definition of abnormality for each example. 

A -A person with a phobia of buttons perceiving buttons to be much larger and more threatening than they actually are. 

B- A person with a phobia of buttons struggling to cope with working in an office where there would be lots of people wearing buttoned shirts. 

C- A phobia of buttons is not regarded as expected behaviour within a society. 

D- Less than 0.1% of the UK population has a phobia of buttons. 

(4 marks)  

Model Answer 

A – Deviation from ideal mental health 
B – Failure to function adequately 
C – Deviation from social norms 
D – Statistical infrequency 

20.) Outline Ellis’ ABC model of depression ( 4 marks)  

Model Answer 

Ellis’ ABC model explains depression as being caused by irrational thoughts that follow an activating event. The A stands for the activating event, which is a situation that triggers a response. The B refers to the belief about the event, which can be rational or irrational. The C is the consequence, where irrational beliefs lead to unhealthy emotional responses such as depression. 

21.) Discuss the neural explanation for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and the use of drug therapy to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. ( 16 marks)  

Model Answer 

The neural explanation for OCD focuses on abnormal brain circuits and imbalances in neurotransmitters. Brain scans show that several areas in the frontal lobes are more active in people with OCD, particularly the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and the caudate nucleus, part of the basal ganglia. The OFC sends signals to the thalamus about potential threats (e.g. contamination), and normally the caudate nucleus suppresses these signals. In OCD, this suppression fails, causing a loop of heightened activity and persistent worry. Abnormal levels of serotonin and dopamine are also linked to these brain regions. Low serotonin may result in the malfunctioning of the OFC and caudate nucleus, while high dopamine may lead to overactivity in the basal ganglia. 

Drug therapy, particularly Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), is commonly used to treat OCD. SSRIs such as Zoloft, Paxil and Prozac work by increasing levels of serotonin in the synapse. They do this by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into the sending neuron, thereby increasing stimulation at the receiving neuron. This helps to normalise the disrupted communication in OCD-related brain circuits and reduce anxiety symptoms. 

One strength of the neural explanation is that it is supported by research evidence using brain imaging. For example, studies have shown that people with OCD often have heightened activity in the orbitofrontal cortex and caudate nucleus. This provides biological support for the idea that certain brain regions are involved in the disorder. However, brain scans only show correlations and do not prove that abnormal brain activity causes OCD, as it could be a result of the disorder rather than the cause. 

 
A major strength of the drug therapy approach is its effectiveness in treating OCD symptoms. Soomro et al 20028) has shown that SSRIs are significantly more effective than placebos in reducing symptoms for many patients, especially when combined with cognitive behavioural therapy. This supports the idea that serotonin plays a key role in OCD and that neural mechanisms are involved. However, not all patients respond to SSRIs, and they may experience unpleasant side effects such as nausea or insomnia, limiting the usefulness of this treatment. 

 
One weakness of the neural explanation is that it can be considered reductionist. This is because it focuses purely on biological factors and ignores psychological or environmental influences, such as traumatic life experiences or distorted thinking patterns. By overlooking these factors, the explanation may not fully account for the complexity of OCD. Therefore, a more holistic approach that includes both biological and cognitive-behavioural elements may provide a better understanding and treatment. 

 
Another weakness is that drug therapy may only treat the symptoms of OCD rather than addressing the underlying causes. SSRIs can reduce anxiety and compulsive behaviour, but they do not help individuals change the thought patterns that contribute to their obsessions. This means that symptoms may return if medication is stopped, indicating the treatment is not a long-term solution. Cognitive behavioural therapy, which targets the root of irrational thoughts, may be more effective for long-term recovery. 

END OF QUESTIONS  

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Questions sourced from AQA A-Level Psychology Paper 1, May 2025.