How well did you or your student do on the Psychology A-Level May/ 2025? -PAPER 2 (Model Answers)
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 3 now, where there are still plenty of marks to secure. You’ve got this!
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A-Level Psychology
Paper 2-Psychology in context
May 2025
Section A
Approaches in Psychology
1.) Describe how Skinner investigated the effect of reinforcement on behaviour. ( 4 marks)
Model Answer
Skinner investigated reinforcement using a device called the Skinner box.
He placed hungry rats or pigeons inside the box and used food pellets as rewards.
When the animal pressed a lever, it was rewarded with food, reinforcing the behaviour.
He found that animals repeated actions that led to positive outcomes, demonstrating operant conditioning.
2.) Outline how evolution might influence behaviour. Give an example from a topic in psychology. ( 4 marks)
Model Answer
Evolution influences behaviour through natural selection, where traits that improve survival are more likely to be passed on.
One example is infant attachment behaviours, such as crying or clinging, which keep the caregiver close. Bowlby’s monotropic theory suggests these behaviours evolved to ensure infants stay near their primary attachment figure.
This increases the chance of protection and survival, meaning such behaviours are naturally selected over generations.
3.) Describe and evaluate the psychodynamic approach in psychology. (16 marks)
Model Answer
The psychodynamic approach, founded by Freud, emphasises the influence of the unconscious mind on behaviour. It suggests that much of our behaviour is driven by unconscious conflicts formed in early childhood. The mind is divided into the id, ego, and superego, which are in constant conflict. Freud proposed that unresolved conflicts in psychosexual stages can lead to fixation and affect adult personality.
He also introduced defence mechanisms like repression, denial, and displacement to protect the ego. The approach uses case studies and techniques like dream analysis and free association to explore unconscious processes.
One strength of the psychodynamic approach is its explanatory power.
This is because it has helped explain a wide range of psychological phenomena, including personality development and mental disorders. This is useful because it has had lasting influence on psychology and paved the way for modern therapies such as psychoanalysis. However, critics argue that many of Freud’s concepts, such as the unconscious or the Oedipus complex, are not testable or falsifiable.
Another strength is its practical application in therapy.
Freud's ideas led to the development of psychoanalysis, which uses talking therapy to uncover repressed thoughts and conflicts. This is valuable because it was one of the first psychological treatments and has helped patients with conditions like depression and anxiety. However, psychoanalysis is time-consuming, expensive, and not suitable for treating more severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia.
One limitation is that the psychodynamic approach relies heavily on case studies.
This is because Freud’s theories were often based on small samples, such as his work with Little Hans. This is a problem because such case studies are subjective and hard to generalise to the wider population.
However, case studies are rich in qualitative data and can provide insights into unique and complex behaviours.
Another limitation is that the approach is considered unscientific.
This is because it does not rely on empirical methods or controlled experiments, and many of its concepts cannot be objectively measured.
This weakens its credibility as a scientific approach, especially when compared to biological or cognitive psychology.
However, some argue that it still holds value in understanding emotions and the deeper meanings behind human behaviour.
Section B
Biopsychology
4.) Name one type of neuron and briefly explain its function ( 2 marks)
Model Answer
A sensory neuron carries information from the sensory receptors (e.g. skin, eyes) to the central nervous system. It allows the brain to process external stimuli such as touch, light, or sound.
5.) Using an example of a hormone, outline the function of the endocrine system. ( 4 marks)
Model Answer
The endocrine system is a network of glands that secrete hormones to regulate bodily functions. Hormones act as chemical messengers and travel through the bloodstream to target organs. For example, the adrenal glands release adrenaline in response to stress.
Adrenaline prepares the body for fight or flight by increasing heart rate and redirecting blood flow to muscles.
6.) Explain the process of synaptic transmission. Refer to excitation in your answer. ( 4 marks)
Model Answer
When an electrical impulse reaches the end of a neuron, it triggers the release of neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles.
These neurotransmitters cross the synaptic gap and bind to receptor sites on the postsynaptic neuron. If the neurotransmitter is excitatory, such as glutamate, it increases the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire. This process is known as excitation and is essential for transmitting signals between neurons.
7.) Sam has started to have short-term memory problems. He forgets things he has just read but remembers what people have just said to him.
Explain how functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) might be used to study Sam's memory. ( 6 marks)
Model Answer
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures brain activity by detecting changes in blood oxygen levels.
When an area of the brain is more active, it requires more oxygen, which fMRI can detect in real time. Sam could be asked to complete different memory tasks while undergoing an fMRI scan. For example, he might read short passages or listen to spoken sentences.
The scan would show which parts of his brain are active during each task.
This could help identify whether there are differences in brain activity between tasks involving visual (reading) and auditory (listening) memory.
8.) Discuss what research has shown about hemispheric lateralisation. ( 8 marks)
Model Answer
Hemispheric lateralisation refers to the idea that each hemisphere of the brain has specialised functions. For example, the left hemisphere is typically involved in language, while the right is more involved in spatial and visual tasks. Research by Sperry using split-brain patients showed that when information was presented to the right hemisphere, patients could not verbally describe it, supporting lateralisation of language to the left hemisphere.
One strength of research into hemispheric lateralisation is the use of highly controlled experiments. This is because Sperry's split-brain studies used standardised procedures, such as controlling what visual field the information was presented to.
This is useful because it increases the reliability and internal validity of the findings, allowing researchers to draw firm conclusions about hemispheric functions.
However, the artificial nature of the tasks (e.g., looking at images for milliseconds) may reduce ecological validity.
One limitation is the small and unusual sample used in most lateralisation research.
Sperry’s participants were epileptic patients who had undergone surgery to cut the corpus callosum, which is not representative of the general population.
This is a problem because the findings may not apply to people with typical brain structures. However, despite the small sample, the research provided important early insights into brain specialisation.
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Section C
Research methods
Academic journals suggest conflicting findings about the effectiveness of online learning. A researcher designed an experiment to measure the effectiveness of online learning compared with face-to-face learning.
The researcher placed an advert in an online forum asking for student participants for a memory experiment.
30 university students contacted the researcher and they were divided equally into two groups. Both groups learned the same topic.
Group 1 had 3 hours of online learning.
Group 2 had 3 hours of face-to-face learning.
At the end of the session, each participant completed a multiple-choice test scored out of 20 to measure how much they had learned about the topic.
9.) The researcher chose to use a non-directional hypothesis for this study.
Explain why a non-directional hypothesis is appropriate in this case. ( 2 marks)
Model Answer
A non-directional hypothesis is appropriate because there is conflicting evidence about whether online or face-to-face learning is more effective.
This means the researcher does not have a clear expectation about which method will lead to better test performance.
10.) Write an appropriate hypothesis for this study. ( 3 marks)
Model Answer
There will be a difference in test scores between students who receive online learning and those who receive face-to-face learning.
11.) Which one of the following best describes the sampling method used in this study?
Shade one box only
A Opportunity
B Random
C Systematic
D Volunteer
Model Answer
D-Volunteer
12.) Evaluate the sampling method the researcher used in this study. (4 marks)
Model Answer
One strength of volunteer sampling is that it allowed the researcher to quickly recruit university students through an online forum.
This is useful as the study involved online learning, so tech-savvy students were likely relevant to the research. However, a limitation is that students who volunteer may be more confident or interested in the topic, introducing volunteer bias.
This means the results about online vs face-to-face learning may not generalise to all university students.
The results of the study are given in the table below.
Table 1 Median scores and ranges from the multiple-choice test for the two groups.
|
|
Group 1 (online) |
Group 2 (face-to-face) |
|
Median
|
18 |
2 |
|
Range |
5
|
10 |
13.) What do the median and range values in Table 1 suggest? Justify your answer. ( 4 marks)
Model Answer
The median score for the online group is higher (18) than the face-to-face group (2), suggesting online learning was more effective in this study.
This means students in the online group performed much better on the memory test.
The range is smaller for the online group (5) compared to the face-to-face group (10), showing more consistent performance.
In contrast, the larger range in the face-to-face group suggests more variation in how well students learned the material.
14.) A bar chart could be used to display the measures of central tendency shown in Table 1.
Suggest an appropriate label for each axis of the bar chart. ( 2 marks)
Model Answer
X-axis: Type of learning (Online, Face-to-face)
Y-axis: Median test score out of 20
15.) Identify an appropriate statistical test to analyse the data collected in this study. Explain three reasons for your choice. (7 marks)
Model Answer
Mann-Whitney U test is suitable because the researcher is comparing two independent groups: one group received online learning and the other received face-to-face learning.
Secondly, the data is ordinal — median scores were used, which suggests the data is not interval or normally distributed. Thirdly, the design is an independent measures design, as different participants took part in each condition of the experiment.
16.) The researcher found that the difference in results between the two groups was significant at p<0.01
Explain what is meant by 'significant at p<0.01' in the context of this study. ( 3 marks)
Model Answer
A result being significant at p < 0.01 means there is less than a 1% probability that the difference between the two groups occurred by chance.
In this study, it suggests the difference in test scores between the online and face-to-face groups is statistically meaningful. Therefore, the researcher can be confident that the learning method likely affected memory performance.
17.) The researcher used a different group of people in each condition, which could have affected the results.
Outline one change the researcher could have made to deal with this issue. ( 2 marks)
Model Answer
The researcher could have used a repeated measures design, where the same participants take part in both conditions. This would control for individual differences, as each person serves as their own comparison.
18.) Explain one or more possible implications of the findings of this study for the economy. ( 4 marks)
Model Answer
If online learning is shown to be more effective, educational institutions could reduce costs by offering more online courses. This may lower the need for physical space, travel expenses, and staffing. As a result, universities and training providers could become more efficient and accessible. Improving learning outcomes through cost-effective methods could boost workforce skills and productivity, benefiting the wider economy.
19.) Explain how the researcher’s study illustrates one or more features of science. ( 4 marks)
Model Answer
The researcher’s study illustrates objectivity, as test scores provide measurable, unbiased data. It also shows replicability, since the procedure (same topic, same test, same time) can be repeated by others. The study used a controlled method, with both groups receiving the same amount of learning time. Finally, the researcher formed and tested a hypothesis, which is a key feature of scientific investigation.
20.) Design a study to investigate students' experiences of online learning.
In your answer you will gain credit for providing appropriate details of the following:
-
the type of self-report technique that will be used, with justification
-
an example of one relevant question that could be used to collect qualitative data, with justification
-
how you would ensure the ethical treatment of participants
-
how content analysis could be used to analyse the qualitative data.
[12 marks
Model Answer
To investigate students' experiences of online learning, I would use a semi-structured interview as my self-report technique.
This method is appropriate because it allows for a flexible yet focused exploration of the topic, enabling follow-up questions to gain deeper insight into individual experiences.
An example of a relevant question to collect qualitative data is:
"Can you describe a time when online learning either helped or hindered your understanding of a topic?"
This is appropriate because it encourages detailed, reflective responses and helps uncover personal perceptions of online learning.
To ensure the ethical treatment of participants, I would provide an information sheet explaining the purpose of the study and obtain informed consent.
Participants would be reminded that their responses are confidential and anonymous, and that they have the right to withdraw at any time without penalty.
To analyse the qualitative data, I would use content analysis.
This involves reading through the interview transcripts, identifying recurring themes or categories (e.g., "flexibility", "technical issues", "lack of motivation"), and counting how often these themes appear.
This systematic approach allows for a meaningful summary of common patterns in students' experiences.
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*Disclaimer
This resource was created for educational purposes and is not endorsed by or affiliated with AQA. The exam questions are used under fair dealing for review and commentary.
Questions sourced from AQA A-Level Psychology Paper 2, May 2025.