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AQA A-Level Psychology Revision Notes

Introduction to AQA A-Level Psychology

Welcome to the ultimate AQA A-Level Psychology revision guide! This resource is designed to provide you with clear, structured, and comprehensive notes to help you succeed in your exams. Covering all key topics, research studies, and exam techniques, this guide will enhance your understanding and improve your exam performance.

Exam Structure

The AQA A-Level Psychology exam consists of three papers:

  • Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology

  • Paper 2: Psychology in Context

  • Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology Each paper consists of a combination of multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-writing questions.

 

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology

Social Influence

  • Conformity: Types (compliance, identification, internalisation) and explanations (informational and normative social influence).

  • Obedience: Milgram’s study, situational variables, agentic state, and legitimacy of authority.

  • Social Change: Minority influence, commitment, flexibility, consistency, and real-world examples.

Memory

  • Models of Memory: Multi-store model (sensory, short-term, and long-term memory), working memory model (central executive, phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, episodic buffer).

  • Types of Long-Term Memory: Episodic, semantic, and procedural memory.

  • Factors Affecting Eyewitness Testimony: Leading questions (Loftus and Palmer), post-event discussion, and anxiety effects.

Attachment

  • Stages of Attachment: Schaffer and Emerson’s study.

  • Theories of Attachment: Bowlby’s monotropic theory, Ainsworth’s Strange Situation.

  • Cultural Variations: Van Ijzendoorn’s research.

  • Impact of Institutionalisation: Romanian orphan studies.

Psychopathology

  • Definitions of Abnormality: Statistical infrequency, deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, deviation from ideal mental health.

  • Characteristics of Disorders: Phobias, depression, OCD.

  • Treatments: Behavioural therapy for phobias, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression, biological treatments for OCD.

Paper 2: Psychology in Context

Approaches in Psychology

  • Biological Approach: Genetics, neurochemistry, brain structure.

  • Behavioural Approach: Classical and operant conditioning.

  • Cognitive Approach: Information processing, schema, cognitive neuroscience.

  • Psychodynamic Approach: Freud’s theory, role of the unconscious, defence mechanisms.

  • Humanistic Approach: Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, self-actualisation.

Biopsychology

  • Nervous System: Central and peripheral nervous system.

  • Endocrine System: Hormones and glands.

  • Localisation of Brain Function: Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas.

  • Plasticity and Functional Recovery: Brain’s ability to adapt after trauma.

Research Methods

  • Experimental Design: Independent, repeated, and matched pairs.

  • Types of Data: Qualitative vs quantitative, primary vs secondary.

  • Statistical Tests: Sign test, probability, and significance.

  • Ethical Issues: Informed consent, deception, protection from harm.

Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology

Issues and Debates in Psychology

  • Nature vs. Nurture: Biological vs environmental influences.

  • Free Will vs. Determinism: Hard and soft determinism.

  • Reductionism vs. Holism: Levels of explanation in psychology.

  • Gender and Culture Bias: Androcentrism, ethnocentrism.

Optional Topics

Relationships

  • Theories of Romantic Relationships: Social exchange theory, equity theory, Rusbult’s investment model.

  • Virtual Relationships: Self-disclosure in online relationships.

Schizophrenia

  • Classification and Diagnosis: Symptoms, ICD-10 and DSM-5.

  • Biological Explanations: Genetics, dopamine hypothesis, neural correlates.

  • Psychological Explanations: Cognitive dysfunctions, family dysfunction.

  • Treatments: Drug therapy, CBT, family therapy.

Aggression

  • Neural and Hormonal Mechanisms: Role of testosterone and serotonin.

  • Social Learning Theory: Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment.

  • Institutional Aggression: Prison violence.

Exam Preparation and Revision Strategies

Top Tips for Exam Success

  • Use the PBWC Format for Evaluation: Point, Because, Why, Counterargument

  • Practice Exam Questions: Time yourself to improve speed.

  • Mind Maps and Flashcards: Organise key concepts visually.

  • Group Study Sessions: Discuss topics with peers for deeper understanding.

  • Past Papers: Familiarise yourself with question styles.

Additional Resources

  • Interactive Quizzes: Test your knowledge with self-assessment quizzes.

  • Infographics: Visual aids for complex theories.

  • Glossary of Key Terms: Definitions for all essential psychology terminology.

By following these structured revision notes and applying effective study techniques, you will be well-prepared for your AQA A-Level Psychology exams. Good luck!

 

 

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