AQA A2 Psychology PSYA3/PSYA4 Revision Thread 2015

When we did our PSYA4 mock, we were allocated 50 minutes for research methods, within which I had plenty of time. Roughly try to allocate a minute per mark, and then use whatever it left over in the section you struggle with most. The marks are split 24, 24 and 35 I believe, so 83 marks in total.

If you spend 35-40 minutes on each of the 24 mark sections. Then you have around 40 minutes for research methods, which I think should be sufficient. But obviously these are just based on how I feel about RM, if you struggle with it, you may need to allocate more time

Hope this helps

Guys, seen some people talking about how there could be 12 markers on infradian/circadian rhythms separately--the only essay I've memorised from that part of the spec is 'Discuss the role of endogenous pacemakers in the control of one or more biological rhythms'.

What exactly is a question about infradian/circadian rhythms asking about? How would you answer this sort of question?

Thanks, this is really helpful. For these two questions though:

- Discuss the role of exogenous zeitgebers on circadian rhythms
- Discuss the role of endogenous pacemakers on circadian rhythms

Are they essentially the same question, i.e. can you use the same studies for both (I've put some examples in spoiler)?

For example, Siffre's study shows what happens to our sleeping patterns when endogenous pacemakers are left to run free, but you can easily turn it round and say the study shows what happens when exogenous zeitgebers are removed as a variable. Would you approach these questions in the same way?

I personally think its more important to learn the content and have the knowledge firm in your mind than learn the exact structure of each essay- I wouldn't get too het up about learning the essays off by heart, as long as you know the key point. You can then embellish and expand in the exam.

I'd approach them in similar ways, but not the same. We were given handouts in class from an AQA book with all the possible essay questions and some plans and guidance- in that it said that, if the question was on endogenous factors for example, you must focus on endogenous factors and use studies on exogenous factors for evaluation points only (it said 'to contrast ideas'). But yes, I would use the same studies just change the way that you apply them so that the main focus is on the impact of the findings on research into endogenous factors (and obviously vice versa for exogenous)

Is it really true that AQA have to bring up role of hormone/genes and evolutionary explanations before the new spec comes into force?

Just out of interest, how many pieces of research are people using for each essay?

I always thought 3-4 was fine with an extra 2 IDAs (for unit 3 especially)

I go with the guideline:
16 marks (of evaluation): 8 points
8 marks- 4 points.

8 points per theory or altogether 8 points for the whole evaluation?

For the whole evaluation.

*phew*

Yeah, they haven't provided enough material for the other option. I'll be fuming if they expect it from us though.

Just out of interest, how many pieces of research are people using for each essay?

I always thought 3-4 was fine with an extra 2 IDAs (for unit 3 especially)