PLS Help. Psychology A-Level
I'm doing my Alevel in 2025 and I am really struggling with writing 16 markers for AQA. I don't have a teacher who will mark my essays. So I have no clue whether im writing 16 markers properly. I'm struggling with writing 16 markers and I don't know what to do. So could anyone please mark my essay and give me feedback. Any help would be appreciated. Thank You.
Discuss what research has shown about the localisation of function in the brain (16 marks).
Localisation of function in the brain suggests that different areas of the brain are responsible for specific behaviours and functions. It allows researchers to understand how damage to different areas of the brain can cause illnesses or mental disorders.
The visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information. Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves. The motor cortex,which is located in the frontal lobe controls voluntary movement (ex. Raising your arm). This is where nerve impulses are sent to the motor neuron,which stimulates glands/effectors to carry out a response. The somatosensory cortex processes information which is associated with touch and perception. It is found within the parietal lobe. Lastly, the auditory cortex is located in the temporal lobe, which hears information and processes sound based information.
However, localisation of brain function can be over-simplified. Derjene’s case study on a man who had difficulty reading words, found that communication between the wernicke’s area and the visual cortex was damaged. He showed no signs of damage to the areas of the brain, yet he was unable to understand the information being presented to him. This matters because it suggests that the interactions between different areas of the brain produce complex behaviours. Therefore, the damage between the connection could cause impairments, rather than damage to the localised brain region. However, there is an issue with generalising information from case studies. Case studies are detailed information on a single person / small group of people. This means that they fail to represent the wider population, and the findings obtained cannot be generalisable to others as damage can vary between individuals. Therefore, it is harder to form valid conclusions.
Paul Broca identified an area in the frontal lobe, which is widely known as the broca’s area. Broca’s area is responsible for the production of speech. Individuals with broca’s aphasia have difficulty in producing fluent speech. Wernicke also identified an area in the temporal lobe, which is widely known as the Wernicke's area. It is responsible for understanding speech and language. Individuals with Wernicke’s aphasia, produce nonsense words, as they are unable to understand the content of speech.
One strength of localisation of brain function is research support. Petersen et al. used brain scans to find out that the wernicke’s area was active during a listening task, whereas the broca’s area was active during a reading task. The use of highly controlled and objective methods, allows researchers to form valid conclusions about the functions associated with different areas of the brain. However, Lashley proposes the equipotentiality theory which criticises the idea of localisation of function. Lashley, removed the cortex of rats which were involved in learning the route of a maze. They found that the other cortex’s were just as important, in helping the rats learn the route of the maze. This suggests that complex behaviours such as learning, require different areas of the brain. Therefore, the localisation of brain function may fail to provide an adequate explanation of the processes within the brain.
Another limitation of the localisation of brain function, is that it fails to recognise gender differences. Harast et al found that women have a larger Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area as compared to men, as they use language more.This is a weakness as it suggests that male and female brains operate and process information differently, which is not explained by the localisation of function theory. However, this is a form of alpha bias as it exaggerates the differences between men and women. It suggests there is differences in sizes between the areas of the brain yet it doesn’t explain how these differences affect language abilities.
Discuss what research has shown about the localisation of function in the brain (16 marks).
Localisation of function in the brain suggests that different areas of the brain are responsible for specific behaviours and functions. It allows researchers to understand how damage to different areas of the brain can cause illnesses or mental disorders.
The visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information. Nerve impulses are transferred from the retina to the visual cortex via optic nerves. The motor cortex,which is located in the frontal lobe controls voluntary movement (ex. Raising your arm). This is where nerve impulses are sent to the motor neuron,which stimulates glands/effectors to carry out a response. The somatosensory cortex processes information which is associated with touch and perception. It is found within the parietal lobe. Lastly, the auditory cortex is located in the temporal lobe, which hears information and processes sound based information.
However, localisation of brain function can be over-simplified. Derjene’s case study on a man who had difficulty reading words, found that communication between the wernicke’s area and the visual cortex was damaged. He showed no signs of damage to the areas of the brain, yet he was unable to understand the information being presented to him. This matters because it suggests that the interactions between different areas of the brain produce complex behaviours. Therefore, the damage between the connection could cause impairments, rather than damage to the localised brain region. However, there is an issue with generalising information from case studies. Case studies are detailed information on a single person / small group of people. This means that they fail to represent the wider population, and the findings obtained cannot be generalisable to others as damage can vary between individuals. Therefore, it is harder to form valid conclusions.
Paul Broca identified an area in the frontal lobe, which is widely known as the broca’s area. Broca’s area is responsible for the production of speech. Individuals with broca’s aphasia have difficulty in producing fluent speech. Wernicke also identified an area in the temporal lobe, which is widely known as the Wernicke's area. It is responsible for understanding speech and language. Individuals with Wernicke’s aphasia, produce nonsense words, as they are unable to understand the content of speech.
One strength of localisation of brain function is research support. Petersen et al. used brain scans to find out that the wernicke’s area was active during a listening task, whereas the broca’s area was active during a reading task. The use of highly controlled and objective methods, allows researchers to form valid conclusions about the functions associated with different areas of the brain. However, Lashley proposes the equipotentiality theory which criticises the idea of localisation of function. Lashley, removed the cortex of rats which were involved in learning the route of a maze. They found that the other cortex’s were just as important, in helping the rats learn the route of the maze. This suggests that complex behaviours such as learning, require different areas of the brain. Therefore, the localisation of brain function may fail to provide an adequate explanation of the processes within the brain.
Another limitation of the localisation of brain function, is that it fails to recognise gender differences. Harast et al found that women have a larger Broca’s area and Wernicke’s area as compared to men, as they use language more.This is a weakness as it suggests that male and female brains operate and process information differently, which is not explained by the localisation of function theory. However, this is a form of alpha bias as it exaggerates the differences between men and women. It suggests there is differences in sizes between the areas of the brain yet it doesn’t explain how these differences affect language abilities.
So I added your essay on Tilf website for psychology AQA and it gave me the feedback below. Heads up: Tilf is not 100% accurate. It tends to be either a bit harsh or a bit lenient depending on the subject so I'd focus more on the feedback which is 100% spot on and the mark is more a way to give you an idea where you are but don't take it religiously.
Paragraphs Feedback
The introduction provides a clear overview of the concept of localisation of function in the brain and mentions specific areas such as the visual cortex, motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, and auditory cortex. However, it lacks depth in explaining how these areas function and their significance.
The second paragraph introduces a case study (Derjene's case) to discuss the limitations of localisation. This is a good attempt to show the complexity of brain functions, but the explanation could be more detailed and clearer.
The third paragraph discusses Broca's area and Wernicke's area, providing relevant information about their functions and associated disorders. However, it could benefit from more detailed examples or studies to support the points made.
The fourth paragraph mentions Petersen et al.'s research, which supports localisation. It also discusses Lashley's equipotentiality theory, providing a balanced view. However, the explanation of Lashley's study could be more detailed.
The fifth paragraph discusses gender differences in brain function, citing Harast et al.'s research. This is a relevant point, but the explanation of alpha bias and its implications could be clearer.
The conclusion ties together the various points discussed, but it could be more cohesive and provide a stronger final argument.
What Went Well
The essay covers a range of topics related to the localisation of function in the brain, including specific brain areas, case studies, and research findings. It also discusses limitations and alternative perspectives, providing a balanced view.
Even Better If
The essay would benefit from more detailed explanations and examples to support the points made. Additionally, improving the clarity and cohesion of the arguments would enhance the overall quality of the essay.
Overall Feedback
The essay demonstrates a good understanding of the concept of localisation of function in the brain and discusses various relevant studies and theories. However, it lacks depth in some areas and could benefit from more detailed explanations and clearer arguments. The balance between supporting and opposing views is commendable, but the cohesion and clarity of the essay could be improved.
Mark
Score: 14
Level: 4
Paragraphs Feedback
The introduction provides a clear overview of the concept of localisation of function in the brain and mentions specific areas such as the visual cortex, motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, and auditory cortex. However, it lacks depth in explaining how these areas function and their significance.
The second paragraph introduces a case study (Derjene's case) to discuss the limitations of localisation. This is a good attempt to show the complexity of brain functions, but the explanation could be more detailed and clearer.
The third paragraph discusses Broca's area and Wernicke's area, providing relevant information about their functions and associated disorders. However, it could benefit from more detailed examples or studies to support the points made.
The fourth paragraph mentions Petersen et al.'s research, which supports localisation. It also discusses Lashley's equipotentiality theory, providing a balanced view. However, the explanation of Lashley's study could be more detailed.
The fifth paragraph discusses gender differences in brain function, citing Harast et al.'s research. This is a relevant point, but the explanation of alpha bias and its implications could be clearer.
The conclusion ties together the various points discussed, but it could be more cohesive and provide a stronger final argument.
What Went Well
The essay covers a range of topics related to the localisation of function in the brain, including specific brain areas, case studies, and research findings. It also discusses limitations and alternative perspectives, providing a balanced view.
Even Better If
The essay would benefit from more detailed explanations and examples to support the points made. Additionally, improving the clarity and cohesion of the arguments would enhance the overall quality of the essay.
Overall Feedback
The essay demonstrates a good understanding of the concept of localisation of function in the brain and discusses various relevant studies and theories. However, it lacks depth in some areas and could benefit from more detailed explanations and clearer arguments. The balance between supporting and opposing views is commendable, but the cohesion and clarity of the essay could be improved.
Mark
Score: 14
Level: 4
Original post by lohiba
So I added your essay on Tilf website for psychology AQA and it gave me the feedback below. Heads up: Tilf is not 100% accurate. It tends to be either a bit harsh or a bit lenient depending on the subject so I'd focus more on the feedback which is 100% spot on and the mark is more a way to give you an idea where you are but don't take it religiously.
Paragraphs Feedback
The introduction provides a clear overview of the concept of localisation of function in the brain and mentions specific areas such as the visual cortex, motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, and auditory cortex. However, it lacks depth in explaining how these areas function and their significance.
The second paragraph introduces a case study (Derjene's case) to discuss the limitations of localisation. This is a good attempt to show the complexity of brain functions, but the explanation could be more detailed and clearer.
The third paragraph discusses Broca's area and Wernicke's area, providing relevant information about their functions and associated disorders. However, it could benefit from more detailed examples or studies to support the points made.
The fourth paragraph mentions Petersen et al.'s research, which supports localisation. It also discusses Lashley's equipotentiality theory, providing a balanced view. However, the explanation of Lashley's study could be more detailed.
The fifth paragraph discusses gender differences in brain function, citing Harast et al.'s research. This is a relevant point, but the explanation of alpha bias and its implications could be clearer.
The conclusion ties together the various points discussed, but it could be more cohesive and provide a stronger final argument.
What Went Well
The essay covers a range of topics related to the localisation of function in the brain, including specific brain areas, case studies, and research findings. It also discusses limitations and alternative perspectives, providing a balanced view.
Even Better If
The essay would benefit from more detailed explanations and examples to support the points made. Additionally, improving the clarity and cohesion of the arguments would enhance the overall quality of the essay.
Overall Feedback
The essay demonstrates a good understanding of the concept of localisation of function in the brain and discusses various relevant studies and theories. However, it lacks depth in some areas and could benefit from more detailed explanations and clearer arguments. The balance between supporting and opposing views is commendable, but the cohesion and clarity of the essay could be improved.
Mark
Score: 14
Level: 4
Paragraphs Feedback
The introduction provides a clear overview of the concept of localisation of function in the brain and mentions specific areas such as the visual cortex, motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, and auditory cortex. However, it lacks depth in explaining how these areas function and their significance.
The second paragraph introduces a case study (Derjene's case) to discuss the limitations of localisation. This is a good attempt to show the complexity of brain functions, but the explanation could be more detailed and clearer.
The third paragraph discusses Broca's area and Wernicke's area, providing relevant information about their functions and associated disorders. However, it could benefit from more detailed examples or studies to support the points made.
The fourth paragraph mentions Petersen et al.'s research, which supports localisation. It also discusses Lashley's equipotentiality theory, providing a balanced view. However, the explanation of Lashley's study could be more detailed.
The fifth paragraph discusses gender differences in brain function, citing Harast et al.'s research. This is a relevant point, but the explanation of alpha bias and its implications could be clearer.
The conclusion ties together the various points discussed, but it could be more cohesive and provide a stronger final argument.
What Went Well
The essay covers a range of topics related to the localisation of function in the brain, including specific brain areas, case studies, and research findings. It also discusses limitations and alternative perspectives, providing a balanced view.
Even Better If
The essay would benefit from more detailed explanations and examples to support the points made. Additionally, improving the clarity and cohesion of the arguments would enhance the overall quality of the essay.
Overall Feedback
The essay demonstrates a good understanding of the concept of localisation of function in the brain and discusses various relevant studies and theories. However, it lacks depth in some areas and could benefit from more detailed explanations and clearer arguments. The balance between supporting and opposing views is commendable, but the cohesion and clarity of the essay could be improved.
Mark
Score: 14
Level: 4
Thank you for replying. I will try re-writing it and adding some of the suggestions. I guess I’m just struggling writing clearly
Original post by stuclh
Thank you for replying. I will try re-writing it and adding some of the suggestions. I guess I’m just struggling writing clearly
14/16 is a great mark! you're doing well!
Original post by stuclh
Thank you for replying. I will try re-writing it and adding some of the suggestions. I guess I’m just struggling writing clearly
Hey are u doing it priv?
Original post by mxalikhxbxh
Hey are u doing it priv?
soz I don't understand what you mean lol.
Original post by lohiba
So I added your essay on Tilf website for psychology AQA and it gave me the feedback below. Heads up: Tilf is not 100% accurate. It tends to be either a bit harsh or a bit lenient depending on the subject so I'd focus more on the feedback which is 100% spot on and the mark is more a way to give you an idea where you are but don't take it religiously.
Paragraphs Feedback
The introduction provides a clear overview of the concept of localisation of function in the brain and mentions specific areas such as the visual cortex, motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, and auditory cortex. However, it lacks depth in explaining how these areas function and their significance.
The second paragraph introduces a case study (Derjene's case) to discuss the limitations of localisation. This is a good attempt to show the complexity of brain functions, but the explanation could be more detailed and clearer.
The third paragraph discusses Broca's area and Wernicke's area, providing relevant information about their functions and associated disorders. However, it could benefit from more detailed examples or studies to support the points made.
The fourth paragraph mentions Petersen et al.'s research, which supports localisation. It also discusses Lashley's equipotentiality theory, providing a balanced view. However, the explanation of Lashley's study could be more detailed.
The fifth paragraph discusses gender differences in brain function, citing Harast et al.'s research. This is a relevant point, but the explanation of alpha bias and its implications could be clearer.
The conclusion ties together the various points discussed, but it could be more cohesive and provide a stronger final argument.
What Went Well
The essay covers a range of topics related to the localisation of function in the brain, including specific brain areas, case studies, and research findings. It also discusses limitations and alternative perspectives, providing a balanced view.
Even Better If
The essay would benefit from more detailed explanations and examples to support the points made. Additionally, improving the clarity and cohesion of the arguments would enhance the overall quality of the essay.
Overall Feedback
The essay demonstrates a good understanding of the concept of localisation of function in the brain and discusses various relevant studies and theories. However, it lacks depth in some areas and could benefit from more detailed explanations and clearer arguments. The balance between supporting and opposing views is commendable, but the cohesion and clarity of the essay could be improved.
Mark
Score: 14
Level: 4
Paragraphs Feedback
The introduction provides a clear overview of the concept of localisation of function in the brain and mentions specific areas such as the visual cortex, motor cortex, somatosensory cortex, and auditory cortex. However, it lacks depth in explaining how these areas function and their significance.
The second paragraph introduces a case study (Derjene's case) to discuss the limitations of localisation. This is a good attempt to show the complexity of brain functions, but the explanation could be more detailed and clearer.
The third paragraph discusses Broca's area and Wernicke's area, providing relevant information about their functions and associated disorders. However, it could benefit from more detailed examples or studies to support the points made.
The fourth paragraph mentions Petersen et al.'s research, which supports localisation. It also discusses Lashley's equipotentiality theory, providing a balanced view. However, the explanation of Lashley's study could be more detailed.
The fifth paragraph discusses gender differences in brain function, citing Harast et al.'s research. This is a relevant point, but the explanation of alpha bias and its implications could be clearer.
The conclusion ties together the various points discussed, but it could be more cohesive and provide a stronger final argument.
What Went Well
The essay covers a range of topics related to the localisation of function in the brain, including specific brain areas, case studies, and research findings. It also discusses limitations and alternative perspectives, providing a balanced view.
Even Better If
The essay would benefit from more detailed explanations and examples to support the points made. Additionally, improving the clarity and cohesion of the arguments would enhance the overall quality of the essay.
Overall Feedback
The essay demonstrates a good understanding of the concept of localisation of function in the brain and discusses various relevant studies and theories. However, it lacks depth in some areas and could benefit from more detailed explanations and clearer arguments. The balance between supporting and opposing views is commendable, but the cohesion and clarity of the essay could be improved.
Mark
Score: 14
Level: 4
whats tilf
Original post by stuclh
soz I don't understand what you mean lol.
u said u don't have. teacher to mark it, so I assumed ur not doing it at school?
Original post by mxalikhxbxh
u said u don't have. teacher to mark it, so I assumed ur not doing it at school?
nope i am doing it at school, but my teacher just doesn't have any time to mark apparently
Original post by lohiba
14/16 is a great mark! you're doing well!
my teacher had time to mark it just this one 😕 and she gave me 8/16. so now i really don't know. i have mocks in one week and she's really stressed me out
Original post by stuclh
my teacher had time to mark it just this one 😕 and she gave me 8/16. so now i really don't know. i have mocks in one week and she's really stressed me out
Teachers always mark harshly, there’s several reasons as to why they do that in ur mocks. I would say trust your instincts, get help from other teachers if you can, and maybe try to ignore this teacher but take her advice on board. And ignore the rest, some teachers know how to plainly give negatives but not positives. So I would say take these negatives include them, and bring out the positive. Play the game, with yourself like that. And don’t take anything she says to ur head.
can i help?
Original post by odedesolomon
can i help?
yes please. im actually desperate lol
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