AS Level Psychology
Paper 1
Debates
Determinism vs Free Will Determinism: Belief that human behaviour is determined by factors that they cannot control; therefore, it is predictable. Mainly Behaviourist approach. Hard determinism – behaviour is controlled by one factor. Soft determinism – behaviour is controlled by general laws, which allows free will to come into play in some situation. Free will: Belief … Continue reading Debates
Issues
Ecological Validity: The extent to which the setting of a study can be relevant to everyday life. For example, research conducted in a laboratory experiment may be considered low in ecological validity because it is not a setting humans are used to. The concept is that the more familiar a setting is, the lesser chance … Continue reading Issues
Research Methods
Experiments: Laboratory experiments: Researchers control as many variables as possible. They can be conducted anywhere if they are controlled. Strengths: High level of control. It can be repeated. The cause and effect of the phenomenon can be easily spotted. Scientific equipment can be used easily – no need of hiding from participants. Weaknesses: The experimenter … Continue reading Research Methods
Veale and Riley (2001) The Psychopathology of Mirror Gazing in Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Background Body dysmorphic disorder: psychological disorder related to body image. The fear of having a deformity. The researchers decided to carry out the study after a patient admitted to spending 6 hours staring at himself in the mirrors. This prompted the researchers to find out if mirror gazing and BDD has a relationship. Aim: To … Continue reading Veale and Riley (2001) The Psychopathology of Mirror Gazing in Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Billington, Baron-Cohen and Wheelwright (2007) Questionnaire and Performance Tests of Empathy and Systemizing
Background Cognitive style of people and whether they could explain gender differences. Systemising: the drive and ability to analyse the rules underlying a system to predict its behaviour. Empathising: the drive and ability to identify another’s mental states and to respond to these with one of a range of appropriate emotions. Aim: To see whether … Continue reading Billington, Baron-Cohen and Wheelwright (2007) Questionnaire and Performance Tests of Empathy and Systemizing
Thigpen and Cleckley (1954) A Case of Multiple Personality
Background Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) is a dissociative disorder in which two or more distinct personalities coexist within one and the same individual. It is a neurotic disorder. It is not a form of schizophrenia – type of psychotic disorder where contact with reality and insight are impaired. Other symptoms are hallucinations and delusions. Aim … Continue reading Thigpen and Cleckley (1954) A Case of Multiple Personality
Rosenhan (1973) Being Sane in Insane Places
Aim: To test the hypothesis that psychiatrists cannot reliably tell the difference between people who are sane and those who are insane. Study I Method: Sample: Eight sane people – One graduate student Three psychologists (including Rosenhan) A paediatrician A painter Housewives Procedure: Field experiment – took place in natural setting but researchers manipulated certain … Continue reading Rosenhan (1973) Being Sane in Insane Places
Dematte, Osterbauer and Spence (2007) Olfactroy Cues Modulate Facial Attractiveness
Aim: To investigate whether the perceived attractiveness of faces is affected by olfactory cues. It specifically investigated whether a pleasant or an unpleasant smell would affect judgments of facial attractiveness Method: Participants: 16 female students at University of Oxford. Mean age of 26 (from 20 to 34) Unaware of the purpose of the study. Asked … Continue reading Dematte, Osterbauer and Spence (2007) Olfactroy Cues Modulate Facial Attractiveness
CIE A Level Psychology 