Unit 2 12-mark questions

Each exam will involve one twelve mark question. Six marks are for knowledge and understanding (AO1) and six for analysis and evaluation (AO2). You should aim to spend about twenty minutes on one of these answers, write about a side and a half of A4 and ensure that you get an even balance between description and discussion of strengths / limitations. In bold below are the actual questions from previous years. In italics are alternatives which could come up.

January 2010

“Abnormality is very difficult to define. It can be hard to decide where normal behaviour

ends and abnormal behaviour begins.”

Discuss two or more definitions of abnormality.

June 2010

Outline and evaluate research into the relationship between the immune system and stress-related illness.

January 2011

‘Freud’s views on the origins of abnormal behaviour and ways of treating it had a great impact on psychology.’

Outline and evaluate the psychodynamic approach to abnormality.

June 2011

“Not everyone conforms or obeys authority; some people resist these pressures and remain independent.”

Outline and evaluate research relating to independent behaviour.

January 2012

‘There are several methods used to manage the negative effects of stress. These methods can be biological or psychological.’

Discuss two or more methods of stress management.

June 2012

Outline and evaluate research into conformity.

Discuss the biological model of abnormality.

Discuss the behavioural model of abnormality.

Discuss the cognitive model of abnormality.

Outline and evaluate the use of physiological / biological therapies.

Outline and evaluate the use of CBT.

Outline and evaluate the use of psychoanalysis.

Outline and evaluate the use of behavioural therapy (e.g. systematic desensitisation).

Discuss what research has shown about the relationship between Life Changes and stress related illness.

Discuss what research has shown about stress in the workplace.

Discuss what research has shown about the effect of personality on stress related illness.

Outline and evaluate physiological methods of stress management.

Outline and evaluate psychological methods of stress management.

Outline and evaluate research into obedience to authority.