HOW TO WRITE A2

ESSAYS LIKE A PRO

A2 Psychology

SKILLS EXAMINERS ARE LOOKING FOR

AO1 - Recognise, recall and show understanding of scientific knowledge, select, organise and communicate relevant information in a variety of forms

AO2 - Analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge, apply knowledge and processes to unfamiliar situations, assess the validity, reliability and credibility of scientific information

AO3 - Describe ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques and processes, know how to make, record, and communicate valid observations, analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the methodology and investigative activities in a variety of ways.

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QUESTION STYLES

Un-parted (24 marks = 1 essay):Discuss research into the maintenance of relationships.(8 marks + 16 marks)

Describe and evaluate one or more social psychological theories of aggression.(8 marks + 16 marks)

Outline and evaluate two theories of the breakdown of relationships.(8 marks + 16 marks)

Parted (24 marks = over two questions)

Identify an eating disorder. Outline one explanation of this disorder (4 marks)

Discuss explanations for the success/failure of dieting (4 marks + 16 marks)

DIFFERENT TYPES OF ESSAYS

24 marks – A01 outline (8 marks) + A02/3 evaluation (16 marks)

20 marks – A01 outline (4 marks) + A02/3 evaluation (16 marks)

12 marks– A01 outline (4 marks) + A02/3 evaluation (8marks)

Each mark = approximately 25 words

A01 for 8 marks = requires approx. one written side of A4.

A02/A03 for 16 marks = 400 words approx. (about 2 written sides of A4) in a structured format. Essay evaluation should be plentiful and effective

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A02 – (FOR 16 MARK EVALUATION)

To make evaluation plentiful A02 points should consider:

Citing evidence in support

Citing evidence against

Positive, negative points about theories (reductionist, determinist, culturally biased, practical applications)

drawing conclusions

similarities and differences of theories

Non- synoptic points

Synoptic points

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SYNOPTIC POINTS FOR AO2

(They are often in the textbook) Synoptic points relate to the following issues:

1. Is the theory/explanation reductionist?

2. Is the theory/explanation deterministic?

3. Are there any ethical issues with humans?

4. Are there any ethical issues with animals?

5. Is there gender bias?

6. Is there cultural bias?

7. Does the research relate to the nature/nurture debate?

8. Can the research be explained by other psychological approaches? (e.g. biological, behavioural, psychodynamic, evolutionary, cognitive? )

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A03 – (FOR 16 MARK EVALUATION)(included in A02 part of assessment) A03 Involves you evaluating the research methods used in the studies. Comment on the following criteria to help you:

Evaluate the methodology used (whether it is a lab, field, natural experiment or observation, questionnaire, interview, case study).

The sample and sampling method used.

Any other relevant design issues

NERDCAGE

A01 – (OUTLINE) 8 MARKS

(A02) Synoptic points(A02) Non-Synoptic points (A03) Research methods Points

Methodology

Sampling method

Other design issues

Research for or against.

x4-PEE points

x2-PEE points

X2-PEE points

A02/3 – (EVALUATION) 16 MARK

= 24 MARKS

NERDCAGE

A01 – (OUTLINE) 4 MARKS

(A02) Synoptic points(A02) Non-Synoptic points (A03) Research methods Points

Methodology

Sampling method

Other design issues

Research for or against.

x2-PEE points

x1-PEE points

X1-PEE points

A02/3 –(EVALUATION) 8 MARK

= 12 MARKS

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To make evaluation effective it needs to follow the 3 point structure:

Point - state your criticism (“What is it?”)

Evidence - research to justify your point, or an example

Explain - how your evidence supports your point

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USEFUL LINK PHRASES FOR EVALUATIONThis suggests that…

So we can see that…

This would imply…

One advantage of this is…

An alternative explanation could be…

Therefore…

This is supported by…

This is challenged by…

Not everyone reacts the same way, for example…

There may be cultural variations…

This has been applied to … situation.

Outline (8 marks) Evaluate (16 marks)

Non- synoptic Evaluation Points x 4

P

E

E

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P

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E

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Synoptic Evaluation Points x 2

P

E

E

P

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E

Research Methods Points x 2

P

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ESSAY COVER SHEET

Name: Module:

Teacher:

Essay Tittle:

( marks)

Set Date:

Due Date:

Self-selected targets from last work

1.

2.

3.

When an essay has been marked & returned

you will use the feedback and your own

judgement of the work to set yourself targets

for the next essay. You then put these

targets on the cover sheet of the next essay

to help you improve your next assessment.

Knowing whether the essay is a 12, 20 or 24

mark question will help you plan you

evaluation.

SELF EVALUATION SHEET

I worked independently on this piece of work

I handed this essay in on time

I prepared/started my essay a good time in advance of the deadline

I used and my own materials for this piece of work (own notes, research, or

books)

I used teacher provided materials for this piece of work (hand-outs, slides, )

I understood the essay title

I asked for support when I was stuck

I worked on previous targets

I am pleased with the piece of work I produced

These targets go on the cover sheet

of the next essay to help you

improve

your next assessment and create a

cycle of progression.

What did you feel you did well in this essay? What do you feel you could have done

better in this essay?

Targets for next essay: set yourself 3 SMART targets for your next essay

Reflecting on the work you produce is a

useful skill and essential for taking

responsibility of your learning