Released Test Questions from 2011-17

2011 - PAPER 1SECTION AAnswer all questions in this section. Marks will be awarded for focused answers supported by relevant knowledge.Biological level of analysis1. Explain how one study demonstrates localization of function in the brain. [8 marks]

Cognitive level of analysis2. Outline two principles that define the cognitive level of analysis. [8 marks]

Sociocultural level of analysis3. Explain one compliance technique. [8 marks]

SECTION BAnswer one question in this section. Marks will be awarded for demonstration of knowledge and understanding (including the use of relevant psychological research), evidence of critical thinking (e.g. application, analysis, synthesis, evaluation), and organization of answers.4. To what extent does genetic inheritance influence behaviour? Use relevant research studies in your response. [22 marks]

5. Discuss the use of one research method (e.g. experiments, case studies) in the cognitive level of analysis. Use relevant research studies in your response. [22 marks]

6. Evaluate the role that one cultural dimension (e.g. individualism/collectivism, power distance) may have on behaviour. [22 marks]

PAPER 2

Developmental psychology4. Discuss potential effects of deprivation or trauma in childhood on later development.

5. Define resilience. Describe and evaluate one strategy to build resilience.

6. Outline physical changes in adolescence. Discuss how such physical changes during adolescence relate to development of identity.

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2012 - Paper 1

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2012 – Paper 2

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2013 – Paper 1

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2013 – Paper 2

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2013 – Paper 3

Paper 3

Potential Exam Questions

May 2011

1. Explain effects of participant expectations and researcher bias in qualitative research in the context of this study.

2. Evaluate the use of semi-structured interviews used in the context of this study.

3. Explain how researchers use inductive content analysis (thematic analysis) on interview transcripts in relation to this study. Evaluate the use of inductive and content analysis.

Nov. 2011

4. Evaluate the use of non-participant observation and relate this directly to the stimulus material.

5. Discuss ethical considerations in qualitative research in the context of this study.

6. Explain appropriate use of reflexivity in the context of this study. Evaluate its use and findings.

Other questions to consider

7. Explain how the case study was used to investigate and find a solution to a social problem.

8. Evaluate the use of focus-group interviews as a data collection method in this case study.

9. Discuss whether the findings from this single case study can be generalized.

10. This study attempts to establish the credibility of participant observation as a research method. Explain the importance of credibility in qualitative research.

11. Evaluate the use of participant observation as a research method in the context of this study.

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12. This study used a checklist to guide the observer in making detailed notes about behavior she observed. Distinguish qualitative and quantitative data that could be obtained in a study such as this.

13. The study outlined above uses the phrase “inductive content analysis”. Explain the

advantages and disadvantages of using this research strategy in the context of this

specific study.

14. Just ten elite swimmers were used in this research. To what extent could the findings

of the research be generalized from this study?

15. Interviews are a major research factor in this study. Discuss ways in which you, as

a researcher in this study, would prepare for the interviews and the post interview

information that you would give to each of the ten participants.

16. Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data with reference to this study.

17. Explain strengths and limitations of a qualitative approach to research in this study.

18. To what extent can findings be generalized from this qualitative study.

19. Discuss ethical considerations in context of this study.

20. Discuss sampling technique appropriate to this study (for example, purposive sampling, snowball sampling).

21. Explain effects of participant expectations and researcher bias in relation to this study.

22. Explain the importance of credibility in the context of this study.

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23. Explain the effect of triangulation on the credibility/trustworthiness of qualitative research in reference to this study.

24. Explain the use of reflexivity in this context of this study.

25. Identify and Evaluate the interview approach (semi-structured, focus group or narrative interviews) used in the context of this study.

26. Discuss considerations involved before, during and after an interview.

27. Explain how researchers use inductive content analysis (thematic analysis) on interview transcripts.

28. Identify and Evaluate the type of observation (participant, non-participant, naturalistic, overt and/or covert observations) with reference to this study.

29. Discuss considerations involved in setting up and carrying out an observation (for example, audience effect, Hawthorne effect, disclosure).

30. Discuss how researchers analyse data obtained in observational research.

31. Evaluate the use of case studies in context the context of this study.

32. Explain how a case study could be used to investigate a problem in an organization or group (for example, a football team, a school, a family).

33. Discuss the extent to which findings can be generalized from a single case study. Make reference to this study.

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May 2014 Exam

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May 2015 Exam – Paper 1

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May 2015 Exam – Paper 2 (2 pages)

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May 2015 Exam – Paper 3

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May 2017 Exam – Paper 1

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May 2017 Exam – Paper 2

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May 2017 Exam – Paper 3

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