Psychology lessons
A level & IB Psychology: approaches, memory, research methods, social influence, psychopathology and biopsychology.
Key topics
- Approaches
- Memory
- Research methods
- Social influence
- Psychopathology
- Biopsychology
Lesson course
Work through each lesson, run the interactive practice, and tick it off as you go.
1. Approaches
Core
Behaviourist approach
Explain classical and operant conditioning.
Behaviourism studies observable behaviour learned through conditioning: classical (Pavlov — learning by association) and operant (Skinner — reinforcement and punishment).
Give one example of each type of conditioning.
Cognitive approach
Explain internal mental processes and schemas.
The cognitive approach studies internal mental processes (memory, perception) by making inferences; the mind is treated like an information processor.
Explain how a schema can distort memory.
Biological approach
Explain genetic and neural influences.
The biological approach explains behaviour through genes, neurochemistry and brain structure.
Explain one way neurochemistry affects behaviour.
2. Memory
Core
Multi-store model
Describe the multi-store model of memory.
Atkinson & Shiffrin: sensory register → short-term memory (limited, about 7 items) → long-term memory (unlimited) via rehearsal.
Label the stores and explain how info moves between them.
Working memory model
Describe the working memory model.
Baddeley & Hitch: short-term memory is active, with a central executive directing the phonological loop and the visuospatial sketchpad.
Explain the role of the central executive.
Eyewitness testimony
Explain factors affecting EWT.
Eyewitness testimony can be distorted by misleading/leading questions (Loftus) and anxiety; the cognitive interview improves accurate recall.
Explain how leading questions affect recall.
3. Research methods
Skills
Experiments & variables
Identify independent and dependent variables.
An experiment manipulates an independent variable and measures a dependent variable while controlling other variables.
Identify variables in three study descriptions.
Sampling & ethics
Explain sampling methods and ethics.
Samples (random, opportunity, stratified) aim to represent a population; research must follow ethics — consent, no harm, confidentiality.
Match three studies to sampling methods.
Data analysis
Use measures of central tendency and graphs.
Quantitative data is summarised with measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode) and dispersion; choose the right graph and test for the data.
Calculate the mean, median and mode for a data set.
4. Social influence
Core
Conformity
Explain types and explanations of conformity.
Conformity is yielding to group pressure (Asch). Types: compliance, identification, internalisation, explained by normative and informational influence.
Explain Asch's findings on group pressure.
Obedience
Explain Milgram's research and factors.
Milgram showed high obedience to authority; factors include proximity, location and uniform, explained by the agentic state.
Explain two factors that affect obedience.
Social change
Explain how minorities cause change.
Minorities cause social change through consistency, commitment and flexibility, gradually converting the majority.
Explain the role of consistency in social change.
5. Psychopathology
Core
Defining abnormality
Explain definitions of abnormality.
Abnormality is defined by deviation from social norms, failure to function adequately, deviation from ideal mental health, and statistical infrequency.
Apply each definition to one example.
Phobias
Explain the behavioural approach to phobias.
The behavioural approach explains phobias via classical conditioning (acquired) and operant conditioning (maintained); a common treatment is systematic desensitisation.
Outline systematic desensitisation.
Depression
Explain the cognitive approach to depression.
The cognitive approach explains depression through negative thinking (Beck's negative triad, Ellis's ABC model); a common treatment is CBT.
Apply Beck's negative triad to one case.
6. Biopsychology & skills
Core
Nervous system & neurons
Describe the nervous system and synapses.
The nervous system is central and peripheral; neurons carry electrical impulses and communicate across synapses using neurotransmitters.
Describe how a signal passes between neurons.
The brain
Explain localisation of brain function.
Different brain areas have localised functions — motor, somatosensory, visual, auditory, and language areas such as Broca's and Wernicke's.
Match brain areas to their functions.
Exam skills
Structure evaluation answers using studies.
Use studies as evidence, evaluate methodology, and structure extended answers with linked description (AO1) and evaluation (AO3) points.
Plan one 16-mark answer with AO1 and AO3.
Sign in to save your progress as you go.