PYSB1 Possible questions

Questions from past paper PYSB1 on Gender Development, Biopsychology and approaches

Social learning theory

1. Julia notices that her friend Ruth goes salsa dancing twice a week, so Julia starts going salsa dancing too. Julia carries on going to classes because everyone tells her that she is very good at dancing. From the description above, identify an example of the following: (i) modelling; (ii) reinforcement. (2 marks)

2. A number of students have a disagreement about which of the three definitions below can be applied to the terms modelling and reinforcement:
• a person’s desire to be like another person or to be part of a particular social group;
• the process by which a response is strengthened;
• a procedure whereby a person observes another person and then attempts to imitate his or her behaviour. In your answer book, write down the definition which illustrates each of the
following: (i) modelling; (ii) reinforcement. (2 marks)

3. Distinguish between the terms imitation and identification. (3 marks)

The cognitive approach

1. Briefly explain one assumption of the cognitive approach in psychology. (2 marks)

2. Discuss the cognitive approach in psychology. Refer to at least one other approach in your answer. (10 marks)

The psychodynamic approach

1. Briefly describe one feature of the psychodynamic approach in psychology. (3 marks)

2. Outline two criticisms of the psychodynamic approach. (4 marks)

3. Jaina is three years old. She sees a packet of her favourite chocolate biscuits on the kitchen table. Jaina’s mother says to her, “You must not eat any of the chocolate biscuits.” When her mother leaves the kitchen, Jaina cannot stop herself from eating a chocolate biscuit, even though she has been told not to. Suggest a psychodynamic explanation as to why Jaina ate the chocolate biscuit. (4 marks)

4. Discuss the psychodynamic approach in psychology. (10 marks)

The humanistic approach

1. Briefly explain one assumption of the humanistic approach in psychology. (2 marks)

2. Lesley is anxious and has low self-esteem. As a child, she felt that, no matter how hard she tried to please people, no one ever approved of her. She sometimes feels worthless. Referring to the humanistic approach, explain one possible cause of Lesley’s problems. (4 marks)

3. Discuss the humanistic approach in psychology. Refer to at least one other approach in your answer. (10 marks)

The biological approach

1. Briefly discuss one limitation of the biological approach in psychology. (4 marks)

2. Discuss the biological approach in psychology. Refer to evidence in your answer. (10 marks)

3. Discuss at least two limitations of the biological approach in psychology. (10 marks)

The behaviourist approach
1. Sunita is eight years old and suffers from a medical condition which means she often has to go into hospital. Each time she goes into hospital, the treatment makes her feel sick. One day, Sunita’s mother took her to visit her grandmother in hospital. When they arrived at the hospital, Sunita complained to her mother that she felt sick.…