Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/14-1-1-physiology-of-stress

[Revision notes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes.md) › [A Level](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level.md) › [Psychology](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology.md) › [AQA](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa.md) › Physiology of Stress

# Physiology of Stress

Psychology: AQA A Level, topic 14.1.1

## The Stress Response

Stress is a response to a threatening stimulus that we perceive is greater than the resources we have to deal with it. These resources may be within the environment or  related to our own abilities.

### Own judgement

![Own judgement](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/f654f852-735b-4373-a259-070498fc9887/stressed-man-stressing-thinking.jpg)

- A key thing to remember is that the stress response is triggered by a judgement which we make and we often incorrectly estimate the demands of a situation.
- Regardless of whether we actually have the resources to cope with a situation or not, if we perceive we cannot, then the stress response will be induced.

### Brain regions

![Brain regions](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/9a76d1fd-635f-49a5-bd37-36d7c22782cf/brain-mri.jpg)

- Judgements about whether a stimulus is a stressor or not, are made in the cerebral cortex.
- If a stimulus is judged to be a stressor, the cerebral cortex sends signals to the hypothlamus which triggers the stress response.

### Sympathomedullary pathway

![Sympathomedullary pathway](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/3b85b4f7-bf10-4db3-a822-5911f8378268/motorcycle-adrenaline-.jpg)

- First described by **Cannon (1932)** as the ‘fight or flight’ response, this is the first stage of the stress response.
- The sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is activated. This causes the adrenal medulla (the central part of the adrenal gland) to release adrenaline and noradrenaline into the blood.

### Effects of sympathetic arousal

![Effects of sympathetic arousal](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/bb788574-7bb6-43a3-bdcd-22952c841deb/shutterstock_379870144.jpg)

- The arousal of the sympathetic nervous system causes physiological changes that help the body prepare to deal with threat and prepare to either fight or flee. These changes are:
 - Pupils dilate. 
 - Heart and breathing rate increase.
 - Blood is diverted from digestion in the stomach to the muscles in the legs and arms.

### HPA system

![HPA system](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/5.2.2%20-%20The%20brain/system-2660914_640-min.jpg)

- If the stress persists over a long period of time, the Hypothalamic Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) System is activated. 
- As the sympathomedullary pathway is very intense, it uses a lot of bodily resources. So the HPA system works to support this by producing more fuel for the body.

### General adaptation syndrome

![General adaptation syndrome](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/2.1.1%20-%20Matter/sweating-min.jpg)

- Hans Selye first proposed the general adaptation syndrome in the 1930s. The general adaptation syndrome describes the body’s nonspecific physiological response to stress - that regardless of the type of stressor, the same pattern of reactions happens.

## Hypothalamic Pituitary-Adrenal System and Stress

The HPA System is activated with the sympathomedullary pathway and produces fuel to support the ‘fight or flight’ response. But extended activation of this system has negative effects on the body.

### Mechanism of the HPA

![Mechanism of the HPA](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/1.3.1%20Diffusion%20and%20active%20transport/blood-1813410_640-min.jpg)

- In response to stress, the hypothalamus releases corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). 
- This stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
- ACTH then activates the adrenal cortex (the outer part of the adrenal glands) to secrete a number of hormones into the bloodstream, including cortisol.

### Cortisol

![Cortisol](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/1.5.1%20Energy%20Changes/kinetic-energy-min.jpg)

- Cortisol is commonly known as the stress hormone, and helps provide that boost of energy when we first encounter a stressor, preparing us to run away or fight.
- Cortisol converts protein to glucose, which provides this extra energy.
- Cortisol also improves immune system functioning temporarily and decreases pain sensitivity.
- In short bursts, this process is very beneficial.

### Negative effects of cortisol

![Negative effects of cortisol](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/03fd7ab6-1fc1-4385-8f43-fb0034d3ce5b/shutterstock_1034893411.jpg)

- Prolonged, chronic stress leads to prolonged HPA system activation and so extended release of cortisol.
- High levels of cortisol have been shown to produce a number of harmful effects, including weakening of the immune system. 
- High levels of cortisol have been regularly observed in individuals with psychological disorders such as depression.

### Evolution

![Evolution](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/fc44d611-e341-4f95-a302-ab8b1e8a7bcb/shutterstock_171519368.jpg)

- In the early years of humanity, most stressors would have been physical threats. So the physiological stress response would have been beneficial for survival.
- But in today’s society, most stressors are psychological and long term. So the physiological stress response is often activated to no real gain, and may be doing us more harm than good.

## The General Adaptation Syndrome and Stress

Hans Selye proposed the general adaption syndrome in the 1930s. The general adaptation syndrome is the body’s nonspecific physiological response to stress - regardless of the type of stressor, the same pattern of reactions happens.

### Selye's observations

![Selye's observations](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/Edexcel/9%20-%20Ecosystem/rats.jpg)

- In the 1930s, Selye was researching sex hormones in rats. 
- Selye observed that rats became ill when exposed to prolonged negative stimulation (stressors) such as extreme cold, surgical injury, excessive muscular exercise and shock.
- Selye referred to this as the general adaptations syndrome and proposed that there were three distinct steps.

### Stage 1 - alarm reaction

![Stage 1 - alarm reaction](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/d7b71f83-cc3f-4beb-a6be-7810d30afcc8/fight-goats.jpg)

- The alarm reaction describes the body’s immediate reaction upon facing a threatening situation or emergency. It is roughly analogous to the fight-or-flight response that Cannon described.
- During an alarm reaction, you are alerted to a stressor and your body alarms you with a cascade of physiological reactions that provide you with the energy to manage the situation.

### Stage 2 - stage of resistance

![Stage 2 - stage of resistance](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/a9599497-bc54-46e0-975f-82b3444113c1/shutterstock_332375318.jpg)

- If exposure to a stressor is prolonged, the organism will enter the stage of resistance.
- During this stage, the initial shock of the alarm reaction has worn off and the body has adapted to the stressor. 
- Nevertheless, the body also remains on alert and is prepared to respond as it did during the alarm reaction, although with less intensity.

### Stage 3 - stage of exhaustion

![Stage 3 - stage of exhaustion](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/Edexcel/5%20Health%20and%20disease/coughing_man.jpg)

- If exposure to a stressor continues over a longer period of time, the stage of exhaustion comes on.
- At this stage, the person is no longer able to adapt to the stressor. The body’s ability to resist becomes depleted as physical wear takes its toll on the body’s tissues and organs. 
- Illness, disease and other permanent damage to the body - even death - may happen as a result.

### Physical focus

![Physical focus](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/chemistry/10.1.1%20Potable%20water/virus-1913183_640-min.jpg)

- You should be aware that this model is a response-based conceptualisation of stress that focuses exclusively on the body’s physical responses, while largely ignoring psychological factors, such as appraisal and interpretation of threats. 
- The model offers a general explanation for how stress can lead to physical damage and disease, but it's likely that there are psychological mediators at play too.

## Test yourself on Physiology of Stress

- Which of these is NOT a result of the sympathetic nervous system being stimulated?
- Which of these is NOT caused by cortisol?
- Mechanisms of the Hypothalamic Pituitary-Adrenal System
- Whose experiments lead to proposing the general adaptation syndrome and when?
- Steps in the General Adaptation Syndrome

[Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/db5cd155-3f4b-40cb-a9f9-8c314f118345/section/b35d1145-37be-4e8f-8d5c-a918a2c857cb/session)

- Previous topic: [13.1.13 End of Topic Test - Eating Behaviour](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/13-1-13-end-of-topic-test-eating-behaviour.md)
- Next topic: [14.1.2 Role of Stress in Illness](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/14-1-2-role-of-stress-in-illness.md)

## Psychology: AQA A Level contents

### 1 Social Influence
- 1.1 Social Influence
  - [1.1.1 Conformity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/1-1-1-conformity.md)
  - [1.1.2 Jenness' Conformity Study](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/1-1-2-jenness-conformity-study.md)
  - [1.1.3 Asch (1951)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/1-1-3-asch-1951.md)
  - [1.1.4 Sherif (1935)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/1-1-4-sherif-1935.md)
  - [1.1.5 Conformity to Social Roles](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/1-1-5-conformity-to-social-roles.md)
  - [1.1.6 End of Topic Test - Conformity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/1-1-6-end-of-topic-test-conformity.md)
  - [1.1.7 Obedience](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/1-1-7-obedience.md)
  - [1.1.8 Analysing Milgram's Experiment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/1-1-8-analysing-milgrams-experiment.md)
  - [1.1.9 Agentic State & Legitimate Authority](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/1-1-9-agentic-state-and-legitimate-authority.md)
  - [1.1.10 Variables of Obedience](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/1-1-10-variables-of-obedience.md)
  - [1.1.11 Resistance to Social Influence](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/1-1-11-resistance-to-social-influence.md)
  - [1.1.12 Minority Influence & Social Change](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/1-1-12-minority-influence-and-social-change.md)
  - [1.1.13 Minority Influence & Social Impact Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/1-1-13-minority-influence-and-social-impact-theory.md)
  - [1.1.14 End of Topic Test - Social Influences](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/1-1-14-end-of-topic-test-social-influences.md)
  - [1.1.15 Exam-Style Question - Conformity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/1-1-15-exam-style-question-conformity.md)
  - [1.1.16 Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Social Influence](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/1-1-16-top-grade-ao2ao3-social-influence.md)

### 2 Memory
- 2.1 Memory
  - [2.1.1 Multi-Store Model of Memory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-1-multi-store-model-of-memory.md)
  - [2.1.2 Short-Term vs Long-Term Memory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-2-short-term-vs-long-term-memory.md)
  - [2.1.3 Support for the Multi-Store Model of Memory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-3-support-for-the-multi-store-model-of-memory.md)
  - [2.1.4 Duration Studies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-4-duration-studies.md)
  - [2.1.5 Capacity Studies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-5-capacity-studies.md)
  - [2.1.6 Coding Studies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-6-coding-studies.md)
  - [2.1.7 The Working Memory Model](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-7-the-working-memory-model.md)
  - [2.1.8 The Working Memory Model 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-8-the-working-memory-model-2.md)
  - [2.1.9 Support for the Working Memory Model](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-9-support-for-the-working-memory-model.md)
  - [2.1.10 Explanations for Forgetting](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-10-explanations-for-forgetting.md)
  - [2.1.11 Studies on Interference](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-11-studies-on-interference.md)
  - [2.1.12 Cue-Dependent Forgetting](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-12-cue-dependent-forgetting.md)
  - [2.1.13 Eyewitness Testimony - Loftus & Palmer](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-13-eyewitness-testimony-loftus-and-palmer.md)
  - [2.1.14 Eyewitness Testimony - Loftus](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-14-eyewitness-testimony-loftus.md)
  - [2.1.15 Eyewitness Testimony - Post-Event Discussion](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-15-eyewitness-testimony-post-event-discussion.md)
  - [2.1.16 Eyewitness Testimony - Age & Anxiety](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-16-eyewitness-testimony-age-and-anxiety.md)
  - [2.1.17 Cognitive Interview](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-17-cognitive-interview.md)
  - [2.1.18 Cognitive Interview - Geiselman & Fisher](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-18-cognitive-interview-geiselman-and-fisher.md)
  - [2.1.19 End of Topic Test - Memory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-19-end-of-topic-test-memory.md)
  - [2.1.20 Exam-Style Question - Memory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/2-1-20-exam-style-question-memory.md)

### 3 Attachment
- 3.1 Attachment
  - [3.1.1 The Concept of Attachment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/3-1-1-the-concept-of-attachment.md)
  - [3.1.2 Animal Studies of Attachment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/3-1-2-animal-studies-of-attachment.md)
  - [3.1.3 Explanations of Attachment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/3-1-3-explanations-of-attachment.md)
  - [3.1.4 Attachment Types - Strange Situation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/3-1-4-attachment-types-strange-situation.md)
  - [3.1.5 Cultural Differences in Attachment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/3-1-5-cultural-differences-in-attachment.md)
  - [3.1.6 Disruption of Attachment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/3-1-6-disruption-of-attachment.md)
  - [3.1.7 Disruption of Attachment - Privation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/3-1-7-disruption-of-attachment-privation.md)
  - [3.1.8 Overcoming the Effects of Disruption](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/3-1-8-overcoming-the-effects-of-disruption.md)
  - [3.1.9 The Effects of Institutionalisation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/3-1-9-the-effects-of-institutionalisation.md)
  - [3.1.10 Early Attachment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/3-1-10-early-attachment.md)
  - [3.1.11 Critical Period of Attachment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/3-1-11-critical-period-of-attachment.md)
  - [3.1.12 End of Topic Test - Attachment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/3-1-12-end-of-topic-test-attachment.md)
  - [3.1.13 Exam-Style Question - Attachment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/3-1-13-exam-style-question-attachment.md)
  - [3.1.14 Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Attachment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/3-1-14-top-grade-ao2ao3-attachment.md)

### 4 Clinical Psychology & Mental Health
- 4.1 Clinical Psychology & Mental Health
  - [4.1.1 Deviation from Social Norms](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/4-1-1-deviation-from-social-norms.md)
  - [4.1.2 Deviation from Social Norms 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/4-1-2-deviation-from-social-norms-2.md)
  - [4.1.3 Phobias, Depression & OCD](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/4-1-3-phobias-depression-and-ocd.md)
  - [4.1.4 Phobias: Behavioural Approach](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/4-1-4-phobias-behavioural-approach.md)
  - [4.1.5 Evaluation of Behavioural Explanations of Phobias](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/4-1-5-evaluation-of-behavioural-explanations-of-phobias.md)
  - [4.1.6 Depression: Cognitive Approach](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/4-1-6-depression-cognitive-approach.md)
  - [4.1.7 OCD: Biological Approach](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/4-1-7-ocd-biological-approach.md)
  - [4.1.8 Evidence for the Biological Approach](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/4-1-8-evidence-for-the-biological-approach.md)
  - [4.1.9 End of Topic Test - Psychopathy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/4-1-9-end-of-topic-test-psychopathy.md)
  - [4.1.10 Exam-Style Question - Phobias](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/4-1-10-exam-style-question-phobias.md)
  - [4.1.11 Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Psychopathology](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/4-1-11-top-grade-ao2ao3-psychopathology.md)
  - [4.1.12 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Phobia vs Fear](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/4-1-12-diagnostic-misconceptions-phobia-vs-fear.md)
  - [4.1.13 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Depression & Self-Harm](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/4-1-13-diagnostic-misconceptions-depression-and-self-harm.md)
  - [4.1.14 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Desensitisation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/4-1-14-diagnostic-misconceptions-desensitisation.md)

### 5 Approaches in Psychology
- 5.1 Approaches in Psychology
  - [5.1.1 The Behaviourist Approach - Classical Conditioning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-1-1-the-behaviourist-approach-classical-conditioning.md)
  - [5.1.2 Pavlov's Experiment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-1-2-pavlovs-experiment.md)
  - [5.1.3 Little Albert Study](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-1-3-little-albert-study.md)
  - [5.1.4 The Behaviourist Approach - Operant Conditioning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-1-4-the-behaviourist-approach-operant-conditioning.md)
  - [5.1.5 Social Learning Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-1-5-social-learning-theory.md)
  - [5.1.6 The Cognitive Approach 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-1-6-the-cognitive-approach-1.md)
  - [5.1.7 The Cognitive Approach 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-1-7-the-cognitive-approach-2.md)
  - [5.1.8 The Biological Approach](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-1-8-the-biological-approach.md)
  - [5.1.9 The Biological Approach 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-1-9-the-biological-approach-2.md)
  - [5.1.10 Gottesman (1991) - Twin Studies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-1-10-gottesman-1991-twin-studies.md)
  - [5.1.11 Brain Scanning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-1-11-brain-scanning.md)
  - [5.1.12 Structure of Personality & Little Hans](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-1-12-structure-of-personality-and-little-hans.md)
  - [5.1.13 The Psychodynamic Approach (A2 only)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-1-13-the-psychodynamic-approach-a2-only.md)
  - [5.1.14 Humanistic Psychology (A2 only)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-1-14-humanistic-psychology-a2-only.md)
  - [5.1.15 Aronoff (1957) (A2 Only)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-1-15-aronoff-1957-a2-only.md)
  - [5.1.16 End of Topic Test - Approaches](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-1-16-end-of-topic-test-approaches.md)
- 5.2 Comparison of Approaches (A2 only)
  - [5.2.1 Psychodynamic Approach](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-2-1-psychodynamic-approach.md)
  - [5.2.2 Cognitive Approach](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-2-2-cognitive-approach.md)
  - [5.2.3 Biological Approach](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-2-3-biological-approach.md)
  - [5.2.4 Behavioural Approach](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-2-4-behavioural-approach.md)
  - [5.2.5 End of Topic Test - Comparison of Approaches](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/5-2-5-end-of-topic-test-comparison-of-approaches.md)

### 6 Biopsychology
- 6.1 Biopsychology
  - [6.1.1 Nervous System Divisions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/6-1-1-nervous-system-divisions.md)
  - [6.1.2 Neuron Structure & Function](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/6-1-2-neuron-structure-and-function.md)
  - [6.1.3 Neurotransmitters](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/6-1-3-neurotransmitters.md)
  - [6.1.4 Endocrine System Function](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/6-1-4-endocrine-system-function.md)
  - [6.1.5 Fight or Flight Response](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/6-1-5-fight-or-flight-response.md)
  - [6.1.6 The Brain (A2 only)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/6-1-6-the-brain-a2-only.md)
  - [6.1.7 Localisation of Brain Function (A2 only)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/6-1-7-localisation-of-brain-function-a2-only.md)
  - [6.1.8 Studying the Brain (A2 only)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/6-1-8-studying-the-brain-a2-only.md)
  - [6.1.9 CIMT (A2 Only) & Postmortem](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/6-1-9-cimt-a2-only-and-postmortem.md)
  - [6.1.10 Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Biopsychology](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/6-1-10-top-grade-ao2ao3-biopsychology.md)
  - [6.1.11 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Plasticity & Recovery](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/6-1-11-diagnostic-misconceptions-plasticity-and-recovery.md)
  - [6.1.12 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Endogenous Pacemakers](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/6-1-12-diagnostic-misconceptions-endogenous-pacemakers.md)
  - [6.1.13 End of Topic Test - Biopsychology](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/6-1-13-end-of-topic-test-biopsychology.md)

### 7 Research Methods
- 7.1 Research Methods
  - [7.1.1 Experimental Method](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-1-1-experimental-method.md)
  - [7.1.2 Observational Techniques](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-1-2-observational-techniques.md)
  - [7.1.3 Covert, Overt & Controlled Observation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-1-3-covert-overt-and-controlled-observation.md)
  - [7.1.4 Self-Report Techniques](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-1-4-self-report-techniques.md)
  - [7.1.5 Correlations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-1-5-correlations.md)
  - [7.1.6 Exam-Style Question - Research Methods](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-1-6-exam-style-question-research-methods.md)
  - [7.1.7 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Sign Test](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-1-7-diagnostic-misconceptions-sign-test.md)
  - [7.1.8 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Content & Thematic](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-1-8-diagnostic-misconceptions-content-and-thematic.md)
  - [7.1.9 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Valid vs Reliable](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-1-9-diagnostic-misconceptions-valid-vs-reliable.md)
  - [7.1.10 Diagnostic Misconceptions - Confounding Variable](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-1-10-diagnostic-misconceptions-confounding-variable.md)
  - [7.1.11 End of Topic Test - Research Methods](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-1-11-end-of-topic-test-research-methods.md)
- 7.2 Scientific Processes
  - [7.2.1 Aims, Hypotheses & Sampling](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-2-1-aims-hypotheses-and-sampling.md)
  - [7.2.2 Pilot Studies & Design](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-2-2-pilot-studies-and-design.md)
  - [7.2.3 Questionnaires](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-2-3-questionnaires.md)
  - [7.2.4 Variables & Control](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-2-4-variables-and-control.md)
  - [7.2.5 Demand Characteristics & Investigator Effects](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-2-5-demand-characteristics-and-investigator-effects.md)
  - [7.2.6 Ethics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-2-6-ethics.md)
  - [7.2.7 Limitations of Ethical Guidelines](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-2-7-limitations-of-ethical-guidelines.md)
  - [7.2.8 Consent & Protection from Harm Studies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-2-8-consent-and-protection-from-harm-studies.md)
  - [7.2.9 Peer Review & The Economy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-2-9-peer-review-and-the-economy.md)
  - [7.2.10 Validity (A2 only)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-2-10-validity-a2-only.md)
  - [7.2.11 Reliability (A2 only)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-2-11-reliability-a2-only.md)
  - [7.2.12 Features of Science (A2 only)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-2-12-features-of-science-a2-only.md)
  - [7.2.13 Paradigms & Falsifiability (A2 only)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-2-13-paradigms-and-falsifiability-a2-only.md)
  - [7.2.14 Scientific Report (A2 only)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-2-14-scientific-report-a2-only.md)
  - [7.2.15 Scientific Report 2 (A2 only)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-2-15-scientific-report-2-a2-only.md)
  - [7.2.16 End of Topic Test - Scientific](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-2-16-end-of-topic-test-scientific.md)
- 7.3 Data Handling & Analysis
  - [7.3.1 Types of Data](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-3-1-types-of-data.md)
  - [7.3.2 Descriptive Statistics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-3-2-descriptive-statistics.md)
  - [7.3.3 Correlation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-3-3-correlation.md)
  - [7.3.4 Evaluation of Descriptive Statistics](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-3-4-evaluation-of-descriptive-statistics.md)
  - [7.3.5 Presentation & Display of Data](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-3-5-presentation-and-display-of-data.md)
  - [7.3.6 Levels of Measurement (A2 only)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-3-6-levels-of-measurement-a2-only.md)
  - [7.3.7 Coding in Content Analysis (A2 only)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-3-7-coding-in-content-analysis-a2-only.md)
  - [7.3.8 Case Studies (A2 only)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-3-8-case-studies-a2-only.md)
  - [7.3.9 End of Topic Test - Data Handling](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-3-9-end-of-topic-test-data-handling.md)
- 7.4 Inferential Testing
  - [7.4.1 Introduction to Inferential Testing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-4-1-introduction-to-inferential-testing.md)
  - [7.4.2 Sign Test](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-4-2-sign-test.md)
  - [7.4.3 Piaget Conservation Experiment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-4-3-piaget-conservation-experiment.md)
  - [7.4.4 Non-Parametric Tests](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/7-4-4-non-parametric-tests.md)

### 8 Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)
- 8.1 Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)
  - [8.1.1 Culture Bias](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/8-1-1-culture-bias.md)
  - [8.1.2 Sub-Culture Bias](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/8-1-2-sub-culture-bias.md)
  - [8.1.3 Gender Bias](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/8-1-3-gender-bias.md)
  - [8.1.4 Ethnocentrism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/8-1-4-ethnocentrism.md)
  - [8.1.5 Cross Cultural Research](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/8-1-5-cross-cultural-research.md)
  - [8.1.6 Free Will & Determinism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/8-1-6-free-will-and-determinism.md)
  - [8.1.7 Comparison of Free Will & Determinism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/8-1-7-comparison-of-free-will-and-determinism.md)
  - [8.1.8 Reductionism & Holism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/8-1-8-reductionism-and-holism.md)
  - [8.1.9 Reductionist & Holistic Approaches](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/8-1-9-reductionist-and-holistic-approaches.md)
  - [8.1.10 Nature-Nurture Debate](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/8-1-10-nature-nurture-debate.md)
  - [8.1.11 Interactionist Approach](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/8-1-11-interactionist-approach.md)
  - [8.1.12 Nature-Nurture Methods](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/8-1-12-nature-nurture-methods.md)
  - [8.1.13 Nature-Nurture Approaches](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/8-1-13-nature-nurture-approaches.md)
  - [8.1.14 Idiographic & Nomothetic Approaches](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/8-1-14-idiographic-and-nomothetic-approaches.md)
  - [8.1.15 Socially Sensitive Research](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/8-1-15-socially-sensitive-research.md)
  - [8.1.16 End of Topic Test - Issues and Debates](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/8-1-16-end-of-topic-test-issues-and-debates.md)

### 9 Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)
- 9.1 Relationships: Sexual Relationships (A2 only)
  - [9.1.1 Factors Affecting Attraction: Self-Disclosure](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-1-1-factors-affecting-attraction-self-disclosure.md)
  - [9.1.2 Evaluation of Self-Disclosure Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-1-2-evaluation-of-self-disclosure-theory.md)
  - [9.1.3 Factors Affecting Attraction: Physical Attributes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-1-3-factors-affecting-attraction-physical-attributes.md)
  - [9.1.4 Matching Hypothesis Studies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-1-4-matching-hypothesis-studies.md)
  - [9.1.5 Factors Affecting Physical Attraction](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-1-5-factors-affecting-physical-attraction.md)
  - [9.1.6 Factors Affecting Attraction: Filter Theory 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-1-6-factors-affecting-attraction-filter-theory-1.md)
  - [9.1.7 Factors Affecting Attraction: Filter Theory 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-1-7-factors-affecting-attraction-filter-theory-2.md)
  - [9.1.8 Evaluation of Filter Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-1-8-evaluation-of-filter-theory.md)
  - [9.1.9 End of Topic Test - Relationships](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-1-9-end-of-topic-test-relationships.md)
- 9.2 Relationships: Romantic Relationships (A2 only)
  - [9.2.1 Social Exchange Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-2-1-social-exchange-theory.md)
  - [9.2.2 Evaluation of Social Exchange Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-2-2-evaluation-of-social-exchange-theory.md)
  - [9.2.3 Equity Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-2-3-equity-theory.md)
  - [9.2.4 Evaluation of Equity Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-2-4-evaluation-of-equity-theory.md)
  - [9.2.5 Rusbult’s Investment Model](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-2-5-rusbults-investment-model.md)
  - [9.2.6 Evaluation of Rusbult's Investment Model](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-2-6-evaluation-of-rusbults-investment-model.md)
  - [9.2.7 Relationship Breakdown](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-2-7-relationship-breakdown.md)
  - [9.2.8 Studies on Relationship Breakdown](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-2-8-studies-on-relationship-breakdown.md)
  - [9.2.9 Evaluation of Relationship Breakdown](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-2-9-evaluation-of-relationship-breakdown.md)
  - [9.2.10 End of Topic Test - Romantic relationships](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-2-10-end-of-topic-test-romantic-relationships.md)
- 9.3 Relationships: Online (A2 only)
  - [9.3.1 Online Relationships](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-3-1-online-relationships.md)
  - [9.3.2 Evaluation of Reduced Cues & Hyperpersonal](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-3-2-evaluation-of-reduced-cues-and-hyperpersonal.md)
  - [9.3.3 Self Disclosure in Online Relationships](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-3-3-self-disclosure-in-online-relationships.md)
  - [9.3.4 Parasocial Relationships](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-3-4-parasocial-relationships.md)
  - [9.3.5 Attachment Theory & Parasocial Relationships](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-3-5-attachment-theory-and-parasocial-relationships.md)
  - [9.3.6 Evaluation of Parasocial Relationship Theories](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-3-6-evaluation-of-parasocial-relationship-theories.md)
  - [9.3.7 End of Topic Test - Online Relationships](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/9-3-7-end-of-topic-test-online-relationships.md)

### 10 Option 1: Gender (A2 only)
- 10.1 Gender (A2 only)
  - [10.1.1 Biological Sex](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/10-1-1-biological-sex.md)
  - [10.1.2 The Role of Hormones in Biological Sex](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/10-1-2-the-role-of-hormones-in-biological-sex.md)
  - [10.1.3 Biological Explanations of Gender Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/10-1-3-biological-explanations-of-gender-development.md)
  - [10.1.4 Gender Identities & BSRI](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/10-1-4-gender-identities-and-bsri.md)
  - [10.1.5 Kohlberg’s Theory of Gender Constancy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/10-1-5-kohlbergs-theory-of-gender-constancy.md)
  - [10.1.6 Evaluation of Kohlberg's Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/10-1-6-evaluation-of-kohlbergs-theory.md)
  - [10.1.7 Gender Schema Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/10-1-7-gender-schema-theory.md)
  - [10.1.8 Social Approach to Gender Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/10-1-8-social-approach-to-gender-development.md)
  - [10.1.9 Criticisms of Social Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/10-1-9-criticisms-of-social-theory.md)
  - [10.1.10 Media Influence on Gender Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/10-1-10-media-influence-on-gender-development.md)
  - [10.1.11 Gender Incongruence](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/10-1-11-gender-incongruence.md)
  - [10.1.12 End of Topic Test - Gender](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/10-1-12-end-of-topic-test-gender.md)

### 11 Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)
- 11.1 Cognition & Development (A2 only)
  - [11.1.1 Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-1-piagets-theory-of-cognitive-development-1.md)
  - [11.1.2 Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-2-piagets-theory-of-cognitive-development-2.md)
  - [11.1.3 Schema Accommodation Assimilation & Equilibration](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-3-schema-accommodation-assimilation-and-equilibration.md)
  - [11.1.4 Piaget & Inhelder’s Three Mountains Task (1956)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-4-piaget-and-inhelders-three-mountains-task-1956.md)
  - [11.1.5 Conservation & Class Inclusion](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-5-conservation-and-class-inclusion.md)
  - [11.1.6 Evaluation of Piaget](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-6-evaluation-of-piaget.md)
  - [11.1.7 Vygotsky](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-7-vygotsky.md)
  - [11.1.8 Evaluation of Vygotsky](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-8-evaluation-of-vygotsky.md)
  - [11.1.9 Baillargeon](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-9-baillargeon.md)
  - [11.1.10 Baillargeon's studies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-10-baillargeons-studies.md)
  - [11.1.11 Evaluation of Baillargeon](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-11-evaluation-of-baillargeon.md)
  - [11.1.12 Sense of Self & Theory of Mind](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-12-sense-of-self-and-theory-of-mind.md)
  - [11.1.13 Baron-Cohen Studies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-13-baron-cohen-studies.md)
  - [11.1.14 Selman’s Five Levels of Perspective Taking](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-14-selmans-five-levels-of-perspective-taking.md)
  - [11.1.15 Biological Basis of Social Cognition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-15-biological-basis-of-social-cognition.md)
  - [11.1.16 Evaluation of Biological Basis of Social Cognition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-16-evaluation-of-biological-basis-of-social-cognition.md)
  - [11.1.17 Issues in Social Neuroscience](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-17-issues-in-social-neuroscience.md)
  - [11.1.18 Top Grade AO2/AO3  - Cognition & Development](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-18-top-grade-ao2ao3-cognition-and-development.md)
  - [11.1.19 End of Topic Test - Cognition & Development 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-19-end-of-topic-test-cognition-and-development-1.md)
  - [11.1.20 End of Topic Test - Cognition & Development 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-20-end-of-topic-test-cognition-and-development-2.md)
  - [11.1.21 End of Topic Test - Cognition 3](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/11-1-21-end-of-topic-test-cognition-3.md)

### 12 Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)
- 12.1 Schizophrenia: Diagnosis (A2 only)
  - [12.1.1 Symptoms of Schizophrenia](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-1-1-symptoms-of-schizophrenia.md)
  - [12.1.2 Issues in Diagnosis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-1-2-issues-in-diagnosis.md)
  - [12.1.3 Pinto (2017) & Copeland (1971)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-1-3-pinto-2017-and-copeland-1971.md)
  - [12.1.4 End of Topic Test - Schizophrenia](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-1-4-end-of-topic-test-schizophrenia.md)
- 12.2 Schizophrenia: Treatment (A2 only)
  - [12.2.1 Family-Based Psychological Explanations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-2-1-family-based-psychological-explanations.md)
  - [12.2.2 Evaluation of Family-Based Explanations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-2-2-evaluation-of-family-based-explanations.md)
  - [12.2.3 Cognitive Explanations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-2-3-cognitive-explanations.md)
  - [12.2.4 Drug Therapies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-2-4-drug-therapies.md)
  - [12.2.5 Evaluation of Drug Therapies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-2-5-evaluation-of-drug-therapies.md)
  - [12.2.6 Biological Explanations for Schizophrenia](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-2-6-biological-explanations-for-schizophrenia.md)
  - [12.2.7 Dopamine Hypothesis](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-2-7-dopamine-hypothesis.md)
  - [12.2.8 Psychological Therapies 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-2-8-psychological-therapies-1.md)
  - [12.2.9 Psychological Therapies 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-2-9-psychological-therapies-2.md)
  - [12.2.10 Interactionist Approach - Diathesis-Stress Model](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-2-10-interactionist-approach-diathesis-stress-model.md)
  - [12.2.11 Interactionist Approach - Triggers & Treatment](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-2-11-interactionist-approach-triggers-and-treatment.md)
  - [12.2.12 Evaluation of the Interactionist Approach](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-2-12-evaluation-of-the-interactionist-approach.md)
  - [12.2.13 Evaluation of Psychological Therapies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-2-13-evaluation-of-psychological-therapies.md)
  - [12.2.14 Diagnostic Misconceptions - CBT & CBTp](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-2-14-diagnostic-misconceptions-cbt-and-cbtp.md)
  - [12.2.15 End of Topic Test - Treatments 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-2-15-end-of-topic-test-treatments-1.md)
  - [12.2.16 End of Topic Test - Treatments 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/12-2-16-end-of-topic-test-treatments-2.md)

### 13 Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)
- 13.1 Eating Behaviour (A2 only)
  - [13.1.1 Explanations for Food Preferences](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/13-1-1-explanations-for-food-preferences.md)
  - [13.1.2 Birch et al (1987) & Lowe et al (2004)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/13-1-2-birch-et-al-1987-and-lowe-et-al-2004.md)
  - [13.1.3 Control of Eating Behaviours](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/13-1-3-control-of-eating-behaviours.md)
  - [13.1.4 Control of Eating Behaviour: Leptin](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/13-1-4-control-of-eating-behaviour-leptin.md)
  - [13.1.5 Biological Explanations for Anorexia Nervosa](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/13-1-5-biological-explanations-for-anorexia-nervosa.md)
  - [13.1.6 Psychological Explanations: Family Systems Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/13-1-6-psychological-explanations-family-systems-theory.md)
  - [13.1.7 Psychological Explanations: Social Learning Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/13-1-7-psychological-explanations-social-learning-theory.md)
  - [13.1.8 Psychological Explanations: Cognitive Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/13-1-8-psychological-explanations-cognitive-theory.md)
  - [13.1.9 Biological Explanations for Obesity](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/13-1-9-biological-explanations-for-obesity.md)
  - [13.1.10 Biological Explanations: Studies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/13-1-10-biological-explanations-studies.md)
  - [13.1.11 Psychological Explanations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/13-1-11-psychological-explanations.md)
  - [13.1.12 Psychological Explanations: Studies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/13-1-12-psychological-explanations-studies.md)
  - [13.1.13 End of Topic Test - Eating Behaviour](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/13-1-13-end-of-topic-test-eating-behaviour.md)

### 14 Option 2: Stress (A2 only)
- 14.1 Stress (A2 only)
  - [14.1.1 Physiology of Stress](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/14-1-1-physiology-of-stress.md)
  - [14.1.2 Role of Stress in Illness](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/14-1-2-role-of-stress-in-illness.md)
  - [14.1.3 Role of Stress in Illness: Studies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/14-1-3-role-of-stress-in-illness-studies.md)
  - [14.1.4 Social Readjustment Rating Scales](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/14-1-4-social-readjustment-rating-scales.md)
  - [14.1.5 Hassles & Uplifts Scales](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/14-1-5-hassles-and-uplifts-scales.md)
  - [14.1.6 Stress, Workload & Control](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/14-1-6-stress-workload-and-control.md)
  - [14.1.7 Stress Level Studies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/14-1-7-stress-level-studies.md)
  - [14.1.8 Physiological Measures of Stress](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/14-1-8-physiological-measures-of-stress.md)
  - [14.1.9 Individual Differences](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/14-1-9-individual-differences.md)
  - [14.1.10 Stress & Gender](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/14-1-10-stress-and-gender.md)
  - [14.1.11 Drug Therapy & Biofeedback for Stress](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/14-1-11-drug-therapy-and-biofeedback-for-stress.md)
  - [14.1.12 Stress Inoculation Therapy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/14-1-12-stress-inoculation-therapy.md)
  - [14.1.13 Social Support & Stress](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/14-1-13-social-support-and-stress.md)
  - [14.1.14 End of Topic Test - Stress 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/14-1-14-end-of-topic-test-stress-1.md)
  - [14.1.15 End of Topic Test - Stress 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/14-1-15-end-of-topic-test-stress-2.md)

### 15 Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)
- 15.1 Aggression: Physiological (A2 only)
  - [15.1.1 Neural Mechanisms](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-1-1-neural-mechanisms.md)
  - [15.1.2 Serotonin](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-1-2-serotonin.md)
  - [15.1.3 Hormonal Mechanisms](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-1-3-hormonal-mechanisms.md)
  - [15.1.4 Genetic Factors](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-1-4-genetic-factors.md)
  - [15.1.5 Genetic Factors 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-1-5-genetic-factors-2.md)
  - [15.1.6 Ethological Explanation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-1-6-ethological-explanation.md)
  - [15.1.7 Innate Releasing Mechanisms & Fixed Action Pattern](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-1-7-innate-releasing-mechanisms-and-fixed-action-pattern.md)
  - [15.1.8 Evolutionary Explanations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-1-8-evolutionary-explanations.md)
  - [15.1.9 Buss et al (1992) - Sex Differences in Jealousy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-1-9-buss-et-al-1992-sex-differences-in-jealousy.md)
  - [15.1.10 Evaluation of Evolutionary Explanations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-1-10-evaluation-of-evolutionary-explanations.md)
  - [15.1.11 End of Topic Test - Aggression: Physiological 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-1-11-end-of-topic-test-aggression-physiological-1.md)
  - [15.1.12 End of Topic Test - Aggression: Physiological 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-1-12-end-of-topic-test-aggression-physiological-2.md)
- 15.2 Aggression: Social Psychological (A2 only)
  - [15.2.1 Social Psychological Explanation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-1-social-psychological-explanation.md)
  - [15.2.2 Buss (1963) - Frustration/Aggression](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-2-buss-1963-frustrationaggression.md)
  - [15.2.3 Social Psychological Explanation 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-3-social-psychological-explanation-2.md)
  - [15.2.4 Social Learning Theory (SLT) 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-4-social-learning-theory-slt-1.md)
  - [15.2.5 Social Learning Theory (SLT) 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-5-social-learning-theory-slt-2.md)
  - [15.2.6 Limitations of Social Learning Theory (SLT)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-6-limitations-of-social-learning-theory-slt.md)
  - [15.2.7 Deindividuation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-7-deindividuation.md)
  - [15.2.8 Deindividuation 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-8-deindividuation-2.md)
  - [15.2.9 Deindividuation - Diener et al (1976)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-9-deindividuation-diener-et-al-1976.md)
  - [15.2.10 End of Topic Test - Aggression: Social Psychology](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-10-end-of-topic-test-aggression-social-psychology.md)
  - [15.2.11 Institutional Aggression: Prisons](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-11-institutional-aggression-prisons.md)
  - [15.2.12 Evaluation of Dispositional & Situational](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-12-evaluation-of-dispositional-and-situational.md)
  - [15.2.13 Influence of Computer Games](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-13-influence-of-computer-games.md)
  - [15.2.14 Influence of Television](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-14-influence-of-television.md)
  - [15.2.15 Evaluation of Studies on Media](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-15-evaluation-of-studies-on-media.md)
  - [15.2.16 Desensitisation & Disinhibition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-16-desensitisation-and-disinhibition.md)
  - [15.2.17 Cognitive Priming](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-17-cognitive-priming.md)
  - [15.2.18 End of Topic Test - Aggression: Social Psychology](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/15-2-18-end-of-topic-test-aggression-social-psychology.md)

### 16 Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)
- 16.1 Forensic Psychology (A2 only)
  - [16.1.1 Defining Crime](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-1-defining-crime.md)
  - [16.1.2 Measuring Crime](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-2-measuring-crime.md)
  - [16.1.3 Offender Profiling](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-3-offender-profiling.md)
  - [16.1.4 Evaluation of Offender Profiling](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-4-evaluation-of-offender-profiling.md)
  - [16.1.5 John Duffy Case Study](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-5-john-duffy-case-study.md)
  - [16.1.6 Biological Explanations 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-6-biological-explanations-1.md)
  - [16.1.7 Biological Explanations 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-7-biological-explanations-2.md)
  - [16.1.8 Evaluation- Biological Explanations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-8-evaluation-biological-explanations.md)
  - [16.1.9 Cognitive Explanations](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-9-cognitive-explanations.md)
  - [16.1.10 Moral Reasoning](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-10-moral-reasoning.md)
  - [16.1.11 Differential Association Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-11-differential-association-theory.md)
  - [16.1.12 Custodial Sentencing](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-12-custodial-sentencing.md)
  - [16.1.13 Effects of Prison](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-13-effects-of-prison.md)
  - [16.1.14 Evaluation of the Effects of Prison](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-14-evaluation-of-the-effects-of-prison.md)
  - [16.1.15 Behavioural Treatments & Therapies](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-15-behavioural-treatments-and-therapies.md)
  - [16.1.16 Effectiveness of Behavioural Treatments](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-16-effectiveness-of-behavioural-treatments.md)
  - [16.1.17 Restorative Justice](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-17-restorative-justice.md)
  - [16.1.18 End of Topic Test - Forensic 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-18-end-of-topic-test-forensic-1.md)
  - [16.1.19 End of Topic Test - Forensic 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/16-1-19-end-of-topic-test-forensic-2.md)

### 17 Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)
- 17.1 Addiction (A2 only)
  - [17.1.1 Definition](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-1-1-definition.md)
  - [17.1.2 Brain Neurochemistry Explanation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-1-2-brain-neurochemistry-explanation.md)
  - [17.1.3 Learning Theory Explanation](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-1-3-learning-theory-explanation.md)
  - [17.1.4 Evaluation of a Learning Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-1-4-evaluation-of-a-learning-theory.md)
  - [17.1.5 Cognitive Bias](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-1-5-cognitive-bias.md)
  - [17.1.6 Griffiths on Cognitive Bias](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-1-6-griffiths-on-cognitive-bias.md)
  - [17.1.7 Evaluation of Cognitive Theory (A2 only)](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-1-7-evaluation-of-cognitive-theory-a2-only.md)
  - [17.1.8 Gambling Addiction & Learning Theory](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-1-8-gambling-addiction-and-learning-theory.md)
  - [17.1.9 Social Influences on Addiction 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-1-9-social-influences-on-addiction-1.md)
  - [17.1.10 Social Influences on Addiction 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-1-10-social-influences-on-addiction-2.md)
  - [17.1.11 Personal Influences  on Addiction](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-1-11-personal-influences-on-addiction.md)
  - [17.1.12 Genetic Explanations of Addiction](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-1-12-genetic-explanations-of-addiction.md)
  - [17.1.13 End of Topic Test - Addiction 1](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-1-13-end-of-topic-test-addiction-1.md)
  - [17.1.14 End of Topic Test - Addiction 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-1-14-end-of-topic-test-addiction-2.md)
- 17.2 Treating Addiction (A2 only)
  - [17.2.1 Drug Therapy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-2-1-drug-therapy.md)
  - [17.2.2 Behavioural Interventions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-2-2-behavioural-interventions.md)
  - [17.2.3 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-2-3-cognitive-behavioural-therapy.md)
  - [17.2.4 Six Stage Model of Behaviour Change](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-2-4-six-stage-model-of-behaviour-change.md)
  - [17.2.5 End of Topic Test - Treating](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/a-level/psychology/aqa/17-2-5-end-of-topic-test-treating.md)