7.1.1
Experimental Method
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The Experimental Method
Experiments are one of the most popular and useful research methods in psychology. The key types are laboratory and field experiments.

Role in psychology
- Experiments play a major role throughout psychology.
- As a method, experiments allow one variable to be manipulated while keeping everything the same.
- This allows researchers to show cause and effect.

Laboratory experiments
- Some experiments take place under controlled condition, such as in a university room supervised by the researchers.
- These are called laboratory (or ‘lab’) experiments.
- The advantage of laboratory experiments is that they increase the level of control that a researcher can have.
- But they reduce the level of ecological validity of the research.

Field experiments
- Other experiments take place in a participant’s natural surroundings, such as their school or workplace.
- These are called field experiments.
- The advantage of field experiments is that they increase the ecological validity of the study by making the surroundings more realistic.
- But they reduce the level of control.

True experiments
- Both field experiments and lab experiments control the variables under investigation, and randomly allocate participants to groups.
- These characteristics mean that they are true experiments.
Quasi-Experiments
Quasi-experiments are not true experiments because they lack control over the experimental groups used.

Lack of random allocation
- Sometimes it is not possible for an experimenter to randomly allocate participants to experimental groups.
- For example, if one of the variables under investigation is gender, people can’t be randomly allocated to ‘male’ and ‘female’ conditions.
- A study is termed a quasi-experiment if it lacks random allocation to groups but is like a true experiment in most or all other ways.

Examples of quasi-experiments
- Other examples of quasi-experiments include studies which compare different types of personality (e.g. introverts versus extroverts) or compare people who have a psychological disorder with a control group who do not.
- Such studies cannot randomly allocate people to groups.

Quasi vs lab
- Quasi-experiments could take place in a lab, and all other aspects of the research and data gathering can be controlled.
- This means they are easy to mix up with laboratory experiments.
Natural Experiments
Natural experiments are logically similar to true experiments, but the situation happens by itself and so is completely uncontrolled by the researcher.

Ethics
- Sometimes, for ethical or practical reasons, it is not possible for an experimenter to control and manipulate one of the variables under investigation.
- For example, it wouldn’t be ethically correct to expose people to a lot of stress to investigate its effects.
- In such situations, a researcher may use a natural experiment.

Similarity to true experiments
- Natural experiments are logically similar to true experiments in the sense that a variable happens, and the researcher tries to measure its effects.
- For example, they could compare the educational outcomes of school pupils who experience a lot of stress versus those who do not.

Differences to true experiments
- In contrast to a true experiment or a quasi-experiment, the variable under investigation happens by itself and so is completely uncontrolled by the researcher.
- The researcher also has no control at all over who is in each ‘experimental’ group.

Location of natural experiments
- Because natural experiments are not set up by the researcher, they always take place in participants’ everyday surroundings such as their home or school.
- This means they are easy to mix up with field experiments.
1Social Influence
1.1Social Influence
1.1.1Conformity1.1.2Jenness' Conformity Study1.1.3Asch (1951)1.1.4Sherif (1935)1.1.5Conformity to Social Roles1.1.6End of Topic Test - Conformity1.1.7Obedience1.1.8Analysing Milgram's Experiment1.1.9Agentic State & Legitimate Authority1.1.10Variables of Obedience1.1.11Resistance to Social Influence1.1.12Minority Influence & Social Change1.1.13Minority Influence & Social Impact Theory1.1.14End of Topic Test - Social Influences1.1.15Exam-Style Question - Conformity1.1.16Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Social Influence
2Memory
2.1Memory
2.1.1Multi-Store Model of Memory2.1.2Short-Term vs Long-Term Memory2.1.3Support for the Multi-Store Model of Memory2.1.4Duration Studies2.1.5Capacity Studies2.1.6Coding Studies2.1.7The Working Memory Model2.1.8The Working Memory Model 22.1.9Support for the Working Memory Model2.1.10Explanations for Forgetting2.1.11Studies on Interference2.1.12Cue-Dependent Forgetting2.1.13Eyewitness Testimony - Loftus & Palmer2.1.14Eyewitness Testimony - Loftus2.1.15Eyewitness Testimony - Post-Event Discussion2.1.16Eyewitness Testimony - Age & Anxiety2.1.17Cognitive Interview2.1.18Cognitive Interview - Geiselman & Fisher2.1.19End of Topic Test - Memory2.1.20Exam-Style Question - Memory
3Attachment
3.1Attachment
3.1.1The Concept of Attachment3.1.2Animal Studies of Attachment3.1.3Explanations of Attachment3.1.4Attachment Types - Strange Situation3.1.5Cultural Differences in Attachment3.1.6Disruption of Attachment3.1.7Disruption of Attachment - Privation3.1.8Overcoming the Effects of Disruption3.1.9The Effects of Institutionalisation3.1.10Early Attachment3.1.11Critical Period of Attachment3.1.12End of Topic Test - Attachment3.1.13Exam-Style Question - Attachment3.1.14Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Attachment
4Clinical Psychology & Mental Health
4.1Clinical Psychology & Mental Health
4.1.1Deviation from Social Norms4.1.2Deviation from Social Norms 24.1.3Phobias, Depression & OCD4.1.4Phobias: Behavioural Approach4.1.5Evaluation of Behavioural Explanations of Phobias4.1.6Depression: Cognitive Approach4.1.7OCD: Biological Approach4.1.8Evidence for the Biological Approach4.1.9End of Topic Test - Psychopathy4.1.10Exam-Style Question - Phobias4.1.11Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Psychopathology4.1.12Diagnostic Misconceptions - Phobia vs Fear4.1.13Diagnostic Misconceptions - Depression & Self-Harm4.1.14Diagnostic Misconceptions - Desensitisation
5Approaches in Psychology
5.1Approaches in Psychology
5.1.1The Behaviourist Approach - Classical Conditioning5.1.2Pavlov's Experiment5.1.3Little Albert Study5.1.4The Behaviourist Approach - Operant Conditioning5.1.5Social Learning Theory5.1.6The Cognitive Approach 15.1.7The Cognitive Approach 25.1.8The Biological Approach5.1.9The Biological Approach 25.1.10Gottesman (1991) - Twin Studies5.1.11Brain Scanning5.1.12Structure of Personality & Little Hans5.1.13The Psychodynamic Approach (A2 only)5.1.14Humanistic Psychology (A2 only)5.1.15Aronoff (1957) (A2 Only)5.1.16End of Topic Test - Approaches
5.2Comparison of Approaches (A2 only)
6Biopsychology
6.1Biopsychology
6.1.1Nervous System Divisions6.1.2Neuron Structure & Function6.1.3Neurotransmitters6.1.4Endocrine System Function6.1.5Fight or Flight Response6.1.6The Brain (A2 only)6.1.7Localisation of Brain Function (A2 only)6.1.8Studying the Brain (A2 only)6.1.9CIMT (A2 Only) & Postmortem6.1.10Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Biopsychology6.1.11Diagnostic Misconceptions - Plasticity & Recovery6.1.12Diagnostic Misconceptions - Endogenous Pacemakers6.1.13End of Topic Test - Biopsychology
7Research Methods
7.1Research Methods
7.1.1Experimental Method7.1.2Observational Techniques7.1.3Covert, Overt & Controlled Observation7.1.4Self-Report Techniques7.1.5Correlations7.1.6Exam-Style Question - Research Methods7.1.7Diagnostic Misconceptions - Sign Test7.1.8Diagnostic Misconceptions - Content & Thematic7.1.9Diagnostic Misconceptions - Valid vs Reliable7.1.10Diagnostic Misconceptions - Confounding Variable7.1.11End of Topic Test - Research Methods
7.2Scientific Processes
7.2.1Aims, Hypotheses & Sampling7.2.2Pilot Studies & Design7.2.3Questionnaires7.2.4Variables & Control7.2.5Demand Characteristics & Investigator Effects7.2.6Ethics7.2.7Limitations of Ethical Guidelines7.2.8Consent & Protection from Harm Studies7.2.9Peer Review & The Economy7.2.10Validity (A2 only)7.2.11Reliability (A2 only)7.2.12Features of Science (A2 only)7.2.13Paradigms & Falsifiability (A2 only)7.2.14Scientific Report (A2 only)7.2.15Scientific Report 2 (A2 only)7.2.16End of Topic Test - Scientific
7.3Data Handling & Analysis
8Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)
8.1Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)
8.1.1Culture Bias8.1.2Sub-Culture Bias8.1.3Gender Bias8.1.4Ethnocentrism8.1.5Cross Cultural Research8.1.6Free Will & Determinism8.1.7Comparison of Free Will & Determinism8.1.8Reductionism & Holism8.1.9Reductionist & Holistic Approaches8.1.10Nature-Nurture Debate8.1.11Interactionist Approach8.1.12Nature-Nurture Methods8.1.13Nature-Nurture Approaches8.1.14Idiographic & Nomothetic Approaches8.1.15Socially Sensitive Research8.1.16End of Topic Test - Issues and Debates
9Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)
9.1Relationships: Sexual Relationships (A2 only)
9.1.1Factors Affecting Attraction: Self-Disclosure9.1.2Evaluation of Self-Disclosure Theory9.1.3Factors Affecting Attraction: Physical Attributes9.1.4Matching Hypothesis Studies9.1.5Factors Affecting Physical Attraction9.1.6Factors Affecting Attraction: Filter Theory 19.1.7Factors Affecting Attraction: Filter Theory 29.1.8Evaluation of Filter Theory9.1.9End of Topic Test - Relationships
9.2Relationships: Romantic Relationships (A2 only)
9.2.1Social Exchange Theory9.2.2Evaluation of Social Exchange Theory9.2.3Equity Theory9.2.4Evaluation of Equity Theory9.2.5Rusbult’s Investment Model9.2.6Evaluation of Rusbult's Investment Model9.2.7Relationship Breakdown9.2.8Studies on Relationship Breakdown9.2.9Evaluation of Relationship Breakdown9.2.10End of Topic Test - Romantic relationships
9.3Relationships: Online (A2 only)
10Option 1: Gender (A2 only)
10.1Gender (A2 only)
10.1.1Biological Sex10.1.2The Role of Hormones in Biological Sex10.1.3Biological Explanations of Gender Development10.1.4Gender Identities & BSRI10.1.5Kohlberg’s Theory of Gender Constancy10.1.6Evaluation of Kohlberg's Theory10.1.7Gender Schema Theory10.1.8Social Approach to Gender Development10.1.9Criticisms of Social Theory10.1.10Media Influence on Gender Development10.1.11Gender Incongruence10.1.12End of Topic Test - Gender
11Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)
11.1Cognition & Development (A2 only)
11.1.1Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development 111.1.2Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development 211.1.3Schema Accommodation Assimilation & Equilibration11.1.4Piaget & Inhelder’s Three Mountains Task (1956)11.1.5Conservation & Class Inclusion11.1.6Evaluation of Piaget11.1.7Vygotsky11.1.8Evaluation of Vygotsky11.1.9Baillargeon11.1.10Baillargeon's studies11.1.11Evaluation of Baillargeon11.1.12Sense of Self & Theory of Mind11.1.13Baron-Cohen Studies11.1.14Selman’s Five Levels of Perspective Taking11.1.15Biological Basis of Social Cognition11.1.16Evaluation of Biological Basis of Social Cognition11.1.17Issues in Social Neuroscience11.1.18Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Cognition & Development11.1.19End of Topic Test - Cognition & Development 111.1.20End of Topic Test - Cognition & Development 211.1.21End of Topic Test - Cognition 3
12Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)
12.1Schizophrenia: Diagnosis (A2 only)
12.2Schizophrenia: Treatment (A2 only)
12.2.1Family-Based Psychological Explanations12.2.2Evaluation of Family-Based Explanations12.2.3Cognitive Explanations12.2.4Drug Therapies12.2.5Evaluation of Drug Therapies12.2.6Biological Explanations for Schizophrenia12.2.7Dopamine Hypothesis12.2.8Psychological Therapies 112.2.9Psychological Therapies 212.2.10Interactionist Approach - Diathesis-Stress Model12.2.11Interactionist Approach - Triggers & Treatment12.2.12Evaluation of the Interactionist Approach12.2.13Evaluation of Psychological Therapies12.2.14Diagnostic Misconceptions - CBT & CBTp12.2.15End of Topic Test - Treatments 112.2.16End of Topic Test - Treatments 2
13Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)
13.1Eating Behaviour (A2 only)
13.1.1Explanations for Food Preferences13.1.2Birch et al (1987) & Lowe et al (2004)13.1.3Control of Eating Behaviours13.1.4Control of Eating Behaviour: Leptin13.1.5Biological Explanations for Anorexia Nervosa13.1.6Psychological Explanations: Family Systems Theory13.1.7Psychological Explanations: Social Learning Theory13.1.8Psychological Explanations: Cognitive Theory13.1.9Biological Explanations for Obesity13.1.10Biological Explanations: Studies13.1.11Psychological Explanations13.1.12Psychological Explanations: Studies13.1.13End of Topic Test - Eating Behaviour
14Option 2: Stress (A2 only)
14.1Stress (A2 only)
14.1.1Physiology of Stress14.1.2Role of Stress in Illness14.1.3Role of Stress in Illness: Studies14.1.4Social Readjustment Rating Scales14.1.5Hassles & Uplifts Scales14.1.6Stress, Workload & Control14.1.7Stress Level Studies14.1.8Physiological Measures of Stress14.1.9Individual Differences14.1.10Stress & Gender14.1.11Drug Therapy & Biofeedback for Stress14.1.12Stress Inoculation Therapy14.1.13Social Support & Stress14.1.14End of Topic Test - Stress 114.1.15End of Topic Test - Stress 2
15Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)
15.1Aggression: Physiological (A2 only)
15.1.1Neural Mechanisms15.1.2Serotonin15.1.3Hormonal Mechanisms15.1.4Genetic Factors15.1.5Genetic Factors 215.1.6Ethological Explanation15.1.7Innate Releasing Mechanisms & Fixed Action Pattern15.1.8Evolutionary Explanations15.1.9Buss et al (1992) - Sex Differences in Jealousy15.1.10Evaluation of Evolutionary Explanations15.1.11End of Topic Test - Aggression: Physiological 115.1.12End of Topic Test - Aggression: Physiological 2
15.2Aggression: Social Psychological (A2 only)
15.2.1Social Psychological Explanation15.2.2Buss (1963) - Frustration/Aggression15.2.3Social Psychological Explanation 215.2.4Social Learning Theory (SLT) 115.2.5Social Learning Theory (SLT) 215.2.6Limitations of Social Learning Theory (SLT)15.2.7Deindividuation15.2.8Deindividuation 215.2.9Deindividuation - Diener et al (1976)15.2.10End of Topic Test - Aggression: Social Psychology15.2.11Institutional Aggression: Prisons15.2.12Evaluation of Dispositional & Situational15.2.13Influence of Computer Games15.2.14Influence of Television15.2.15Evaluation of Studies on Media15.2.16Desensitisation & Disinhibition15.2.17Cognitive Priming15.2.18End of Topic Test - Aggression: Social Psychology
16Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)
16.1Forensic Psychology (A2 only)
16.1.1Defining Crime16.1.2Measuring Crime16.1.3Offender Profiling16.1.4Evaluation of Offender Profiling16.1.5John Duffy Case Study16.1.6Biological Explanations 116.1.7Biological Explanations 216.1.8Evaluation- Biological Explanations16.1.9Cognitive Explanations16.1.10Moral Reasoning16.1.11Differential Association Theory16.1.12Custodial Sentencing16.1.13Effects of Prison16.1.14Evaluation of the Effects of Prison16.1.15Behavioural Treatments & Therapies16.1.16Effectiveness of Behavioural Treatments16.1.17Restorative Justice16.1.18End of Topic Test - Forensic 116.1.19End of Topic Test - Forensic 2
17Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)
17.1Addiction (A2 only)
17.1.1Definition17.1.2Brain Neurochemistry Explanation17.1.3Learning Theory Explanation17.1.4Evaluation of a Learning Theory17.1.5Cognitive Bias17.1.6Griffiths on Cognitive Bias17.1.7Evaluation of Cognitive Theory (A2 only)17.1.8Gambling Addiction & Learning Theory17.1.9Social Influences on Addiction 117.1.10Social Influences on Addiction 217.1.11Personal Influences on Addiction17.1.12Genetic Explanations of Addiction17.1.13End of Topic Test - Addiction 117.1.14End of Topic Test - Addiction 2
Jump to other topics
1Social Influence
1.1Social Influence
1.1.1Conformity1.1.2Jenness' Conformity Study1.1.3Asch (1951)1.1.4Sherif (1935)1.1.5Conformity to Social Roles1.1.6End of Topic Test - Conformity1.1.7Obedience1.1.8Analysing Milgram's Experiment1.1.9Agentic State & Legitimate Authority1.1.10Variables of Obedience1.1.11Resistance to Social Influence1.1.12Minority Influence & Social Change1.1.13Minority Influence & Social Impact Theory1.1.14End of Topic Test - Social Influences1.1.15Exam-Style Question - Conformity1.1.16Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Social Influence
2Memory
2.1Memory
2.1.1Multi-Store Model of Memory2.1.2Short-Term vs Long-Term Memory2.1.3Support for the Multi-Store Model of Memory2.1.4Duration Studies2.1.5Capacity Studies2.1.6Coding Studies2.1.7The Working Memory Model2.1.8The Working Memory Model 22.1.9Support for the Working Memory Model2.1.10Explanations for Forgetting2.1.11Studies on Interference2.1.12Cue-Dependent Forgetting2.1.13Eyewitness Testimony - Loftus & Palmer2.1.14Eyewitness Testimony - Loftus2.1.15Eyewitness Testimony - Post-Event Discussion2.1.16Eyewitness Testimony - Age & Anxiety2.1.17Cognitive Interview2.1.18Cognitive Interview - Geiselman & Fisher2.1.19End of Topic Test - Memory2.1.20Exam-Style Question - Memory
3Attachment
3.1Attachment
3.1.1The Concept of Attachment3.1.2Animal Studies of Attachment3.1.3Explanations of Attachment3.1.4Attachment Types - Strange Situation3.1.5Cultural Differences in Attachment3.1.6Disruption of Attachment3.1.7Disruption of Attachment - Privation3.1.8Overcoming the Effects of Disruption3.1.9The Effects of Institutionalisation3.1.10Early Attachment3.1.11Critical Period of Attachment3.1.12End of Topic Test - Attachment3.1.13Exam-Style Question - Attachment3.1.14Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Attachment
4Clinical Psychology & Mental Health
4.1Clinical Psychology & Mental Health
4.1.1Deviation from Social Norms4.1.2Deviation from Social Norms 24.1.3Phobias, Depression & OCD4.1.4Phobias: Behavioural Approach4.1.5Evaluation of Behavioural Explanations of Phobias4.1.6Depression: Cognitive Approach4.1.7OCD: Biological Approach4.1.8Evidence for the Biological Approach4.1.9End of Topic Test - Psychopathy4.1.10Exam-Style Question - Phobias4.1.11Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Psychopathology4.1.12Diagnostic Misconceptions - Phobia vs Fear4.1.13Diagnostic Misconceptions - Depression & Self-Harm4.1.14Diagnostic Misconceptions - Desensitisation
5Approaches in Psychology
5.1Approaches in Psychology
5.1.1The Behaviourist Approach - Classical Conditioning5.1.2Pavlov's Experiment5.1.3Little Albert Study5.1.4The Behaviourist Approach - Operant Conditioning5.1.5Social Learning Theory5.1.6The Cognitive Approach 15.1.7The Cognitive Approach 25.1.8The Biological Approach5.1.9The Biological Approach 25.1.10Gottesman (1991) - Twin Studies5.1.11Brain Scanning5.1.12Structure of Personality & Little Hans5.1.13The Psychodynamic Approach (A2 only)5.1.14Humanistic Psychology (A2 only)5.1.15Aronoff (1957) (A2 Only)5.1.16End of Topic Test - Approaches
5.2Comparison of Approaches (A2 only)
6Biopsychology
6.1Biopsychology
6.1.1Nervous System Divisions6.1.2Neuron Structure & Function6.1.3Neurotransmitters6.1.4Endocrine System Function6.1.5Fight or Flight Response6.1.6The Brain (A2 only)6.1.7Localisation of Brain Function (A2 only)6.1.8Studying the Brain (A2 only)6.1.9CIMT (A2 Only) & Postmortem6.1.10Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Biopsychology6.1.11Diagnostic Misconceptions - Plasticity & Recovery6.1.12Diagnostic Misconceptions - Endogenous Pacemakers6.1.13End of Topic Test - Biopsychology
7Research Methods
7.1Research Methods
7.1.1Experimental Method7.1.2Observational Techniques7.1.3Covert, Overt & Controlled Observation7.1.4Self-Report Techniques7.1.5Correlations7.1.6Exam-Style Question - Research Methods7.1.7Diagnostic Misconceptions - Sign Test7.1.8Diagnostic Misconceptions - Content & Thematic7.1.9Diagnostic Misconceptions - Valid vs Reliable7.1.10Diagnostic Misconceptions - Confounding Variable7.1.11End of Topic Test - Research Methods
7.2Scientific Processes
7.2.1Aims, Hypotheses & Sampling7.2.2Pilot Studies & Design7.2.3Questionnaires7.2.4Variables & Control7.2.5Demand Characteristics & Investigator Effects7.2.6Ethics7.2.7Limitations of Ethical Guidelines7.2.8Consent & Protection from Harm Studies7.2.9Peer Review & The Economy7.2.10Validity (A2 only)7.2.11Reliability (A2 only)7.2.12Features of Science (A2 only)7.2.13Paradigms & Falsifiability (A2 only)7.2.14Scientific Report (A2 only)7.2.15Scientific Report 2 (A2 only)7.2.16End of Topic Test - Scientific
7.3Data Handling & Analysis
8Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)
8.1Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)
8.1.1Culture Bias8.1.2Sub-Culture Bias8.1.3Gender Bias8.1.4Ethnocentrism8.1.5Cross Cultural Research8.1.6Free Will & Determinism8.1.7Comparison of Free Will & Determinism8.1.8Reductionism & Holism8.1.9Reductionist & Holistic Approaches8.1.10Nature-Nurture Debate8.1.11Interactionist Approach8.1.12Nature-Nurture Methods8.1.13Nature-Nurture Approaches8.1.14Idiographic & Nomothetic Approaches8.1.15Socially Sensitive Research8.1.16End of Topic Test - Issues and Debates
9Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)
9.1Relationships: Sexual Relationships (A2 only)
9.1.1Factors Affecting Attraction: Self-Disclosure9.1.2Evaluation of Self-Disclosure Theory9.1.3Factors Affecting Attraction: Physical Attributes9.1.4Matching Hypothesis Studies9.1.5Factors Affecting Physical Attraction9.1.6Factors Affecting Attraction: Filter Theory 19.1.7Factors Affecting Attraction: Filter Theory 29.1.8Evaluation of Filter Theory9.1.9End of Topic Test - Relationships
9.2Relationships: Romantic Relationships (A2 only)
9.2.1Social Exchange Theory9.2.2Evaluation of Social Exchange Theory9.2.3Equity Theory9.2.4Evaluation of Equity Theory9.2.5Rusbult’s Investment Model9.2.6Evaluation of Rusbult's Investment Model9.2.7Relationship Breakdown9.2.8Studies on Relationship Breakdown9.2.9Evaluation of Relationship Breakdown9.2.10End of Topic Test - Romantic relationships
9.3Relationships: Online (A2 only)
10Option 1: Gender (A2 only)
10.1Gender (A2 only)
10.1.1Biological Sex10.1.2The Role of Hormones in Biological Sex10.1.3Biological Explanations of Gender Development10.1.4Gender Identities & BSRI10.1.5Kohlberg’s Theory of Gender Constancy10.1.6Evaluation of Kohlberg's Theory10.1.7Gender Schema Theory10.1.8Social Approach to Gender Development10.1.9Criticisms of Social Theory10.1.10Media Influence on Gender Development10.1.11Gender Incongruence10.1.12End of Topic Test - Gender
11Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)
11.1Cognition & Development (A2 only)
11.1.1Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development 111.1.2Piaget's Theory of Cognitive Development 211.1.3Schema Accommodation Assimilation & Equilibration11.1.4Piaget & Inhelder’s Three Mountains Task (1956)11.1.5Conservation & Class Inclusion11.1.6Evaluation of Piaget11.1.7Vygotsky11.1.8Evaluation of Vygotsky11.1.9Baillargeon11.1.10Baillargeon's studies11.1.11Evaluation of Baillargeon11.1.12Sense of Self & Theory of Mind11.1.13Baron-Cohen Studies11.1.14Selman’s Five Levels of Perspective Taking11.1.15Biological Basis of Social Cognition11.1.16Evaluation of Biological Basis of Social Cognition11.1.17Issues in Social Neuroscience11.1.18Top Grade AO2/AO3 - Cognition & Development11.1.19End of Topic Test - Cognition & Development 111.1.20End of Topic Test - Cognition & Development 211.1.21End of Topic Test - Cognition 3
12Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)
12.1Schizophrenia: Diagnosis (A2 only)
12.2Schizophrenia: Treatment (A2 only)
12.2.1Family-Based Psychological Explanations12.2.2Evaluation of Family-Based Explanations12.2.3Cognitive Explanations12.2.4Drug Therapies12.2.5Evaluation of Drug Therapies12.2.6Biological Explanations for Schizophrenia12.2.7Dopamine Hypothesis12.2.8Psychological Therapies 112.2.9Psychological Therapies 212.2.10Interactionist Approach - Diathesis-Stress Model12.2.11Interactionist Approach - Triggers & Treatment12.2.12Evaluation of the Interactionist Approach12.2.13Evaluation of Psychological Therapies12.2.14Diagnostic Misconceptions - CBT & CBTp12.2.15End of Topic Test - Treatments 112.2.16End of Topic Test - Treatments 2
13Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)
13.1Eating Behaviour (A2 only)
13.1.1Explanations for Food Preferences13.1.2Birch et al (1987) & Lowe et al (2004)13.1.3Control of Eating Behaviours13.1.4Control of Eating Behaviour: Leptin13.1.5Biological Explanations for Anorexia Nervosa13.1.6Psychological Explanations: Family Systems Theory13.1.7Psychological Explanations: Social Learning Theory13.1.8Psychological Explanations: Cognitive Theory13.1.9Biological Explanations for Obesity13.1.10Biological Explanations: Studies13.1.11Psychological Explanations13.1.12Psychological Explanations: Studies13.1.13End of Topic Test - Eating Behaviour
14Option 2: Stress (A2 only)
14.1Stress (A2 only)
14.1.1Physiology of Stress14.1.2Role of Stress in Illness14.1.3Role of Stress in Illness: Studies14.1.4Social Readjustment Rating Scales14.1.5Hassles & Uplifts Scales14.1.6Stress, Workload & Control14.1.7Stress Level Studies14.1.8Physiological Measures of Stress14.1.9Individual Differences14.1.10Stress & Gender14.1.11Drug Therapy & Biofeedback for Stress14.1.12Stress Inoculation Therapy14.1.13Social Support & Stress14.1.14End of Topic Test - Stress 114.1.15End of Topic Test - Stress 2
15Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)
15.1Aggression: Physiological (A2 only)
15.1.1Neural Mechanisms15.1.2Serotonin15.1.3Hormonal Mechanisms15.1.4Genetic Factors15.1.5Genetic Factors 215.1.6Ethological Explanation15.1.7Innate Releasing Mechanisms & Fixed Action Pattern15.1.8Evolutionary Explanations15.1.9Buss et al (1992) - Sex Differences in Jealousy15.1.10Evaluation of Evolutionary Explanations15.1.11End of Topic Test - Aggression: Physiological 115.1.12End of Topic Test - Aggression: Physiological 2
15.2Aggression: Social Psychological (A2 only)
15.2.1Social Psychological Explanation15.2.2Buss (1963) - Frustration/Aggression15.2.3Social Psychological Explanation 215.2.4Social Learning Theory (SLT) 115.2.5Social Learning Theory (SLT) 215.2.6Limitations of Social Learning Theory (SLT)15.2.7Deindividuation15.2.8Deindividuation 215.2.9Deindividuation - Diener et al (1976)15.2.10End of Topic Test - Aggression: Social Psychology15.2.11Institutional Aggression: Prisons15.2.12Evaluation of Dispositional & Situational15.2.13Influence of Computer Games15.2.14Influence of Television15.2.15Evaluation of Studies on Media15.2.16Desensitisation & Disinhibition15.2.17Cognitive Priming15.2.18End of Topic Test - Aggression: Social Psychology
16Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)
16.1Forensic Psychology (A2 only)
16.1.1Defining Crime16.1.2Measuring Crime16.1.3Offender Profiling16.1.4Evaluation of Offender Profiling16.1.5John Duffy Case Study16.1.6Biological Explanations 116.1.7Biological Explanations 216.1.8Evaluation- Biological Explanations16.1.9Cognitive Explanations16.1.10Moral Reasoning16.1.11Differential Association Theory16.1.12Custodial Sentencing16.1.13Effects of Prison16.1.14Evaluation of the Effects of Prison16.1.15Behavioural Treatments & Therapies16.1.16Effectiveness of Behavioural Treatments16.1.17Restorative Justice16.1.18End of Topic Test - Forensic 116.1.19End of Topic Test - Forensic 2
17Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)
17.1Addiction (A2 only)
17.1.1Definition17.1.2Brain Neurochemistry Explanation17.1.3Learning Theory Explanation17.1.4Evaluation of a Learning Theory17.1.5Cognitive Bias17.1.6Griffiths on Cognitive Bias17.1.7Evaluation of Cognitive Theory (A2 only)17.1.8Gambling Addiction & Learning Theory17.1.9Social Influences on Addiction 117.1.10Social Influences on Addiction 217.1.11Personal Influences on Addiction17.1.12Genetic Explanations of Addiction17.1.13End of Topic Test - Addiction 117.1.14End of Topic Test - Addiction 2
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