Paper 1A question bank
Exam questions for Paper 1A and B are based on the learning objectives/content that is listed in tables 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3 in the subject guide. For each question, students must describe or explain the content point (e.g., cognitive load), describe a study, and link the study back to the content point.
Each question is worth four marks, so students should spend no more than 10 minutes on each. There will be two mandatory questions - each from a different psychological approach (biological, cognitive, or sociocultural).
Below is the list of potential questions for Paper 1, Section A. The wording may change slightly on the exams, but no other content may be asked outside of these questions.
Biological questions
Describe/Explain the use of animal research in the study of human behavior with reference to one example.
Describe/Explain one ethical consideration in the use of animals in research with reference to one example.
Describe/Explain biological reductionism, with reference to one example.
Describe/Explain the use of one brain imaging technique in the study of behavior with reference to one example.
Describe/Explain the role of one chemical messenger in human behavior.
Describe/Explain the Diathesis Stress Model with reference to one example.
Describe/Explain one example of how behaviour may be the result of genetic inheritance.
Describe/Explain localization of function with reference to one example of behavior or cognition.
Describe/Explain neuroplasticity with reference to one example of its role in human behavior.
Describe/Explain neurotransmission with reference to one example of its role in human behavior.
Cognitive questions
Describe/Explain anchoring bias with reference to one example of its role in decision-making.
Describe/Explain classical conditioning with reference to one example of its role in behavior.
Describe/Explain cognitive load theory with reference to one example of how it helps us to understand human cognition.
Describe/Explain one cognitive model with reference to one example of how it explains a cognitive process or behavior.
Describe/Explain confirmation bias with reference to one example of its role in decision-making.
Describe/Explain the Dual Process Theory with reference to one example of how it explains decision-making.
Describe/Explain operant conditioning with reference to one example of its role in behavior.
Describe/Explain schema theory with reference to one example of how it helps us to understand one cognitive process.
Sociocultural questions
Describe/Explain cognitive dissonance with reference to one example of its role in understanding human behavior.
Describe/Explain one compliance technique with reference to one example of its role in changing human behavior.
Describe/Explain the process of conformity with one example of its role in understanding human behavior.
Describe/Explain one cultural dimension with one example of its role in understanding cross-cultural similarities and differences in behavior.
Describe/Explain an emic approach to researching human behavior with reference to one example.
Describe/Explain enculturation with reference to one human behavior.
Describe/Explain an etic approach to researching human behavior with reference to one example.
Describe/Explain one model of acculturation with reference to one example of how it explains the experience of immigrants, refugees, or other people taking an extended stay in another culture.
Describe/explain social identity theory with reference to one example of how it explains and/or may be applied to change one behavior.
Describe/Explain social learning theory with reference to one example of how it explains and/or may be applied to change one behavior.