Question ‘rules’ to consider One / Two Give one assumption of the cognitive approach. (1 mark) Explain two reasons for Theo’s aggression. (4 marks) You must write about the exact number of ‘things’ in the question, otherwise you’ll lose marks or waste time. Evaluate / Assess These are special terms because they require you to come to a conclusion (e.g. make a judgement about something). Analyse, Discuss and Compare do not require a conclusion. Compare Psychologists believe there are different types of conformity. Compare two types of conformity. (3 marks) When comparing two things, your answer must include both a similarity and a difference. You also need to bring the ‘things’ together (e.g. types of conformity) and not treat them separately (see the next spread for an example). Examples / Types / Factors / Ways / Reasons / Effects Any of these could appear in a question, so it’s important you know what they are. Note that a question can tell you to include an example. But even if it doesn’t, it’s still often a good idea to do so. Consider Evaluate the extent to which the biological approach can explain Theo’s aggression. In your answer you should consider the roles of genetics and evolution. (9 marks) The question may help you by giving a prompt about what to include. But that means you must include it. Command terms This is a selected list of the words that tell you how to answer questions. Name Recall a feature or characteristic using correct terms. Describe Give an account in which sentences are developed from each other (linked). Justification (reasons why) is not required (unlike Explain below). Explain Sentences should be linked to provide an element of reasoning. Reasoning involves justifying a point or example (e.g. saying why). Justify Give reasons/evidence to support a statement. Discuss Identify and explore all aspects of the issue/situation, with reasoning/argument (conclusion not needed). Evaluate Consider various aspects of a subject’s qualities in relation to its context, such as strengths or weaknesses. Come to a judgement (conclusion), supported by evidence. Introduction Exam advice Nailed it. Timing Timing is always important in exams because it is a fixed amount. You must spend enough time on each answer in relation to the marks – not too much otherwise you won’t give full enough answers to other questions. How long should you spend on each question? For both Units 1 and 3, a very rough (but useful) rule of thumb is ‘one minute per mark’, bearing in mind you have to read and think as well as write. How much should you write? Of course, there is no firm answer to this question. But here is a (very) rough guide. A 9-mark extended open-response answer should be between 320 and 360 words and take about 13–15 minutes. A 6-mark answer should be between 200 and 220 words and take about 8–10 minutes. Some lower-mark questions can be answered quickly. You don’t have to, but you could ‘bank’ time to spend on the higher-mark questions. But remember the thing that really matters – the quality of your answer is always more important than how many words you write. Have confidence! Self-efficacy is covered in Unit 3 (see page 94). The research shows that when you believe in your abilities, you expect to do well and often this will boost your performance (just don’t get overconfident!). Have things around you which remind you of your successes. Before the exam, remind yourself how much studying you have done and again think of your successes. Raise your self-efficacy. 6 Copyright: Sample material
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