General Learning Outcomes

EXAMINER’S NOTES   Candidates may use a study, theory or general concepts derived from psychological research to describe the principle   responses should clearly relate the study to the LOA discussed

Biological   Outline principles that define the biological level of analysis   Explain how principles that define the biological level of analysis may be demonstrated in research   Discuss how and why particular research methods are used at the biological level of analysis   Discuss ethical considerations related to research studies at the biological level of analysis.

Bio - Principles   patterns of behavior can be inherited   animal research may inform our understanding of human behavior   there are biological correlates to behavior; emotions and behaviors are products of the anatomy and physiology of our nervous and endocrine systems   biological factors interact with cognitive, environmental, social and cultural factors in producing behavior.

Bio Principles Genetic Genetic Evolution Evolution  patterns of behavior can be inherited Hormones Neuro Localization  animal research may inform our understanding of human behavior

Bio Principles Neuro Neuro Hormones Hormones  there are biological correlations to behavior; emotions and behaviors are products of the anatomy and physiology of our nervous and endocrine systems Amnesia N plasticity Nurture  biological factors interact with cognitive, environmental, social and cultural factors in producing behavior.

Bio - Principles   Example of questions SAQ: Outline two principles that define the biological level of analysis.

Examiner’s Notes Principles  More than one principle is addressed. If more than one principle is described, then only the first one is assessed, even if the study is clearly linked to the second principle.  The principle is stated but not described in any detail.  The study is poorly described or not clearly linked to the principle.  There is only a study described, but no clear statement of a principle.

Research Methods   Discuss how and why particular research methods are used at the biological level of analysis Lab Experiment Control, IV + DV Artificial + can be expensive Neuroimaging Paired, visual + scientific Need pairing Observations High validity, easy + cheap Hard to replicate + takes time

Research Methods   Example of questions LAQ: Discuss how and why one particular research method is used at the biological level of analysis

Examiner’s Notes Research Methods  The focus of the response should be on the research methods. Many essays instead focus on describing the studies.  The studies need to be described in terms of the research method - that is, the IV and DV should be identified, the way the method was actually done  (e.g. triangulation of method, the research design, counterbalancing).  Two methods well discussed is much better than trying to discuss several methods without any depth.

Examiner’s Notes Research Methods  Incorrect studies linked to methods. It is always best to choose studies that are clear examples of the method and not those that are rather ambiguous examples  For example, Sperry & Gazzaniga's research is often not clearly experimental.  The response lacks critical thinking relevant to the question.  Evaluation should address the strengths and limitations of the method. If evaluation is used that has nothing to do with method  for example, only students were studied - this is not critical thinking relevant to the question, and it does not earn any marks.

Ethical Considerations   Discuss ethical considerations related to research studies at the biological level of analysis. Ethical guidelines: Consent, Confidentiality Deception, Debriefing Protection, Privacy Withdrawal Dangers of self-fulfilling prophecy + labeling

Examiner’s Notes Ethical Considerations   The ethical consideration is not clearly identified or linked to the study.   The study is not well described – or it is not linked to the biological level of analysis.   The ethical consideration is not outlined in any detail.   The ethical consideration is not highly relevant to the study that was chosen.

Cognitive   Outline principles that define the cognitive level of analysis   Explain how principles that define the cognitive level of analysis may be demonstrated in research   Discuss how and why particular research methods are used at the cognitive level of analysis   Discuss ethical considerations related to research studies at the cognitive level of analysis.

Cog - Principles   mental processes can be scientifically investigated   mental representations guide behavior   cognitive processes are influenced by social, cultural and biological factors   internal processes are important mediators between stimuli and responses.

Sociocultural   Outline principles that define the sociocultural level of analysis   Explain how principles that define the sociocultural level of analysis may be demonstrated in research   Discuss how and why particular research methods are used at the sociocultural level of analysis   Discuss ethical considerations related to research studies at the sociocultural level of analysis.

Soc - Principles   the social and cultural environment influences individual behavior   humans are social animals and we have a basic need to ‘belong’   we construct our conceptions of the individual and social self   people’s views of the world are resistant to change

NOTES   Candidates may use a study, theory or general concepts derived from psychological research to describe the principle   responses should clearly relate the study to the LOA discussed