Essay Writing in Psychology

1. Essay Writing in Psychology The 18 mark question R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

2. AO1 • Knowledge and understanding of psychological theories terminology, concepts, studies and methods and communication of these in a clear and effective manner. • Total of 18 out of 30 marks on the paper • Question a) and b) and one third of c) R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

3. AO1 terms • Describe: give a detailed account of the study/theory in clear and concise English • Outline: give a less detailed account of the study/theory in clear and concise English • Explain/Define: give a clear and concise meaning of the term specified R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

4. AO1: Mark Scheme R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

5. AO2 • Analysis and evaluation of psychological theories, concepts, studies and methods and communication of these in a clear and effective manner • Total of 12 out of 30 marks • Two thirds of question c) R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

6. AO2 terms • Evaluate • Assess • Analyse • To what extent • Discuss and critically consider are AO1 and AO2 terms R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

7. 18 marks essay • Outline and evaluate… • Give a brief account of and evaluate… • To what extent does research support… • Consider the view that… • Always involves describing and evaluating R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

8. 18 Mark Essay • 6 marks AO1 • 12 marks AO2 • AO1 is assessed on accuracy and detail • AO2 is assessed on • commentary • Effective use of material • Analysis and evaluation • Range of issues used R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

9. AO2: what does it mean? • Both positive and negative • Methodological • Participants • Ethical issues • Validity- internal and external • Application to real life • Supporting/refuting research • Historical bias R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

10. AO2 Mark Scheme R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

11. AO2: how is it marked? • COMMENT: present an interpretation of a theory or finding • CRITICISE: draw attention to the strengths or weaknesses of a study/theory • EVALUATE: present an overall conclusion about the value of a study/theory R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

12. FLAGS • This suggests that… • However, … • Therefore, … • On the other hand… • In contrast… • One advantage of this view is… • This study was flawed because… • Support is shown by… • A useful application of this is… • Not everyone reacts in the same way, for example… • There may be cultural variations… R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

13. AO2: boost those marks • Make it effective by ensuring: • It is relevant b) It is a justified point c) It is explained (elaborated upon) R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

14. How do I do this? The golden rules: • Identify your evaluation point (This study lacks ecological validity…) • Justify your point (… because it was a lab experiment and attempts to replicate it in other situations have been unsuccessful) • Elaborate upon it (Therefore, the results of this study cannot be generalised beyond the research situation) R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

15. Planning your answer • Mark a minute • Don’t write an introduction or conclusion unless it will get you extra marks • It can be useful to work backwards with some essays- know how you want to conclude and structure your answer from there • Your essay does not have to be balanced (its just good practice!) • Beware of your own opinion!! It must be backed with psychology R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

16. Work in 3s • AO1: 6 mins; AO2: 6 mins; AO2: 6 mins • Plan in boxes: R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

17. Describe and evaluate research into stress and the immune system R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

18. Critically consider explanations of forgetting in LTM R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk

19. To what extent can anorexia nervosa be explained by biological factors. R.Pernetta psychlotron.org.uk