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Psychology - A level - Component 3- Past papers and answers / exemplar answers. Answers for past papers in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022$15.82
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2017 – Evaluate one method of modifying Autistic spectrum behaviours. [10]
o Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
o Relationship Development Intervention (RDI)
o It is expected that candidates will present evaluator commentary in terms of evidence that supports
the effectiveness of the method of modifying behaviour e.g. Chrlop-Christy et. al. (2002) - PECS;
Gutstein et al 2007 - RDI).
o Candidates might also find evidence against the technique through limited broader supporting
research (e.g. Flippin et al meta-analysis of PECS) or limited support for underlying concepts of RDI as
is found in the case of Bayat (2007)/
o Further critical commentary could also be derived from critical comparison between the two
methods learnt with a focus on what processes are ignored by method being evaluated in
comparison to the other.
2017 - Caroline has Autism. Her dad wanted to understand more about the condition. A psychologist
informed him about social psychological explanations of the behaviour. Describe two social psychological
explanations for autistic spectrum behaviours making reference to Caroline in your response. [15]
o Empathising - systemising theory developed out of Baron-Cohens work on the Theory of Mind, and
the limitations that ToM in the breadth of its explanation and not being able to suitably explain
repetitive/obsessive behaviours of autistics and the very real issue of it being more a male
phenomenon than female.
o The Refrigerator Mother theory based on psychodynamic suggesting that the cause of ASB was
unconscious and often heavily linked to particularly stressful experiences (e.g. lack of maternal care).
o Male behaviour presents the view that the autistic individual holds a repertoire of behaviours not too
dissimilar to that of a standard make, but often illustrating these to a greater degree. More males
than females are identified as being autistics which might results fromt eh different social
expectations - e.g. girls expected to be more social in their communications.
o Application of the description to Caroline.
o Using Caroline to illustrate points being made.
o Caroline being used in examples to illustrate descriptive aspect of the theory.
2018 - Outline the characteristics of autistic spectrum behaviour. [10]
o Prevalence in males rather than females. Its incidence (approx. one in 1000 people)
o Limited imagination
o Poor / limited speech development
o Intolerance to change
o High level of specialism in certain intellectual tasks
o Irregular / unusual responses to stimuli / situations
o Very repetitive / ritualistic behaviour
o Social and emotional reciprocity
o Non-verbal communication
o Relationship formation / maintenance difficulties.
2018 - 'Biological explanations are the best way of explaining autistic spectrum behaviours.' From your
study of autistic spectrum behaviours discuss to what extent this statement true? [15]
o Amygdala dysfunction
The amygdala has a powerful influence on the activity of the brain. Focus has been in two main
areas:
(1) Amygdala development with a focus on the way in which growth volume of the amygdala
increases earlier in children with ASD compared to those without ASD. It is this very unusual
, developmental growth may affect neural organisation, resulting in problems in functioning and
behavioural changes.
(2) Amygdala dysfunction theory - Abnormal development of the amygdala (which has many
neural connections to the frontal cortex) may account for many of the characteristics social and
behaviour problems often found in individuals with ASD.
o Chloride ions at birth
The suggestion that high levels of salt in the nerve cells of new-born babies may be an
important early trigger to latter ASD. Basically, high levels of chloride (a negatively charged salt
ion found in nerve cells) may orientate the brain of a new born towards autistic tendencies.
While Chloride ions are kept high in the neurons of the foetus while developing in the womb.
When born chloride levels of quickly lowered and controlled by oxytocin (a birth hormone
released by the mother during labour).
o Genetic predisposition
The argument is that factors in the genetic makeup of an individual could influence the
likelihood of them developing ASD. Varied research has been carried out involving family
studies (e.g. Szatmari, 1999), twin studies (such as that conducted by (Bailey et al. (1995).
Extending this Bernier et al. (2012) have focussed on slightly different influences suggesting that
not all families affected by ASD are the same – he differentiates between simplex and multiplex
ASD. Finally contribution to the genetic focus has also centred around syndromic and non-
syndromic ASD, in the latter case it is not clear what the genetic aetiology is.
Examiners should be aware that the question will allow for reference to Biological and non-
biological explanations of ASD - by means of establishing the alternative side of the argument.
Candidates that do not make reference alternative explanations which are not biological are
presenting only one side of a debate. Thus the candidate is unlikely to score higher than 3 - 5
marks (basic) for AO3 depending on the nature and structure of the response.
o The focus of the response could examine:
Candidates may use Psychological explanations to illustrate that the biological explanation can't
be the best way of providing explanation for Autism since important psychological factors are
being ignored.
Ignorance of individual difference / social psychological content detracts from the effectiveness
of the biological explanation.
Research evidence supporting biological focus such as those relating to amygdala dysfunction,
chloride ions at birth and genetic predisposition.
Research / comments that illustrate the limitation of Individual difference / social psychological
explanations (hence illustrating the strength of biological explanation).
2019 - Describe one biological explanation of autistic spectrum behaviours. [10]
o Genetic predisposition - follows the idea that there is a lot of published research suggesting that ASB
runs in families and evidence suggests that if an individual has a sibling with ASB they are up to 20
times more likely (Szatmari, 1999) to be at risk of having it.
o Various forms of studies have been conducted in this area: family studies and twin studies. More able
candidates will comment on the way in which there are key differences between simplex and
multiplex ASB and differ these correctly.
o Further descriptive commentary could explain differences between syndromic and non-syndromic
ASB.
o Amygdala dysfunction - this explanation either suggests that there are problems in the development
of the amygdala - for example some studies focusing on growth - such studies often relating to
amygdala volume in children (Nordahl, 2012) being larger than an otherwise normal child.
o Conversely other advocates of amygdala dysfunction explanations focus on the interaction that
abnormal brain amygdala development as a child has on the functioning of the frontal cortex and
associated systems often involved in social processing.
2019 - Patrick has autistic spectrum behaviour and wants to understand the potential causes of it. Patrick
understands that social psychology can explain his behaviour, especially his interactions with others.
Evaluate social psychological explanations of autistic spectrum behaviours with reference to Patrick. [15]
o Empathising - systemising theory.
, o Refrigerator mother.
o Likely ways to tackle the question will see candidates use evidence that can support the explanation
at hand for example Lawson (2004), Wakabayashi, 2007) [E-S]; Kanner (1943) [Refrigerator Mother].
o Evidence against that might question issues of validity of assessment methods in the case of ES or
plainly the lack of actual supporting evidence for refrigerator mother.
o Candidates might also comment on the real-life applications that some explanations can have such as
E-S and the - Baron-Cohen had E-S theory as a platform for his development of the 'Mindreading
DVD' and the animation series 'Transporters'.
o Candidates can also achieve evaluation through reference to alternatives. But examiners should be
aware that simple descriptions of alternatives are not credit worthy on their own. The expectation of
a highly effective answer will be one that makes links to alternative explanations - but does so in a
way that shows what is "ignored" by social psychological explanations.
o Any other appropriate social psychological explanation.
2020 - Describe social psychological explanations of autistic spectrum behaviours. [10]
o Empathising - systemising theory - Developed out of Baron-Cohen's work on the Theory of Mind, and
the many limitations it had. The explanation specifically explains autistic spectrum behaviours as a
mismatch between skills in empathy and systems. The autistic behaviour characteristics often
resulting from inferior skills of empathy and highly superior skills of systemising.
o Male behaviour - This presents the view that the autistic individual holds a repertoire of behaviours
not too dissimilar to that of a standard male, but often illustrating these to a greater degree. More
males than females are identified as being autistic which might result from the different social
expectations - e.g. girls expected to be more social in their communications.
o The Refrigerator Mother - Theory based on psychodynamic psychology suggesting that the cause of
autistic spectrum behaviours was unconscious and often heavily linked to particularly stressful
childhood experiences (e.g. lack of maternal care). Description of Kanner's observations and
Bettlelheim (1967)/The Empty Fortress.
2020 - ‘Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is widely used but has many limitations.’ With
reference to this statement, evaluate Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) as a method of
modifying autistic spectrum behaviours. [15]
o Candidates illustrating the 'significant improvement' of Picture Exchange Communication System
with reference to strengths of such explanations.
o Candidates illustrating the 'wide use and limitations' of Picture Exchange Communication System
through reference to appropriate research evidence.
o Assessment of the statement in the light of research / conclusions drawn from work examining the
Picture Exchange Communication System.
o Examples of supporting evidence: Charlop-Christy (2002) significant increases in spontaneous speech.
The relative ease of use and ease to implement (Charlop-Christy (2002), Flippin et. al. (2010). Boesch
et. al. (ASD No.7), Bondy and Frost (1998).
o Examples of refuting evidence: Flippin et. al. (2010) comments on relatively small study sample size in
this area and little support from meta-analyses. Ethical issues of PECS (Baron-Cohen, 2009). The
financial implication of this method of modification - especially relating to its cost.
o Studies that are used to support other forms of modification such as Relationship Development
Intervention (RDI) can be used to illustrate aspects of focuses that are ignored by PECS).
o Social implications: PECS is a privately branded and trademarked system that operates and provides
materials ands training for a cost. Cost can be a limiting factor to the social impact of this
modification. Alternatively, though, compared to other methods of modification, the cost of it needs
to be assessed in comparison to the limited impact of other forms of modification.
2021 - Deborah has recently been diagnosed with autistic spectrum behaviour. Deborah’s parents have
noticed that her behaviour and linguistic patterns are different to other children of her age. Describe how
the characteristics of Deborah’s behaviour would be different to other children. [15]
o Prevalence in males rather than females. Its incidence (approx. one in 1000 people).
o Limited imagination.
o Poor / limited speech development.
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