Psychology

    OCR
    GCSE

    Specification: J203

    Psychology explores why we think, feel and behave the way we do. From cognitive processes to social behaviour, you'll learn about key approaches, research methods and how to evaluate psychological studies.

    26

    Topics

    0

    Objectives

    105

    Exam Tips

    94

    Pitfalls

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    Key Features

    • Understand key approaches
    • Evaluate research studies
    • Apply psychology to real life
    • Analyse psychological debates

    Assessment Objectives

    AO1
    35%

    Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures

    AO2
    35%

    Apply knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures

    AO3
    30%

    Analyse and evaluate psychological information, ideas, processes and procedures to make judgements and draw conclusions

    What Gets Top Grades

    A*/Grade 9

    Knowledge & Understanding

    Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

    • Uses correct subject-specific terminology
    • Shows detailed understanding of concepts
    • Makes accurate connections between topics
    • Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

    Application

    Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

    • Selects relevant knowledge for the question
    • Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
    • Uses examples appropriately
    • Shows awareness of context

    Analysis & Evaluation

    Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

    • Constructs logical chains of reasoning
    • Considers multiple perspectives
    • Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
    • Acknowledges limitations and nuances

    Key Command Words

    OCR
    State
    1 mark

    Give a single fact or term

    Identify
    1 mark

    Name or select

    Describe
    2-4 marks

    Account of process or features

    Explain
    3-6 marks

    Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes

    Analyse
    6-9 marks

    Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome

    Evaluate
    9-12 marks

    Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Confusing the definitions of Psychoticism with clinical psychosis rather than the trait of coldness/lack of empathy
    • •Describing Social Learning Theory generally without referencing the specific role of vicarious reinforcement
    • •Failing to contextualize the evaluation of Cooper and Mackie (1986) regarding the artificiality of the lab setting
    • •Conflating the findings of Heaven (1996) regarding Psychoticism with findings related to Extraversion
    • •Confusing XYY syndrome (Jacob's syndrome) with XXY (Klinefelter's syndrome) or asserting that women can have XYY.
    • •Stating definitively that biology 'causes' crime rather than 'predisposes' or 'increases risk', ignoring the diathesis-stress model.
    • •Describing the general function of the brain without specifically isolating the amygdala or the limbic system.
    • •Confusing the direction of correlation (e.g., stating introverts are more likely to commit crime due to under-arousal)

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •For 13-mark extended responses, ensure equal weighting is given to Description (AO1), Application (AO2), and Evaluation (AO3)
    • •When criticizing studies, move beyond 'small sample' to explain the specific implications for generalizability to the target population
    • •Use the 'ARRM' mnemonic (Attention, Retention, Reproduction, Motivation) to structure SLT application answers
    • •Explicitly link the high extraversion score in Eysenck's theory to the under-active nervous system requiring stimulation
    • •When evaluating, use the 'reductionism' argument: explain why reducing complex criminal behaviour to simple biology is a weakness.
    • •In 13-mark questions, ensure a balanced argument; juxtapose biological explanations against social explanations (e.g., Social Learning Theory) to access top bands.
    • •Always refer back to the 'stem' (scenario) by name and specific action when answering AO2 questions to avoid generic responses.
    • •Distinguish clearly between 'structure' (amygdala) and 'genetics' (XYY) if the question asks for a specific type of biological explanation.

    Specification Topics

    26 topics

    Theories of Criminal Behaviour

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Biological Explanations of Criminality

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Psychological Explanations of Criminality

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Forensic Psychology

    0 objectives5 tips4 pitfalls

    Key Concepts in Development

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Theories of Development

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    The Role of Education

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Deprivation and Privation

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Defining Psychological Problems

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Theories of Depression

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Theories of Anxiety

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Treating Psychological Problems

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Conformity

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Obedience

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Pro- and Anti-Social Behaviour

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Bystander Behaviour

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    How Memory Works

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Memory Models

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Forgetting

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Eyewitness Testimony

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    The Nature and Function of Sleep

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Theories of Dreaming

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Sleep Disorders

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Planning and Conducting Research

    0 objectives4 tips3 pitfalls

    Data Analysis

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Ethics in Research

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

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