Aqa A Psychology A2

1. HOW TO
WRITE A2
ESSAYS LIKE A
PRO
A2 Psychology

2. SKILLS EXAMINERS ARE
LOOKING FOR
AO1 - Recognise, recall and show understanding of scientific knowledge, select, organise
and communicate relevant information in a variety of forms
AO2 - Analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge, apply knowledge and processes to
unfamiliar situations, assess the validity, reliability and credibility of scientific
information
AO3 - Describe ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques and processes, know how to
make, record, and communicate valid observations, analyse, interpret, explain and
evaluate the methodology and investigative activities in a variety of ways.

3. 3
QUESTION STYLES
Un-parted (24 marks = 1 essay):
Discuss research into the maintenance of relationships.(8 marks + 16 marks)
Describe and evaluate one or more social psychological theories of
aggression.(8 marks + 16 marks)
Outline and evaluate two theories of the breakdown of relationships.(8 marks
+ 16 marks)
Parted (24 marks = over two questions)
Identify an eating disorder. Outline one explanation of this disorder (4 marks)
Discuss explanations for the success/failure of dieting (4 marks + 16 marks)

4. DIFFERENT TYPES OF ESSAYS
24 marks – A01 outline (8 marks) + A02/3 evaluation (16
marks)
20 marks – A01 outline (4 marks) + A02/3 evaluation (16
marks)
12 marks– A01 outline (4 marks) + A02/3 evaluation (8
marks)
Each mark = approximately 25 words
A01 for 8 marks = requires approx. one written side of A4.
A02/A03 for 16 marks = 400 words approx. (about 2 written sides of
A4) in a structured format. Essay evaluation should be plentiful and
effective

5. 5
A02 – (FOR 16 MARK
EVALUATION)
To make evaluation plentiful A02 points should
consider:
Citing evidence in support
Non- synoptic points
Citing evidence against
Positive, negative points about theories (reductionist,
determinist, culturally biased, practical applications)
drawing conclusions
similarities and differences of theories
Synoptic
points

6. 6
SYNOPTIC POINTS FOR AO2
(They are often in the textbook) Synoptic points relate to the following
issues:
1. Is the theory/explanation reductionist?
2. Is the theory/explanation deterministic?
3. Are there any ethical issues with humans?
4. Are there any ethical issues with animals?
5. Is there gender bias?
6. Is there cultural bias?
7. Does the research relate to the nature/nurture debate?
8. Can the research be explained by other psychological approaches? (e.g.
biological, behavioural, psychodynamic, evolutionary, cognitive? )

7. 7
A03 – (FOR 16 MARK
EVALUATION)
(included in A02 part of assessment) A03 Involves you
evaluating the research methods used in the studies.
Comment on the following criteria to help you:
 Evaluate the methodology used (whether it is a lab, field,
natural experiment or observation, questionnaire, interview,
case study).
 The sample and sampling method used.
 Any other relevant design issues

8. A01 – (OUTLINE) 8
MARKS
A02/3 – (EVALUATION) 16 MARK
(A02) Non-Synoptic (pAo0in2t)s Synoptic po(iAn0ts3) Research methods Methodology
NERDCAGE
Sampling
method
Other design
issues
x4-PEE
points
Research
for or
against.
x2-PEE
points
X2-PEE points
= 24
MARKS

9. A01 – (OUTLINE)
4 MARKS
(A02) Non-Synoptic (pAo0in2t)s Synoptic po(iAn0ts3) Research methods Methodology
NERDCAGE
Sampling
method
Other design
issues
x2-PEE
points
Research
for or
against.
x1-PEE
points
X1-PEE points
A02/3 –
(EVALUATION) 8
MARK
= 12
MARKS

10. 10
To make evaluation effective it needs to
follow the 3 point structure:
Point - state your criticism (“What is it?”)
Evidence - research to justify your point, or
an example
Explain - how your evidence supports your
point

11. 11
USEFUL LINK PHRASES
FOR EVALUATION
This suggests that…
So we can see that…
This would imply…
One advantage of this is…
An alternative explanation could be…
Therefore…
This is supported by…
This is challenged by…
Not everyone reacts the same way, for example…
There may be cultural variations…
This has been applied to … situation.

12. Outline (8 marks) Evaluate (16 marks)
Non- synoptic Evaluation Points x 4
P
E
E
P
E
E
P
E
E
P
E
E
Synoptic Evaluation Points x 2
P
E
E
P
E
E
Research Methods Points x 2
P
E
E
P
E
E

13. ESSAY COVER SHEET
Name: Module:
Teacher:
Essay Tittle:
Knowing whether the essay is a 12, 20 or 24
mark question will help you plan you
evaluation.
( marks)
Set Date:
Due Date:
Self-selected targets from last work
1.
2.
3.
When an essay has been marked & returned
you will use the feedback and your own
judgement of the work to set yourself targets
for the next essay. You then put these
targets on the cover sheet of the next essay
to help you improve your next assessment.

14. SELF EVALUATION SHEET
I worked independently on this piece of work
I handed this essay in on time
I prepared/started my essay a good time in advance of the deadline
I used and my own materials for this piece of work (own notes, research, or
books)
I used teacher provided materials for this piece of work (hand-outs, slides, )
I understood the essay title
I asked for support when I was stuck
I worked on previous targets
I am pleased with the piece of work I produced
What did you feel you did well in this essay? What do you feel you could have done
These targets go on the cover sheet
of the next essay to help you
improve
your next assessment and create a
cycle of progression.
better in this essay?
Targets for next essay: set yourself 3 SMART targets for your next essay
Reflecting on the work you produce is a
useful skill and essential for taking
responsibility of your learning