AS/A Level GCEPsychology - H168 H568

QCA have removed coursework from the subject criteria for Psychology as a means of assessment. This means that all A Level Psychology qualifications are 100% exam assessed. The OCR specification continues to provide opportunities for practical learning, particularly in relation to research.

This is no longer mandatory. Having completed four investigations learners may make a record of their activities if desired, but they will not be permitted to take the portfolio into the examination.

Yes the number of Core Studies has been reduced in line with centre feedback from 20 to 15, and a small number of new studies added. The Core Studies are:

Cognitive Psychology:

• Loftus and Palmer, Automobile destruction
• Baron Cohen, Autism and theory of mind - NEW
• Savage-Rumbaugh, Symbol Acquisition. By Pygmy Chimps - NEW

Developmental Psychology:

• Samuel Bryant, One question in conversation
• Bandura Ross and Ross, Transmission of aggression
• Freud, Little Hans

Physiological Psychology:

• Maguire et al, Taxi drivers and navigation - NEW
• Dement and Kleitman, Eye movement during sleep
• Sperry, Brain and consciousness

Social Psychology:

• Milgram, Behavioural Study of Obedience
• Reicher S & Haslam S, A Study of prison guards - NEW
• Piliavin, Rodin and Piliavin, Good samaritan

Psychology of Individual Differences:

• Rosenhan, Being sane in insane places
• Thigpen and Cleckley, Multiple personality
• Griffiths, Addiction and Gambling - NEW

The optional units have been combined into Unit 3, Options in Applied Psychology. Learners have the choice of studying two areas from the following:

• Forensic Psychology
• Health and Clinical Psychology
• Psychology of Education
• Psychology of Sport and Exercise

On Paper 3 of the new specification, it is not necessary to write essays. The new specification requires testing of students' ability to respond to questions.

Enquiries about Paper 3 on the new specification. (G543)

The part (a) is similar to the Section A part (a) on the legacy specification. The only difference is there are more injunctions possible, beyond; 'describe' and 'outline'. There are also broader requests, beyond; 'a study', 'a theory' or 'research', such as; 'a way', 'a strategy', 'a measure'. Candidates should be able to answer this section in about 7+ minutes.

For part (b), the idea of what constitutes 'analysis' is broadened.

Firstly, an issue/comment/debate is called for. This needs to be supported by/located in psychological evidence. To score well, the candidate needs to demonstrate that they understand the debate, appreciate the intricacy, or can 'go further' or 'do something more' beyond merely identifying or raising the issue. Traditionally this has been by drawing contrasts and comparisons. This will remain legitimate, but any other form of elaboration/extension/development may also be encouraged. The idea is to escape from the pre-prepared formulaic answer, and instead to test the candidate's ability of appreciation and application.

In the current (legacy) specification the guidance for a strong section b, part b answer suggests that three issues should be raised; two should be adequate on the new paper.

In the new specification a number of points may be made within any one issue, and this will be recognised (e.g. reliability may contain a discussion about demand characteristics and social desirability, ethnocentrism about sampling and generalising). It is the skill that is being sought and confirmation of this ability in a second commentary. Of course, precision of response to the question and effective use of examples come into the equation of what makes a good answer. (Please refer to mark scheme). Candidates should be able to answer this in about 15 minutes – similar to the time requirement for the current (legacy specification) section B part (b) but there is less of an 'essay' requirement.

Yes. In response to centre demand, OCR will be publishing past papers for live specifications on the website. These will be free of charge. Question papers from the latest series will be available to download from OCR Interchange only.

OCR is working in partnership with individual publishers for different subject groups. Comprehensive resources are being developed by these Publishing Partners and others to support the specification and complement the support available from OCR.

Schemes of work and lesson plans can be downloaded for each qualifcation. The materials are available in PDF format, and  Word format. Teachers can adapt the materials for their own use.

Yes, the A* grade is calculated arithmetically based on the units used for aggregation, irrespective of whether or not they are re-sits.