Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology
Information below taken from AQA Specification. Page last updated 2017
What’s assessed? Compulsory content of Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology.
How is it assessed? Written exam: 2 hours • 96 marks in total • 33.3% of A-level
What type of questions? multiple choice, short answer and extended writing maximum 16 marks, each section totalling 24 marks.
-77Days
-10Hrs
-33Mins
-37Secs
Students will be expected to:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, research studies, research methods and ethical issues in relation to the specified Paper 1 content.
- apply psychological knowledge and understanding of the specified Paper 1 content in a range of contexts
- analyse, interpret and evaluate psychological concepts, theories, research studies and research methods in relation to the specified Paper 1 content
- evaluate therapies and treatments including in terms of their appropriateness and effectiveness.
Assessment Objectives (% of overall A Level)
- AO1 = 11–14 %
- AO2 = 6–9 %
- AO3 = 12–14 %
4.1.3 Attachment
- Caregiver-infant interactions in humans: reciprocity and interactional synchrony. Stages of
attachment identified by Schaffer. Multiple attachments and the role of the father. - Animal studies of attachment: Lorenz and Harlow.
- Explanations of attachment: learning theory and Bowlby’s monotropic theory. The concepts
of a critical period and an internal working model. - Ainsworth’s ‘Strange Situation’. Types of attachment: secure, insecure-avoidant and
insecure-resistant. Cultural variations in attachment, including van Ijzendoorn. - Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation. Romanian orphan studies: effects of
institutionalisation. - The influence of early attachment on childhood and adult relationships, including the role of
an internal working model.
Attachment Lessons
| AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 01: Film - Cuckoos Nest  | AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 02: Film - Cuckoos Nest | AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 03: Intro to Definitions | AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 04: Definitions AO1 | AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 05: Definitions AO3 |
| AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 06: Clinical Characteristics | AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 07: AO1 Explain Phobias | AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 08: AO3 Explain Phobias | AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 09: AO1 Treat Phobias | AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 10: AO3 Treat Phobias |
| AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 11: AO1 Explain Depress'n | AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 12: AO3 Explain Depress'n | AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 13: AO1 Treat Depress'n | AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 14: AO3 Treat Depress'n | AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 15: AO1 Explain OCD |
| AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 16: AO3 Explain OCD | AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 17: AO1 Treat OCD | AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 18: AO3 Treat OCD | AQA Psychology: PSY1 Psychopathology Lesson 19: Revision Time |
Attachment Extra
 Work Booklet |  Study Notes |  Essay Plans |
 Flash Cards |  Revision Materials |  Super Curricular |
