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Social Influence: Complete Teaching Module (A-Level Psychology) By: The Psychology Tutoring Academy Looking to deliver the Social Influence topic with clarity, creativity and confidence? This fully resourced module is tailored to the A-Level Psychology specification and provides everything educators need to teach one of the most dynamic and exam-relevant topics in psychology. Full lessons covering: Types of Conformity (Compliance, Identification, Internalisation) Explanations for Conformity (ISI and NSI) Conformity Research: Asch (1956), Jenness (1932) Obedience to Authority: Milgram’s Study and Variations Conformity to Social Roles: Zimbardo’s Stanford Prison Experiment Minority Influence and Social Change (Moscovici, Consistency, Flexibility) Resisting Social Influence (Social Support & Locus of Control) Why Choose This Module? Developed by an experienced A-Level examiner and tutor Blends academic rigour with student-friendly visuals Encourages critical thinking and exam technique from day one Ideal for classroom delivery, revision sessions or independent study Who Is It For? Perfect for: Psychology teachers looking to save time on planning Departments seeking engaging resources to raise attainment Private tutors Students looking for a structured and comprehensive revision pack

Specification Section: 3.2.1 Research Methods Experimental Method Types of Experiments Lab experiments, high control, artificial setting Field experiments, real-world setting Natural experiments, IV occurs naturally, no manipulation Quasi-experiments, IV is a characteristic (e.g., gender), not manipulated Variables Independent Variable (IV) Dependent Variable (D.V) Extraneous and confounding variables O.p.e.r.a.t.i.o.n.a.l.i.s.a.t.i.o.n Experimental Designs Independent groups Repeated measures Matched pairs Control Measures Random allocation Counterbalancing S.t.a.n.d.a.r.d.i.s.a.t.i.o.n Control of variables 2. Non-Experimental Methods Observational Techniques Naturalistic vs Controlled Covert vs Overt Participant vs Non-participant observation B.e.h.a.v.i.o.u.r.a.l categories and coding frames Inter-observer reliability Self-Report Techniques Questionnaires: open vs closed questions Interviews: structured, unstructured, semi-structured Correlations Relationship between two co-variables Positive, negative, or zero correlation S.c.a.t.t.e.r.g.r.a.m.s Correlation/causation Scientific Processes Aims and Hypotheses Null and alternative hypotheses Directional and non-directional Sampling Methods Random, opportunity, volunteer, stratified, systematic Strengths and weaknesses Pilot Studies Purpose: refine procedures, test materials Identifies potential issues before the main study Ethics Informed consent Right to withdraw Protection from harm Confidentiality and privacy Deception Ethical guidelines (BPS) Data Handling and Analysis Types of Data Quantitative vs Qualitative Primary vs Secondary Descriptive Statistics: Measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode) Measures of dispersion (range, standard deviation) Graphical Representation Bar charts, histograms, line graphs Tables S.c.a.t.t.e.r.g.r.a.m.s Normal and skewed distributions Inferential Testing Levels of Measurement Nominal, Ordinal, Interval Choosing a Statistical Test Use of NO RIC (Nature of Design, Relationship, and Type of Data) Criteria: Test of difference or correlation Experimental design Level of measurement Types of Tests Sign Test Chi-square test Mann-Whitney U W.i.l.c.o.x.o.n S.p.e.a.r.m.a.n.s rho Unrelated and Related t-tests P.e.a.r.s.o.n.s. r Key Concepts Critical values Calculated vs critical value One-tailed vs two-tailed tests Significance levels typically p values Type I and Type II errors Report Writing and Peer Review Sections of a Report Title Abstract Introduction Method (Design, Participants, Materials, Procedure) Results (Descriptive + Inferential stats) Discussion References Peer Review Role in validating research quality Detecting fraud and ensuring accuracy Potential biases and limitations

A-Level Psychology: Memory Topic. Complete Resource Pack Unlock student success with this comprehensive set of Memory resources, created by The Psychology Tutoring Academy and fully aligned with the A-Level Psychology specification. This resource pack covers everything students need to master the Memory topic, including: The Multi-Store Model of Memory Types of Long-Term Memory (Episodic, Semantic, Procedural) The Working Memory Model Explanations for Forgetting: Proactive & Retroactive Interference, Retrieval Failure Factors Affecting Eyewitness Testimony: Misleading Information & Anxiety Improving : The Cognitive Interview Included: High-quality revision notes and student summaries Interactive quizzes and printable worksheets Engaging visual memory diagrams Past paper questions with model answers Flashcards and knowledge checklists Teaching slides and printable classroom posters Ideal for teachers, tutors, and A-Level students aiming for top grades. Designed to simplify complex concepts and strengthen exam perform

A-Level Psychology: Psychopathology. Topic Overview Definitions of Abnormality Understanding how psychologists define abnormal behaviour using the following four definitions: Statistical Infrequency Behaviour that is numerically rare compared to the population (e.g., very high or low IQ). Deviation from Social Norms Behaviour that violates accepted social rules or expectations. Failure to Function Adequately When a person is unable to cope with the demands of everyday life. Deviation from Ideal Mental Health Based on Jahoda’s criteria for psychological well-being (e.g., self-actualisation, autonomy). 2. The Behavioural, Emotional and Cognitive Characteristics Phobias Behavioural: Panic, avoidance Emotional: Anxiety, fear Cognitive: Irrational beliefs Depression Behavioural: Disruption to sleep/eating, self-harm Emotional: Low mood, anger, low self-esteem Cognitive: Negative thoughts, poor concentration Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Behavioural: Compulsions, avoidance Emotional: Anxiety, distress Cognitive: Obsessions (intrusive thoughts), insight 3. Explanations and Treatments Phobias Explanation: Behavioural Approach – Classical and operant conditioning (e.g., two-process model – Mowrer) Treatment: Systematic Desensitisation (SD) Flooding Depression Explanation: Cognitive Approach Beck’s Negative Triad Ellis’ ABC Model Treatment: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Beck’s Cognitive Therapy Ellis’ Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) OCD Explanation: Biological Approach Genetic explanations (e.g., candidate genes, polygenic) Neural explanations (e.g., serotonin, brain structures) Treatment: Biological therapies – Drug treatments: SSRIs, alternatives like tricyclics and SNRIs

Issues and Debates – AQA A-level Psychology Topic Overview The Issues and Debates topic challenges students to think critically about how psychological knowledge is developed and applied. It examines the assumptions, biases, and values that underpin psychological theories, and how these impact research and real-world applications. Key areas include: Gender Bias – Understanding androcentrism and alpha vs. beta bias in psychological research. Cultural Bias – The impact of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism in the development of psychological theories. Free Will and Determinism – The debate over whether behaviour is freely chosen or shaped by internal/external forces. Nature vs. Nurture – Exploring the influence of genetics and environment on human behaviour. Holism and Reductionism – Whether human behaviour is best understood by breaking it down or looking at it as a whole. Idiographic vs. Nomothetic Approaches – Differences between studying individuals in-depth vs. establishing general laws. Ethical Implications of Research – How psychological findings may influence societal views and policy, especially in socially sensitive research. This topic deepens students’ understanding of psychology as a science and encourages reflection on how values, assumptions, and ethics influence both research and theory.

Biopsychology – AQA A-level Psychology Topic Overview Biopsychology explores how biological processes influence human behaviour, combining elements of psychology and neuroscience. This topic introduces students to the structure and function of the nervous system, the brain, and the endocrine system. It provides essential insights into how physiological mechanisms underpin behaviour, emotion, and cognition. Key areas include: The Nervous System – Understanding the central and peripheral nervous systems, including the roles of sensory, relay, and motor neurons. The Endocrine System & the Fight or Flight Response – The interaction between glands and hormones, including the role of adrenaline in responding to stress. Neurons and Synaptic Transmission – How neurons communicate through electrical impulses and chemical neurotransmitters. Localisation of Function in the Brain – How specific areas of the brain are responsible for different behaviours and cognitive functions. Plasticity and Functional Recovery – How the brain adapts and reorganises after injury or experience, including neural reorganisation and axonal sprouting. Ways of Studying the Brain – An overview of scanning techniques and other methods used in biopsychological research (e.g. fMRI, EEG, post-mortem examinations). Biological Rhythms – Circadian, infradian and ultradian rhythms, including the role of endogenous pacemakers and exogenous zeitgebers in regulating the sleep-wake cycle. Biopsychology equips students with a scientific understanding of the body’s role in shaping thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It forms a foundation for future study in psychology, neuroscience, and health sciences.

AQA A-Level Psychology Topic: Attachment Caregiver-Infant Interactions Reciprocity Interactional synchrony Research examples: Meltzoff and Moore (1977), Tronick et al. (1979) Stages of Attachment Schaffer’s stages: Asocial, Indiscriminate, Specific, Multiple Key study: Schaffer and Emerson (1964) Animal Studies of Attachment Lorenz’s imprinting study Harlow’s research with rhesus monkeys Evaluation of animal studies Explanations of Attachment Learning theory: classical and operant conditioning Bowlby’s monotropic theory Critical period Internal working model Social releasers Ainsworth’s Strange Situation Procedure and methodology Types of attachment: secure, insecure-avoidant, insecure-resistant Evaluation: validity, reliability, cultural context Cultural Variations in Attachment Van IJzendoorn and Kroonenberg (1988): meta-analysis Studies in different countries Evaluation of cross-cultural research Bowlby’s Theory of Maternal Deprivation Critical period Long-term consequences of deprivation Key study: Bowlby’s 44 juvenile thieves study Evaluation of the theory and evidence Romanian Orphan Studies: Effects of Institutionalisation Rutter’s ERA study (1998) Effects: disinhibited attachment, cognitive delay Evaluation: real-world application, methodology Influence of Early Attachment on Later Relationships Role of the internal working model Childhood relationships Romantic relationships in adulthood Hazan and Shaver’s love quiz Evaluation: methodological issues, retrospective data

Included: Origins of Psychology The emergence of psychology as a science Introspection and the scientific method The Learning Approach Classical Conditioning (Pavlov) Operant Conditioning (Skinner) Social Learning Theory (Albert B) The Cognitive Approach The role of internal mental processes Theoretical and computer models The emergence of cognitive n.e.u.r.o-science The Biological Approach The influence of genes, biological structures and n.e.u.r.o-chemistry The genotype and phenotype Evolutionary explanations of b.e.h.a.v.i.o.u.r

Schizophrenia – AQA A-level Psychology Topic Overview Schizophrenia is a complex and serious mental disorder affecting thought, perception, and behaviour. In this topic, students explore how the condition is classified, diagnosed, explained, and treated, using both biological and psychological perspectives. Key areas of study include: Classification and Diagnosis – ICD-10 vs. DSM-5, positive symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions) and negative symptoms (e.g., avolition, speech poverty). Issues with Diagnosis – Concerns over reliability, validity, cultural bias, co-morbidity, and symptom overlap. Biological Explanations – The role of genetics, dopamine dysregulation, and brain abnormalities (neural correlates). Psychological Explanations – Family dysfunction (e.g., expressed emotion, double-bind theory) and cognitive explanations such as faulty information processing. Biological Treatments – Typical and atypical antipsychotic drugs and their side effects. Psychological Treatments – Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), family therapy, and token economies as a management strategy. The Interactionist Approach – The diathesis-stress model, combining genetic vulnerability with environmental triggers. This topic encourages critical thinking about how psychological disorders are defined and managed and the ethical considerations surrounding treatment and diagnosis.

Relationships – AQA A-level Psychology Topic Overview The Relationships topic explores the psychological processes behind romantic relationships, from how they form to how they are maintained and why they sometimes break down. It examines both evolutionary and social explanations of human mating behaviour, supported by research studies and theoretical models. Key areas of study include: Theories of Relationship Formation Self-Disclosure – How revealing personal information helps develop intimacy. Physical Attractiveness – The role of facial symmetry, the matching hypothesis, and evolutionary factors. Filter Theory – How proximity, similarity, and values act as filters in partner selection. Theories of Relationship Maintenance Social Exchange Theory – The cost-benefit analysis in relationships. Equity Theory – The importance of fairness and balance. Investment Model – Factors that contribute to commitment (investment, satisfaction, alternatives). Relationship Breakdown Duck’s phase model of relationship breakdown, including stages like dissatisfaction and grave-dressing. Virtual Relationships in Social Media Differences between computer-mediated and face-to-face relationships, including reduced cues theory and the hyperpersonal model. Parasocial Relationships One-sided relationships with celebrities or media figures, including explanations such as the absorption-addiction model and attachment theory. This topic blends cognitive, social, and evolutionary perspectives, offering insights into how relationships develop and why people behave the way they do in romantic and parasocial connections.

Forensic Psychology – AQA A-level Psychology Topic Overview Forensic Psychology applies psychological principles to criminal behaviour, the legal system, and offender rehabilitation. This topic explores how crime is defined and measured, why people commit crimes, and how the criminal justice system responds to offenders. Key areas of study include: Defining and Measuring Crime Problems with defining crime (cultural and historical issues) and different ways of measuring crime (official statistics, victim surveys, offender surveys). Offender Profiling The Top-Down Approach (typical of the FBI) and the Bottom-Up Approach (British approach, including investigative psychology and geographical profiling). Biological Explanations of Offending Behaviour Genetic and neural explanations, including studies of criminal genes and brain structure. Psychological Explanations of Offending Behaviour Eysenck’s theory of criminal personality, cognitive distortions (e.g., hostile attribution bias), moral reasoning, and differential association theory. Dealing with Offending Behaviour Custodial sentencing and its psychological effects, behaviour modification in custody, anger management, and restorative justice programmes. This topic encourages critical thinking about the causes of criminal behaviour and the effectiveness and ethics of different intervention strategies within the justice system.

Psychodynamic Approach – AQA A-Level Psychology Resource Bring Freud’s theories to life with this engaging and comprehensive resource covering the psychodynamic approach for AQA A-Level Psychology. Perfect for classroom teaching, revision, or independent study, this resource explores key concepts including the unconscious mind, tripartite personality (id, ego, superego), defence mechanisms, and psychosexual stages of development. Students will gain a clear understanding of how early childhood experiences shape behaviour, supported by Freud’s influential ideas and case studies like Little Hans. Includes: Clear explanations of core psychodynamic concepts Visual diagrams to support memory and understanding Concise evaluation (strengths and limitations) Exam-friendly layout aligned with AQA requirements Ideal for revision, homework, or classroom display Whether you’re introducing the approach or helping students refine their exam answers, this resource simplifies complex ideas in a student-friendly way.***

Clinical Psychology and Mental Health Aligned with the new AQA A-Level Psychology Specification This comprehensive and fully updated resource covers everything your students need to know for the Clinical Psychology and Mental Health topic under the new AQA A-Level Psychology specification. From the definitions of abnormality to psychopathology and treatment, this resource clearly breaks down complex ideas into structured, accessible content, supported with real-world applications, evaluations, and recent research studies. Content Overview Definitions of Mental Illness Deviation from ideal mental health, social and cultural norms (e.g., paraphilias), failure to function adequately, and statistical infrequency. Evaluation: Considers cultural bias, high standards of Jahoda’s criteria, and the practical value of statistical norms in clinical settings. Phobias – DSM-5-TR Classification Behavioural, emotional, and cognitive characteristics The two-process model: Classical and operant conditioning Treatments: Systematic desensitisation and flooding, including evaluations of virtual reality and NHS cost-effectiveness. Depression – DSM-5-TR Classification Full coverage of behavioural, emotional and cognitive symptoms Cognitive explanations: Beck’s negative triad and Ellis’s ABC model, with contemporary evaluations and research evidence Cognitive treatments: CBT and REBT, behavioural activation, relapse rates, client preferences, and limitations in trauma-related depression OCD – DSM-5-TR Classification Symptoms across behavioural, emotional and cognitive dimensions Biological explanations: Genetics and neural systems, including candidate genes, serotonin, brain structures (e.g., frontal lobe) Biological treatments: SSRIs, tricyclics, SNRIs, plus evaluation of cost, effectiveness, and innovative developments in pharmacology Features of this Resource: Clear summaries of each disorder’s classification and explanation Application of recent research studies (e.g., Soomro 2008, Kayser 2020, Odgers 2022) Evaluation points woven throughout to support AO3 skills Designed to help students write effective 16-mark essays End-of-topic student questions to consolidate knowledge and boost exam preparation

Psychology Tutoring Academy AQA Psychology AS bundle Social Influence Memory Attachment Biopsychology Psychopathology Approaches Great for revision, teaching and presenting.

AQA A2 Topics in Psychology Relationships Schizophrenia Forensic Issues and Debtes Research Methods