51ºÚÁÏ

This fully editable lesson on Expectation as a Factor Affecting Perception introduces students to the impact of prior knowledge, context, and expectation on interpreting ambiguous stimuli. Aligned with the AQA GCSE Psychology Specification, this resource explores perceptual set through the lens of Bruner and Minturn’s (1955) study. The lesson evaluates how context influences perception and examines key strengths and limitations of the study, including methodological control and artificiality.

• Comprehensive Lesson Slides: The slides detail how expectation shapes perceptual processes, focusing on Bruner and Minturn’s (1955) study. The study is outlined with its aim, procedure, findings, and conclusions, including its use of ambiguous figures (e.g., the B/13 stimulus). Students are guided to evaluate the study using structured frameworks, such as identifying generalisability and reliability issues, while discussing context-driven perception.

• Interactive Activities: Engaging tasks include Think-Pair-Share discussions, where students analyse real-life implications of perceptual set. Activities such as summarising Bruner and Minturn’s study and applying concepts to everyday scenarios help consolidate understanding. Worksheets provide scaffolding for answering 9-mark exam-style questions, breaking down AO1 (knowledge) and AO3 (evaluation) elements for structured responses.

• Evaluation and Assessment: Students explore the controlled conditions and replicability of the study, alongside limitations like low ecological validity and artificial tasks. Structured worksheets prompt evaluation of real-world applicability and participant variables affecting the study. Debates on the use of ambiguous figures in research encourage critical thinking about ethical and methodological considerations.