How to Answer a 16 Mark Application Question (AQA A Level Psychology) : Revision Note

Here is an example of a 16-mark application essay question with a stem:

Q. Jay has schizophrenia. His speech is rapid and confused, and he changes constantly from one idea to something completely different. Jay’s father was treated for mental health problems when he was younger. Jay’s mother worries excessively about Jay. She often criticises his behaviour and tells him what to do. Jay’s doctor prescribes medication, which seems to reduce his symptoms. 

Discuss one or more explanations for schizophrenia. Refer to Jay in your answer.

[16 marks]

Model answer:

One explanation for schizophrenia (SZ) is that it is biological as it runs in families, suggesting a genetic link. The greater the genetic similarity between family members, the greater the likelihood of them developing SZ. For example, twin studies show a higher concordance rate for SZ in MZs (who share 100% of their genes) than DZs (who share 50% of their genes). There is also a link between first-degree relatives (such as parents and their children who share 50% of their genes) and shared risk of SZ. 

The genetic explanation could explain why Jay has SZ, as his father also had mental health problems, which he received treatment for when young. This suggests that Jay might have inherited his condition from his father’s side, particularly as they are first-degree relatives who share 50% of their genes. 

A strength is that there is evidence to support the genetic explanation of schizophrenia. Researchers (Gottesman & Shields, 1966) found an increased incidence of schizophrenia in adopted children with schizophrenic biological parent(s). They also found (in 1972) a concordance rate of 58% in MZ twins compared to a rate of 12% for DZ twins. These findings show that SZ is likely genetically inherited. 

However, the influence of a person’s environment cannot be ruled out. This is particularly true for MZs, as if SZ is purely genetically inherited, there would be a concordance rate of 100%. As this has never been found, other factors, such as environment, must play a role in developing SZ. 

Another explanation is the dopamine hypothesis, which claims that SZ results from an excess of dopamine in the subcortex (hyperdopaminergia). Alternatively, hypodopaminergia assumes that low levels of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex can cause some SZ symptoms. The fact that Jay’s medication reduces his symptoms suggests his neurotransmitter levels could also be a reason for his condition. 

However, a weakness is that the dopamine hypothesis cannot explain all cases of SZ, as not all patients respond to the drugs, suggesting that neurotransmitter levels are not a complete explanation for SZ. One study (Ripke et al. 2014) identified other neurotransmitters, such as glutamate, which may play an important role in SZ. Therefore, it is argued that the evidence for the dopamine hypothesis is mixed. 

Family dysfunction can also explain SZ. This includes the double-bind theory (DBT), which describes a situation in which the child receives mixed messages about what is right or wrong. If they don’t meet the inconsistent standards imposed on them, the child is punished by withdrawal of love. 

DBT may be a risk factor in the development of Jay’s SZ as she alternates between concern (as she worries about him) and irritation (as she criticises his behaviour).

A weakness of the family dysfunction explanation is that there is little evidence to support the DBT and such explanations have led to parent blaming. This is a weakness because not only have parents had to observe their child’s declining mental health, but they have experienced trauma by being blamed for the condition. Thus, such explanations are no longer tolerated by parents. 

Word count: 510

Level 4 response: 13-16 marks

Marking commentary:

This response is in the top band (Level 4) because there is detailed knowledge and understanding of one or more explanations for schizophrenia, explicitly applied to the question stem/scenario. The application is effective as Jay’s experiences are not simply repeated in the essay but are linked to the explanations of schizophrenia. The essay follows a coherent structure, is focused on the question, and makes good use of key terms. The evaluation is effective as the strengths and limitations are clearly introduced, elaborated thoroughly and they clearly explain why they support or critique the explanations for schizophrenia.

Step by step structure:

• Paragraph 1: One biological explanation for schizophrenia is explained in detail and includes key terms (AO1)

• Paragraph 2: Explanatory links made between the genetic explanation of SZ and the content of the stem (AO2)

• Paragraph 3: An evaluation point is introduced, elaborated using research evidence to support and linked back to the question (AO3)

• Paragraph 4: A counter argument is introduced, explained and linked back to the question (AO3)

• Paragraph 5: A second explanation of schizophrenia shows strong knowledge as it is detailed and includes key terms (AO1). Explanatory links made between the dopamine hypothesis and the content of the stem (AO2)

• Paragraph 6: An evaluation point is introduced, elaborated using research evidence to support and linked back to the question (AO3)

• Paragraph 7: A third explanation of schizophrenia is described in less depth than the genetic explanation (AO1)

• Paragraph 8: Explanatory links made between family dysfunction and the content of the stem (AO2)

• Paragraph 9: An evaluation point is introduced, explained in detail and linked back to the question (AO3)