How to Answer an 8 Mark Application Question (AQA A Level Psychology) : Revision Note
How do I answer an AQA A Level Psychology 8-mark application essay question?
8-mark application essay questions can appear in Papers 1 , 2 and 3, and they assess your ability to:
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures (AO1)
apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures (AO2)
critically analyse and evaluate in a well-constructed argument (AO3)
make judgements and draw conclusions (AO3)
An 8-mark application question will be presented with a scenario or stem that is designed to test your AO1, AO2 and AO3 skills:
E.g., discuss features of science. Refer to one or more examples of psychological research in your answer. [8 marks]
The marks available in this question are as follows:
AO1 = 3 marks
AO2 = 2 marks
AO3 = 3 marks
When a question is presented with a scenario or stem, you must make links between the theory in the question and the stem
A stem can either be a paragraph, a conversation or simply a sentence
Like the example above, a stem may also ask you to refer to a topic you have studied in your answer
You can make links to the stem in the AO1 and/or AO3 content of your response
If you do not make reference to the stem, you will not have fully answered the question and will not receive maximum marks
The types of questions you could be asked will be in the same format as an 8-mark essay question, with the addition of a stem
How much should I write in an 8-mark application essay?
You will have around 10 minutes to write an 8-mark essay question, which includes planning time
Aim to write around 200-250 words
You should practice writing in timed conditions before you sit your exams
Remember that there are only 3 marks available for AO1
Don't try to describe too many studies or explanations
Remember that there are 2 marks available for AO2
This means that you must spend less time on your AO3 points so that you can effectively engage with the stem
It is better to cover fewer studies, theories, or explanations but in greater detail, as this demonstrates the depth of your understanding of the material
Think quality over quantity!
A question may ask you to explain one or more studies, explanations, strengths or limitations
It is fine to describe just one (in detail)
Worked Example
Here is an example of an 8-mark essay question with a stem:
Q. Patients with depression were asked to keep a daily diary of their experiences as part of their therapy. Two researchers analysed the same extracts from the diaries using content analysis.
One of the diaries included the following extract:
‘Managed to drag myself out of the house yesterday but wished I hadn’t. Went to the shop but dropped my change at the till. Everybody knew I was useless. Why can I not do anything right? No one else I know does such stupid things.’
Ellis proposed an ABC model of depression. Outline and evaluate the ABC model of depression. Refer to this diary extract in your answer.
[8 marks]
Model answer:
The ABC model explains how irrational thoughts affect our behaviour and emotions. Ellis (1962) argued that depression is caused by irrational thoughts, which are triggered by negative external events. This is known as the activating event (A).
An event, such as failing an important test, may trigger irrational beliefs (B) such as ‘I must always succeed; Ellis called this musturbation. As a result, there are emotional and behavioural consequences (C), such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal, i.e., depression symptoms.
In the diary entry above, the activating event was the individual dropping change at the till. This triggered irrational beliefs such as ‘they all knew I was useless' and 'no one else does such stupid things’. The emotional and behavioural consequences of these beliefs are a continued cycle of depression whereby the individual may never leave the house again.
A strength of Ellis’ ABC model of depression is that it has practical applications as it has led to successful therapy, i.e., REBT. The idea that, by identifying and disputing irrational beliefs, a person can reduce their depression is supported by research evidence, such as Lipskey et al. (1980), who found a correlation between changes in beliefs and changes in emotional distress. This in turn supports the basic theory because it suggests that the irrational beliefs played a role in the development of depression.
Word count: 225
Level 4 response: 7-8 marks
Marking commentary:
This response is in the top band (Level 4) because it shows detailed knowledge and understanding of Ellis’ ABC model explicitly applied to the question stem/scenario. The application is effective as the comments in the diary entry are not simply repeated but are linked to aspects of Ellis’ ABC model. The essay follows a coherent structure, is focused on the question, and makes good use of key terms. The evaluation is effective as the strength is introduced, elaborated thoroughly and explains why it supports Ellis’ explanation of depression.
Step by step structure:
Paragraph 1: The 'A' element of the ABC model is briefly explained (AO1)
Paragraph 2: The 'B' and 'C' elements of the ABC model are explained and include examples and key terms (AO1)
Paragraph 3: Explanatory links made between each part of the ABC model and the content of the stem (AO2)
Paragraph 4: An evaluation point is introduced, explained in detail using research findings and linked back to the question (AO3)
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