How to Answer an 8 Mark Question (AQA A Level Psychology) : Revision Note
How do I answer an AQA A Level Psychology 8-mark essay question?
8-mark questions appear as extended writing questions in Papers 1 , 2 and 3, and they assess your ability to:
demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures (AO1)
critically analyse and evaluate in a well-constructed argument (AO3)
make judgements and draw conclusions (AO3)
Similar to 16-mark essay questions, 8-mark 'mini-essay' questions test your AO1 and AO3 skills:
E.g., outline and evaluate one explanation for conformity [8 marks]
The 'outline' part of the question assesses AO1 = 3 marks
The 'evaluate' part of the question assesses AO3 = 5 marks
Types of 8-mark essay questions
These questions will ask you to 'outline and evaluate', 'discuss' or 'compare' a specific theory, explanation, research study, concept, issue or debate
An 'outline and evaluate' question means to present key points about the topic in question and their strengths and weaknesses
In a 'compare' question, a comparison involves consideration of both similarities and differences
A 'discuss' question invites a broader commentary than a straightforward assessment of strengths and weaknesses
For example, in an 8-mark essay on socially sensitive research (SSR), commentary would consider:
the merits of carrying out SSR and the implications of not conducting it
the overall contributions to psychology made by researchers conducting SSR and the problems caused by it
steps that can be taken to avoid bias and prejudice in the future
It is important to note that 8-mark essay questions tend to be more focused and specific than 16-mark essay questions
This means that you could be asked to discuss a particular key study, an element of an explanation or a specific concept
Any of these types of questions could also be presented with a scenario or stem, which tests AO2 skills in addition to AO1 and AO3
Examples of typical 8-mark essay questions
Outline and evaluate research into duration in memory [8 marks]
Describe theories or research studies into duration in memory (AO1 = 3 marks)
Evaluate theories or research studies into duration in memory (AO3 = 5 marks)
Outline Rusbult’s model of romantic relationships. Explain one or more strength(s) of Rusbult’s model [8 marks]
Describe Rusbult's model of romantic relationships (AO1 = 3 marks)
Evaluate Rusbult's model of romantic relationships - strengths only (AO3 = 5 marks)
Compare the humanistic approach with the psychodynamic approach [8 marks]
Your knowledge of each approach will be demonstrated in your comparison (AO1 = 3 marks)
Compare the similarities and differences of the humanistic and psychodynamic approach (AO3 = 5 marks)
Discuss Duck’s phase model of relationship breakdown [8 marks]
Describe Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown (AO1 = 3 marks)
Evaluate Duck's phase model of relationship breakdown (AO3 = 5 marks)
How much should I write in an 8-mark 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 may have to 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; instead, spend more time on well-explained evaluation (AO3)
It is better to cover fewer studies, theories, or explanations but in greater detail, as this demonstrates 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)
There are 5 marks available for AO3 if no stem is presented with the question
This means that you should spend more time on writing your evaluation (AO3) than AO1
Worked Example
Here is an example of an 8-mark essay question:
Q. Discuss token economies as a method used in the management of schizophrenia.
[8 marks]
Model answer:
A type of behavioural therapy founded on operant conditioning is token economy. It employs a system of rewards to modify the behaviour of individuals with schizophrenia (SZ), particularly those who have become institutionalised and have formed maladaptive behavioural patterns.
The idea is that patients receive tokens for engaging in a desired behaviour that has been the focus of reinforcement, such as getting dressed in the morning. Later on, the tokens themselves can be traded for more substantial benefits like sweets or a walk outside the hospital.
One strength of token economies is that the treatment improves the quality of life for patients. They help by making the individuals’ behaviour more socially acceptable so that they can better reintegrate into society, showing that token economies can be effective. This is a strength because it has positive implications for the economy if patients can manage their lives outside of psychiatric institutions.
A limitation of psychological treatments for SZ, such as token economy, is that they can raise ethical issues. This is because patients with milder symptoms of SZ are more likely to be granted privileges and treats, whereas those with more severe symptoms that hinder them from engaging in desired behaviours are less likely to be granted these benefits. This is problematic because, in addition to their other symptoms, the most seriously ill patients experience discrimination, which has resulted in their decreased use within the psychiatric system.
Word count: 235
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 token economies used to manage schizophrenia. The essay follows a coherent structure, is focused on the question, and makes good use of key terms. The evaluation is effective as each strength and limitation is introduced, elaborated thoroughly and linked back to the question.
Step by step structure:
Paragraph 1: Token economy in the context of schizophrenia is explained in detail and includes key terms (AO1)
Paragraph 2: The process of using token economy to manage schizophrenia is explained further and includes examples (AO1)
Paragraph 3: An evaluation point is introduced, explained in detail and is linked back to the question on managing schizophrenia (AO3)
Paragraph 4: A counter point is introduced, explained in detail and again linked back to the question (AO3)
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