A2 Hot spot Number 3: Aaargh! Studies!

If learning the studies for Unit 3 and 4 are driving you to distraction, read on...There are 3 main questions students ask about studies...Number 1: How many?Number 2: Do I need to know the name and date for each one?Number 3: Which ones shall I pick?

Let's deal with each one separately...

Number 1: How many?

As a general rule of thumb, the minimum you should have for each potential question is 2. This allows you to support your AO2 thoroughly. When looking at a topic think about how studies can be used in more than one area, so when learning a piece of evidence consider whether it has multiple uses or not. Doubling up is good! Think smart!

Number 2: Do I need to know the name and date for each one?

No, it isn't essential. However, you will find that you have less writing to do in the essay if you can remember the name. Markers should be able to identify the studies used, so, if you use the name that is easily done. Without the name you need to give more detail on the procedure/ findings so that it is identifiable...hence you will need to write more. To remember names try thinking of people you know with a similar name or use a picture to represent the name. It's a bit bizarre in some cases, but works a treat ( if you're learning 'Biological Rhythms and Sleep' then Randy Gardner and Peter Tripp lend themselves well to a picture...but then their names are pretty memorable anyway!)

Number 3: Which ones shall I pick?

Memorable ones! Ones that support what you say ( or go against evaluation points!). It is useful to consider ones that argue against each other. This can give you some lovely evaluation.

You don't even necessarily have to pick the 'best' ones. There never has been a perfect Psychology experiment, so every one you choose will be flawed in some way. Highlighting the problems with the studies you use is a useful way of deciding what the evidence base is like for a theory. Just be careful not to stray from the focus of the essay, which is usually the theory, not the study.

So, studies? Pick 2 minimum per essay, make them memorable and try to remember names if you can. Using them well will ensure a top notch essay