a level aqa psychology paper 2 2025 QUESTIONS WITH WELL
VERIFIED ANSWERS
Describe how Skinner investigated the effect of reinforcement on behaviour. ( 4 marks)
Skinner investigated reinforcement using a device called the Skinner box. He placed hungry rats
or pigeons inside the box and used food pellets as rewards. When the animal pressed a lever, it
was rewarded with food, reinforcing the behaviour. He found that animals repeated actions that
led to positive outcomes, demonstrating operant conditioning.
Outline how evolution might influence behaviour. Give an example from a topic in psychology. (
4 marks)
Evolution influences behaviour through natural selection, where traits that improve survival are
more likely to be passed on. One example is infant attachment behaviours, such as crying or
clinging, which keep the caregiver close. Bowlby's monotropic theory suggests these behaviours
evolved to ensure infants stay near their primary attachment figure. This increases the chance
of protection and survival, meaning such behaviours are naturally selected over generations.
Name one type of neuron and briefly explain its function ( 2 marks)
A sensory neuron carries information from the sensory receptors (e.g. skin, eyes) to the central
nervous system. It allows the brain to process external stimuli such as touch, light, or sound.
Using an example of a hormone, outline the function of the endocrine system. ( 4 marks)
The endocrine system is a network of glands that secrete hormones to regulate bodily
functions. Hormones act as chemical messengers and travel through the bloodstream to target
organs. For example, the adrenal glands release adrenaline in response to stress. Adrenaline
prepares the body for fight or flight by increasing heart rate and redirecting blood flow to
muscles.
Explain the process of synaptic transmission. Refer to excitation in your answer. ( 4 marks)
When an electrical impulse reaches the end of a neuron, it triggers the release of
neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles. These neurotransmitters cross the synaptic gap and
bind to receptor sites on the postsynaptic neuron. If the neurotransmitter is excitatory, such as
glutamate, it increases the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire. This process is
known as excitation and is essential for transmitting signals between neurons.
Sam has started to have short-term memory problems. He forgets things he has just read but
remembers what people have just said to him.
VERIFIED ANSWERS
Describe how Skinner investigated the effect of reinforcement on behaviour. ( 4 marks)
Skinner investigated reinforcement using a device called the Skinner box. He placed hungry rats
or pigeons inside the box and used food pellets as rewards. When the animal pressed a lever, it
was rewarded with food, reinforcing the behaviour. He found that animals repeated actions that
led to positive outcomes, demonstrating operant conditioning.
Outline how evolution might influence behaviour. Give an example from a topic in psychology. (
4 marks)
Evolution influences behaviour through natural selection, where traits that improve survival are
more likely to be passed on. One example is infant attachment behaviours, such as crying or
clinging, which keep the caregiver close. Bowlby's monotropic theory suggests these behaviours
evolved to ensure infants stay near their primary attachment figure. This increases the chance
of protection and survival, meaning such behaviours are naturally selected over generations.
Name one type of neuron and briefly explain its function ( 2 marks)
A sensory neuron carries information from the sensory receptors (e.g. skin, eyes) to the central
nervous system. It allows the brain to process external stimuli such as touch, light, or sound.
Using an example of a hormone, outline the function of the endocrine system. ( 4 marks)
The endocrine system is a network of glands that secrete hormones to regulate bodily
functions. Hormones act as chemical messengers and travel through the bloodstream to target
organs. For example, the adrenal glands release adrenaline in response to stress. Adrenaline
prepares the body for fight or flight by increasing heart rate and redirecting blood flow to
muscles.
Explain the process of synaptic transmission. Refer to excitation in your answer. ( 4 marks)
When an electrical impulse reaches the end of a neuron, it triggers the release of
neurotransmitters from synaptic vesicles. These neurotransmitters cross the synaptic gap and
bind to receptor sites on the postsynaptic neuron. If the neurotransmitter is excitatory, such as
glutamate, it increases the likelihood that the postsynaptic neuron will fire. This process is
known as excitation and is essential for transmitting signals between neurons.
Sam has started to have short-term memory problems. He forgets things he has just read but
remembers what people have just said to him.
