MARKING SCHEME – A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY – 7182/2 – 2025
A-level
PSYCHOLOGY
7182/2
Paper 2 Psychology in context
Mark scheme
1
, MARKING SCHEME – A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY – 7182/2 – 2025
Section A
Approaches in psychology
0 1 Outline the way in which Pavlov studied classical conditioning.
[4 marks]
Marks for this question: AO1 = 4
Level Mark Description
Knowledge of Pavlov’s studies of classical conditioning is clear and generally
2 3–4 well detailed. The answer is generally coherent with appropriate use of
terminology.
Knowledge of Pavlov’s studies of classical conditioning is limited. The
1 1–2 answer as a whole lacks clarity and has inaccuracies. Terminology is either
absent or inappropriately used.
0 No relevant content.
Possible content:
• detail of Pavlov’s classical conditioning experiments into salivation reflex in dogs
• knowledge of Pavlovian concepts in the context of Pavlov’s experiments: unconditioned
stimulus; conditioned stimulus; unconditioned response; conditioned response
• detail of Pavlovian theory – learning by association; temporal association/contiguity.
Credit other relevant material.
Note: information presented in a diagram can be credited.
0 2 What is meant by the term ecological validity?
[2 marks]
Marks for this question: AO1 = 2
2 marks for a clear and coherent explanation.
1 mark for a limited/muddled explanation.
Possible content:
• the extent to which behaviours observed and recorded in a study reflect the behaviours
that actually occur in the real world.
Credit other relevant material.
2
, MARKING SCHEME – A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY – 7182/2 – 2025
0 3 Using your knowledge of genotype and phenotype, explain Lily’s and
Jemima’s comments.
[4 marks]
Marks for this question: AO2 = 4
Level Mark Description
Application of knowledge of the genotype and phenotype is clear and
2 3–4 mostly accurate. The answer is generally coherent with effective use of
terminology.
Some application of the genotype and phenotype is evident. The answer
1 1–2 lacks accuracy and detail. Use of terminology is either absent or
inappropriate.
0 No relevant content.
Possible content:
• Lily and Jemima have identical genotypes (genotype refers to the genetic make-up of an individual)
• Lily and Jemima do not have identical phenotypes (phenotype refers to the observable
characteristics of an individual as a result of their genotype and their environment)
• although Lily and Jemima have the same genes, Jemima might practice netball more or have
started lessons earlier than Lily, these environmental factors may make her better at netball
• although Lily and Jemima have the same genes, Jemima might have a different skin care
routine/diet/sun exposure/etc than Lily, these environmental factors may make her skin clearer
than Lily’s.
3
A-level
PSYCHOLOGY
7182/2
Paper 2 Psychology in context
Mark scheme
1
, MARKING SCHEME – A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY – 7182/2 – 2025
Section A
Approaches in psychology
0 1 Outline the way in which Pavlov studied classical conditioning.
[4 marks]
Marks for this question: AO1 = 4
Level Mark Description
Knowledge of Pavlov’s studies of classical conditioning is clear and generally
2 3–4 well detailed. The answer is generally coherent with appropriate use of
terminology.
Knowledge of Pavlov’s studies of classical conditioning is limited. The
1 1–2 answer as a whole lacks clarity and has inaccuracies. Terminology is either
absent or inappropriately used.
0 No relevant content.
Possible content:
• detail of Pavlov’s classical conditioning experiments into salivation reflex in dogs
• knowledge of Pavlovian concepts in the context of Pavlov’s experiments: unconditioned
stimulus; conditioned stimulus; unconditioned response; conditioned response
• detail of Pavlovian theory – learning by association; temporal association/contiguity.
Credit other relevant material.
Note: information presented in a diagram can be credited.
0 2 What is meant by the term ecological validity?
[2 marks]
Marks for this question: AO1 = 2
2 marks for a clear and coherent explanation.
1 mark for a limited/muddled explanation.
Possible content:
• the extent to which behaviours observed and recorded in a study reflect the behaviours
that actually occur in the real world.
Credit other relevant material.
2
, MARKING SCHEME – A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY – 7182/2 – 2025
0 3 Using your knowledge of genotype and phenotype, explain Lily’s and
Jemima’s comments.
[4 marks]
Marks for this question: AO2 = 4
Level Mark Description
Application of knowledge of the genotype and phenotype is clear and
2 3–4 mostly accurate. The answer is generally coherent with effective use of
terminology.
Some application of the genotype and phenotype is evident. The answer
1 1–2 lacks accuracy and detail. Use of terminology is either absent or
inappropriate.
0 No relevant content.
Possible content:
• Lily and Jemima have identical genotypes (genotype refers to the genetic make-up of an individual)
• Lily and Jemima do not have identical phenotypes (phenotype refers to the observable
characteristics of an individual as a result of their genotype and their environment)
• although Lily and Jemima have the same genes, Jemima might practice netball more or have
started lessons earlier than Lily, these environmental factors may make her better at netball
• although Lily and Jemima have the same genes, Jemima might have a different skin care
routine/diet/sun exposure/etc than Lily, these environmental factors may make her skin clearer
than Lily’s.
3
