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VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Psychology => Topic started by: brenden on February 15, 2015, 02:22:43 pm

Title: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: brenden on February 15, 2015, 02:22:43 pm
VCE PSYCHOLOGY Q&A THREAD

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What is this thread for?
If you have general questions about the VCE Psychology course or how to improve in certain areas, this is the place to ask!


Who can/will answer questions?
Everyone is welcome to contribute; even if you're unsure of yourself, providing different perspectives is incredibly valuable.

Please don't be dissuaded by the fact that you haven't finished Year 12, or didn't score as highly as others, or your advice contradicts something else you've seen on this thread, or whatever; none of this disqualifies you from helping others. And if you're worried you do have some sort of misconception, put it out there and someone else can clarify and modify your understanding! 

There'll be a whole bunch of other high-scoring students with their own wealths of wisdom to share with you, including TuteSmart tutors! So you may even get multiple answers from different people offering their insights - very cool.


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Original post.
Hey guys! There are some very talented Psychology students on these forums, but so far there's been no dedicated Psychology thread the same as Specialist/Methods etc. So, feel free to leave all of your Psychology questions in this thread!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on February 15, 2015, 03:43:37 pm
Hey thanks so much for creating this!

I'll kick it of with one of my own questions - can someone please explain how visual stimuli is received/processed? How does the whole each half eye thing work? Cheers! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: evelynandrews on February 15, 2015, 04:58:38 pm
Hey thanks so much for creating this!

I'll kick it of with one of my own questions - can someone please explain how visual stimuli is received/processed? How does the whole each half eye thing work? Cheers! :)

Visual stimuli is processed in the primary visual cortex; the major destination of visual information from sensory    receptors. The visual field (everything we see when looking straight ahead) can be divided into two fields: the left visual field and the right visual field. Information from left visual field is processed in the right hemisphere, and information from the right visual field is processed in the left hemisphere. (NOTE: information from each eye is processed in both hemispheres of the brain, it is not true that information from the right eye goes only to the left hemisphere, or vice versa). Our eyes work like a camera- the image is reversed. So any image in the right field of view will be received on the left part of the retina, and mapped to the left hemisphere.

To give an example, if I was standing at a zoo and a giraffe stood on the right hand side of my field of view, the image of the giraffe will project onto the left part of the retina (of each eye), and be processed in the left hemisphere.

Hope that answers your question!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: scarletmoon on February 19, 2015, 06:27:26 pm
So in the grivas textbook and the 2015 tsfx notes it says the Broca's area is only in the left frontal lobe but my psych teacher said today that the broca's area is in the left and right frontal lobe. Which one is correct? I'm so confused now
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: brenden on February 19, 2015, 06:37:26 pm
So in the grivas textbook and the 2015 tsfx notes it says the Broca's area is only in the left frontal lobe but my psych teacher said today that the broca's area is in the left and right frontal lobe. Which one is correct? I'm so confused now
I've never heard of someone saying Broca's area is in the left 1and right frontal lobe, but I have a sneaking suspicion that ~5% of people have their Broca's area in the right lobe. It's generally just in the left side, close to the primary motor cortex. (If you think about it, it's near the primary motor cortex, which means it controls the neck, jaw, tongue/lip muscles that are involved with speech, so when it's damaged, it's you ability to make words with your mouth that is damaged - but not your actual language abilities).

Edit: So TECHNICALLY, your teacher is correct, because Broca's area can be in the left and right frontal lobe, but mostly it sits in the left lobe. There can also be multiple Broca's areas for skilled bilingual children, if I remember correctly!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on February 20, 2015, 11:26:49 am
Subbed.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: chocolate.cake.1 on February 20, 2015, 01:58:41 pm
Hi everyone :)
Here are a few questions which i'm kind of confused about:

- what is a simple task and a complex task (I.e. How would you classify it?)
- why does sleep deprivation affect the ability to complete simple tasks but not nessecarily complex tasks?
- what are some limitations of sleep data (e.g. The graphs that show sleep patterns, sleep deprivation experiments)

Please excuse the silliness of these questions  :)
I am new to 3/4 psych and am still trying to learn the basics   :P

Thanks in advance!

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: warya on February 20, 2015, 06:16:41 pm
I have a question!
What are perceptual and cognitive distortions? And does time orientation not come under perceptual distortions because i wrote this in a practice Sac and got no marks for contradicting myself lol
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: JackSonSmith on February 20, 2015, 10:43:09 pm
Hi everyone :)
Here are a few questions which i'm kind of confused about:

- what is a simple task and a complex task (I.e. How would you classify it?)
- why does sleep deprivation affect the ability to complete simple tasks but not nessecarily complex tasks?
- what are some limitations of sleep data (e.g. The graphs that show sleep patterns, sleep deprivation experiments)

Please excuse the silliness of these questions  :)
I am new to 3/4 psych and am still trying to learn the basics   :P

Thanks in advance!

I view simple tasks as things that you are able to do easily/without paying much attention and complex tasks as those where you do need to pay attention.

Sleep deprivation affects simple tasks more because it is believed that sleep deprivation affects motivation more than ability. ie. I'm tired and can't be stuffed doing this.

Limitations of sleep data may include: data was taken while participant was not in natural environment
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: chocolate.cake.1 on February 21, 2015, 10:56:51 am
I view simple tasks as things that you are able to do easily/without paying much attention and complex tasks as those where you do need to pay attention.

Sleep deprivation affects simple tasks more because it is believed that sleep deprivation affects motivation more than ability. ie. I'm tired and can't be stuffed doing this.

Limitations of sleep data may include: data was taken while participant was not in natural environment


Thanks for your help!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: brenden on February 21, 2015, 01:01:21 pm
Hi everyone :)
Here are a few questions which i'm kind of confused about:

- what is a simple task and a complex task (I.e. How would you classify it?)
- why does sleep deprivation affect the ability to complete simple tasks but not nessecarily complex tasks?
- what are some limitations of sleep data (e.g. The graphs that show sleep patterns, sleep deprivation experiments)

Please excuse the silliness of these questions  :)
I am new to 3/4 psych and am still trying to learn the basics   :P

Thanks in advance!
I view simple tasks as things that you are able to do easily/without paying much attention and complex tasks as those where you do need to pay attention.

Sleep deprivation affects simple tasks more because it is believed that sleep deprivation affects motivation more than ability. ie. I'm tired and can't be stuffed doing this.

Limitations of sleep data may include: data was taken while participant was not in natural environment
Extending upon this, sleep deprivation impacts both motivation and general mental functioning... So when you're doing a simple task - say, making burgers if you're a veteran McDonald's worker, and you haven't slept, it would be very easy to accidentally put a slice of cheese on a McChicken if you're making a bunch of Quarter Pounders with one McChicken also needing to be made. (A McChicken has no cheese, and a QtrPounder has two slices of cheese... so if you have a block of cheese with you and you go "Bang bang bang bang bang" putting cheese on burgers, it's easy to accidentally put one on a McChicken if you aren't thinking straight).

But think of something more complex, like parallel parking for a learner driver. Whether you've had 9 or 5 hours of sleep - you aren't going to make a silly mistake. You might screw it up, just because you're a bad driver, but probably not because of sleep deprivation. You can force yourself to concentrate on this. The sleep deprivation takes away basic focus and concentration, but when push comes to shove, your body can handle the complex stuff.

As for simple and complex, I might think of it like automatic and controlled processes.


I have a question!
What are perceptual and cognitive distortions? And does time orientation not come under perceptual distortions because i wrote this in a practice Sac and got no marks for contradicting myself lol
Ummm. Okay, this is really bringing me back and challenging my memory. I understand what you're saying - your perceptions are screwed up if you think 15 minutes has passed and it's actually been an hour, but from my (very sketchy) memory... This question would have been something like "give an example of perceptual and cognitive distortions that may occur in an ASC".

Because this question is targeting altered states of consciousness, it's targeting the knowledge of what MAKES an ASC. There's four things. It's like... (and this is getting REALLY sketchy)

Distortions of something (control?)
Distortions in perception and cognition
Time orientation
Controlling yourself (something something)

So, what they wanted is specifically NOT time control - it was testing "distortions in perception and cognition", which is something more like... if you take Smurf pills (which is a drug that makes you think you're tiny) - you have distorted perceptions. Or if you take LSD (hallucinogens) and stuff like that, it screws around with your perceptions and ability to think.

In general, your 'perception of time' might be screwed up, and that's correct in real life, but for the purpose of VCE Psychology, they wanted to test ONE of the FOUR of those little "checkboxes" for an ASC, and you chose the wrong one.

I might be wrong here, and I would sincerely appreciate being corrected on this just in case I give someone the wrong information (it's been a good 3 years since I've done this), but I believe that might be the answer.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Burt Macklin on February 22, 2015, 11:38:40 am
I've got conflicting answers in my textbook and notes on REM sleep. Is it a period of light sleep or deep sleep and, therefore, is it easier to be woken from REM sleep or harder?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: brenden on February 22, 2015, 12:36:43 pm
I've got conflicting answers in my textbook and notes on REM sleep. Is it a period of light sleep or deep sleep and, therefore, is it easier to be woken from REM sleep or harder?
Both! For this very reason, REM sleep is often referred to as "paradoxical sleep" - so this little confusion should help you remember it pretty well - just think of the paradox. 

One reason it might be considered light is that REM sleep occurs at the end of a sleep cycle, which means it's closer to the top of a graph. I.e, things go, Stage 1-2-3-4-3-2-REM, and the next cycle might have REM after Stage 3. The point is, REM doesn't occur after Stage 4, or at the bottom of a graph - it occurs at the top of the graph - where the comparatively  "lighter" stages of sleep are also occurring. So, even though it's sometimes called "Stage 5" sleep, REM sleep definitely doesn't occur after Stage 4 (and you'll probably be asked this in a multi-choice designed to trick you).

Another reason it might be considered "light" is because of the beta-like, or sawtooth waves, present in an EEG. *Really important to say beta-like and not beta waves*. These brain waves are obviously the brain waves associated with being awake and alert, so with beta-like waves being present in sleep, maybe you could consider it 'light'. Your heart rate and breathing also quickens during REM, whereas they are very slow in Stage 4.

Why would it be considered deep or paradoxical? Because the EMG readings (reading muscle activity) are lowest in this stage of sleep - despite brain activity and heart rate going up, voluntary muscles are paralysed. Think of what would happen if someone paralysed all your muscles but left you awake and they were about to torture you. That's what REM sleep is like - you can't move, but your brain and heart is going off tap (obviously less than if you'd been tortured).

Now... before I answer your question... disclaimer... I haven't touched this type of stuff in three years, so trying to remember perfectly is like you trying to remember what you did for the first three weeks of year 9, so I very well could be wrong and I would ask your teacher to clarify.

That said, I believe for the purposes of VCE Psychology REM is considered a stage of light sleep, and that stage 4 is considered the hardest stage to wake up from. Question 9 of the 2012 exam asked what type of waves indicated "deep sleep" - TandD waves obvs, http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/vce/psychology/psych-spec-sampexam-w.pdf and you'll see in those little graphs that REM is represented as being between Stage 1 and awake, which is the standard representation. I think because of this, REM should be considered as being 'light sleep'... particularly as Stage 3 and 4 are often referred to as the "deep stages" of sleep. Truthfully, I can't tell you whether it's easier or harder to wake someone up from REM in comparison to Stage 4, as I tried to Google to confirm my answer and I also got jumbled information... What does Grivas say? I wouldn't really call REM deep sleep for VCE Psych, but I'm not sure whether that means it's easy to wake someone up in REM. The whole thing about "paradoxical sleep" is making me doubt whatever answer I think it is.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: scarletmoon on February 23, 2015, 09:42:20 pm
is the primary motor cortex just in the frontal lobes? Or is it everywhere around the cerebrum? My teacher said that the motor cortex is distributed around the cerebrum buT in my notes it just says its in the frontal lobes
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: JackSonSmith on February 23, 2015, 09:58:15 pm
is the primary motor cortex just in the frontal lobes? Or is it everywhere around the cerebrum? My teacher said that the motor cortex is distributed around the cerebrum buT in my notes it just says its in the frontal lobes

If I remember correctly, there are motor areas in each lobe. However the primary motor cortex is located in only the frontal lobes.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: chocolate.cake.1 on February 23, 2015, 11:10:36 pm
 Hello  :)

I was wondering if someone could explain what the following terms actually mean?
I get the basic idea for most of them but I am struggling to put it into words...

- content limitations
- perceptual and cognitive distortions
- emotional awareness

The textbook tells me how vary in NWC and ASC, however it doesn't actually tell me what they mean.

Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: yearningforsimplicity on February 23, 2015, 11:28:07 pm
Hello  :)

I was wondering if someone could explain what the following terms actually mean?
I get the basic idea for most of them but I am struggling to put it into words...

- content limitations
- perceptual and cognitive distortions
- emotional awareness

The textbook tells me how vary in NWC and ASC, however it doesn't actually tell me what they mean.

Thanks

Here are some very general definitions as to what each of those characteristics mean :) :-

Content limitations:
refers to the level of control that you have in being able to allow or block out what you pay attention to in your environment and what consequently enters (or does not enter) your consciousness. E.g. if thinking about a particular person or object triggers a traumatic memory, you can choose to kind of suppress that in NWC so it doesn't enter your conscious awareness. But you can't stop or "limit" that "content" from creeping its way into your head (in perhaps a more unsettling way) during an ASC (e.g. during sleep and dreams).

Perceptual and cognitive distortions: relates to your efficiency in being able to perceive things in your environment (including sensory perception, e.g. pain) and the extent to which your cognitions (your thoughts and memories) are clear and organised.

Emotional awareness: refers to your experience of feelings, emotions and being able to have some control over your emotional reactions in a situation.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Burt Macklin on February 28, 2015, 01:27:41 pm
Why are short, complex, difficult tasks not usually affected by sleep deprivation?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: scarletmoon on February 28, 2015, 03:13:47 pm
Why are short, complex, difficult tasks not usually affected by sleep deprivation?

Because it is believed that sleep deprivation doesn't affect ability, it affects motivation
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: yearningforsimplicity on February 28, 2015, 09:47:41 pm
Why are short, complex, difficult tasks not usually affected by sleep deprivation?

Usually controlled tasks (which can be more complex or generally complex for people attempting it for the first time) require a lot of conscious effort, attention and generally create more cognitive load for the individual. Because they are required to put in more effort for such tasks, they are more likely to pay attention and exert more effort into the task and not be impacted if they are sleep deprived. This might also be due to the controlled task being something novel (new) to them, so they might be more motivated/interested to see how things work and to succeed in the task.

If you compare that to getting someone to do an automatic task, which usually requires less conscious effort and less cognitive load (because it is presumed that the individual has already 'mastered' that task/action/behaviour), individuals who are sleep deprived may be more likely to 'slack off' as they are unmotivated to do well (probably because it's not a new or interesting task but rather just something ordinary that they do frequently/everyday).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: chocolate.cake.1 on February 28, 2015, 11:33:47 pm
Hello :)

Does anyone know any advantages of qualitative data over quantitative data?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: yearningforsimplicity on March 01, 2015, 12:55:05 pm
Hello :)

Does anyone know any advantages of qualitative data over quantitative data?

Qualitative data can be more descriptive and can give us a lot of insight into traits, qualities, or characteristics of some behaviour or aspect of psychology that we're exploring (e.g. personality). This means it can be very helpful for diagnosing mental disorders (e.g. through getting a patient to explain and report their symptoms) and conditions and can also help us to better understand the nature of a behaviour that is being studied.

Also, because you're not really standardising qualitative data (i.e. you're not running any statistical tests on it), you can gather and compile a rich source of data on particular individuals to gain insight into uncommon disorders/behaviours (this is often done in case study research where the behaviour/condition being studied is rare in the population).

There are also a number of issues surrounding qualitative research, e.g. social desirability (you construct responses to make yourself look like a 'good person'), misinterpretations of self-reports, difficult to run statistical testing and code responses to gather data for very large samples, etc :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: scarletmoon on March 02, 2015, 05:03:37 pm
So does broca's area control articulation of speech and the understanding of human speech?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: yearningforsimplicity on March 02, 2015, 09:22:36 pm
So does broca's area control articulation of speech and the understanding of human speech?

Broca's area is involved in the production, control and articulation of speech as well as speech fluency (so the words you say make sense and form a coherent sounding sentence so people can make meaning of what you say).

The wording "understanding of human speech" could be misinterpreted to refer to the Wernickes area, which is majorly involved in speech comprehension by helping US to understand the speech and language of others.

 Just clearly indicate that the Broca's area is associated with speech fluency, which helps us to construct coherent and fluent language/speech so that other people can understand what WE are saying and so our speech doesn't sound like a meaningless jumble of words :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Rob16 on March 03, 2015, 08:48:40 pm
What are the key terms i should know in psychology? e.g. analyse, compare etc. Our teacher gave us a list that was very vague. Could someone please provide me with a list that is much more detailed e.g. analyse means to talk about advantages and disadvantages?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: chocolate.cake.1 on March 04, 2015, 08:11:05 pm
Hello :)

I have a question about the sleep-wake cycle/circardian rhythm:

During adolescence is melatonin released at a later time (hence the reason adolescents fall asleep at a later time) or is less melatonin produced during adolescence which causes sleepiness at a later time?

Thanks :)

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: scarletmoon on March 04, 2015, 08:45:35 pm
Melatonin is released 1-2 hours later
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: yearningforsimplicity on March 04, 2015, 08:49:50 pm
Hello :)

I have a question about the sleep-wake cycle/circardian rhythm:

During adolescence is melatonin released at a later time (hence the reason adolescents fall asleep at a later time) or is less melatonin produced during adolescence which causes sleepiness at a later time?

Thanks :)

The Sleep-Wake Cycle shift in adolescence is due to biological/physiological changes associated with the hormone Melatonin (responsible for sleep onset) being released later in the night, which causes adolescents to 'feel sleepy' 1-2 hours later than younger children.

 This also makes it difficult for adolescents to wake up earlier in the morning as their 'circardian/biological clock' (which is controlled by a region in the brain known as the Supachiasmatic Nucleus and works by detecting how light or dark it is) has been shifted 1-2 hours forward :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Glasses on March 09, 2015, 10:26:40 pm
Hi guys! I'm struggling to get my head around association areas and the different association areas in the cerebral cortex lobes and was wondering if anyone would be able to elaborate and explain what association areas and the different ones in the four lobes are? - Sorry if this is a bit vague!! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: kimmytaaa on March 10, 2015, 12:26:38 pm
Hi guys
when we are writing up a hypothesis, are we allow to write it like if we are writing an chemistry report? Cos my teacher said we have to use the hypothesis recipe which is a bit confusing to use sometimes do I still lose mark in the final exam if I use the normal hypothesis?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: scarletmoon on March 11, 2015, 06:57:46 pm
Hi guys! I'm struggling to get my head around association areas and the different association areas in the cerebral cortex lobes and was wondering if anyone would be able to elaborate and explain what association areas and the different ones in the four lobes are? - Sorry if this is a bit vague!! :)

Ok so I'll try my best
Association area are in all four lobes of the brain. They integrate info from other lobes and allow for higher order mental functions such as thinking and learning. Association areas in the parietal lobe will have a role in spatial reasoning and attention. Association area visual in the occipital lobe will interact with the visual cortex in each occipital lobe to integrate visual info with memory, language and sounds (from other lobes) to give meaning to visual info.

This is all explained better in the Grivas textbook
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: scarletmoon on March 11, 2015, 06:58:48 pm
Does damage to Wernicke area impair fluency of speech as well as understanding the meaning of speech?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: JackSonSmith on March 13, 2015, 06:26:56 pm
Does damage to Wernicke area impair fluency of speech as well as understanding the meaning of speech?

Speech would still be fluent albeit nonsensical.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Glasses on March 13, 2015, 09:58:16 pm
Ok so I'll try my best
Association area are in all four lobes of the brain. They integrate info from other lobes and allow for higher order mental functions such as thinking and learning. Association areas in the parietal lobe will have a role in spatial reasoning and attention. Association area visual in the occipital lobe will interact with the visual cortex in each occipital lobe to integrate visual info with memory, language and sounds (from other lobes) to give meaning to visual info.

This is all explained better in the Grivas textbook

Are Broca's and Wernicke's areas classed as association areas?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: fightingchance on March 14, 2015, 08:38:19 pm
Are Broca's and Wernicke's areas classed as association areas?

I dont believe so.

How does one diagnose Broca's aphasia? Does a neurologist simply ask the patient a question and if they have difficulty speaking, diagnose it as Broca's Aphasia?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Glasses on March 14, 2015, 09:56:47 pm
I dont believe so.


Doesn't the Oxford text say that Broca's and Wernicke's areas are though?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: scarletmoon on March 14, 2015, 10:04:24 pm
I dont believe so.

How does one diagnose Broca's aphasia? Does a neurologist simply ask the patient a question and if they have difficulty speaking, diagnose it as Broca's Aphasia?
Lol no it ain't that simple. There are probably brain scans involved
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: fightingchance on March 15, 2015, 09:39:17 pm
Doesn't the Oxford text say that Broca's and Wernicke's areas are though?

Im using Grivas and it mentions nothing about Broca's and Wernicke's Area as being association areas. Did a google search and it yielded no results, so I think the safest thing would be to not consider them as association areas.

Lol no it ain't that simple. There are probably brain scans involved

Yeah, I thought so, just making sure, thanks  :P
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: chocolate.cake.1 on March 17, 2015, 06:42:17 pm
Hello  :)

This is a really stupid question but could someone please tell me what the cerebral cortex actually is?
Like is it just the outer layer of the brain or is it a collective term for the different lobes?

The study design says we need to know the 'roles of the four lobes of the cerebral cortex' so does that mean the lobes are kind of like a subcategory of the cerebral cortex?

I'm so confused :P
Thankyou
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: warya on March 17, 2015, 07:03:55 pm
Hello  :)

This is a really stupid question but could someone please tell me what the cerebral cortex actually is?
Like is it just the outer layer of the brain or is it a collective term for the different lobes?

The study design says we need to know the 'roles of the four lobes of the cerebral cortex' so does that mean the lobes are kind of like a subcategory of the cerebral cortex?

I'm so confused :P
Thankyou

Its the outer layer your right, the squiggly bit. The four lobes are just parts/areas of it. Whats underneath the outer layer doesn't matter to us as much in pyschology, it controls all the boring stuff like um your body lol
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: scarletmoon on March 18, 2015, 10:20:13 pm
Hello  :)

This is a really stupid question but could someone please tell me what the cerebral cortex actually is?
Like is it just the outer layer of the brain or is it a collective term for the different lobes?

The study design says we need to know the 'roles of the four lobes of the cerebral cortex' so does that mean the lobes are kind of like a subcategory of the cerebral cortex?

I'm so confused :P
Thankyou
Cerebral cortex is the convoluted outer covering of the brain. This outer layer is divided into 4 cortical lobes
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: melissaromeo on March 19, 2015, 09:34:45 pm
hello, I just wanted to know how do you write an aim? what's included in it?

how come studies on animals cannot be generalised onto humans? I understand the concept of this but not quite sure how i would answer it

thanks  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: InsaneMDot on March 22, 2015, 11:17:21 pm
hello, I just wanted to know how do you write an aim? what's included in it?

For the aim just keep it simple:
'To investigate the effects of (input IV here) on (input DV here)'. This may be different depending on the type of study done but one sentence should usually suffice.

how come studies on animals cannot be generalised onto humans? I understand the concept of this but not quite sure how i would answer it
I wouldn't worry too much about that. I don't think you will ever need to answer it in an exam, but I guess because animals have different functioning and structures so there's no evidence to prove it will have the same effects on humans.
Also, the sample can only be generalised to the population, which wouldn't be humans in this case.

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: chocolate.cake.1 on March 25, 2015, 07:23:25 pm
Hello :)

I'm a little confused about association areas...
I've been reading through some notes and getting confused when, for example, it says 'Frontal lobe association areas are important in the process of planning and thinking' - what is meant by an association area??

Thankyou :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: xleannenguyen on March 26, 2015, 07:37:26 pm
Hello :)

I'm a little confused about association areas...
I've been reading through some notes and getting confused when, for example, it says 'Frontal lobe association areas are important in the process of planning and thinking' - what is meant by an association area??

Thankyou :)

Association area is anything outside its primary area within a lobe. These are involved in integrating information between motor and sensory areas and higher-order mental processes such as decision-making, planning, etc.
i.e. Frontal Lobe; Primary Area: Primary Motor Cortex - its association area is anything outside the primary motor cortex within the frontal lobe :)

Hope that makes sense!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: chocolate.cake.1 on March 26, 2015, 08:49:59 pm
Association area is anything outside its primary area within a lobe. These are involved in integrating information between motor and sensory areas and higher-order mental processes such as decision-making, planning, etc.
i.e. Frontal Lobe; Primary Area: Primary Motor Cortex - its association area is anything outside the primary motor cortex within the frontal lobe :)

Hope that makes sense!

Great explanation! Thanks heaps  :) :) :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on April 10, 2015, 12:50:05 pm
This surgery was most effective in reducing her epileptic seizures because
A. an implanted pulse generator (IPG) causes interference with neural activity.
B. the corpus callosum was severed, eliminating all communication between the two hemispheres.
C. the corpus callosum was severed, preventing communication at the higher cortical levels.
D.the two hemispheres were separated at the subcortical level.

Can anyone explain please why the answer is D? I thought it was C but the answer says otherwise. Thanks in advance :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: scarletmoon on April 10, 2015, 02:59:39 pm
I remember doing this question and I'm pretty sure the answer was C...
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on April 10, 2015, 04:36:33 pm
I remember doing this question and I'm pretty sure the answer was C...
Thankyou! :) Yeah I thought there was a chance it was a typo in the solutions since this isn't a vcaa exam
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: chocolate.cake.1 on April 11, 2015, 01:41:53 pm
Hello :)

I read that Broca's area is 'involved in analysing the grammatical structure of a sentence'.
What exactly is meant by this?

I'm kind of confused because can't people with damage to Broca's area (Broca's aphasia) still understand speech (and doesn't this involve understanding the grammatical structure as well?)

Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: chocolate.cake.1 on April 14, 2015, 05:02:51 pm
Hello :)

Does anyone know any criticisms/limitations for Sperry's split brain experiment?
I thought maybe convienence sampling was a limitation, but other than that I'm stuck :P

Also, does each primary auditory cortex receive auditory information from BOTH ears or only one ear (e.g. Does the left auditory receive information from the right ear only or from both ears?)

Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Rob16 on April 14, 2015, 08:08:12 pm
Can people with broca's aphasia still write fluently?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Jay.C on April 18, 2015, 05:24:04 pm
Can some one help me with this question?

"Half of the sample does the Muller-Lyer illusion with the arrows, then they do the "square ends" version of the illusion. The other group do the conditions in the other order. What is the name of this process? Why is it implemented?

Thanks  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Alter on April 18, 2015, 05:41:36 pm
Can some one help me with this question?

"Half of the sample does the Muller-Lyer illusion with the arrows, then they do the "square ends" version of the illusion. The other group do the conditions in the other order. What is the name of this process? Why is it implemented?

Thanks  :)
If I am understanding the question correctly, it is referring to a research methods concept known as "counterbalancing". This involves systematically changing the order of tasks for participants in a 'balanced' way to counter the unwanted effects on performance of any one order.

In the case of this experiment, half of the participants are exposed to version A of the illusion first and then version B second, and vice versa for the second group. By doing so, it is recognised that an order effect could potentially be confounding on the results and by using counterbalancing, you effectively eliminate such an extraneous variable. If this is unclear, let me know and I'll try to rephrase it for you.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: chocolate.cake.1 on April 19, 2015, 08:15:06 pm
Hello :)

Would you consider, for example, knowing the definition of 'hypothesis' as a semantic memory?
I'm a little confused because my teacher's notes say that semantic memories are 'resistant to forgetting', however I know that I always forget such definitions lol

Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Hipachi on April 20, 2015, 03:16:57 pm
I've got an upcoming research methods sac that will require us to do our own study, and then use the collected data for a written test. However, I've been struggling to think of topics that I can do or turn into operational hypothesis'. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: The Brightest Witch on April 21, 2015, 09:50:05 pm
I've got an upcoming research methods sac that will require us to do our own study, and then use the collected data for a written test. However, I've been struggling to think of topics that I can do or turn into operational hypothesis'. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Does it have to relate to anything you've studied throughout the year?
Can it be a replication of some part study (or similar), or do you have to figure it all out yourself?

If you don't have anything you're super interested in, then testing token economies could be an easy one, or any way to modify behaviour, really. Just pick a method to test, pick the way you'll measure behaviour and write a hypothesis that links them!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: I am a unicorn on May 02, 2015, 04:29:51 pm
Hello :)
Just a quick question, would you guys recommend knowing things like Sperling's experiment for the exam even if they aren't on the study design? my teacher said we had to know it, but i'm not sure whether i should be spending my time learning other things that actually are on the study design instead :-\
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: brenden on May 02, 2015, 06:24:06 pm
Hello :)
Just a quick question, would you guys recommend knowing things like Sperling's experiment for the exam even if they aren't on the study design? my teacher said we had to know it, but i'm not sure whether i should be spending my time learning other things that actually are on the study design instead :-\
If something isn't on the study design, you don't have to learn it.
*beware that things can be on the study design inplicitly*
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: I am a unicorn on May 12, 2015, 06:37:32 pm
Hi :)

If in an exam or SAC, we were asked to 'write a hypothesis' should we write a research hypothesis or an operational hypothesis?

Thanks!! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: avcestudent on May 12, 2015, 09:57:03 pm
Hi :)

If in an exam or SAC, we were asked to 'write a hypothesis' should we write a research hypothesis or an operational hypothesis?

Thanks!! :)

Definitely research hypothesis for the exam. Operational hypotheses were only required in the old study design.

However, in terms of SACs, it should also be a research hypothesis but you might want to check with your teacher in case they want you to write an operational one.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: maddihanna on May 17, 2015, 02:33:57 pm
Could somebody help me out with the overall roles of the cortical lobes? I know the roles of the sensory areas, association areas etc but I'm struggling to work out the overall role of each lobe.

Thanks for your help :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ashjam on May 18, 2015, 09:01:07 am
Does anyone use Edrolo for Psychology? Is it worth getting?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: warya on May 21, 2015, 09:19:24 pm
Edrolo for psych is my life. I've gotten 100% on every sac so far and all I do is watch her videos, 10/10 wouldn't be getting those marks without Kristy Kendall. Let's just say I got B/c's in year 11 with extensive notetaking/ copying-out-the-textbook- purely because edrolo was non existent to me.

You won't regret it! Can't reccomend edrolo enough :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Glasses on May 23, 2015, 02:36:54 pm
Could somebody help me out with the overall roles of the cortical lobes? I know the roles of the sensory areas, association areas etc but I'm struggling to work out the overall role of each lobe.

Thanks for your help :)

Frontal lobes - "Higher order thinking," voluntary movements (through motor cortices), speech production (through Broca's area), planning, organising, problem-solving, emotions and personality.
Parietal lobes - Sense perception (through somatosensory cortices), and attention.
Temoral lobes - Memory, speech comprehension (through Wernicke's area) and auditory perception (through auditory cortex).
Occipital lobes - Primarily involved in vision (through visual cortex).

Hope this helps! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: bshielchase on May 29, 2015, 01:02:35 pm
Please Help-
I have  a ERA sac on memory and im having difficulties explaining the role of the neuron in memory formation, its only meant to be sentence  or two.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: #inori on June 09, 2015, 09:05:18 pm
Uh hi, I'm having trouble with understanding the whole concept of memory and its models. Much appreciated if people can help me with that thanks. :-[ :-[
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: #inori on June 09, 2015, 09:11:47 pm
Frontal lobes - "Higher order thinking," voluntary movements (through motor cortices), speech production (through Broca's area), planning, organising, problem-solving, emotions and personality.
Parietal lobes - Sense perception (through somatosensory cortices), and attention.
Temoral lobes - Memory, speech comprehension (through Wernicke's area) and auditory perception (through auditory cortex).
Occipital lobes - Primarily involved in vision (through visual cortex).

Hope this helps! :)

The amgdala is in the medial temporal lobe right? So would that mean that the temporal lobe would play part in emotions??  ???
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: scarletmoon on June 14, 2015, 09:14:45 pm
For those that have done psych, what were your sacs for unit 4 like?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: I am a unicorn on June 18, 2015, 07:19:45 pm
For those that have done psych, what were your sacs for unit 4 like?

Hi :)
Not sure if this is much help (as I am doing psych this year), but in case you were interested, the sacs my school is having are:
- Media response
- Test
- Annotated folio

Hope this helps :)

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: I am a unicorn on June 18, 2015, 07:22:09 pm
Hi :)

Just wondering if anyone knows which specific brain structures we need to know for AOS1 (learning)?
Do we just need to know the hippocampus/amygdala or should we know others as well (like cerebellum/basal ganglia, etc.)?

Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on June 18, 2015, 07:34:13 pm
Hi :)

Just wondering if anyone knows which specific brain structures we need to know for AOS1 (learning)?
Do we just need to know the hippocampus/amygdala or should we know others as well (like cerebellum/basal ganglia, etc.)?

Thanks :)
Not the cerebellum/basal ganglia or hypothalamus. Hippocampus and amygdala are key and the neural structure they consist of.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: avcestudent on June 18, 2015, 09:10:42 pm
For those that have done psych, what were your sacs for unit 4 like?

My SACs were:
- Annotated folio
- Poster (on chosen mental illness)
- Test on mental health
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Glasses on June 22, 2015, 12:30:10 am
The amgdala is in the medial temporal lobe right? So would that mean that the temporal lobe would play part in emotions??  ???

Yes that's correct - the Frontal Lobe is primarily involved in controlling and expressing emotions, however the temporal lobe also has a bit to do with emotions (primarily in regards to emotional memory) :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: acm9 on June 25, 2015, 08:41:55 pm
Hi!

So we have to create an ERA about learning. I've chosen observational learning, and in particular, the aspect of reproduction. I need help with thinking of a creative, convenient and quick experiment. The only thing i can think of involves an online puzzle, but my teacher said it's too simple :(

I'm tossing up between two different IV's: gender, or exposure to model. While the former will mean that there is only one condition, there isn't a lot of prior research with this IV. However, the latter option will entail more work cause it requires two conditions (I sound like a lazy pig, but I'm just seriously stuck).

If anyone could share any ideas or inputs, that would be great. It is also important that the experiment can be completel within a few minutes during school- nothing too cumbersome.

Thankyou!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on June 29, 2015, 09:20:07 pm
Distinguish between continuous and partial reinforcement with reference to a relevant example in a laboratory setting.

What does this question mean by lab setting and what could i perhaps do as an example? Thankyou :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: yearningforsimplicity on June 30, 2015, 12:41:20 am
Distinguish between continuous and partial reinforcement with reference to a relevant example in a laboratory setting.

What does this question mean by lab setting and what could i perhaps do as an example? Thankyou :)

Continuous reinforcement means that you give the reinforcer every time the organism shows a correct/desired response. E.g. if a rat in an experiment presses the correct lever, it receives a food pellet EVERY TIME it makes that correct response. Continuous reinforcement is often used in the early stages of operant conditioning when the organism has to initially learn the relationship between a response and its consequence.

Once the organism has learnt the relationship between the operant response and its consequence (e.g. rat pressing lever and then realising that pressing a particular lever causes food to drop into its tray), we can adjust the reinforcement to a partial schedule of reinforcement. This means that we will provide the reinforcement for some of the desired/correct responses that the organism makes, but NOT ALL OF THEM. E.g. we might drop food pellets into the rat's tray the first 2 times it presses the correct lever, but not drop any pellets the 3rd, 4th and 5th time it presses that same lever (i.e. the other times it shows that same correct response). Partial schedules of reinforcement are good for maintaining (i.e. preventing extinction of) the desired/correct operant response (in this case, the rat pressing the correct lever).

Hope this makes sense! Schedules of reinforcement can get a bit confusing haha :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on June 30, 2015, 01:23:08 pm
Continuous reinforcement means that you give the reinforcer every time the organism shows a correct/desired response. E.g. if a rat in an experiment presses the correct lever, it receives a food pellet EVERY TIME it makes that correct response. Continuous reinforcement is often used in the early stages of operant conditioning when the organism has to initially learn the relationship between a response and its consequence.

Once the organism has learnt the relationship between the operant response and its consequence (e.g. rat pressing lever and then realising that pressing a particular lever causes food to drop into its tray), we can adjust the reinforcement to a partial schedule of reinforcement. This means that we will provide the reinforcement for some of the desired/correct responses that the organism makes, but NOT ALL OF THEM. E.g. we might drop food pellets into the rat's tray the first 2 times it presses the correct lever, but not drop any pellets the 3rd, 4th and 5th time it presses that same lever (i.e. the other times it shows that same correct response). Partial schedules of reinforcement are good for maintaining (i.e. preventing extinction of) the desired/correct operant response (in this case, the rat pressing the correct lever).

Hope this makes sense! Schedules of reinforcement can get a bit confusing haha :D
Thanks for that :)
Understanding what they are isn't the problem, it's just what the lab example could be. When you were talking about rats was that your example of a lab setting experiment. Thanks again
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: yearningforsimplicity on June 30, 2015, 06:30:35 pm
Thanks for that :)
Understanding what they are isn't the problem, it's just what the lab example could be. When you were talking about rats was that your example of a lab setting experiment. Thanks again


Yes that could be an example of a lab setting environment, as having a rat press a lever in a cage is a setting that an experimenter can control and modify to prompt a particular response from the rat :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: PHEBCF on July 01, 2015, 07:36:11 pm
Hi for section c for the Psych exam if we were asked to write up a hypothesis would it have to be a research or experimental hypothesis? I'm also having a little trouble understanding plasticity including developmental and adaptive. Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: girl1234 on July 08, 2015, 01:16:18 am
Hi for section c for the Psych exam if we were asked to write up a hypothesis would it have to be a research or experimental hypothesis? I'm also having a little trouble understanding plasticity including developmental and adaptive. Thanks!

Usually it would specify which hypothesis they want. (Generally it will be a research hypothesis, however know how to do both)
i did psych last year, so i don't know how i can best explain plasticity to you, but basically, plasticity is the brains ability to change due to learning/experience.
Developmental plasticity occurs generally in children as a response to environment stimuli. EG: the formation of the visual cortex.

Adaptive plasticity is the brains ability to compensate for a lost function (through injury) by changing the neural pathways in the brain (through rerouting and sprouting.) This occurs all throughout our lifespan, but is more effective in children. 

Hope this helped :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Burt Macklin on July 09, 2015, 10:45:13 am
What aspects of classical conditioning are applied to graduated exposure and flooding?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: maddihanna on July 09, 2015, 09:22:54 pm
I was just doing a past exam question and it asked about the difference between nightmares and night terrors, do we still have to know this? I believe there isn't a study design dot point on it but maybe it comes under the ASC of sleep? Would somebody be able to clear this up for me?

Thanks for your help! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Burt Macklin on July 09, 2015, 09:44:14 pm
I was just doing a past exam question and it asked about the difference between nightmares and night terrors, do we still have to know this? I believe there isn't a study design dot point on it but maybe it comes under the ASC of sleep? Would somebody be able to clear this up for me?

Thanks for your help! :)
I believe that because it's not on the study design, it's not examinable content. The only ASC you need to know in particular are day-dreaming and alcohol induced states (and sleep, obvs).

Although, I think we need another person to back this up -- I'm not 100% sure.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on July 09, 2015, 10:16:01 pm
I was just doing a past exam question and it asked about the difference between nightmares and night terrors, do we still have to know this? I believe there isn't a study design dot point on it but maybe it comes under the ASC of sleep? Would somebody be able to clear this up for me?

Thanks for your help! :)
It was on the old study design, don't need to know it
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: thaoot on August 03, 2015, 05:05:25 pm
Hi there, just wanted to ask, which is most effective out of fixed-ratio, fixed-interval, variable-ratio and variable-interval reinforcements and why? Thank you!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: I am a unicorn on August 03, 2015, 10:01:40 pm
Hi there, just wanted to ask, which is most effective out of fixed-ratio, fixed-interval, variable-ratio and variable-interval reinforcements and why? Thank you!

Variable ratio has the highest response rate (and hence can be considered the most effective) because the individual is unaware of when they will be reinforced, and therefore puts in the same amount of effort in each time
If you have a look at your textbook (pg 437 of Grivas book) there is a really good graph that shows the response rate (or just google it :) )
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: I am a unicorn on August 03, 2015, 10:06:20 pm
Hello :)
I'm a little confused about the order of the elements of observational learning... I've been taught the order of elements for observational learning are: attention, retention, reproduction, motivation and reinforcement.
but, it seems to make more sense to me if motivation was at the very beginning (I.e. You have to be motivated first in order to give attention, etc.).
Why is motivation not at the beginning?

Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on August 03, 2015, 10:14:00 pm
Hello :)
I'm a little confused about the order of the elements of observational learning... I've been taught the order of elements for observational learning are: attention, retention, reproduction, motivation and reinforcement.
but, it seems to make more sense to me if motivation was at the very beginning (I.e. You have to be motivated first in order to give attention, etc.).
Why is motivation not at the beginning?

Thanks :)

Just my two cents- someone please correct me or provide a more comprehensive answer.

Basically motivation is included in attention which is the first step. I.e you need to be motivated to focus on key features of a models actions. This is different to motivation which comes last next to reinforcement. In this stage, motivation refers to the willingness to *perform* the learnt behaviour.

I hope that helps to some degree. Check our andrew Scott's youtube videos for psych- he explains it well. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on August 15, 2015, 08:16:30 pm
Not completely related to vce psych, but I came across a thing called enantiostasis, the definition looked quite similar to allostasis, does anyone know any major differences between the two??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: girl1234 on August 15, 2015, 11:14:12 pm
Hello :)
I'm a little confused about the order of the elements of observational learning... I've been taught the order of elements for observational learning are: attention, retention, reproduction, motivation and reinforcement.
but, it seems to make more sense to me if motivation was at the very beginning (I.e. You have to be motivated first in order to give attention, etc.).
Why is motivation not at the beginning?

Thanks :)

Not the best answer, but thats just the way it is. I guess, despite how 'motivated' you are, the task cannot be completed without first actively focusing, remembering how to do the task and being physically able to reproduce the action.
I see what you're saying but just try to remember ARRMR

Hope i helped in someway
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: maddihanna on August 16, 2015, 12:29:38 pm
Just in regards to comparing CC & OC, the textbook says that both responses can be involuntary & involve the autonomic nervous system.

But what would be an example for a time when the response to operant conditioning is involuntary? Because I can't think of one at all :/

Thanks in advance for your help :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: girl1234 on August 17, 2015, 10:24:59 pm
Just in regards to comparing CC & OC, the textbook says that both responses can be involuntary & involve the autonomic nervous system.

But what would be an example for a time when the response to operant conditioning is involuntary? Because I can't think of one at all :/

Thanks in advance for your help :)
I can't think of anything that the response to operant conditioning is involuntary (unless it's subconscious?)
I've just had a look at the 2014 VCAA exam report. There's a table comparing operant conditioning and classical conditioning. The nature of the response for operant, according to the table is, 'voluntary, intentional response involving central nervous system' and classical conditioning is 'Involuntary/reflexive/unconscious response, involving the autonomic nervous system.'
I can't imagine they would ask for anything like that on a VCAA exam, but ask your teacher about it for sacs

Good Luck :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: thaoot on August 29, 2015, 11:57:32 am
Variable ratio has the highest response rate (and hence can be considered the most effective) because the individual is unaware of when they will be reinforced, and therefore puts in the same amount of effort in each time
If you have a look at your textbook (pg 437 of Grivas book) there is a really good graph that shows the response rate (or just google it :) )

Realised I didn't thank you for helping me out, so thanks for that!! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Rob16 on September 05, 2015, 06:16:51 pm
Hey, does anybody have practice questions or sacs on anxiety disorder:specific phobia that they are willing to share?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: melissaromeo on September 11, 2015, 10:20:02 pm
Hello, why is informed consent important in psychology research?
Thanks  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Glasses on September 22, 2015, 04:59:04 pm
Hello, why is informed consent important in psychology research?
Thanks  :)

I would say that informed consent is crucial in psychological research because it ensures that all participants are fully aware of what an experiment will entail (to the degree that is necessary) and identifies that given this information, they are willing to participate in the experiment (and have commonly shown this in writing).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: I am a unicorn on September 23, 2015, 08:55:36 pm
What is a memory trace?

Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cameotodd on September 24, 2015, 07:17:18 pm
Hey can someone have a look at the engage educations psychology practice exam A. For section C, question 3 asks us to identify the research design. The answers say independent groups design but I think it may be matched participants design.

Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on September 24, 2015, 09:28:16 pm
Hey can someone have a look at the engage educations psychology practice exam A. For section C, question 3 asks us to identify the research design. The answers say independent groups design but I think it may be matched participants design.

Thanks
What makes you think that just out of interest? :) Is it because of saying '36' to each group? If it was matched participants each of two participants would share the same characteristic. Being a boy is a different characteristic to being a girl haha
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cameotodd on September 24, 2015, 10:25:03 pm
What makes you think that just out of interest? :) Is it because of saying '36' to each group? If it was matched participants each of two participants would share the same characteristic. Being a boy is a different characteristic to being a girl haha

It said in the scenario:
'A teacher from the nursery school worked with the experimenter to rate each child’s personality and attempt to
construct well-balanced groups'

This made me sorta think it was matched-participant design.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: brooke2014 on September 29, 2015, 09:36:05 am
Does anyone have neap 2014 answers?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: I am a unicorn on October 08, 2015, 08:57:50 am
Hello :)

If we write an operationalised hypothesis when asked to write a 'research hypothesis' or 'hypothesis' in the exam will we lose a mark?
Because my teacher says to operationalise everything... but I've heard the examiners are really picky so would they take off marks for something like that?

Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on October 08, 2015, 12:31:41 pm
Hello :)

If we write an operationalised hypothesis when asked to write a 'research hypothesis' or 'hypothesis' in the exam will we lose a mark?
Because my teacher says to operationalise everything... but I've heard the examiners are really picky so would they take off marks for something like that?

Thanks :)
Don't need to write operationalised hypothesise. If you do you must operationalise the variables correctly or you lose marks. There's an examiners report (one of the recentish ones) in the section c comments about this
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on October 08, 2015, 12:32:31 pm
Yep. If it asks specifically for a research hypothesis, I wouldn't bother operationalising anything.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: warya on October 11, 2015, 09:58:45 am
Confused about the role of the amygdala in memory formation. What do we need to know other than it helps to form stronger memories for highly emotional experiences?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 11, 2015, 10:48:59 am
Confused about the role of the amygdala in memory formation. What do we need to know other than it helps to form stronger memories for highly emotional experiences?

-The acquisition of conditioned fear response
-Processing and regulating emotional reactions, particularly fear and anger.
-Allows you to detect danger and recognise fearful expressions in others
-Encoding and storage of emotional memories.
-Increased amount of neurotransmitter norepinephrine in the amygdala during times of heightened emotional arousal provides a signal to the hippocampus to store important emotion details and strengthen it’s storage
-Learning and memory of fear responses involving implicit memory.

It is believed that the amygdala sends a signal to the hippocampus to ‘tag’ the memory of an emotionally arousing event with important emotional details and strengthen its long-term storage.

Just some things about the amygdala, I think that's all we need to know? Maybe someone else can answer this question better.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 12, 2015, 12:31:38 pm
Just to make sure, we are not required to know about anxiety, schizophrenia, etc for the exam, that was purely for SAC's?

Also can someone please help differentiate between homeostasis and allostasis?

Thank you :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on October 12, 2015, 01:25:38 pm
Just to make sure, we are not required to know about anxiety, schizophrenia, etc for the exam, that was purely for SAC's?

Also can someone please help differentiate between homeostasis and allostasis?

Thank you :)
Yes I can 100% confirm we do NOT need that knowledge (I guarantee this, but look at the study design if you don't believe a random person like me  :P)
Second part-> homeostasis=body's ability to maintain stability in low fluctuations of the internal and external environment. Allostasis allows the body to achieve stability through change, usually due to high fluctuations in internal/external environment.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 12, 2015, 02:57:23 pm
Yes I can 100% confirm we do NOT need that knowledge (I guarantee this, but look at the study design if you don't believe a random person like me  :P)
Second part-> homeostasis=body's ability to maintain stability in low fluctuations of the internal and external environment. Allostasis allows the body to achieve stability through change, usually due to high fluctuations in internal/external environment.

Yey, good to know! Thanks :)

Do by any chance have an example of allostasis vs homeostasis, I understand how allostasis is stability by change, but isn't homeostasis also by changing . . .   :-X
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on October 12, 2015, 06:47:57 pm
Yey, good to know! Thanks :)

Do by any chance have an example of allostasis vs homeostasis, I understand how allostasis is stability by change, but isn't homeostasis also by changing . . .   :-X
Nah can't really think of one...if you come across something in multi choice giving a scenario, it's usually the case that the allostatic response will involve a component of the fight-flight response so it's easy enough to pick out if you approach it that way. Maybe as an example, say you're near a venomous snake, you're heart rate increases and perspiration increases to allow the body to maintain stability through change (allostasis). While homeostasis normally keeps the body temperature under control in controlled environments, it wouldn't be able to in this scenario
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 12, 2015, 07:26:35 pm
Nah can't really think of one...if you come across something in multi choice giving a scenario, it's usually the case that the allostatic response will involve a component of the fight-flight response so it's easy enough to pick out if you approach it that way. Maybe as an example, say you're near a venomous snake, you're heart rate increases and perspiration increases to allow the body to maintain stability through change (allostasis). While homeostasis normally keeps the body temperature under control in controlled environments, it wouldn't be able to in this scenario

That sounds good, thanks so much!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: I am a unicorn on October 13, 2015, 05:26:28 pm
Can someone please explain the difference between a secondary appraisal and a reappraisal?

I'm confused :-\

Thanks! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: The Usual Student on October 13, 2015, 06:30:11 pm
Hahaha I just started proper revision but everything is coming back to me
For anyone who uses both textbooks or have multiple sources of notes,
I have encountered two definitions for ATTENTION

- The concentration of mental activity that involves focusing on one specific stimuli whilst ignoring others ( Macmillain and A few other trusted notes sources)
- Something about actively processing information , can't remember it all but IT DID NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT IGNORING SOME STIMULI AND FOCUSING ON OTHERS. the key word was actively processing. ( Oxford written by chief examiner )

so which one do i choose ? :(
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cameotodd on October 13, 2015, 06:43:32 pm
Hahaha I just started proper revision but everything is coming back to me
For anyone who uses both textbooks or have multiple sources of notes,
I have encountered two definitions for ATTENTION

- The concentration of mental activity that involves focusing on one specific stimuli whilst ignoring others ( Macmillain and A few other trusted notes sources)
- Something about actively processing information , can't remember it all but IT DID NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT IGNORING SOME STIMULI AND FOCUSING ON OTHERS. the key word was actively processing. ( Oxford written by chief examiner )

so which one do i choose ? :(

I use the first one :/
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: The Usual Student on October 13, 2015, 07:08:15 pm
I use the first one :/

Yeah my only concern is that the second one is from the head assessor for psych so idk man
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on October 13, 2015, 07:26:32 pm
Yeah my only concern is that the second one is from the head assessor for psych so idk man
The first one describes selective attention, not attention in general. Shouldn't really matter though
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cameotodd on October 13, 2015, 07:54:35 pm
The first one describes selective attention, not attention in general. Shouldn't really matter though

hmm, yep that's true. So I guess for attention in a general way, you could use: Attention relates to information you are actively processing, either within our conscious awareness, or outside it.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 14, 2015, 06:47:22 pm
Can someone please help me with the following question?

-According to the multi-store model of memory, information is:

A. Stored and processed in each of the three stores.

B. Processed in each of the three stores, but stored only in the long term store.

C. Stored in each of the three stores, but processed only while in the short term store.

D. Processed in the first toe stores, and stored (but not processed) in the long term store.

Answer is A.
What exactly does processing mean?

Also why does spatial neglect only occur in left visual field?

And, is it true that for hemispheric specialisation both hemis can peform the function however one is dominant over the other?

Thanks! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on October 14, 2015, 07:17:59 pm
Can someone please help me with the following question?

-According to the multi-store model of memory, information is:

A. Stored and processed in each of the three stores.

B. Processed in each of the three stores, but stored only in the long term store.

C. Stored in each of the three stores, but processed only while in the short term store.

D. Processed in the first toe stores, and stored (but not processed) in the long term store.

Answer is A.
What exactly does processing mean?

Also why does spatial neglect only occur in left visual field?

And, is it true that for hemispheric specialisation both hemis can peform the function however one is dominant over the other?

Thanks! :)
Not sure about that multi choice question...VERY doubtful that it'd come up in a vcaa exam (they'll use encoding, storage and retrieval and the question will be simpler).

2nd question. That is not true, spatial neglect can occur as a result of damage to either the left or right parietal lobe. Both of which assist in spatial reasoning, mainly the right parietal lobe though.

3rd question. I wouldn't say that is true. The right hemisphere cannot make a word pronounced (no broca's) whereas the left can, therefore right is dependent on left (so not dominant to it).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: hutchinm on October 15, 2015, 09:49:09 am
Hey just wanting confirmation on being allowed to write answers to the exam in dot point form? and if so are there any tips on how to do it without it seeming disconnected?
Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cameotodd on October 16, 2015, 07:30:55 am
Is retrograde/anterograde amnesia to do with our STM or LTM?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on October 16, 2015, 08:54:45 am
Is retrograde/anterograde amnesia to do with our STM or LTM?
Long term memory! The cause of amnesia is damage to the hippocampi in the medial temporal lobe, the part of the brain that aids in consolidation of info into ltm. bad hippocampi=inability to store (declarative memories that is). This is the case for anterograde amnesia. Retrograde also has LTM affected because while one may be able to use stm still, they cannot retrieve info (retrieval of info is from ltm). :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cameotodd on October 16, 2015, 03:43:34 pm
Long term memory! The cause of amnesia is damage to the hippocampi in the medial temporal lobe, the part of the brain that aids in consolidation of info into ltm. bad hippocampi=inability to store (declarative memories that is). This is the case for anterograde amnesia. Retrograde also has LTM affected because while one may be able to use stm still, they cannot retrieve info (retrieval of info is from ltm). :)

Thanks mate :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ValiantIntellectual on October 17, 2015, 06:41:27 pm
hahah hey guys,
I don't do psych but my little sis goes to macrob which has a pretty strong psych cohort, she has been smashing her sacs by cramming about 2-3 days before. But she hasnt done much for exam prep except light revision,

she is freaking out and has 12 days to the exam, i dropped psych ages ago, any advice her? she is pretty much given up but she is a bright kid!

She doesn't want to start prac exams until she has done enough revision but is that a good idea?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cameotodd on October 17, 2015, 06:53:45 pm
hahah hey guys,
I don't do psych but my little sis goes to macrob which has a pretty strong psych cohort, she has been smashing her sacs by cramming about 2-3 days before. But she hasnt done much for exam prep except light revision,

she is freaking out and has 12 days to the exam, i dropped psych ages ago, any advice her? she is pretty much given up but she is a bright kid!

She doesn't want to start prac exams until she has done enough revision but is that a good idea?

I'd say revise if you have completely no idea and literally can't do a practice exam, but if you're a bit rusty and still know most of the content, do practice exams, highlight your weak areas and then revise those.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 17, 2015, 11:15:26 pm
How much of the DSM and ICD stuff do we need to know?
Also can someone please explain the axis' for both manuals?

Thanks aplenty! :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: The Usual Student on October 17, 2015, 11:36:09 pm
How much of the DSM and ICD stuff do we need to know?
Also can someone please explain the axis' for both manuals?

Thanks aplenty! :D

So VCAA released a statement saying that they don't mind if students study the DSM V or DSM 4 but must textbooks study DSM 4, either way, Considering they dont mind which DSM u study, we can rationalize that old features in the DSM 4 that don't carry on to the DSM 5 dont need to be studied. However, keep them in the back of your mind as i got this info from the Cheif assesor and he himself said that this is a logical assumption but VCAA have a tendency to twist their rules. So just know everything in your textbook, then maybe do some readings in the other tetxbooks, and you should be able to take on any question vcaa throw at you.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 18, 2015, 12:01:14 am
So VCAA released a statement saying that they don't mind if students study the DSM V or DSM 4 but must textbooks study DSM 4, either way, Considering they dont mind which DSM u study, we can rationalize that old features in the DSM 4 that don't carry on to the DSM 5 dont need to be studied. However, keep them in the back of your mind as i got this info from the Cheif assesor and he himself said that this is a logical assumption but VCAA have a tendency to twist their rules. So just know everything in your textbook, then maybe do some readings in the other tetxbooks, and you should be able to take on any question vcaa throw at you.

Never heard of a DSM V... but thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: warya on October 18, 2015, 07:02:02 pm
Can you make a conclusion to the study even if the results aren't statistically significant? But you can't generalise, right?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on October 18, 2015, 07:11:23 pm
Can you make a conclusion to the study even if the results aren't statistically significant? But you can't generalise, right?
Kinda. Except the conclusion won't support the hypothesis usually because the results are probably due to chance. So for a hypothesis like 'it is hypothesised that teenagers will perform better on exams if they have coffee during the exam than those who don't' and say we get some statistically insignificant result. We can conclude that coffee does not appear to affect exam performance. Basically you want a statistically significant result so you can be sure the IV affected the DV in the way expected and not by chance, otherwise the conclusion won't support the hypothesis. Make sense? :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 18, 2015, 08:33:18 pm
Anyone got any exam topic predictions or is it totally random?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: The Usual Student on October 18, 2015, 11:23:53 pm
Anyone got any exam topic predictions or is it totally random?

they construct the exam by referring the study design, for every dot point, there will be at least 1 mark dedicated to it. Also, they generally try and make the Short answer questions reflect the study design dot points, as in within MIND BRIAN BODY AND SOUL, or AOS 1, only a tiny portion will be dedicated to States of consciousness as there is only one dotpoint. But All the nervous system stuff will probably be focused upon due to the number of dot points. IN short, go through the whole study design and look at each dot point and say, CAN I ANSWER EVERYTHING ABOUT THAT?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 19, 2015, 01:04:39 pm
Can someone please explain why the answer is A? I put C. The assessor's report says: It is difficult to see why many students chose alternative C. Clearly a low to
moderate number of responses would be most efficient. The alternative of
making it easy to lose tokens is precisely how to make a token economy
ineffective, and favourite foods cannot be tokens.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: warya on October 19, 2015, 09:32:31 pm
Can someone please explain why the answer is A? I put C. The assessor's report says: It is difficult to see why many students chose alternative C. Clearly a low to
moderate number of responses would be most efficient. The alternative of
making it easy to lose tokens is precisely how to make a token economy
ineffective, and favourite foods cannot be tokens.
Think about it, would you stick to a token system if you were only rewarded after every 100 trial exams you did? Or would you be more likely to stick to it if you were rewarded for each one you did?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: The Usual Student on October 20, 2015, 09:48:02 am
Hey guys for an example of a automatic task- I usually say driving a car whilst maintains a conversations with someone else, but these are TWO separate tasks and driving a car is generally a controlled processs so I don't know if I am specific enough, do I need to say , " Maintaining a conversation " is a automatic process in particular? Sorry if this is a stupid question hahaha wanna make sure I am specific
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 20, 2015, 09:51:00 am
Think about it, would you stick to a token system if you were only rewarded after every 100 trial exams you did? Or would you be more likely to stick to it if you were rewarded for each one you did?

Thanks I understand, the wording of the question confused me. I immediately thought of shaping for alternative A.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 20, 2015, 09:56:33 am
Hey guys for an example of a automatic task- I usually say driving a car whilst maintains a conversations with someone else, but these are TWO separate tasks and driving a car is generally a controlled processs so I don't know if I am specific enough, do I need to say , " Maintaining a conversation " is a automatic process in particular? Sorry if this is a stupid question hahaha wanna make sure I am specific

Good question, would it be that driving and talking are automatic processes as the divided attention is being used?
If they asked for an automatic task can't you just state on thing like talking and then if they ask for controlled you say driving? Hmm just my 2 cents
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on October 20, 2015, 10:18:57 am
Hey guys for an example of a automatic task- I usually say driving a car whilst maintains a conversations with someone else, but these are TWO separate tasks and driving a car is generally a controlled processs so I don't know if I am specific enough, do I need to say , " Maintaining a conversation " is a automatic process in particular? Sorry if this is a stupid question hahaha wanna make sure I am specific
Don't refer to two tasks, the examiners will think that you've confused divided attention with automatic processing. I'd just say something like knitting as an example. The key points that would get the marks are stating that the person who knits has been doing it for say 20 years and that it is automatic because it requires little mental effort and conscious awareness. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cameotodd on October 20, 2015, 11:51:58 am
Are these areas of the brain examinable?
- Cerebellum
- Ventral tegmental area
- Basal Ganglia

They're not in the study design, yet I see them popping up in company trial papers (recently saw them on TSSM 2015 trial paper)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on October 20, 2015, 11:53:37 am
Are these areas of the brain examinable?
- Cerebellum
- Ventral tegmental area
- Basal Ganglia

They're not in the study design, yet I see them popping up in company trial papers (recently saw them on TSSM 2015 trial paper)
No, no and no. I've never seen them on recent vcaa exams or publications and it isn't taught in any classes of lectures. Safe to say you won't need to know about them
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cameotodd on October 20, 2015, 11:55:06 am
No, no and no. I've never seen them on recent vcaa exams or publications and it isn't taught in any classes of lectures. Safe to say you won't need to know about them

Yeah I hope so, dunno why these companies are putting them into the trial papers tho :/
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cameotodd on October 20, 2015, 12:17:00 pm
Ok, I just came across a weird multiple choice question on the TSSM 2015 Trial Exam.
It was:
In terms of Holmes and Rahe's life event scale, which life event is rated as the second most stressful life event?
a) Divorce
b) Jail Term
c) Pregnancy
d) Death of a spouse

What the hell is Holmes and Rahe's life event scale? lol...
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on October 20, 2015, 12:25:27 pm
Ok, I just came across a weird multiple choice question on the TSSM 2015 Trial Exam.
It was:
In terms of Holmes and Rahe's life event scale, which life event is rated as the second most stressful life event?
a) Divorce
b) Jail Term
c) Pregnancy
d) Death of a spouse

What the hell is Holmes and Rahe's life event scale? lol...
2015 exams are stupid haha! It's just some scale that shows heaps of life events and rates them on how much they impact an individual. Other than that I haven't bothered learning anything about it. Although I didn't 100% guarantee the previous things you asked won't be on the exam (even though they basically definitely won't be), I can reassure you that this one will definitely not be on the exam. The only way it could be is if they provided some background info in the question!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 20, 2015, 12:31:29 pm
Can someone please explain how the DSM manual works? I get how there are multiple axis but how are they used? Is it sequential...?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: The Usual Student on October 20, 2015, 05:38:59 pm
Don't refer to two tasks, the examiners will think that you've confused divided attention with automatic processing. I'd just say something like knitting as an example. The key points that would get the marks are stating that the person who knits has been doing it for say 20 years and that it is automatic because it requires little mental effort and conscious awareness. :)

thanks!!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Rob16 on October 21, 2015, 10:26:18 pm
Does anyone know if there are any solutions to the sample vcaa exam?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on October 21, 2015, 11:09:20 pm
Does anyone know if there are any solutions to the sample vcaa exam?

From what I know, there are no sample responses provided.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Rob16 on October 22, 2015, 04:11:59 pm
Can a conclusion be drawn and the hypothesis supported if the results were statistically significant, although a convenience sampling was used which was not representative of the population?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: coolbeans on October 22, 2015, 06:20:56 pm
How can I remember what type of brain waves are in each sleep stage?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 22, 2015, 07:49:20 pm
How can I remember what type of brain waves are in each sleep stage?

BAT'D

Awake- beta.
NREM 1- alpha.
NREM 2- theta.
NREM 3-theta and delta.
NREM 4-delta (has to be 50% to be stage 4)
 
And then REM is beta like waves. Hope that helps.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: warya on October 23, 2015, 03:52:12 pm
Can a conclusion be drawn and the hypothesis supported if the results were statistically significant, although a convenience sampling was used which was not representative of the population?

A conclusion consists of either supporting or rejecting a hypothesis- so basically you can always draw a conclusion. If the results are significant, you can say that there's evidence that the hypothesis is supported, BUT, you cannot generalise the results to the population as you've used a convenience sample. My teacher says that when you use a convenience sample, say that the results can't be generalised but also say; if the researcher could generalise, then...
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: coolbeans on October 23, 2015, 06:10:23 pm
Could someone please give me a simple explanation on how and why the HPA axis is activated? Thank you xx :-*
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: coolbeans on October 23, 2015, 06:56:54 pm
I also need some strengths and limitations of Lazarus and Folkman's transactional model of stress and coping! xxxx
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 23, 2015, 07:32:17 pm
Could someone please give me a simple explanation on how and why the HPA axis is activated? Thank you xx :-*

The HPA axis is activated when there is a prolonged stress response (e.g stress experienced in the lead up to exams).
The presentation of a stressor stimulates the hypothalamus to release a hormone that in turn stimulates the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland releases a hormone called ACTH which travels through the bloodstream to the adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex then releases the stress hormone cortisol which is involved in energising the body and causing heightened arousal. Prolonged release of cortisol causes an immunodeficiency thus causes a person to become ill. That's kind of why people get sick physically when they're stressed.  Hope that helps.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 23, 2015, 07:46:15 pm
I also need some strengths and limitations of Lazarus and Folkman's transactional model of stress and coping! xxxx

Strengths:


-Unlike the fight/flight and HPA axis, this model uses a cognitive approach to explain stress especially one that we can have control over.
-Explains why individuals have differing responses to stress; There is variability.
-By including a reappraisal process, this model accounts for the fact that our perception of stress may change.
-Proposes different methods of coping, managing psychological responses to stressors.
-Used human subjects.

Limitations:

-Difficult to test through experimental research because of subjectivity and variability.
-The primary and secondary appraisals often occur simultaneously and are therefore difficult to isolate in research.
-Does not account for the fact that a stress response can occur without having an appraisal.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 23, 2015, 07:53:59 pm
Can someone please help with some questions from the 2014 paper?

Mikaela, a healthy adult female, is learning Italian for the first time.
Question 5
As she forms new memories of the Italian language, Mikaela is most likely to experience an increase in
A. the size of her amygdala.
B. gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) levels.
C. the number of neurons in her hippocampus.
D. the number of neural connections in her temporal lobe.

I put C but the answer is D. Can someone explain why?

Also,

Question 18.
One of the complex tasks required Madeleine to complete a jigsaw puzzle.
During this task, the lobe of the brain that would show the greatest neuronal activation would be the
A. left frontal lobe.
B. left occipital lobe.
C. right parietal lobe.
D. right temporal lobe.

Answer is C. Can someone explain this as well. I said A.

Lastly, has someone completed the research methods section of this exam that got full marks or close to full marks?

THANKS so much!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on October 23, 2015, 08:25:21 pm
Can someone please help with some questions from the 2014 paper?

Mikaela, a healthy adult female, is learning Italian for the first time.
Question 5
As she forms new memories of the Italian language, Mikaela is most likely to experience an increase in
A. the size of her amygdala.
B. gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) levels.
C. the number of neurons in her hippocampus.
D. the number of neural connections in her temporal lobe.

I put C but the answer is D. Can someone explain why?

Also,

Question 18.
One of the complex tasks required Madeleine to complete a jigsaw puzzle.
During this task, the lobe of the brain that would show the greatest neuronal activation would be the
A. left frontal lobe.
B. left occipital lobe.
C. right parietal lobe.
D. right temporal lobe.

Answer is C. Can someone explain this as well. I said A.

Lastly, has someone completed the research methods section of this exam that got full marks or close to full marks?

THANKS so much!!
Q5. Good to see you immediately ruled out A and B. This question more or less is taking a plasticity perspective. Because she is an adult it is likely that pretty much all neural proliferation has occured. The main change at the synapse in learning is sprouting of dendritic connections, not proliferation (since this is characteristic of developmental plast).
Q18. I think they've thrown you with the word 'complex', which is good that you've linked this to option A. However, as you should know, the parietal lobe is critical to spatial reasoning (ie fitting a jigsaw piece into a puzzle by spatial recognition that its shape is complementary. It's easy to remember the function of this lobe because patients with damage to it have spatial neglect (obviously it must be linked to spatial awareness). As for the hemispheric choice, well the right is primarily dominant for spatial reasoning, and the left hemi controls more logical tasks like maths (doing a jigsaw doesn't require much ground-breaking thought, more just recognition of shapes and position.
Can't help on the research question, I only got 3 marks for the final 10 mark question...otherwise I could help on the hypothesis and stat question but I think you sound like you'd be okay with that! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 23, 2015, 08:46:53 pm
Q5. Good to see you immediately ruled out A and B. This question more or less is taking a plasticity perspective. Because she is an adult it is likely that pretty much all neural proliferation has occured. The main change at the synapse in learning is sprouting of dendritic connections, not proliferation (since this is characteristic of developmental plast).
Q18. I think they've thrown you with the word 'complex', which is good that you've linked this to option A. However, as you should know, the parietal lobe is critical to spatial reasoning (ie fitting a jigsaw piece into a puzzle by spatial recognition that its shape is complementary. It's easy to remember the function of this lobe because patients with damage to it have spatial neglect (obviously it must be linked to spatial awareness). As for the hemispheric choice, well the right is primarily dominant for spatial reasoning, and the left hemi controls more logical tasks like maths (doing a jigsaw doesn't require much ground-breaking thought, more just recognition of shapes and position.
Can't help on the research question, I only got 3 marks for the final 10 mark question...otherwise I could help on the hypothesis and stat question but I think you sound like you'd be okay with that! :)

Makes super sense thanks heaaaps your explanations are great! :D
And about that research question, it was the 10 marker that I struggled with as well. The last part about the p-value interpretation of results just wasn't explained well for me in the examiner report... Apparently no one got a full mark for that section, but then how to people get 50 SS...
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Rob16 on October 23, 2015, 08:50:16 pm
I know this question has been asked a lot, but can someone please double confirm with me that you will not lose marks if you correctly operationalize a hypothesis when it asks for a research hypothesis?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on October 23, 2015, 09:01:41 pm
Makes super sense thanks heaaaps your explanations are great! :D
And about that research question, it was the 10 marker that I struggled with as well. The last part about the p-value interpretation of results just wasn't explained well for me in the examiner report... Apparently no one got a full mark for that section, but then how to people get 50 SS...
It show's the percentage of people that got full marks (not the number of people, there's more than 100 people that did psych last year  ;) ). So there would of been a few that would of gotten full marks, but not enough to represent a rounded percentage of the state.

I know this question has been asked a lot, but can someone please double confirm with me that you will not lose marks if you correctly operationalize a hypothesis when it asks for a research hypothesis?
If you operationalize, you must do it correctly or you will lose marks, if you don't than that's fine, vcaa stated they only will only require a research hypothesis.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cameotodd on October 23, 2015, 10:03:00 pm
For section C, would it be okay to structure your writing in terms of the dot points they give you? So for each dot point, you use it as a subheading?

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Unblemished on October 24, 2015, 03:23:32 pm
For section C, would it be okay to structure your writing in terms of the dot points they give you? So for each dot point, you use it as a subheading?

Certainly, as long as you elaborate a lot and make it informative. Personally however, I just write it in paragraphs so I can link ideas easily.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 24, 2015, 08:13:13 pm
Can someone please help me with the strengths and limitations for the theories of forgetting? At least for Ebbinghaus forgetting curve? Thanks :) 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: elysian on October 24, 2015, 08:38:20 pm
How would you set up section c for the exam? Do you need to write an introduction or just go straight into listing the IVs and DVs etc.?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: warya on October 24, 2015, 08:41:23 pm
How would you set up section c for the exam? Do you need to write an introduction or just go straight into listing the IVs and DVs etc.?

They'll usually give you dot points of what to include. I reckon just use each as a heading and talk about them, they wont mark you on introductions and that, rather, what they actually prompted you to answer. My psych teacher is an examiner, she says don't bother with being englishy, just get straight to the point.
That being said, if they asked for an intro, include it, though I doubt they will.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Rob16 on October 24, 2015, 10:16:16 pm
Should you be including anything beyond the dotpoints provided in the section C 10 mark question?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: warya on October 25, 2015, 01:34:17 pm
How does the discriminative stimulus indicate the consequence?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: The Usual Student on October 25, 2015, 08:14:10 pm
How does the discriminative stimulus indicate the consequence?

I don't think so, from class the idea was the D.S sets the conditions right for behavior and the consequence is a response to the behavior.
If this is an actual exam question, then I actually have no clue :P Maybe say something along the lines of " The D.S makes the conditions right for the Behaviour and the consequences follows as a repsonse to the behaviour". idk :P
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Unblemished on October 25, 2015, 08:18:34 pm
I don't think so, from class the idea was the D.S sets the conditions right for behavior and the consequence is a response to the behavior.
If this is an actual exam question, then I actually have no clue :P Maybe say something along the lines of " The D.S makes the conditions right for the Behaviour and the consequences follows as a repsonse to the behaviour". idk :P


I think you're right. To me, the antecedent / DS is the condition required for the behaviour to occur. This in turn is reinforced by the consequences (eg getting lollies )
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Unblemished on October 25, 2015, 08:20:19 pm
Should you be including anything beyond the dotpoints provided in the section C 10 mark question?

Depends really. What will you be talking about? I would always write about EVs and ways to minimise them if possible etc. If the question is a discussion of the results and conclusion, then obviously don't write the intro or method. If you link your information to the dot points, you are more likely to get marks.

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 25, 2015, 08:26:19 pm
Can someone please help me with the strengths and limitations for the theories of forgetting? At least for Ebbinghaus forgetting curve? Thanks :)

Anyone? I can't find answers for it anywhere and it's part of the SD.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on October 25, 2015, 09:38:32 pm
Anyone? I can't find answers for it anywhere and it's part of the SD.
For ebbinghaus, it's not really a theory of forgetting as such, it's just his results which kind of link in with decay theory (nonsense syllables faded if they weren't rehearsed).
Motivated forgetting: strength-this one is common sense, people who experience traumatic shiz recall it less than positive events
                                 limitation-people do not always forget traumatic shiz, as much as they might want to they just can't

retrieval failure: strength-tip of the tongue phenomenon, suggests retrieval is not all or nothing
                          limitation-we can't be certain we actually encoded information, like you might try to recall something and use cues to try recall it, but perhaps you never even encoded what you were looking for, we can't show this though.

decay theory: strength-it is about the physical action of neurons, therefore more measurable scientifically than the other theories
                       limitation-doesn't explain why an old person may not be able to recall a memory which occured recently-ish but can for some reason recall a specific childhood memory better

interference theory: strength-can be shown through experiments
                                limitation-doesn't account for shit the other theories do

semantic network theory: strength-research has shown people usually take longer on questions such as like 'does a crab has claws?' in comparison to taking longer for 'is a crab a verterbrate?' (because verterbrate is likely to be a distantly linked concept to crab, conversely claws are very closely linked)
                                         limitation-activation direction depends on the strength of the link, not necessarily the heirarchy

Dunno, pretty basic rundown, this stuff is rarely on exams (which is quite surprising considering it's labelled so explicitly on the study design).
edit: disregard semantic network theory, forgot you said forgetting theories  :P )
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jyce on October 25, 2015, 09:39:57 pm
Anyone? I can't find answers for it anywhere and it's part of the SD.

Hi anta0my,

Off the top of my head:
- a weakness of motivated forgetting theory is that it would be unethical to experimentally test this, so evidence for this theory relies on case studies which are not the most reliable sources of information
- a weakness of decay theory is the fact that some unused memories are seemingly carried for life, which is contradictory to this theory
- a weakness of Ebbinghaus' forgetting curve is that he derived the curve from nonsense syllables, while forgetting over time for other, more realistic things might not follow this exact trend.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 25, 2015, 10:04:06 pm
For ebbinghaus, it's not really a theory of forgetting as such, it's just his results which kind of link in with decay theory (nonsense syllables faded if they weren't rehearsed).
Motivated forgetting: strength-this one is common sense, people who experience traumatic shiz recall it less than positive events
                                 limitation-people do not always forget traumatic shiz, as much as they might want to they just can't

retrieval failure: strength-tip of the tongue phenomenon, suggests retrieval is not all or nothing
                          limitation-we can't be certain we actually encoded information, like you might try to recall something and use cues to try recall it, but perhaps you never even encoded what you were looking for, we can't show this though.

decay theory: strength-it is about the physical action of neurons, therefore more measurable scientifically than the other theories
                       limitation-doesn't explain why an old person may not be able to recall a memory which occured recently-ish but can for some reason recall a specific childhood memory better

interference theory: strength-can be shown through experiments
                                limitation-doesn't account for shit the other theories do

semantic network theory: strength-research has shown people usually take longer on questions such as like 'does a crab has claws?' in comparison to taking longer for 'is a crab a verterbrate?' (because verterbrate is likely to be a distantly linked concept to crab, conversely claws are very closely linked)
                                         limitation-activation direction depends on the strength of the link, not necessarily the heirarchy

Dunno, pretty basic rundown, this stuff is rarely on exams (which is quite surprising considering it's labelled so explicitly on the study design).
edit: disregard semantic network theory, forgot you said forgetting theories  :P )

Thank youu Psych MVP! :)

Hi anta0my,

Off the top of my head:
- a weakness of motivated forgetting theory is that it would be unethical to experimentally test this, so evidence for this theory relies on case studies which are not the most reliable sources of information
- a weakness of decay theory is the fact that some unused memories are seemingly carried for life, which is contradictory to this theory
- a weakness of Ebbinghaus' forgetting curve is that he derived the curve from nonsense syllables, while forgetting over time for other, more realistic things might not follow this exact trend.

Thanks so much!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sheeep on October 25, 2015, 11:28:07 pm
2012 Paper 1, multiple choice question 17's answer is D, does anyone know why?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: I am a unicorn on October 26, 2015, 12:26:56 am
Hi could someone explain why the answer to this question (VCAA 2014) is A?

Question 36
This year Dave married, started a new business and his first child was born. Dave’s allostatic load would have
A. changed, depending on how he appraised these situations.
B. stayed the same.
C. decreased.
D. increased.

I thought it was D since both eustress and distress involve increased physiological arousal... so shouldn't they both increase the level of stress hormones (and hence allostatic load?)

Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jyce on October 26, 2015, 12:39:05 am
Hi could someone explain why the answer to this question (VCAA 2014) is A?

Question 36
This year Dave married, started a new business and his first child was born. Dave’s allostatic load would have
A. changed, depending on how he appraised these situations.
B. stayed the same.
C. decreased.
D. increased.

I thought it was D since both eustress and distress involve increased physiological arousal... so shouldn't they both increase the level of stress hormones (and hence allostatic load?)

Thanks :)

I did Year 12 Psych two years ago, but I'll give it a shot:
I'd say it's A since we don't know whether Dave will experience more or less stress due to these life changes. That all depends on how he 'appraises', or interprets and evaluates, these changes. Although it would be easy to jump to the conclusion that Dave experiences more stress, whether it be distress or eustress, perhaps Dave views getting married as an extra source of support. Similarly, perhaps starting his own business gives Dave more freedom. So, Dave might appraise these two situations as giving him MORE resources to cope with life, and therefore he is less likely to experience stress. On the other hand, Dave could feel as though he lacks the abilities to effectively run a business on his own, which could lead him to experience more stress and thereby increase his allostatic load. We don't know; it depends on the individual's appraisal.

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 26, 2015, 10:19:57 am
2012 Paper 1, multiple choice question 17's answer is D, does anyone know why?

I worked this one out by elimination;
-It can't be A because the right hemisphere is NOT verbal.
-it can't be B because the left hemisphere is actually involved in controlling movement of the right side of the body, this is contrary to what this alternative says.
-it can't be C because is it in fact the right hemisphere that is specialised in object recognition and spatial reasoning.
-So therefore the answer is D, and we also know that it is the left hemisphere that is involved in logical thinking and problem solving so we can deduce that it has an executive function.

My approach to this question may be different but I hope it helped.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cameotodd on October 26, 2015, 10:43:45 am
I worked this one out by elimination;
-It can't be A because the right hemisphere is NOT verbal.
-it can't be B because the left hemisphere is actually involved in controlling movement of the right side of the body, this is contrary to what this alternative says.
-it can't be C because is it in fact the right hemisphere that is specialised in object recognition and spatial reasoning.
-So therefore the answer is D, and we also know that it is the left hemisphere that is involved in logical thinking and problem solving so we can deduce that it has an executive function.

My approach to this question may be different but I hope it helped.

Yep, I agree with anat0my. When first looking at the question, I wouldn't automatically choose D but by the process of elimination, the other 3 options are just factually incorrect.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Rob16 on October 26, 2015, 02:37:58 pm
Can developmental plasticity also involve rerouting and sprouting or does this only what occurs in adaptive plasticity? Similarly does circuit formation and pruning also occur adaptive plasticity (throughout the lifespan)?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Rob16 on October 26, 2015, 05:24:44 pm
Sorry for so many questions, but if the p-value is set at p<0.05 does that mean a p-value of 0.05 is considered statistically insignificant?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 26, 2015, 05:35:45 pm
Can developmental plasticity also involve rerouting and sprouting or does this only what occurs in adaptive plasticity? Similarly does circuit formation and pruning also occur adaptive plasticity (throughout the lifespan)?

I think rerouting is characteristically adaptive plasticity. I don't think pruning occurs in adaptive. Just my 2cents.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jyce on October 26, 2015, 05:36:24 pm
Sorry for so many questions, but if the p-value is set at p<0.05 does that mean a p-value of 0.05 is considered statistically insignificant?

I could definitely be wrong here, but I don't think p values are ever expressed as being equal to a value, but rather only ever as being less than or greater than a particular value, considering that they are derived from a continuous probability distribution.
If someone knows better, please correct me.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 26, 2015, 05:37:44 pm
Sorry for so many questions, but if the p-value is set at p<0.05 does that mean a p-value of 0.05 is considered statistically insignificant?

I think it still is statistically significant because it's set at 0.05 OR less than that. Btw don't worry keep the questions coming :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Rob16 on October 27, 2015, 02:38:57 pm
Do you include the population in an operationalised IV? (not in the hypothesis, just the operationalised IV by itself) E.g. whether VCE students use acrostics or acronyms or whether participants use acrostics of acronyms?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jyce on October 27, 2015, 02:43:21 pm
Do you include the population in an operationalised IV? (not in the hypothesis, just the operationalised IV by itself) E.g. whether VCE students use acrostics or acronyms or whether participants use acrostics of acronyms?

I would say that you don't have to. My understanding is that the operationalised hypothesis needs to include the target population, whereas the operationalised IV must simply state the IV in terms of how it will be measured. That being said, I doubt you'd be marked incorrect for writing 'VCE students' as opposed to 'participants' in your operationalised IV.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: warya on October 27, 2015, 03:08:28 pm
Could someone please explain how retrieval theory and semantic network theory and elaborative rehersal are related?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jyce on October 27, 2015, 03:22:33 pm
Could someone please explain how retrieval theory and semantic network theory and elaborative rehersal are related?

I can try, although this stuff is fuzzy for me.
Basically, elaborative rehearsal involves adding meaning to the information that you are trying to remember. Now, semantic network theory states that memories in long-term memory are stored, connected to one another and retrieved based on meaning. So, combining elaborative rehearsal with semantic network theory, if you use elaborative rehearsal to remember something you will link that thing to existing semantic networks within your long-term memory. This will make the new information easier to retrieve, as you will now have a bunch of cues via the semantic networks.


Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: The Usual Student on October 27, 2015, 05:02:40 pm
Could someone please explain how retrieval theory and semantic network theory and elaborative rehersal are related?

Ok so, when info is eleboratively rehearsed, info is given meaning or associations with previous information in memory, it semantically encodes the information into our LTM and allows for it to fit into semantic networks through making these associations. Retrieval theory states our ability to retrive info is imapired from not having enough cues or not using cues correctly in order to recover and locate info in LTM,semantic networks provide links that associate different nodes or units of info which can serve as cues that assist in recollection of that info. Hence, info that is elabaortively reharsed or info organised in a semantic network is less resistant to forgetting under the retrieval theory of forgetting due to the links and associations that connect different nodes that can function as cues.

so essentially the above hahaha just relaised someone alreayd answered, just remember to highlight the links between all three concepts,
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: I am a unicorn on October 28, 2015, 12:44:22 pm
Why are continuous schedules of reinforcement most easily extinguished?
Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Glasses on October 28, 2015, 04:15:22 pm
Could someone please give me a quick run-down of developmental plasticity?

Specifically relating to migration, circuit formation, synaptogenesis, proliferation, synaptic pruning and myelination!?!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sparkyblossom on October 28, 2015, 04:55:25 pm
Could someone please give me a quick run-down of developmental plasticity?

Specifically relating to migration, circuit formation, synaptogenesis, proliferation, synaptic pruning and myelination!?!

Developmental plasticity basically includes these 5 components:
Migration - the neurons move to their destined location, thus their role is also determined
Proliferation - the cells that will become neurons multiply and divide
Circuit formation - neural pathways are formed between neurons
Synaptic pruning - any excess/useless neurons and synapses are gotten rid of
Myelination - the neurons are myelinated
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anat0my on October 28, 2015, 11:18:06 pm
GOODLUCK tomorrow everyone!  ;D

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sparkyblossom on October 29, 2015, 12:17:18 pm
How'd you all find the exam? :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Sarah P on October 29, 2015, 12:30:39 pm
How'd you all find the exam? :)

I didn't find it that bad compared to others in my year, but there were way too many questions on stress! :'(
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: brenden on October 29, 2015, 12:47:14 pm
Psychology exam discussion here! atarnotes.com/forum/index.php?topic=163185.msg850742#msg850742
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Apink! on November 17, 2015, 11:52:50 am
Hello,

would someone mind helping me out (I have my psych exam tomorrow :P)

What is the difference between personality, temperament, character and mood?
I'm confused
pls help :)

Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on November 24, 2015, 06:34:19 pm
hey guys, just a question that's sorta psych related, but not exactly. So basically my question is: Should i use time to create my own extensive list of notes or should i just use others' notes that have already been created? i could make my own, and i do see the benefits of doing so, but it seems time-consuming (especially if i did this for all my subjects) ! thanks guuysss :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: The Usual Student on November 24, 2015, 11:07:40 pm
hey guys, just a question that's sorta psych related, but not exactly. So basically my question is: Should i use time to create my own extensive list of notes or should i just use others' notes that have already been created? i could make my own, and i do see the benefits of doing so, but it seems time-consuming (especially if i did this for all my subjects) ! thanks guuysss :)

I did psych this year.... IMO DONT MAKE YOUR OWN NOTES!!!!
If anything, purely write out some basic superficial notes in class during the class lectures, this allowed to process the information a lot better when I was writing it down. The main reason I say not to make your own notes is because
1) You don't want to deviate from the specific wording of the textbook and of other company notes - I did this a lot an ended up screwing up my notes because I misinterpreted what was key and wasn't. I AM NOT SAYING THAT YOU SHOULD ROTE LEARN THE TEXTBOOK OR COMPANY NOTES, but I suggest you get familiar with the manner in which they talk about the topic and what is emphasised opposed to spending time on actually translating the content into your own words and recording them as notes.
2) Time, I never found it to be a useful way to use my time, I preferred familiarizing myself with the TEXTBOOK ( OXFORD is written by the Ex chief examiner) and being able to use similar language in my sacs.

If anything, I highly suggest you annotate your textbook with new information you learn in class or key examples you may want to use, also I did take notes in class but this was purely so I could copy down HOW the teacher talked or spoke about the concept themselves and I would then analyse the way they spoke about the topic so I could use similar language in my answers. After all, your sacs are marked by the people teaching you, you may as well use what they teach you in your sac responses.

Regardless it is all up to the individual, the strategy can get very messy come exam time, I relied on the textbook and my short term memory for SACS but that didn't work out well for the exam.....
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on November 25, 2015, 12:24:38 pm
I did psych this year.... IMO DONT MAKE YOUR OWN NOTES!!!!
If anything, purely write out some basic superficial notes in class during the class lectures, this allowed to process the information a lot better when I was writing it down. The main reason I say not to make your own notes is because
1) You don't want to deviate from the specific wording of the textbook and of other company notes - I did this a lot an ended up screwing up my notes because I misinterpreted what was key and wasn't. I AM NOT SAYING THAT YOU SHOULD ROTE LEARN THE TEXTBOOK OR COMPANY NOTES, but I suggest you get familiar with the manner in which they talk about the topic and what is emphasised opposed to spending time on actually translating the content into your own words and recording them as notes.
2) Time, I never found it to be a useful way to use my time, I preferred familiarizing myself with the TEXTBOOK ( OXFORD is written by the Ex chief examiner) and being able to use similar language in my sacs.

If anything, I highly suggest you annotate your textbook with new information you learn in class or key examples you may want to use, also I did take notes in class but this was purely so I could copy down HOW the teacher talked or spoke about the concept themselves and I would then analyse the way they spoke about the topic so I could use similar language in my answers. After all, your sacs are marked by the people teaching you, you may as well use what they teach you in your sac responses.

Regardless it is all up to the individual, the strategy can get very messy come exam time, I relied on the textbook and my short term memory for SACS but that didn't work out well for the exam.....

ahh thank you :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Burt Macklin on November 25, 2015, 03:25:05 pm
hey guys, just a question that's sorta psych related, but not exactly. So basically my question is: Should i use time to create my own extensive list of notes or should i just use others' notes that have already been created? i could make my own, and i do see the benefits of doing so, but it seems time-consuming (especially if i did this for all my subjects) ! thanks guuysss :)
IMO I think you should be creating your own notes -- but that doesn't mean you shouldn't refer to other people's notes and mould it. Personally, it helped me a lot by organising the content in a way that makes sense to ME, making it easier to digest and understand.

But writing  your own notes also means you should be putting every effort in conveying the content with psychological language (probably the most important thing to do in Psych). So if you're writing your own notes AND you have this awareness, you should be pretty set with a solid, conceptual understanding that will help you with the application that Psych is heading towards (as opposed to just reading other people's notes in a rote manner, or not really getting a solid understanding). (SIDENOTE: I'd be careful just using ONE textbook for definitions and notes - try to model your notes off a combination of teacher handouts, other textbooks if you can (Grivas, Edwards etc.), exam reports, studyON, guides etc. This is because some textbooks may be dodgy in some areas -- e.g. the Oxford textbook doesn't cover Mental Health very well - so you'd get better psychological language from other sources such as the Grivas textbook)

Also, it shouldn't be time-consuming at all if you systematically write notes for each chapter / dot point(s) in the study design say every week or so. That way you have a full set of notes ready to go once exams loom close and won't be rushing like others to create notes.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Robert243 on December 23, 2015, 05:38:43 pm
Hey guys does anyone know where to find the answers/solution for the topic test in the oxford textbooks.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: purplegiraffe on January 03, 2016, 08:45:06 pm
Hey is there a definition for 'Alcohol Induced State'?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: foodieisanunderstatement on January 04, 2016, 12:10:26 pm
I'm a bit confused about the difference between awareness, consciousness and attention.. or how they're related? What does it mean when they say that attention is actively processing something? and can you be pay attention to something without being conscious of it?

Lastly, what exactly is the definition of content limitations?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: The Usual Student on January 04, 2016, 04:26:40 pm
I'm a bit confused about the difference between awareness, consciousness and attention.. or how they're related? What does it mean when they say that attention is actively processing something? and can you be pay attention to something without being conscious of it?

Lastly, what exactly is the definition of content limitations?

awareness and consciousness are pretty interchangeable tbh
attention is like a spot light where you actually focus on something and by "actively processing" they essentially mean putting a bit more emphasis or mental concentration into what you are aware of, for example, you are paying attention to the words i am writing and hence you are actively processing it but the ATARNOTES logo above is in your awareness but not actively processed.

C
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Burt Macklin on January 07, 2016, 10:09:16 pm
Hey is there a definition for 'Alcohol Induced State'?
An altered state of consciousness due to the consumption of alcohol?

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: foodieisanunderstatement on January 08, 2016, 08:42:56 pm
awareness and consciousness are pretty interchangeable tbh
attention is like a spot light where you actually focus on something and by "actively processing" they essentially mean putting a bit more emphasis or mental concentration into what you are aware of, for example, you are paying attention to the words i am writing and hence you are actively processing it but the ATARNOTES logo above is in your awareness but not actively processed.

C

Thanks! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nadiaaa on January 19, 2016, 07:11:56 pm
Hi guys, im doing my Psychology summary for researh methods and in the study design it mentions 'Ways of minimising confounding and extraneous variables including type of experiment'
Im just confused on what i write under the subheading type of experiment
Any feedback is appreciated thank you!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: foodieisanunderstatement on January 19, 2016, 09:58:40 pm
Hi guys, im doing my Psychology summary for researh methods and in the study design it mentions 'Ways of minimising confounding and extraneous variables including type of experiment'
Im just confused on what i write under the subheading type of experiment
Any feedback is appreciated thank you!

I think it means whether the experiment is Repeated Measures (eliminates effects of participant variables such as personality traits), Matched Participants (eliminates effects of the confounding variable the participants are "matched" on) or Independent Groups (eliminates bias as long as the sample is large enough). So those three would be your sub-sub headings (or whatever you call headings under subheadings  :-X) and you would add the advantages and disadvantages of each under that. 

Hope that helps!! :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nadiaaa on January 19, 2016, 11:24:18 pm
I think it means whether the experiment is Repeated Measures (eliminates effects of participant variables such as personality traits), Matched Participants (eliminates effects of the confounding variable the participants are "matched" on) or Independent Groups (eliminates bias as long as the sample is large enough). So those three would be your sub-sub headings (or whatever you call headings under subheadings  :-X) and you would add the advantages and disadvantages of each under that. 

Hope that helps!! :D

Oh i get it now thank you so much :)  :) :) :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on January 20, 2016, 12:14:27 pm
Hi guys, im doing my Psychology summary for researh methods and in the study design it mentions 'Ways of minimising confounding and extraneous variables including type of experiment'
Im just confused on what i write under the subheading type of experiment
Any feedback is appreciated thank you!

Quote from: foodieisanunderstatement
I think it means whether the experiment is Repeated Measures (eliminates effects of participant variables such as personality traits), Matched Participants (eliminates effects of the confounding variable the participants are "matched" on) or Independent Groups (eliminates bias as long as the sample is large enough). So those three would be your sub-sub headings (or whatever you call headings under subheadings  :-X) and you would add the advantages and disadvantages of each under that. 

Hope that helps!! :D

Good discussion! I'm not sure I agree with this, though.

On the study design (I'm looking at page 22 in particular), VCAA outlines experimental research, including both:

- "type of experiment"; and
- "types of experimental research designs including independent-groups, matched-participants, repeated-measures".

From what I glean, then, 'type of experiment' and 'type of experimental research design' are different things you need to know.

Foodieisanunderstatement provided some good advantages of each experimental research design. My understanding is that 'type of experiment' refers to things such as case studies, observation, interviews, surveys and psychological tests.

To quote from this page:

Case studies
Case studies involve observation of an individual or individuals over a period of time. The findings cannot be generalised as each case is specific.

Observation
Observation involves natural observation (watching the subject behave in their natural environment), which is realistic but uncontrolled, and controlled observation (watching the subject behave in an ‘artificial’ environment), which can be manipulated but is less realistic.

Interview
Interviews include structured interviews, where there are pre-determined questions and fixed responses, and clinical interviews, where there is more flexibility.

Surveys
Surveys are easy to compare, and allow for data to be quantified, but may produce limited or biased responses.

Psychological tests
Psychological tests (an intelligence quotient test, for example) are easy to replicate and compare, but are subjective in validity.

Regardless, I don't think it's a particularly significant part of the course.

All the best. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: japanese on January 24, 2016, 10:42:43 pm
What biases are present in convenient sampling?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on January 25, 2016, 12:39:47 am
What biases are present in convenient sampling?

Hi japanese,

As you may know, convenience sampling is based on, well, convenience. Basically, that just means selecting people from the population to be part of the research based on what is going to be quickest, easier, or most financially effective. Or a combination of the three.

Sounds great, right? Yeah, but as you note, convenience sampling is likely to come with a number of biases. The types of biases depends a little on the research sample at hand, but here are some possibilities.

- Skewed toward age. Say Mrs. Brown, for example, is conducing a study on the impact of sleep deprivation on school results in secondary school students. Mrs. Brown is a Year 12 teacher, so she just uses her Year 12 class as the sample - it would be much quicker and easier that way. But that's not reflective of the entire population, because it would only include 17-18 year olds, rather than 12-18 year olds.

- Skewed toward capability. Say there's a study on the impact of drug use on literacy levels. The study acquires its participants through on a 'first come, first serve' basis after advertising in the local paper. Because you need to be able to read to understand the written ad, the study is already skewed toward those who can read in the first place.

- Skewed toward location. A study, say, on the impact of country of residence (Australia or Japan) on mental health. But the study is being conducted in a remote town in Australia, so only Australians from that remote town are selected to 'represent' the entire nation.

These aren't great examples (this response is replacing sleep haha), and I'm happy to be challenged, here. But the point is that, depending on the situation, there are a lot of possible biases. Gender, height, wealth, personality, experience, and so on. Did you have a particular scenario in mind, or was it more of a general question? :)

All the best!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Robert243 on February 09, 2016, 02:55:39 pm
Hey guys, when describing something such as level of awareness or cognition or time orientation in nwc what word do you use?i know in asc you would say something such as distorted ?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: yearningforsimplicity on February 09, 2016, 04:44:52 pm
Hey guys, when describing something such as level of awareness or cognition or time orientation in nwc what word do you use?i know in asc you would say something such as distorted ?

For level of awareness in NWC, you can use terms such as: clear, alert, awake
For cognition in NWC, you can say: clear, logical, rational, systematic, organised thoughts
For time orientation in NWC, you could use: flowing, clear, distinct sense of time :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: friedchromosome on February 18, 2016, 06:56:54 pm
Couple questions, are the text book questions worth spending time on? most of the learning activities just seem either straight forward or even irrelevant?
Also what are the most useful resources e.g. checkpoints etc??
thanks in advance
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: scout on February 20, 2016, 11:35:36 pm
Hi guys

Can you ever really tell whether a variable is confounding or not in an experiment in the exam (for example)?

Also, aren't extraneous variables and potentially confounding variables the same thing (since they're potential, they may or may not affect the DV, just like for extraneous variables)?

Thanks  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cameotodd on March 01, 2016, 10:07:17 pm
TSSM sacs are pretty horrible lol, would not recommend them at all and I usually found that they consistently had the wrong answers in solutions and some of their '2015 exams and sacs' contained content from previous study designs.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on March 02, 2016, 09:56:23 am
TSSM sacs are pretty horrible lol, would not recommend them at all and I usually found that they consistently had the wrong answers in solutions and some of their '2015 exams and sacs' contained content from previous study designs.

thanks, my teacher move on from them THANK GOD LOL :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on March 08, 2016, 07:14:28 pm
are the following correct:

short term memory has a capacity of approx. 7 +- 2. It's duration is approx 12-20 seconds (some books say 18-20 , not too sure bout this?)

Echoic memory has a longer duration as most auditory information (words like electroencephalograph) are generally quite long, so they tale some time to process , and hence have a longer duration. OR Echoic Memory interprets sound waves which continue to vibrate in your ear, specifically in the Cochlea of the ear, which causes action potential and sensations, and hence it's duration increases

confused as to if that's right  :o
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 16FreemanR on March 29, 2016, 07:24:41 pm
are the following correct:

short term memory has a capacity of approx. 7 +- 2. It's duration is approx 12-20 seconds (some books say 18-20 , not too sure bout this?)

Echoic memory has a longer duration as most auditory information (words like electroencephalograph) are generally quite long, so they tale some time to process , and hence have a longer duration. OR Echoic Memory interprets sound waves which continue to vibrate in your ear, specifically in the Cochlea of the ear, which causes action potential and sensations, and hence it's duration increases

confused as to if that's right  :o

Yep your right about the short term memory capacity, as for the duration you can say anything between 18-30 seconds without rehearsal, they are fairly lenient on the exam as different books say different things
For the echoic memory I have never heard those descriptions as for why it has a longer duration but I would say that it has a longer duration because it is important for understanding speech sounds and linking them together so you hear the whole word/sentence rather than each individual sound (it the duration was shorter we would only hear individual sounds which would now make much sense, the longer duration allows us to group the sounds together and make them meaningful). Compared to iconic memory which has a short duration so you can see smoothly as the next image overlaps the old image.
A classic example of this is when someone asks you a question and you immediately say what, but once you say what you realise the answer to their question, their question has been held in echoic memory and you have been able to re access it because of its longer duration
Hope this helps!  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 16FreemanR on March 29, 2016, 07:37:01 pm
Hi guys

Can you ever really tell whether a variable is confounding or not in an experiment in the exam (for example)?

Also, aren't extraneous variables and potentially confounding variables the same thing (since they're potential, they may or may not affect the DV, just like for extraneous variables)?

Thanks  :)
Yes you should be able to, A confounding variable is identified after the experiment is completed and is thought to have affected the dependent variable. These variables are any other factors that may have influenced the results.
It could be any thing, age, gender, height, motivation, intelligence, hand eye coordination, so long has it can influence how the participant performs during the experiment in relation to the DV.
For example you wouldn't say that height would affect a persons IQ, how ever their socioeconomic background might.
Hope that clears things up! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on April 11, 2016, 10:41:52 pm
are we required to know criticisms and strengths of each theory of memory? my textbook is quite ambiguous about this section -.-
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 16FreemanR on April 13, 2016, 07:03:03 pm
are we required to know criticisms and strengths of each theory of memory? my textbook is quite ambiguous about this section -.-

no not specifically, as it is not mentioned in the study design, but you do need to know the strengths and limitations for the theories of forgetting.
However it is helpful to know why one is better than the other..
Hope this helps!  :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: chenay0123 on April 25, 2016, 08:08:53 pm
Q: During a game of squash Andrew is hit in his left eye with a squash ball. His doctor says his sight will not be affected but he will have to keep the eye bandaged for a few weeks. With his left eye covered, information from Andrew's right eye will be processed in the:

A: temporal lobe of both the left and right hemispheres.

Isn't visual info processed in the occipital lobe? And right eye --> left hemisphere? :\
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on April 25, 2016, 08:31:11 pm
Q: During a game of squash Andrew is hit in his left eye with a squash ball. His doctor says his sight will not be affected but he will have to keep the eye bandaged for a few weeks. With his left eye covered, information from Andrew's right eye will be processed in the:

A: temporal lobe of both the left and right hemispheres.

Isn't visual info processed in the occipital lobe? And right eye --> left hemisphere? :\

I reckon that'd be the left and right hemispheres of the occipital lobe. I agree that it's not the temporal lobe. Both the left and the right eyes are split into a left visual field and a right visual field, meaning that the information is processed in both hemispheres.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: kimmytaaa on April 29, 2016, 02:40:19 pm
hi
does anyone have Victoria university psychology unit 3 and 4 lecture notes on pdf? or know if anyone has them
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: qwertyu1234567 on April 30, 2016, 11:49:56 pm
Hi guys,

Would a class's average score for an experiment be considered a descriptive or inferential statistic?

Thanks in advance :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Striddawg on May 01, 2016, 10:12:09 am
Hi guys,

Would a class's average score for an experiment be considered a descriptive or inferential statistic?

Thanks in advance :)
Hi hello, descriptive statistics include percentages, graphs and measures of central tendency. A mean (the average of the class' scores) is a measure of central tendency and therefore it would be considered as a descriptive statistic :)
Spoiler
*Conversely, a p-value would be an example of an inferential statistic and the only one that I think we need to know for vce
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: japanese on May 02, 2016, 11:21:50 am
Hi everyone,

Where could I find the abstracts for B.B. Murdock, Postman and Philips(1965), Medin and Ross(1992) and Glanzer and Cunitz (1966)?

Thanks  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Burt Macklin on May 02, 2016, 06:55:11 pm
Hi everyone,

Where could I find the abstracts for B.B. Murdock, Postman and Philips(1965), Medin and Ross(1992) and Glanzer and Cunitz (1966)?

Thanks  :)
I would head over to Google Scholar to find journal articles and their abstracts  - it's very helpful. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on May 06, 2016, 09:07:49 am
on the exam, are we ever expected to draw graphs and such to display results? getting conflicting info, thank you!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on May 06, 2016, 09:46:43 am
on the exam, are we ever expected to draw graphs and such to display results? getting conflicting info, thank you!

From memory, I don't think I've ever come across drawing graphs as such. Could you be a little more specific? :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on May 06, 2016, 12:17:48 pm
From memory, I don't think I've ever come across drawing graphs as such. Could you be a little more specific? :)
i meant like having to draw a graph from data we are given! just had a quick look at the exams and i also asked my teacher, we are not expected to draw a graph on a pair of axes (if that makes sense) thanks for your reply!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: japanese on May 08, 2016, 11:15:05 pm
Hi everyone!

What psychology areas would be suitable for Identity and Belonging?
Such as social psychology and within that conformity.

Thanks!~
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Striddawg on May 09, 2016, 01:30:15 pm
I'm sorry if this is a silly question, but does consolidation take place in the hippocampus? Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jyce on May 10, 2016, 02:09:04 pm
Hi everyone!

What psychology areas would be suitable for Identity and Belonging?
Such as social psychology and within that conformity.

Thanks!~

Definitely Zimbardo's prison experiment.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jyce on May 10, 2016, 02:09:45 pm
I'm sorry if this is a silly question, but does consolidation take place in the hippocampus? Thanks

Yes, it's believed to be important for the formation of memories and the transfer of memories to more stable cortical storage systems.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Striddawg on May 10, 2016, 02:39:37 pm
Yes, it's believed to be important for the formation of memories and the transfer of memories to more stable cortical storage systems.
You're really super great and I can't thank you enough for putting it into basic terms  :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jyce on May 10, 2016, 03:22:36 pm
You're really super great and I can't thank you enough for putting it into basic terms  :D

You're welcome  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Apink! on May 12, 2016, 12:52:38 pm
Hello,
Could I get some assistance on operationalising the IV and the DV?
In class, we did an experiment where IV was the method of recall (free recall and recognition) and the DV was the number of correct items identified. How can I operationalise them? I'm so confused ):

Help will be much appreciated!
Thank you :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on May 12, 2016, 01:04:02 pm
Hello,
Could I get some assistance on operationalising the IV and the DV?
In class, we did an experiment where IV was the method of recall (free recall and recognition) and the DV was the number of correct items identified. How can I operationalise them? I'm so confused ):

Help will be much appreciated!
Thank you :)

Hey there,

So operationalising just involves specifying how you've tested the IV and DV, basically. You've actually done pretty well in this post already!

You might operationalise the IV by saying something like "method of recall (either free recall or recognition)". You might operationalise the DV by saying something like "success of memory retrieval (measured by number of correct responses on a self-report test)".

Or something like that. Does that make sense?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: minerva on May 16, 2016, 07:00:17 pm
Hi, could someone please explain the difference between extraneous variables and limitations of a study design, and give examples for each? Thanks.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Swagadaktal on May 16, 2016, 07:04:00 pm
Hi, could someone please explain the difference between extraneous variables and limitations of a study design, and give examples for each? Thanks.
Extraneous variables: Basically anything in an experiment that's not an independent variable or a dependent variable. This can be further split into confounding variables and controlled variables. Confounding variables are extraneous variables which have had an impact on the results, controlled variables are variables which have been systematically controlled so that they do not influence results. Can't think of any examples rn (there's plenty) but im too fried

Limitations of a study design is the extent to which your study applies to other scenarios. I.e if your sample is convenience sampling then it wont be an accurate representation of the whole population, or your sample is all students then you can't make the assumption that it would apply to any other age group - thus, your experiment's findings are limited.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: EmmaQuinn on May 16, 2016, 08:56:27 pm
When writing an ERA, what should be included in the discussion and conclusion part??
Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KittyKat16 on May 16, 2016, 10:13:22 pm

When writing an ERA, what should be included in the discussion and conclusion part??
Thanks :)
From the two ERA sacs I've done; you should include :
-Whether the hypothesis was supported or not
-analysis of results that point to why hypothesis was supported or not
-any extraneous/confounding variables; how they could've affected results and how you can control them
-ethical guidelines that were breached and/or adhered to
-whether results can be generalised to the population; which depends on sample size, EVs, sample demographic and p-value/statistical significance.
-a conclusion that states whether the hypothesis was supported and why/why not briefly.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: minerva on May 17, 2016, 05:31:31 pm
When using a repeated measures experimental design, would order effects be considered an extraneous variable or a limitation of the design?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: TheLlama on May 17, 2016, 05:51:55 pm
When using a repeated measures experimental design, would order effects be considered an extraneous variable or a limitation of the design?

They're a limitation of the design that can be overcome by counterbalancing.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: smiley123 on May 19, 2016, 09:16:23 pm
Hi everyone! I'm currently writing an ERA and just wanted to ask, is it possible that a hypothesis is supported but cannot be generalised? My hypothesis is that the recall of Year 12 select entry students would be highest for words with a serial position at the beginning and end of the list in comparison to the middle. The serial position effect is evident, but convenience sampling is used, so I'm not sure what I should conclude.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on May 19, 2016, 09:23:37 pm
Hi everyone! I'm currently writing an ERA and just wanted to ask, is it possible that a hypothesis is supported but cannot be generalised? My hypothesis is that the recall of Year 12 select entry students would be highest for words with a serial position at the beginning and end of the list in comparison to the middle. The serial position effect is evident, but convenience sampling is used, so I'm not sure what I should conclude.
pretty sure that can happen- your hypothesis can be supported but let's say, idk, you had a missrepresentative sample or had uneven distributions of gender,age,status etc. , they in that instance , a generalisation could not be made, however, if the results were statistically significant, im pretty sure a conclusion can still be made( hence the main difference between a conclusion and generalization being supported is that the conclusion only needs statistical significance, and a generalisation needs a few more things)

sorry if this was wrong/misleading- it is only what i know, so may be some inaccuracies :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jyce on May 19, 2016, 09:26:01 pm
Hi everyone! I'm currently writing an ERA and just wanted to ask, is it possible that a hypothesis is supported but cannot be generalised? My hypothesis is that the recall of Year 12 select entry students would be highest for words with a serial position at the beginning and end of the list in comparison to the middle. The serial position effect is evident, but convenience sampling is used, so I'm not sure what I should conclude.

You can definitely have a hypothesis that is supported w/o being able to generalise the results. Happens a lot. It's not just the use of a convenience sample that would limit the generalisability of your findings, either; there's also the fact that Year 12 select entry PSYCHOLOGY students could possibly differ from the general population on a number of relevant characteristics - especially considering the fact that, as Psychology students, you're all aware of the serial position effect and this might have caused you to, consciously or unconsciously, try harder to remember words in the middle of the list. People in the general population who lack this knowledge might demonstrate the serial position effect more accurately.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: smiley123 on May 19, 2016, 09:32:46 pm
Okayy, thank you so much for clearing it up for me!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: friedchromosome on May 22, 2016, 07:39:37 pm
Has anyone done activity 9.3 on page 346 of the Gravis textbook, pleaseee pm me. Really struggling. Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on May 22, 2016, 08:48:09 pm
Has anyone done activity 9.3 on page 346 of the Gravis textbook, pleaseee pm me. Really struggling. Thanks

Would you be able to share what the activity is for those without the textbook? :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on May 23, 2016, 10:16:53 pm
daydreaming is considered an altered state of consciousness, right? doing a question and it says 'Daydreaming is not an altered state of consciousness as not all awareness is lost of the individual and their world'
quick response would be appreciated ty!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Striddawg on May 24, 2016, 02:27:48 pm
daydreaming is considered an altered state of consciousness, right? doing a question and it says 'Daydreaming is not an altered state of consciousness as not all awareness is lost of the individual and their world'
quick response would be appreciated ty!
To quote the Study Design document for Psychology (2013), the first key knowledge dot point of Unit 3, AOS1, outcome 1 says "concepts of normal waking consciousness and altered states of consciousness including daydreaming ... in terms of levels of awareness, content limitations, [etc.]..."
So yes, daydreaming is considered an altered state of consciousness  ;D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on May 24, 2016, 06:27:55 pm
ah thought so, silly question was wrong -.- ty
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on May 24, 2016, 06:37:11 pm
ah thought so, silly question was wrong -.- ty

Where was the question, out of interest?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on May 24, 2016, 06:50:56 pm
from a stav 2014 practice exam. It was a multiple choice question:
'daydreaming is ____ considered to be an ASC because, while daydreaming, people___
basically had to fill in the gaps and the correct multiple choice answer (which was actually incorrect) said 'daydreaming IS NOT considered to be an ASC because while daydreaming, people do not lose all awareness of themselves and their world around them'
not exactly written the way i said so, but yeah that's generally it :) pretty annoying having a prac exam littered with inaccuracies !
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Apink! on May 26, 2016, 07:06:23 am
Hello,
Could someone be able to explain the difference between rerouting and sprouting? (They seem the same to me, which is probably not true). I don't really understand the concept. Help will be greatly appreciated!
Much thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Apink! on June 06, 2016, 03:43:36 pm
Hello everyone,
Can I clarify something?
Is Shaping and Tokens a form of positive reinforcement (I think so) My book just vaguely says, "reinforcement" so does that mean it can be positive and negative?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Nataliaelias on June 06, 2016, 09:23:00 pm
Is it hard to get a 40+ in psychology. What are some tips and tricks?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jyce on June 06, 2016, 10:07:46 pm
Hello everyone,
Can I clarify something?
Is Shaping and Tokens a form of positive reinforcement (I think so) My book just vaguely says, "reinforcement" so does that mean it can be positive and negative?

I imagine it's basically always positive reinforcement being used in shaping and token economies. I think using negative reinforcement in a shaping procedure would prove quite complicated. I do suppose, however, that tokens could work as negative reinforcers.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Swagadaktal on June 06, 2016, 10:20:53 pm
I imagine it's basically always positive reinforcement being used in shaping and token economies. I think using negative reinforcement in a shaping procedure would prove quite complicated. I do suppose, however, that tokens could work as negative reinforcers.
damn you across all boards is there nothing you don't know
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jyce on June 06, 2016, 10:44:40 pm
damn you across all boards is there nothing you don't know

I don't really venture out of the science forums  ::)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: maylovesgelati on June 10, 2016, 02:55:44 pm
Hey I just recently did a SAC on memory. We had a question on the serial position effect and were asked to choose "which part (start, end and/or middle) of the list would the students me most likely to remember?" I, seeing that it referred to only the "part" and not "parts" and knowing that the recency effect was more superior than the primacy effect, wrote that the students would most likely remember the words at the end of the list. The following question then asked to explain why and I wrote about the recency effect. However, the teacher took marks off these questions because he said that the students would have remembered both the words at the start and end of the list, thus the cause would have been the primacy and recency effect. So, should I have received the marks? Is the recency effect more superior than the primacy effect when remembering a list of words?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jyce on June 10, 2016, 05:45:12 pm
Hey I just recently did a SAC on memory. We had a question on the serial position effect and were asked to choose "which part (start, end and/or middle) of the list would the students me most likely to remember?" I, seeing that it referred to only the "part" and not "parts" and knowing that the recency effect was more superior than the primacy effect, wrote that the students would most likely remember the words at the end of the list. The following question then asked to explain why and I wrote about the recency effect. However, the teacher took marks off these questions because he said that the students would have remembered both the words at the start and end of the list, thus the cause would have been the primacy and recency effect. So, should I have received the marks? Is the recency effect more superior than the primacy effect when remembering a list of words?

It would actually depend how long after reading the list the students were asked to recall the words. If they were asked to recall the words immediately, then yes the recency effect is more pronounced than the primacy effect. However, if the recall was delayed (e.g. 5 minutes after reading the list), then the primacy effect becomes superior.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: maylovesgelati on June 10, 2016, 07:57:07 pm
Yes, it was immediately after.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jyce on June 10, 2016, 08:02:10 pm
Yes, it was immediately after.

Then yes, the students would, on average, recall the words at the end of the list best, followed by the words at the start of the list, followed by the words in between.

But I think this disagreement between yourself and your teacher is a game of semantics, not of understanding the serial position curve.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: maylovesgelati on June 11, 2016, 08:56:44 am
His reasoning for deducting the marks was that one of the studies in our textbook (Glanzer & Cunitz, 1966) involved participants recalling a list of 15 words (which was the same as the case study in the SAC) showed both the primacy and recency effect occurring at equal amounts. So, in this particular study, recall was better for items at both the beginning and the end of the list. However, when first introducing the serial position effect, the textbook says "The serial position effect is a finding that free recall is better for items at the end and beginning of the list than for items in the middle of the list. More specifically, the recall of items tends to be best for items at the end, and then the beginning, and worst for items around the middle... Experiments testing the serial position effect with different kinds of information, such as numbers or even sketches of objects, have consistently found a similar U-shaped curve with a strong recency effect". I showed him this and he justified it by saying this was only done on different information such as sketches and numbers and wouldn't be the case with a list of words.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Glasses on June 13, 2016, 10:49:08 pm
Yeah I think you're in the right - for the serial position effect, it goes recency, primacy and then the middle words (assuming testing occurred immediately).

I primarily used the Grivas textbook last year, however I also used the Oxford text, and after going back over them just now, I can confirm that the recency effect is more evident than the primacy :)

The question itself is quite poor and misleading - and I suppose you could have said in brackets that the primacy effect would also be evident, but not to the same extent as the recency; but I still think you deserve some marks for your answer, if he won't give you full marks.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Swagadaktal on June 13, 2016, 11:14:01 pm
Yeah recency effect declares that words at the end of the list is to have higher percentage recall because items in short term memory are more effectively retrieved that stuff in LTM. It's logic really, but you could psychologisise it if you want.
I'd give it another go explaining it to your teacher. You can just google "serial position effect curve" and it should come up. Also, look back to the wording of the question/context. Are you absolutely sure that the teacher didn't indicate the glanzer and cunitz (1966) research specifically?
I wouldn't pursue it to much coz u dont wanna get on the bad side of ur teacher in psych. Too many questions where they can be picky. It's only 2 marks so I'd swallow it
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on June 22, 2016, 08:45:20 pm
Outline the difference between a person perceiving a situation as a harm as
opposed to a challenge
relates to Lazarus' transactional model - any help would be appreciated! thanks guys :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Swagadaktal on June 22, 2016, 08:56:30 pm
Outline the difference between a person perceiving a situation as a harm as
opposed to a challenge
relates to Lazarus' transactional model - any help would be appreciated! thanks guys :)
So the primary appraisal of the model is to assess and evaluate the scenario. The secondary appraisal is to assess ways to tackle/the resources that can be used to make the scenario less stressful.

The strength of the model is that it promotes growth through adversaries. So the primary appraisal allows people to assess the situation properly, with followup primary appraisals needed until the person properly grasps the magnitude of the situation. The secondary appraisal looks at this challenge/ stressor and is like "what can i do to remove this fam". There are specific subsections but i think they go something along the biopsychosocial framework -- can someone fill in the gaps here?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on June 22, 2016, 09:00:16 pm
-snip-
thanks for your input- but finding the words to formulate an answer is proving annoying- did you cover AoS 2 for unit 4 already ? my class skipped aos 1 , half way through aos 2, and then going back to aos 1- reckon this is common? :p
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Swagadaktal on June 22, 2016, 09:05:51 pm
thanks for your input- but finding the words to formulate an answer is proving annoying- did you cover AoS 2 for unit 4 already ? my class skipped aos 1 , half way through aos 2, and then going back to aos 1- reckon this is common? :p
yeah i think so my class is doing same thing coz they dont wanna end the term on something that's irrelevant to the exam.
yeah the words are annoying :(
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on June 22, 2016, 09:17:09 pm
yeah i think so my class is doing same thing coz they dont wanna end the term on something that's irrelevant to the exam.
yeah the words are annoying :(
hmm fair enough, i swear pysch is such a clusterfuck sometimes when it comes to its specificity with words that shouldn't have too much differences in their semantics haha (if this made sense, i swear psych annoys me sometimes)
RIP when section c average is like 3/10 on some questions hahahaha, and like 1% get 10
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Swagadaktal on June 22, 2016, 09:21:22 pm
hmm fair enough, i swear pysch is such a clusterfuck sometimes when it comes to its specificity with words that shouldn't have too much differences in their semantics haha (if this made sense, i swear psych annoys me sometimes)
RIP when section c average is like 3/10 on some questions hahahaha, and like 1% get 10
lmao yea, tbh not focusing on psych at all this year just doing the subject outta enjoyment. Probs at end of year Ima crack down on those marking scheme and really absorb the wordings of answers, coz the content is pretty easy tbh its just the wording that trips ppl up
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: kimmytaaa on June 24, 2016, 02:23:07 pm
has anyone started their unit 4 sac yet for psychology? its the sac where you have to do a folio work?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: breazly on July 08, 2016, 11:52:02 am
has anyone started their unit 4 sac yet for psychology? its the sac where you have to do a folio work?

Yes my school has. We were told that we get to bring the worksheets into the sac.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: minerva on July 08, 2016, 09:54:08 pm
Hey, guys. Need help with a couple of questions:
1. What are some symptoms of partial sleep deprivation?
2. If an experiment advertises their study in the local newspaper, have they used convenience sampling?
3. When can a conclusion be drawn from a study?
Thanks in advance :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Swagadaktal on July 08, 2016, 10:30:55 pm
Hey, guys. Need help with a couple of questions:
1. What are some symptoms of partial sleep deprivation?
2. If an experiment advertises their study in the local newspaper, have they used convenience sampling?
3. When can a conclusion be drawn from a study?
Thanks in advance :)
Partial sleep dep: Problems with concentration, hand tremors, problems with higher order thinking and problems with simple tasks. (I think hand tremors is total sleep deprivation tbh)
2. yes it is convenience sampling
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: scarletmoon on July 10, 2016, 04:03:21 pm
Hey, guys. Need help with a couple of questions:
1. What are some symptoms of partial sleep deprivation?
2. If an experiment advertises their study in the local newspaper, have they used convenience sampling?
3. When can a conclusion be drawn from a study?
Thanks in advance :)

3. If the p value is statistically significant and the sample is representative of the population from which it was drawn from
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: maylovesgelati on July 11, 2016, 07:22:03 pm
Yeah recency effect declares that words at the end of the list is to have higher percentage recall because items in short term memory are more effectively retrieved that stuff in LTM. It's logic really, but you could psychologisise it if you want.
I'd give it another go explaining it to your teacher. You can just google "serial position effect curve" and it should come up. Also, look back to the wording of the question/context. Are you absolutely sure that the teacher didn't indicate the glanzer and cunitz (1966) research specifically?
I wouldn't pursue it to much coz u dont wanna get on the bad side of ur teacher in psych. Too many questions where they can be picky. It's only 2 marks so I'd swallow it

Sorry for taking like a whole month to respond. I'm pretty new to ATAR notes and apparently I didn't know how to view the replies properly so I assumed no-one had responded :') I talked to him about it a few times but in the end I just decided to let it go and move on. But, the reason I spent so much time on it was also so that I would be able to answer it properly on an exam. Thanks for clearing it up :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studybuddy7777 on July 15, 2016, 12:01:23 pm
Offtopic i know and not even in VIC but.. (open at your own risk  ;))

 
Spoiler
i want to study psychology when i graduate this year at uni. You may or may not be aware that nsw does not have anything like vce psych units 3&4, but i was wondering if it would come in handy to look at notes/exams here and is this how psych is at uni? Anyone do psychology at uni? Im not sure who can help me but if you can thats great.
 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on July 15, 2016, 03:14:36 pm
Offtopic i know and not even in VIC but.. (open at your own risk  ;))

 
Spoiler
i want to study psychology when i graduate this year at uni. You may or may not be aware that nsw does not have anything like vce psych units 3&4, but i was wondering if it would come in handy to look at notes/exams here and is this how psych is at uni? Anyone do psychology at uni? Im not sure who can help me but if you can thats great.
 

Hey there. :)

It surely can't hurt to have a glance over the notes! I can only speak for Psych at Monash, but first year Psych (uni) is quite similar to 3/4 Psych (VCE). It gets deeper after that, but I only did the first year sequence.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studybuddy7777 on July 15, 2016, 03:18:16 pm
Hey there. :)

It surely can't hurt to have a glance over the notes! I can only speak for Psych at Monash, but first year Psych (uni) is quite similar to 3/4 Psych (VCE). It gets deeper after that, but I only did the first year sequence.

Thanks so much for that! Would it also be beneficial for me to look over 3/4 psych exams and see what i can do after looking at the notes or would that be expecting too much of me? :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on July 15, 2016, 03:49:52 pm
Thanks so much for that! Would it also be beneficial for me to look over 3/4 psych exams and see what i can do after looking at the notes or would that be expecting too much of me? :D

I don't think that's necessary. The notes should sufficiently give you an idea of what's covered. I'd focus on HSC, if I were you. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studybuddy7777 on July 15, 2016, 03:54:02 pm
Ok im not really familiar with VIC standards.. Is HSC unit 4? Or is it Psych HSC? Because in nsw we have prelim and hsc not unit 3/4

Thanks again 👍🏼👍🏼
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: JG97 on July 16, 2016, 07:27:56 pm
What does an annotated folio involve, exactly, apart from annotating stuff? I've got one on Monday, and I have no clue what I should expect.
Cheers.
-Jonathan
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sweetiepi on July 16, 2016, 07:33:23 pm
What does an annotated folio involve, exactly, apart from annotating stuff? I've got one on Monday, and I have no clue what I should expect.
Cheers.
-Jonathan

Hi JG97!
An annotated folio usually involves answering questions about the experiment and/or the sampling method/procedures and ethics associated. :)
(Based off what I did last year.)
(Someone doing 3/4 currently should correct me if I'm wrong. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: JG97 on July 16, 2016, 07:37:38 pm
Hi JG97!
An annotated folio usually involves answering questions about the experiment and/or the sampling method/procedures and ethics associated. :)
(Based off what I did last year.)
(Someone doing 3/4 currently should correct me if I'm wrong. :)

Cheers. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on July 18, 2016, 09:48:38 pm
what is the function of adrenaline as a hormone (if we have to know this)? what about function of cortisol (disregard if not necessary)
do we have to know about how the adrenal glands secrete adrenaline, the adrenal cortex secretes cortisol etc. basically what secretes what (if that makes sense xD) ?
do we have to know about allostatic overload, allostatic load, allostatic dysfunction etc.?
how much do we have to know about biofeedback, meditation/relaxation, physical exercise,social support etc.
do i have to remember about which type of excercise is more beneficial for reducing stress/ how exactly exercise reduces stress via what happens biologically with hormones etc.
thankss guys <3
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: scarletmoon on July 20, 2016, 11:32:08 am
what is the function of adrenaline as a hormone (if we have to know this)? what about function of cortisol (disregard if not necessary)
do we have to know about how the adrenal glands secrete adrenaline, the adrenal cortex secretes cortisol etc. basically what secretes what (if that makes sense xD) ?
do we have to know about allostatic overload, allostatic load, allostatic dysfunction etc.?
how much do we have to know about biofeedback, meditation/relaxation, physical exercise,social support etc.
do i have to remember about which type of excercise is more beneficial for reducing stress/ how exactly exercise reduces stress via what happens biologically with hormones etc.
thankss guys <3
1. Yes
2. Yes there were questions on this on last year's exam
3. Yes. There were short answer questions on this last year as well. A lot of people in my cohort struggled to answer this last year, so it will probably come up this year.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: purplegiraffe on August 01, 2016, 02:26:56 pm
Hi all,
Has anyone learnt about the law of effect?
If so, what is it? We had it in our SAC and we all had no idea....
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on August 01, 2016, 03:22:40 pm
Hi there.

The law of effect basically just says that you're more likely to repeat a behaviour if that behaviour has positive consequences, and less likely to repeat a behaviour if that behaviour has negative consequences. :)

EDIT: It's essentially the foundation of operant conditioning.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: scout on August 07, 2016, 04:11:56 pm
Helloo

From what I've read in the textbook, I'm getting the impression that the neural mechanism of learning and memory are essentially the same (e.g 'structural/functional' changes at the synapse, LTP, neurotransmitters) which would make sense since learning can't occur without memory.

So I'm not sure why the textbook describes the two processes as 'alike' as if differences still exist. What might these differences be?

Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: kimmytaaa on August 09, 2016, 11:14:33 am
Hi
I have a question related to observational learning, What makes children pay such close attention to the behaviour of their parents?
thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: eliseeeeee on August 10, 2016, 06:53:55 pm
Hi all! New to ATARNotes so apologies if I'm not going about this the right way, but I just need some assistance in answering a practice SAC question.

"How does brain plasticity impact a person's ability to learn?"
Thank you :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Glasses on August 10, 2016, 07:27:56 pm
Helloo

From what I've read in the textbook, I'm getting the impression that the neural mechanism of learning and memory are essentially the same (e.g 'structural/functional' changes at the synapse, LTP, neurotransmitters) which would make sense since learning can't occur without memory.

So I'm not sure why the textbook describes the two processes as 'alike' as if differences still exist. What might these differences be?

Thanks

Hey there! I don't recall there being any real differences between the two - other than the fact that plasticity (adaptive and developmental) are more so (if not explicitly) involved in learning.
Hi
I have a question related to observational learning, What makes children pay such close attention to the behaviour of their parents?
thanks :)


I would say that it's a combination of:
a) Children (especially at a young age) look up to their parents. And
b) Children are constantly in the presence of their parents, so they are more often exposed, and therefore attentive to the behaviour of their parents.
Hi all! New to ATARNotes so apologies if I'm not going about this the right way, but I just need some assistance in answering a practice SAC question.

"How does brain plasticity impact a person's ability to learn?"
Thank you :)

With regards to this question, I would primarily base my answer around how plasticity makes the brain more 'open' and 'willing to learn' (thereby aiding the learning process). And then briefly mention how developmental plasticity and adaptive plasticity influence learning. E.g. - one makes the brain far more responsive at a young age, thereby assisting learning. And the other makes the brain able to rewire itself, in response to the external environment, and to make way for new learning.

:)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: eliseeeeee on August 10, 2016, 07:43:04 pm
Thank you so much, glasses!! Lifesaver  ;D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on August 25, 2016, 06:05:44 pm
is thorndike's laws of trial and error learning examinable? how much do i need  to know about trial and error learning? thanks :)
edit: whats the best brand of prac exams for psych-thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Glasses on August 26, 2016, 10:09:54 pm
is thorndike's laws of trial and error learning examinable? how much do i need  to know about trial and error learning? thanks :)

Yeah trial and error learning is examinable. The different theories which you need to know for learning are Classical Conditional, Operant Conditioning, Observational Learning and Trial and Error Learning (if that helps clarify things) :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: eliseeeeee on August 30, 2016, 07:26:28 pm
"How does allostasis integreate biological, psychological and social factors to explain an individual's response to stress?"

I believe this was a past exam question. How would you all go about answering it? Thanks!!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on August 30, 2016, 07:31:54 pm
"How does allostasis integrate biological, psychological and social factors to explain an individual's response to stress?"

I believe this was a past exam question. How would you all go about answering it? Thanks!!!
could talk about what allostasis roughly is - stability by change (use a better definition tho)- and then how biological factors, i.e dispositions to feel a certain way may make it difficult to do x,y,z (dont really have time for a longgg reply) and talk then about psychological and social factors. give an example for each factor and i reckon that should do it. i think this is a 4marker ? so yeah

*if im wrong please correct, but i believe you just have to talk about how allostasis is affected by biopsychosocial factors , and how these factors specifically heighten/lower etc. a stress response?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: maylovesgelati on September 04, 2016, 08:45:46 pm
Which Bobo Doll Experiment do we need to be familiar with?
The first experiment where there were three groups, one control who didn't see anything, one who didn't see any acts of aggression, and one who saw an aggressive model or the 1965 experiment where Condition 1 involved watching an aggressive model who was rewarded, Condition involved observing an aggressive model who was punished and Condition 3 which involved no consequences for the aggressor’s behaviour?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Apink! on September 20, 2016, 05:21:00 pm
Hello,

I would really appreciate it if someone could answer my question!

From 2014 NEAP:
A failure to encode information can explain a limitation of which of the following forgetting theories?

A. Retrieval failure
B. Motivated forgetting
C. Decay theory
D. State- dependent cues

My brain's not working right now, please help!! :'( :'(
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on September 20, 2016, 05:26:20 pm
Hello,

I would really appreciate it if someone could answer my question!

From 2014 NEAP:
A failure to encode information can explain a limitation of which of the following forgetting theories?

A. Retrieval failure
B. Motivated forgetting
C. Decay theory
D. State- dependent cues

My brain's not working right now, please help!! :'( :'(
hmm need to revise this too
but i dont think its D or C. is it A- retrieval failure? not too sure too :(
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Apink! on September 20, 2016, 05:45:17 pm
hmm need to revise this too
but i dont think its D or C. is it A- retrieval failure? not too sure too :(

Hehe it's okay HasibA. Hopefully someone will come and help both of us out!

EDIT:

Another question: Can someone please tell me the difference between information and appraisal support?  They sound so similar!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Glasses on September 22, 2016, 04:42:23 am
Another question: Can someone please tell me the difference between information and appraisal support?  They sound so similar!

Information support is information which is transmitted from an individual who is able to help or provide information about the specific cause of stress. For instance, information support can be given by a teacher, to help a student who is feeling stressed about their homework.

Appraisal support is a bit more general, and is basically support provided by someone, who helps you better understand the cause of the stress, your perception (appraisal) of the stressor and the different options available to deal with it.

So for example, a parent may provide appraisal support by helping you determine what the 'dangers' of the stressor might be (so whether, and how much you're at risk), and what your options are for dealing with it (so they may recommend that you talk to your teacher). Then your teacher would provide information support by giving you specific advice to deal with the stressor (the homework question), and by explaining the concept to you.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: crackleking on September 23, 2016, 06:01:59 pm
Do we have to know the HPA axis for the psych exam?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MB_ on September 23, 2016, 06:49:21 pm
Do we have to know the HPA axis for the psych exam?
I'm not sure that we'd be tested on it but I think its best to know it just in case
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on September 24, 2016, 12:11:44 am
how many multiple choice questions on the psych exam is a good number to lose for a decent score, knowing a lot of people lose a lot of marks on the section c? (hope this question was not too vague lmao) [hope this made sense, mainly bc section C average is like 3/10]!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nadiaaa on September 24, 2016, 08:14:57 am
hmm need to revise this too
but i dont think its D or C. is it A- retrieval failure? not too sure too :(

I think the answers A.. whats the answer say?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Pineapple66 on September 25, 2016, 03:09:32 am

A failure to encode information can explain a limitation of which of the following forgetting theories?

A. Retrieval failure
B. Motivated forgetting
C. Decay theory
D. State- dependent cues


Hey there! :) I think its A. I don't think its C which considers forgetting as a physiological process where memory is laid out as a physical or chemical trace that will fade overtime suggesting the memory is no longer available. State - dependent cues is not a forgetting theory so not D. I think it's A because retrieval failure theory suggests that forgetting occurs because you don't have the right cues- so this theory emphasises that the memory is available but simply not accessible. However 'forgetting' due to failure to encode the information in the first place contradicts Retrieval failure Theory in that it proposes forgetting occurs because the memory is unavailable (rather than inaccessible.). Hope that's right haha..
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Pineapple66 on September 25, 2016, 03:13:25 am
also have a few questions of my own..

Q. When devika was a little girl, she was bitten by a dog and now is terrified of all dogs. The problem often causes embarrassment and disruption in Devika’s adult life. She goes to a psychologist to try and overcome this problem. The psychologist has to decide whether to use graduated exposure, flooding or aversion therapy. Using the language of classical conditioning, explain how flooding could be used in this scenario to assist Devika with overcoming her fear of dogs.

In the answer she overcomes the fear through extinction. As in the dog is the conditioned stimulus which will produce the conditioned response of fear. And so to get over it (via extinction) she would have to be repeatedly exposed to a dog without the unconditioned stimulus (biting) to extinguish her fear response. That makes sense… but I always thought aversion therapy works by associating a relaxation response (from the relaxation techniques the therapist teaches her before exposure – the unconditioned stimulus) with the previously feared stimuli (which would be neutral)..

Q.Also how do you explain Graduated exposure in terms of classical conditioning as well?

Q. What is the difference between voluntary behaviour and active participants in terms of operant conditioning?

Q. What is the difference between research hypotheses and experimental? Which one do you include operationalised variables in?

thanks!! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nadiaaa on September 25, 2016, 07:32:47 pm
also have a few questions of my own..

Q. When devika was a little girl, she was bitten by a dog and now is terrified of all dogs. The problem often causes embarrassment and disruption in Devika’s adult life. She goes to a psychologist to try and overcome this problem. The psychologist has to decide whether to use graduated exposure, flooding or aversion therapy. Using the language of classical conditioning, explain how flooding could be used in this scenario to assist Devika with overcoming her fear of dogs.

In the answer she overcomes the fear through extinction. As in the dog is the conditioned stimulus which will produce the conditioned response of fear. And so to get over it (via extinction) she would have to be repeatedly exposed to a dog without the unconditioned stimulus (biting) to extinguish her fear response. That makes sense… but I always thought aversion therapy works by associating a relaxation response (from the relaxation techniques the therapist teaches her before exposure – the unconditioned stimulus) with the previously feared stimuli (which would be neutral)..

i think you have Aversion Therapy mixed up, as Aversion Therapy involves associating the conditioned stimulus with an 'aversive stimulus'  so like maybe to stop someone from biting their nails you paint their nails with a nail polish chemical that makes it biting nails have a gross taste and therefore the person learns to associate biting nails with it being undesirable -thereby extinguishing it. Does that make sense? Like u cant associate relaxation techniques because thats a behaviour not a stimulus where is more operant conditioning..
Q.Also how do you explain Graduated exposure in terms of classical conditioning as well?
So in an exam i'd probs write: Involves presenting successive approximations of the CS until the CS itself doesn't produce the conditioned response. So you first teach the individual relaxation techniques that they can apply while you gradually expose the client to the increasingly similar stimuli until they're desensitized to the fear and then id add an example.

Q. What is the difference between voluntary behaviour and active participants in terms of operant conditioning?
SO voluntary behaviour means that the person voluntarily does the behaviour whereas active participants mean they're actively placed themselves in the environment where a punishment or reinforcement will be received - whereas in CC the participant doesnt need to do anything for the CS or UCS to be presented.
Q. What is the difference between research hypotheses and experimental? Which one do you include operationalised variables in?
What do you mean? Do you mean research hypothesis and operational hypothesis?
thanks!! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on September 25, 2016, 08:58:59 pm
when questions ask for assumptions of theories, is that always limitations/criticism or can there be instances where you simply write something that is assumed for a theory eg craik and lockhearts levels of processing theory, on a question i wrote an genuine assumption, but was told it had to be a 'text'book' limitation. thanks guys [hope i made sense]!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nt2387 on September 25, 2016, 09:18:17 pm
when questions ask for assumptions of theories, is that always limitations/criticism or can there be instances where you simply write something that is assumed for a theory eg craik and lockhearts levels of processing theory, on a question i wrote an genuine assumption, but was told it had to be a 'text'book' limitation. thanks guys [hope i made sense]!
Assumptions don't usually mean limitations / criticisms.

I wrote the deeper the processing the easier the retrieval for the assumption. I got the mark, but it doesn't sound right since that's pretty much the entire theory.

Hope that helps.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on September 25, 2016, 09:25:40 pm
Assumptions don't usually mean limitations / criticisms.

I wrote the deeper the processing the easier the retrieval for the assumption. I got the mark, but it doesn't sound right since that's pretty much the entire theory.

Hope that helps.
hmm, thought so, didn't get the mark on the assessment i did, so i guess this was something my teacher just was against ? :/

anyways:
can someone describe what inferential, and descriptive stats. are- and why conclusions cannot be drawn from descriptive stats? :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: DailyInsanity on September 26, 2016, 05:08:26 pm
Has anybody else done some of the Engage education free practice exams? Because in the solutions, particularly the multiple choice a lot of the answers seem to be wrong and a lot of the questions seem to be on content outside of the study design or very ambiguous.

Are other people having this experience or is it just me, and would you recommend actually doing these practice exams or are they perhaps misleading?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: TooLazy on September 26, 2016, 05:11:57 pm
Has anybody else done some of the Engage education free practice exams? Because in the solutions, particularly the multiple choice a lot of the answers seem to be wrong and a lot of the questions seem to be on content outside of the study design or very ambiguous.

Are other people having this experience or is it just me, and would you recommend actually doing these practice exams or are they perhaps misleading?

Hmm. I have them already printed off, im planning on starting trials after i finish revision. Could you please reference which questions you think are incorrect. Ill take a look at them right now. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Pineapple66 on September 26, 2016, 07:40:04 pm
That makes sense… but I always thought aversion therapy works by associating a relaxation response (from the relaxation techniques the therapist teaches her before exposure – the unconditioned stimulus) with the previously feared stimuli (which would be neutral)..

i think you have Aversion Therapy mixed up, as Aversion Therapy involves associating the conditioned stimulus with an 'aversive stimulus

Oh whoops i think I accidentally typed  'aversion therapy' instead of 'flooding' haha :P but thank you!! think I got it.

With regards to the phonological loop and visuo-spatial sketchpad in working memory, do they act as STM 'stores'? So if the question was:
Veronica is going for her driver's licence. Her driving instructor gives her a series of instructions during her 30-minute driving test. Describe how each of the four components of her working memory will help her during the test.
 
Would these be correct:
Phonological loop - stores the instructions Veronica's instructor is telling her
Visuo-spatial sketchpad: stores visual information as she drives, such as other cars, traffic lights and signs.

or is what i said considered more sensory memory and i should focus more on the cognitive functions applied to the visual and auditory information (rehearsing and visualising) like their answers which was:

Phonological loop- would assist veronica to rehearse the verbal instructions from the driving instructor
Visuo-spatial sketchpad- would enable her to mentally visualise the pathway to her car when instructed to turn a corner by the driving instructor.

I thought the PL and VSS were simply stores and it was the central executive that integrates and manipulates the information?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: DailyInsanity on September 27, 2016, 12:34:27 am
Hmm. I have them already printed off, im planning on starting trials after i finish revision. Could you please reference which questions you think are incorrect. Ill take a look at them right now. :)

Well so far I've only done the 'A' and 'E' Exams but for example in 'A', Qns 34,40 and 66 in the MP (questions 44 and 61 not sure about), Qn 7 of the short answer refer to 'working memory' in terms of Atkinson and Shiffrin model and then in the answers refer to Sensory memory, STM and LTM. But also in the multiple choice a number of questions refer to GABA, CBT etc... and other things outside the SD and use language that we probably haven't been exposed to.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: TooLazy on September 27, 2016, 01:45:03 pm
Well so far I've only done the 'A' and 'E' Exams but for example in 'A', Qns 34,40 and 66 in the MP (questions 44 and 61 not sure about), Qn 7 of the short answer refer to 'working memory' in terms of Atkinson and Shiffrin model and then in the answers refer to Sensory memory, STM and LTM. But also in the multiple choice a number of questions refer to GABA, CBT etc... and other things outside the SD and use language that we probably haven't been exposed to.

Hmm, I'll take a look later on. I am skeptical in regards to other companies and if they focus on the SD.

I also had a question for you guys:
Why are association areas in the brain so important, and how are they involved in processes?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nadiaaa on September 27, 2016, 02:15:18 pm
Would these be correct:
Phonological loop - stores the instructions Veronica's instructor is telling her
Visuo-spatial sketchpad: stores visual information as she drives, such as other cars, traffic lights and signs.
i like what you said here and i think it is correct as well as its similar to the answer, however for the visuo-spatial sketchpad their answer is more correct that yours. For visuo-spatial sketchpad think like its a mental sketchbook, its used to like mentally calculate 15+7 like that, so for driving the visuo-spatial sketchpad is helping her visualise like the traffic she will see when she turns the road. Do you get that? Its all mentally visualising something for the future whereas sensory memory in particular the Iconic memory is more of what you described! 

or is what i said considered more sensory memory and i should focus more on the cognitive functions applied to the visual and auditory information (rehearsing and visualising) like their answers which was:

Phonological loop- would assist veronica to rehearse the verbal instructions from the driving instructor
Visuo-spatial sketchpad- would enable her to mentally visualise the pathway to her car when instructed to turn a corner by the driving instructor.

I thought the PL and VSS were simply stores and it was the central executive that integrates and manipulates the information?
Yes they are, think of them like stores for the future its stores everything you're about to say or do and then the central executive intergrates what you'll and do and then you can act it out
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: minerva on September 28, 2016, 10:46:48 pm
Hi, could someone please explain the difference between stratified sampling and random-stratified sampling? Using stratified sampling, how would participants be selected if it is not random? Also, I went to a psych lecture and we were told that the results can't be generalised if a stratified sample was used but can be if a random-stratified sample was used - why is this the case?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Burt Macklin on September 30, 2016, 10:18:16 pm
Hi, could someone please explain the difference between stratified sampling and random-stratified sampling? Using stratified sampling, how would participants be selected if it is not random? Also, I went to a psych lecture and we were told that the results can't be generalised if a stratified sample was used but can be if a random-stratified sample was used - why is this the case?

That's a good question!

Stratified sampling involves dividing your population into strata and then selecting your a sample from each stratum in the same proportions that they occur in the population. Here, you're not making any effort to randomly select (i.e. you might select the first 50 participants in a list for a particular stratum)

Random-stratified sampling is basically the same thing - however, instead you are randomly selecting them with the aid of number generators etc.

Stratified sampling would usually involve randomly selection anyways. If you were conducting a study and planning to have a stratified sample, it would be remiss of you to not randomly select because participant characteristics could impact on results in a systematic way.

That's the reason why the results can't be generalised if you have a stratified sample that was not randomly selected. A group could contain a higher proportion of variables that 1) is not representative of the population and 2) could bias the results.

For example, let's say you're conducting a study on how hours of sleep affects exam performance in a Psych class (population). You've stratified your sample into male and female, but since you have not randomly sampled, the males you chose may have studied more than all the males in the class. This could potentially leave you with results that are not really representative of the population and, therefore, they can't be generalised.

Hope that helps!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: TooLazy on October 02, 2016, 06:01:59 pm
Use the following information to answer Question 51-54.
Kim, Lonnie and Vivian are good friends who play together in a Soccer team on Saturday mornings. Their mothers take them each week and while the girls are playing their mothers have a coffee and a chat. They usually complain about having to tidy up after the girls. They decide that they will each use a different strategy to encourage their girls to keep their rooms tidy and report back on which is the most effective after 4 weeks.

Question 51
Kim’s mother decides to use a fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement where she
A. gives Kim extra pocket money if her room is tidy when she checks it each week on Sunday.
B. checks the room daily but won’t always give Kim extra pocket money, even if she finds the room
tidy.
C. checks the room daily and rewards Kim at irregular intervals, as long as the room is tidy.
D. checks the room daily and always gives Kim pocket money as long as the room is tidy.

Question 52
Kim’s mother notices a continuing trend with the schedule of reinforcement she has chosen to use.
A. Kim’s room is always clean.
B. Kim’s room is never clean.
C. Kim’s room is cleaned on Saturday night and is dirty again by Tuesday morning.
D. Kim’s room is cleaned on Sunday night and is dirty again by Tuesday morning.

Question 53
Which schedule of reinforcement would be more effective in encouraging Kim to keep her room tidy throughout the week?
A. Continuousreinforcement B. Variable-ratio
C. Fixed-interval
D. Variable-interval.

If someone could take the time to answer these and explain why, it would be very much appreciated :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: purplegiraffe on October 05, 2016, 09:38:15 am
How much are we expected to write in a section C?

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: TooLazy on October 05, 2016, 08:37:23 pm
How much are we expected to write in a section C?


The examiners arent looking for how much you write, but rather the quality. There are certain aspects they examine and award marks to. I suggest you look at some of the previous examiner reports to develop a rough idea on what is expected.

Also I don't want to sound pushy, but if there is anyone who has seen my previous question and know the answer, could you please explain it to me. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on October 05, 2016, 08:43:55 pm
^AFAIk i've seen someone get a 8/10 for the extended response section for the 2013 VCAA exam by writing 1 page [that's it] , however , i generally find i have to use all the lines given, maybe 4-5 lines leftover? :) again , quality>quantity
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jayleno on October 09, 2016, 11:13:31 pm
During a game of squash Andrew is hit in his left eye with a squash ball. His doctor says his sight will not be affected but he will have to keep the eye bandaged for a few weeks. With his left eye covered, information from Andrew's right eye will be processed in the

A)occipital lobe of the left hemisphere.
B)occipital lobe of both the right and left hemispheres.
C)temporal lobe of both the left and right hemispheres.
D)temporal lobe of the right hemisphere.

Hey guys what's the answer to this , the answers say it is B in my Cambridge book but is it right?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: DailyInsanity on October 09, 2016, 11:21:40 pm
During a game of squash Andrew is hit in his left eye with a squash ball. His doctor says his sight will not be affected but he will have to keep the eye bandaged for a few weeks. With his left eye covered, information from Andrew's right eye will be processed in the

A)occipital lobe of the left hemisphere.
B)occipital lobe of both the right and left hemispheres.
C)temporal lobe of both the left and right hemispheres.
D)temporal lobe of the right hemisphere.

Hey guys what's the answer to this , the answers say it is B in my Cambridge book but is it right?

Yep that is right. Remember that is not simply visual information that goes in right eye processed by left hemisphere but that the light that hits the right side of his retina will be sent to left hemisphere and light that his the left side of his retina will be sent to his right hemisphere. So light that goes in one eye will still be processed by occipital lobes of both cerebral hemispheres. Hope that helps!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: molecular. on October 09, 2016, 11:48:40 pm
Use the following information to answer Question 51-54.
Kim, Lonnie and Vivian are good friends who play together in a Soccer team on Saturday mornings. Their mothers take them each week and while the girls are playing their mothers have a coffee and a chat. They usually complain about having to tidy up after the girls. They decide that they will each use a different strategy to encourage their girls to keep their rooms tidy and report back on which is the most effective after 4 weeks.

Question 51
Kim’s mother decides to use a fixed-ratio schedule of reinforcement where she
A. gives Kim extra pocket money if her room is tidy when she checks it each week on Sunday.
B. checks the room daily but won’t always give Kim extra pocket money, even if she finds the room
tidy.
C. checks the room daily and rewards Kim at irregular intervals, as long as the room is tidy.
D. checks the room daily and always gives Kim pocket money as long as the room is tidy.

I think it is D. This is because fixed ratio is the {'set' = fixed} {'number'= ratio} of reinforcers for a correct response- so after a set number, given that it is a correct response, a reinforcer is given. Option A is incorrect as it is an interval because its Sunday and not after one response. Option B is incorrect because is wrong because a reinforcer isnt given every single time, which occurs in fixed ratio. Again, Option C is at irregular intervals when it shoudl be fixed.

Question 52
Kim’s mother notices a continuing trend with the schedule of reinforcement she has chosen to use.
A. Kim’s room is always clean.
B. Kim’s room is never clean.
C. Kim’s room is cleaned on Saturday night and is dirty again by Tuesday morning.
D. Kim’s room is cleaned on Sunday night and is dirty again by Tuesday morning.

Should be A. Option B - Why would it neve be clean if the girl gets a reinforcer everytime she cleans her room? Option C and D are related to time interval and it was referring to fixed ratio before.   

Question 53
Which schedule of reinforcement would be more effective in encouraging Kim to keep her room tidy throughout the week?
A. Continuousreinforcement B. Variable-ratio
C. Fixed-interval
D. Variable-interval.

Can't be option D because it just doesn't fit the context - like would variable-interval actually work? Option C is maybe. Option B is partial reinforcement so that is good for long term, after a while Kim would keep her room clean all the time. Look, I'm not 100% but ill say C. These are difficult and sometimes its just that there are more than one answer, but one answer is just more sutiable.

Btw please check the answers to see if I know what I am doing haha because I'm still learning my psych notes so I might not be the best one to tell u.

If someone could take the time to answer these and explain why, it would be very much appreciated :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: DailyInsanity on October 10, 2016, 06:07:27 pm
Hi, could someone please explain why using a random sampling technique such as random stratified sampling wouldn't lead to the introduction of participant related variables, but a non-random sampling method like stratified sampling would?

Many Thanks.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Tess_r3 on October 14, 2016, 07:41:00 am
I know that this is a really generalized question but i need help on ER. I am making sure to address each of the dot point suggestions, but i ma never scoring more then about a 6. I there any tips. I have asked two different teachers at my school for help, but they have given me different answers. one teacher said never dot point in ER as them may only count the first ten, whilst another said that you should may dot point paragraphs. Is it true that you are nto only marked for the content but also the coherence?? If anyone has some tips that would be great. 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on October 14, 2016, 11:37:13 am
I know that this is a really generalized question but i need help on ER. I am making sure to address each of the dot point suggestions, but i ma never scoring more then about a 6. I there any tips. I have asked two different teachers at my school for help, but they have given me different answers. one teacher said never dot point in ER as them may only count the first ten, whilst another said that you should may dot point paragraphs. Is it true that you are nto only marked for the content but also the coherence?? If anyone has some tips that would be great.
write equally for each section. From examiners, i hear its marked holistically, so while it may seem that an explanation of extraneous variable may be short or whatever, writing each dot point they specify to an equal length is important. :) probs looking through examiner reports would be useful
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Tess_r3 on October 15, 2016, 08:54:09 am
Thanks for the reply HasibA
I have another question...this subject is confusing.
I just hit a VCAA question i am not sure on. It was 2010 exam 2, and talked about the decay theory. It said that the decay theory applies to all short term memory, sensory memory and long term memory, but I thought it only applied to long term memory? Thea answer was weird and said that ABCand D where all correct!!. Its question 6.  So does this mean i have to take it that the decay theory can apply to all registers?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MB_ on October 16, 2016, 04:36:58 pm
For section c, does 'a description of the weaknesses of the experimental design' include weaknesses of the sampling method?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nadiaaa on October 16, 2016, 06:23:18 pm
For section c, does 'a description of the weaknesses of the experimental design' include weaknesses of the sampling method?
No, it refers to weaknesses of independent groups, repeated measures or matched-participants design!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nadiaaa on October 16, 2016, 06:26:04 pm
hi!
Can someone tell me what'd they answer to this?
'Describe two ways in which categorical approach is a better approach than dimensional approach.' [2 marks]
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MB_ on October 16, 2016, 06:33:42 pm
No, it refers to weaknesses of independent groups, repeated measures or matched-participants design!
Ok, because in the suggested answer it also mentions situational variables, the experimenter effect and the placebo effect.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nadiaaa on October 16, 2016, 07:21:29 pm
Ok, because in the suggested answer it also mentions situational variables, the experimenter effect and the placebo effect.
I was assuming there'd be more dot points asking you to address those? What does the question say exactly?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MB_ on October 16, 2016, 07:59:48 pm
I was assuming there'd be more dot points asking you to address those? What does the question say exactly?

It says exactly 'a description of the weaknesses of the experimental design'.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: FatimaEl on October 17, 2016, 02:19:24 pm
hi!
Can someone tell me what'd they answer to this?
'Describe two ways in which categorical approach is a better approach than dimensional approach.' [2 marks]

1. Unlike the dimensional approach that classifies the severity of a mental illness on a continuum/spectrum, the categorical approach provides a more definitive ('yes/no') answer and a decision is made whether the disorder is present or absent.
2. The diagnosis procedure for the categorical approach is standard amongst health professionals, making this approach more efficient, as the many dimensions of the dimensional approach that are to be assessed can overcomplicate a mental health assessment.

hope that helped you out! i found this question to be a very good one as it is quite common for questions to ask why the dimensional approach is better, but its important to know reasons why categorical would be better just in case :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nadiaaa on October 17, 2016, 07:34:39 pm
1. Unlike the dimensional approach that classifies the severity of a mental illness on a continuum/spectrum, the categorical approach provides a more definitive ('yes/no') answer and a decision is made whether the disorder is present or absent.
2. The diagnosis procedure for the categorical approach is standard amongst health professionals, making this approach more efficient, as the many dimensions of the dimensional approach that are to be assessed can overcomplicate a mental health assessment.

hope that helped you out! i found this question to be a very good one as it is quite common for questions to ask why the dimensional approach is better, but its important to know reasons why categorical would be better just in case :)
Thank you so much! your answer was really helpful :)
i know right, ive barely seen categorical being the better approach before, good luck for psych :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nadiaaa on October 17, 2016, 07:36:50 pm
It says exactly 'a description of the weaknesses of the experimental design'.
Well because it is section C it makes sense to include extraneous variables that could come about as a result of the experimental design if this is for the 10 marker question.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Tess_r3 on October 18, 2016, 06:35:11 pm
Hi, I am sorry if this question has already being asked, but with exams drawing nearer i just want to check some of my psych terms. I sort-of don't get the difference between central executive and episodic buffer. I know the central executive makes descisions and controls attention, whilst the episodic buffer mental represants various bits of info to be consciously worked on, but which is involved with LTM??? What if i was asked which retrieves information from LTM?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jayleno on October 18, 2016, 09:45:24 pm
Hey guys , just wondering do we need to know research methods about every experiment stated in the study design? For example Sperry and Gazaniga '
By this I mean do we need to know the Iv , do , ethics and such
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: FatimaEl on October 18, 2016, 10:00:51 pm
Hi, I am sorry if this question has already being asked, but with exams drawing nearer i just want to check some of my psych terms. I sort-of don't get the difference between central executive and episodic buffer. I know the central executive makes descisions and controls attention, whilst the episodic buffer mental represants various bits of info to be consciously worked on, but which is involved with LTM??? What if i was asked which retrieves information from LTM?
"which is involved with LTM???"
Since the central executive is in control of attention, it decides what is worthy, or what deserves, to be processed into the long term and what doesnt.Once it has decided that "yes, this should go into the LTM", it will instruct the episodic buffer to combine both the auditory and visuals (to form a scene ("episode") in its unique storage space (episodic buffer has its only place of temporary storage) before being directly transferred into the LTM.
Thus they are both involved in the LTM. However episodic buffer is more directly involved.
"What if i was asked which retrieves information from LTM?"
The episodic buffer retrieves information that it transferred to the LTM (however only under the control of the central executive, as this is the "boss") if the information requires modification or to be focused on at a specific time. So it is the episodic buffer that retrieves info from the LTM. But the central executive does direct the flow of LTM thoughts from working memory and attention and back to LTM, however it does this by using the episodic buffer. So its not the central executive that is directly involved in the retrieval of LTM.

I hope this answer is correct, this is my understanding, its quite a complex topic.  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: FatimaEl on October 18, 2016, 10:20:04 pm
Hey guys , just wondering do we need to know research methods about every experiment stated in the study design? For example Sperry and Gazaniga '
By this I mean do we need to know the Iv , do , ethics and such
So i just checked, and yes we do. I dont know how i didnt know this  :-\
After every area of study the following sentence is there: (in bold i have included the psychologists they are referring to)
Hope that helped everyone, now i got to go cram, oops
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: eliseeeeee on October 19, 2016, 12:35:08 pm
Hi!! I was just wondering whether acronyms such as CS, UCS, UCR etc are acceptable when talking about classical conditioning on the exam?? Or acronyms such as LTM/STM for memory, PNS/CNS when talking about the nervous system and so on?
Thanks  :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on October 19, 2016, 12:53:41 pm
Hi!! I was just wondering whether acronyms such as CS, UCS, UCR etc are acceptable when talking about classical conditioning on the exam?? Or acronyms such as LTM/STM for memory, PNS/CNS when talking about the nervous system and so on?
Thanks  :D
mention them as the full item first, then you can use them. i.e blah blah Long Term Memory (LTM)- then use LTM from then on!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nadiaaa on October 20, 2016, 02:34:17 pm
hey guys which scedule of reinforcement is least resistant to extinction??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: FatimaEl on October 20, 2016, 05:12:29 pm
hey guys which scedule of reinforcement is least resistant to extinction??
variable-ratio is the most resistant to extinction
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Swagadaktal on October 20, 2016, 05:21:28 pm
variable-ratio is the most resistant to extinction
yo that's true but the person asked for least resistant.

Least resistant is fixed interval ;)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nadiaaa on October 20, 2016, 06:02:27 pm
yo that's true but the person asked for least resistant.

Least resistant is fixed interval ;)
THanks and can i ask why it leads to the fastest extinction?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Swagadaktal on October 20, 2016, 06:24:42 pm
THanks and can i ask why it leads to the fastest extinction?
*applies logic*
so
if i give you a cookie every 10 seconds regardless of how well you twerk, and then i stop giving you cookies, you're gonna get frustrated that you dont get a cookie every 10 seconds when u twerk and you'll stop twerking.

However, if I give you a cookie after a random amount of proper ghetto black girl twerks, you're gonna keep twerking properly in the anticipation that you'll get a cookie - so you're least likely to forget how to ghetto black girl twerk you feel?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: FatimaEl on October 20, 2016, 06:28:40 pm
variable-ratio is the most resistant to extinction
oh, haha my bad :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on October 22, 2016, 11:54:33 am
yo that's true but the person asked for least resistant.

Least resistant is fixed interval ;)
I think it would be more correct to say least resistant is the continuous schedule of reinforcement..of course it depends on what options are listed as this would probably be a multi-choice question
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Jay.C on October 22, 2016, 12:51:15 pm
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161021/68a2a7e34171b9ad7e702c3ddc2f4d0f.jpg)

For the role of the amygdala could the answer be different from VCAAs given answer in the examiners report "the primary function of the amygdala is the consolidation of emotional information in memory"

E.g could it be - "the function of the amygdala is the formation of implicit, procedural memory's"
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on October 22, 2016, 02:12:03 pm
what type of memory is most affected by amnesia?
i.e 2014 psych exam, MCQ 27, out of sensory, working, short term and long term memory? i put STM in that specific scenario but i think i misread and i cant find info about it in my textbook - thanks ! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Tess_r3 on October 22, 2016, 07:13:39 pm
Hi, I think i am confused about descriptive and inferential statistics. I know that the p-value determines if the conclusion can be made or not, but how does it determine if the hypothesis is supported Is there a chance that the p-value is statistically significant but the hypothesis is not correct- (e.g. there was a correlational change between iv and dv but it wasn't what was expected?)

Also, in the extended response, sometimes it asks for if the conclusion supported the hypothesis but there was no hypothesis and there was only an aim. what am i meant to write?

Does anyone have any ideas?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on October 22, 2016, 08:32:16 pm
are we expected to calculate a savings score in the short answer section? do i have to remember the formula? ty :)

edit: when asked in section c to write an introduction, what exactly do we include in that? this from a NEAP exam, and it asks for a intro and method for an experiment (which i can do) :) ty
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Jay.C on October 23, 2016, 06:33:53 pm
Do we have to know about sperlings study on memory yield??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on October 23, 2016, 07:10:13 pm
Do we have to know about sperlings study on memory yield??
dont think so? did u find this on a VCAA paper?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on October 23, 2016, 08:27:51 pm
are we expected to calculate a savings score in the short answer section? do i have to remember the formula? ty :)

edit: when asked in section c to write an introduction, what exactly do we include in that? this from a NEAP exam, and it asks for a intro and method for an experiment (which i can do) :) ty

Yes you should know how to do the savings score, however questions about the meaning of the savings score occur much more often-so try to understand both the maths and interpretation of the savings score.
No. If this is in the exam, background info will be given.
Do we have to know about sperlings study on memory yield??
what type of memory is most affected by amnesia?
i.e 2014 psych exam, MCQ 27, out of sensory, working, short term and long term memory? i put STM in that specific scenario but i think i misread and i cant find info about it in my textbook - thanks ! :)
Amnesia is related to long term memory, it is most commonly induced by brain damage. Consider specific cases like what you studied about retrograde and anterograde amnesia-they relate to an inability to retrieve or store long term memories.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on October 24, 2016, 10:28:57 pm
anyone have any tips for not getting confused between proactive interference and retroactive interference?
as well as any acronyms (hehe psych) used to remember large sets of info?
my best one is Run Scon- where Repression is unconscious, and Suprresion is conscious
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on October 24, 2016, 10:33:15 pm
anyone have any tips for not getting confused between proactive interference and retroactive interference?
as well as any acronyms (hehe psych) used to remember large sets of info?
my best one is Run Scon- where Repression is unconscious, and Suprresion is conscious

I'm on my phone, so apologies for short message, but:

Proactive =
Old interfering with new;
Retroactive =
New interfering with old
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on October 24, 2016, 10:43:35 pm
I'm on my phone, so apologies for short message, but:

Proactive =
Old interfering with new;
Retroactive =
New interfering with old
that's gold HAHAHAH thanks mate!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Pineapple66 on October 25, 2016, 06:42:19 am
Hey guys! apologies
 for the onslaught of questions but if you can help with any of these/ even just one it would be greatly appreciated!:)

Q. When it says the Amygdala is responsible for the formation of stimulus-response conditioning, does this mean classically conditioned responses?
 
Q. Accepted duration of STM? Also for the duration of LTM is it unlimited or indefinite? Or are they interchangeable?

Q in relation to developmental plasticity, is it the neurons location before or after migration that determines its function?

Q. What is the timing of the stimulus in operant conditioning? I thought it was always before (as in the discriminative stimulus), but one of the prac exams I did says it occurs sometimes after and sometimes before the response?

Q. Veejay attends a university lecture every Tuesday at 10am in the Phinneas Lecture theatre. He always automatically sits in the same seat in the 12th row of the 33 row lecture theatre, although he neer actually counts the rows to work this out.
Veejay’s memory of the location of his seat is an example of (bolded is the answer) :
A.   Episodic
B.   Semantic
C.   Procedural
D.   Working
Thought it was procedural since it's automatic..

Q. When Julius was a child he regularly watched his mother go through the steps required to erect the family tent on the annual fam camping holidays. By the time Julius was a teenager he could methodically go through the steps required to erect the tent himself, despite never being formally taught how to put it up.
Julius has formed as _____ memory which has resulted in the establishment of new synaptic configurations of the brain; this is an example of ______ plasticity. (bolded is the answer)
A.   Explicit; developmental
B.   Explicit; adaptive
C.   Implicit; developmental
D.   Implicit; adaptive

Thought it was implicit cause it’s a procedural memory and developmental because the learning occurred when he was a child…? also how do you differentiate between adaptive and developmental plasticity in a child?


Q. In regards to Ebbinghaus’ forgetting curve, the textbook says that “if overlearnt the material is likely to be retained for longer and with greater accuracy” yet apparently (according to an exam) “the rate of forgetting is always the same regardless of how well practiced or learned it is.” So.. which is it? :/

Q. Someone else asked this but I don't think anyone got round to it, but if the results support the hypothesis but they are statistically insignificant does that mean the hypothesis is not supported and a conclusion can't be made? also what does it mean by "implications" of results?

thanks so much! :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jayleno on October 25, 2016, 12:32:37 pm
If p value is P<0.5 and the rsampling method was convenience , can the results be generalised ? And can you say it supports the hypothesis
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StupidProdigy on October 25, 2016, 04:16:45 pm
If p value is P<0.5 and the rsampling method was convenience , can the results be generalised ? And can you say it supports the hypothesis
No. For psych we want P<0.05 NOT P<0.5. Also if your sample is selected via convenience sampling it is highly unlikely to be representative of the broader population-e.g say a teacher used his/her class as a sample (convenience sampling) for testing heart rate, we can see that this sampling will not generalise to the whole population (due to older people existing in the population and having slower heart rates.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nt2387 on October 25, 2016, 06:20:01 pm

Q. Accepted duration of STM? Also for the duration of LTM is it unlimited or indefinite? Or are they interchangeable?


Duration of STM: 12-30 seconds
Duration of LTM: relatively permanent.

I think indefinite is fine, but unlimited is used to describe capacity only.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: TooLazy on October 25, 2016, 07:55:16 pm
Does anyone know why EEG recordings are quantitative data only?

Like I understand its quantitative because it is measured in waves per second etc.
But cant it be qualitative too? Eg if you categorise it into beta, alpha ... and so on. Isnt that a qualitative trait?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Pineapple66 on October 25, 2016, 10:19:17 pm
Duration of STM: 12-30 seconds
Duration of LTM: relatively permanent.

I think indefinite is fine, but unlimited is used to describe capacity only.

thanks! :)

Does anyone know why EEG recordings are quantitative data only?

Like I understand its quantitative because it is measured in waves per second etc.
But cant it be qualitative too? Eg if you categorise it into beta, alpha ... and so on. Isnt that a qualitative trait?

I'm not sure but I think it's because Qualitative is more..subjective? Like emotional state, difficulty of a task etc whereas the reason physiological recordings are so reliable is because its quantitative and the least subjective. Even the labels beta, alpha etc are based on the quantitative measurements of the waves' frequency and amplitude, in other words external criterion. So I don't think these labels are qualitative, but rather just a way to simplify expressing the quantitative characteristics of the waves (instead of saying "waves with high amplitude and low frequency" every time you want to talk about Delta waves.)

ahhh I'm so nervous about psych :S
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MandhreeE on October 26, 2016, 01:46:40 pm
hi guys would someone mind clarifying developmental and adaptive plasticity for me. I always seem to get confused. like with developmental plasticity is it only during childhood? and with the adaptive is it only when we experience damage to the brain?
thank you.
Hope everyone smashed English!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: qwertyu1234567 on October 26, 2016, 02:21:02 pm
Hi guys,
Could someone please explain the difference between stratified sampling and random-stratified sampling?
Thanks so much and good luck for tomorrow :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: deejay9 on October 26, 2016, 02:38:58 pm
Hi guys,
Could someone please explain the difference between stratified sampling and random-stratified sampling?
Thanks so much and good luck for tomorrow :)

Stratified sampling:
- Divide the population into strata based on relevant characteristics
- Select a sample from each stratum using the same proportions as the population

Random-stratified:
- Divide the population into strata based on relevant characteristics
- Randomly select a sample from each stratum using the same proportions as the population

E.g. There's 300 people in my population and I divide them into 3 strata based on eye colour - brown (100 people), green (100 people) and blue (100 people). I want a sample of 30, so I would need 10 people from each stratum so that the proportions are the same. Using stratified sampling, I would just pick the first 10 from each stratum without any attempt to make sure that everyone has an equal chance. Using random-stratified, I would assign each person a number and then randomly select my 10 using a random number generator or something.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: FatimaEl on October 26, 2016, 02:55:04 pm
Stratified sampling:
- Divide the population into strata based on relevant characteristics
- Select a sample from each stratum using the same proportions as the population

Random-stratified:
- Divide the population into strata based on relevant characteristics
- Randomly select a sample from each stratum using the same proportions as the population

E.g. There's 300 people in my population and I divide them into 3 strata based on eye colour - brown (100 people), green (100 people) and blue (100 people). I want a sample of 30, so I would need 10 people from each stratum so that the proportions are the same. Using stratified sampling, I would just pick the first 10 from each stratum without any attempt to make sure that everyone has an equal chance. Using random-stratified, I would assign each person a number and then randomly select my 10 using a random number generator or something.

Thank you!! even tho i didnt ask the question your answer clarified my thoughts! :D

hi guys would someone mind clarifying developmental and adaptive plasticity for me. I always seem to get confused. like with developmental plasticity is it only during childhood? and with the adaptive is it only when we experience damage to the brain?
thank you.
Hope everyone smashed English!!

Not entirely correct, yes developmental plasticity is more extensive throughout childhood and generally diminishes with age, but adaptive plasticity is ALSO more extensive, substantial and quicker during childhood, the difference here is that developmental refers to maturation, synaptogenisis and synaptic pruning and, once again, diminishes with age, whereas adaptive refers to changes in neural structures to adapt/compensate for brain damage and  can occur during any time in our lifespan.
Basically just be cautious when saying "only" cause that limits your answer and could cost you a mark. So say 'generally' for a more accurate answer (ironic)
Also just a quick tip my teacher taught me, when you're uncertain in a mc question, avoid circling the ones that use "always" or "only" because they're normally are trying to throw you off by sounding right, but the word "only" or "always" makes the option wrong, if that makes sense? This tip has saved me in SO many trials, so i really trust it!
hope that helped  ;D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: qwertyu1234567 on October 26, 2016, 03:13:38 pm
Stratified sampling:
- Divide the population into strata based on relevant characteristics
- Select a sample from each stratum using the same proportions as the population

Random-stratified:
- Divide the population into strata based on relevant characteristics
- Randomly select a sample from each stratum using the same proportions as the population

E.g. There's 300 people in my population and I divide them into 3 strata based on eye colour - brown (100 people), green (100 people) and blue (100 people). I want a sample of 30, so I would need 10 people from each stratum so that the proportions are the same. Using stratified sampling, I would just pick the first 10 from each stratum without any attempt to make sure that everyone has an equal chance. Using random-stratified, I would assign each person a number and then randomly select my 10 using a random number generator or something.

Thanks!!

Also, just to confirm is this correct?
- Synaptogenesis and synaptic pruning occur in developmental plasticity
- Rerouting and sprouting occur in adaptive plasticity
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: deejay9 on October 26, 2016, 03:17:58 pm
Thanks!!

Also, just to confirm is this correct?
- Synaptogenesis and synaptic pruning occur in developmental plasticity
- Rerouting and sprouting occur in adaptive plasticity

Yes that's correct!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nt2387 on October 26, 2016, 03:20:05 pm
Thanks!!

Also, just to confirm is this correct?
- Synaptogenesis and synaptic pruning occur in developmental plasticity
- Rerouting and sprouting occur in adaptive plasticity
Yes that is correct.

Also synaptogenesis and *synaptic pruning* occur in adaptive plasticity as well, since adaptive plasticity is just the ability for the brain to change in response to experience.

*Not 100% sure.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MandhreeE on October 26, 2016, 03:25:55 pm
thank you! just another question with the HPA axis is it correct to say that when an individual is experiencing stress both the flight/fight and HPA axis is activated the when the F/F response is activated it provides immediate action and the HPA axis  provides a more long term response? OR perhaps a better way of asking my question is what is the difference between the HPA axis and the flight/fight reponse.
Thank you!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: BLTCC on October 26, 2016, 03:36:49 pm
Hi! Any tips for completing the extended response section when it is pretty much a "create your own"??
Thanks heaps
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MandhreeE on October 26, 2016, 03:37:32 pm
Do we need to know about the General Adaptation Syndrome? If so would someone mind explaining what it is ?
Thank you
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: deejay9 on October 26, 2016, 03:44:44 pm
Do we need to know about the General Adaptation Syndrome? If so would someone mind explaining what it is ?
Thank you

It's not in the study design anywhere, so I wouldn't worry. I don't even think it's mentioned in the Grivas textbook as it was taken out of the course in 2013.

thank you! just another question with the HPA axis is it correct to say that when an individual is experiencing stress both the flight/fight and HPA axis is activated the when the F/F response is activated it provides immediate action and the HPA axis  provides a more long term response? OR perhaps a better way of asking my question is what is the difference between the HPA axis and the flight/fight reponse.
Thank you!!

When a stressor/threat is perceived, the fight-flight response is activated immediately. If the stressor/threat persists and is long-term, the body needs to activate other physiological responses, so the HPA axis is activated. So basically, the HPA axis is activated for chronic stressors because the body can't sustain the fight-flight response for long periods.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nt2387 on October 26, 2016, 03:46:01 pm
thank you! just another question with the HPA axis is it correct to say that when an individual is experiencing stress both the flight/fight and HPA axis is activated the when the F/F response is activated it provides immediate action and the HPA axis  provides a more long term response? OR perhaps a better way of asking my question is what is the difference between the HPA axis and the flight/fight reponse.
Thank you!!
HPA axis isn't on the study design. I wouldn't stress over it.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: qwertyu1234567 on October 26, 2016, 04:24:36 pm
Hi! Any tips for completing the extended response section when it is pretty much a "create your own"??
Thanks heaps

Yeah I've been wondering this too, assuming that you mean "create your own procedure/experiment" type questions...
Also, does anyone have any tips to receiving marks at the higher end for section C?
My teacher said that you would have to go beyond the dot-points listed so I'm just wondering what everyone else has heard
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on October 26, 2016, 05:05:23 pm
do we have to know about naturalistic observation, controlled observation and clinical observation?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: qwertyu1234567 on October 26, 2016, 06:35:43 pm
do we have to know about naturalistic observation, controlled observation and clinical observation?

I doubt it since its not explicitly stated on the study design, but i guess it doesn't hurt
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Glasses on October 26, 2016, 06:41:48 pm
do we have to know about naturalistic observation, controlled observation and clinical observation?

I don't even remember coming across those terms last year, haha.

I'd forget about them :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: FatimaEl on October 26, 2016, 06:46:00 pm
do we have to know about naturalistic observation, controlled observation and clinical observation?
We learnt about that in unit 1&2 but not 3&4 so i'd say no.

Hi! Any tips for completing the extended response section when it is pretty much a "create your own"??
Thanks heaps
Currently im reading the examination reports to help me out as theres tips in there:
http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/exams/psychology/2013/psych_examrep13.pdf
http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/exams/psychology/2014/psychology_examrep14.pdf
http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/exams/psychology/2015/psych_examrep15.pdf
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: qwertyu1234567 on October 26, 2016, 07:23:25 pm
Is sprouting the same as saying "dendrites become bushier"??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Pineapple66 on October 26, 2016, 08:50:06 pm
Is sprouting the same as saying "dendrites become bushier"??

yup!

THIS QUESTION:
Which of the following is an example of allostasis?
C. an increase in the rate of respiration in anticipation of exercise
D. a decrease in heart rate in response to increased blood pressure

someone mind explaining this? esp since i though allostasis was the achievement of stability through change
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MB_ on October 26, 2016, 08:57:51 pm
Is sprouting the same as saying "dendrites become bushier"??

Sprouting does involve dendrites becoming bushier but more specifically it is the growth of new bushier nerve fibres with more branches to make new connections.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: deejay9 on October 26, 2016, 09:08:28 pm
yup!

THIS QUESTION:
Which of the following is an example of allostasis?
C. an increase in the rate of respiration in anticipation of exercise
D. a decrease in heart rate in response to increased blood pressure

someone mind explaining this? esp since i though allostasis was the achievement of stability through change

A decrease in heart rate would be homeostasis, since homeostasis involves changing the body's internal environment by keeping certain bodily conditions constant. Heart rate is generally steady, so when it becomes accelerated homeostasis would operate to ensure that it goes back to a normal rhythm. Also, allostasis involves the body adjusting and changing its physiological state to meet internal and external demands. The question says "in anticipation of exercise", so the body's allostatic systems increase the respiration rate as it knows it will soon encounter external demands in the form of physical exercise. Therefore the answer is C.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HasibA on October 26, 2016, 09:43:27 pm
anyone help me out w/ a nice definition of 'sensitivity' with regards to recall, recognition, relearning etc.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Pineapple66 on October 26, 2016, 10:17:50 pm
A decrease in heart rate would be homeostasis, since homeostasis involves changing the body's internal environment by keeping certain bodily conditions constant. Heart rate is generally steady, so when it becomes accelerated homeostasis would operate to ensure that it goes back to a normal rhythm. Also, allostasis involves the body adjusting and changing its physiological state to meet internal and external demands. The question says "in anticipation of exercise", so the body's allostatic systems increase the respiration rate as it knows it will soon encounter external demands in the form of physical exercise. Therefore the answer is C.

thank you!!! makes a lot more sense :)

anyone help me out w/ a nice definition of 'sensitivity' with regards to recall, recognition, relearning etc.

^ same, been trying to look for something for that.. so far all I got is "Sensitivity essentially refers to how effective each method is in retrieving information." or "A more sensitive measure will register the memory is present if only a small amount of it remains. A less sensitive measure will only register the memory is present when a large proportion is present."

With Ebbinghaus' forgetting curve, does how you encoded it (eg. elaborative rehearsal) and level of processing have any effect on the rate of forgetting? or is it always the same?

Cheers!
oh and good luck to everyone!:)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: FatimaEl on October 26, 2016, 10:39:15 pm
^ same, been trying to look for something for that.. so far all I got is "Sensitivity essentially refers to how effective each method is in retrieving information." or "A more sensitive measure will register the memory is present if only a small amount of it remains. A less sensitive measure will only register the memory is present when a large proportion is present."
anyone help me out w/ a nice definition of 'sensitivity' with regards to recall, recognition, relearning etc.
I define sensitivity the way my book does, which is
"sensitivity of a measure of retention refers to its ability to access the amount of information that has been stored in memory"

With Ebbinghaus' forgetting curve, does how you encoded it (eg. elaborative rehearsal) and level of processing have any effect on the rate of forgetting? or is it always the same?

yes, rate of forgetting, in regards to Ebbinghaus' forgetting curve, is influenced by
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: minerva on December 12, 2016, 08:02:08 am
I just got my study scores. 39 raw for psych. I got 88/100 for Unit 3 Sacs and my results say I got B for GA1??????!!?? Disappointed because I got A+ on the exam and no 40  :'(
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: EdwinaB19 on January 02, 2017, 05:12:08 pm
Hi,
I'm picking up psych as a 3/4 in 2017 and did bio 3/4 last year.

Does psych require the same level of interpretation and application as bio does?
Should I approach psych in a similar way as people generally approach bio?

Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nt2387 on January 02, 2017, 06:24:54 pm
Hi,
I'm picking up psych as a 3/4 in 2017 and did bio 3/4 last year.

Does psych require the same level of interpretation and application as bio does?
Should I approach psych in a similar way as people generally approach bio?

Thanks!

I can't comment on Psychology's similarities to Bio but I will say that there has been a push in recent years to increase the number of 'application' questions in Psychology. I believe VCAA are shifting away from exams which are dominated by 'lower order thinking' questions which require a simple rote learned answer. Instead, you'll find that the questions they ask you are often accompanied by detailed scenarios, requiring you to reference the scenario in your response in order to attain full marks.

That being said, I found that the application questions weren't that difficult because half of your response will contain the familiar theory to back up the response.

I would approach Psychology by creating a detailed set of theory notes. There are bound to be simplistic questions in your exam and SACS and you want to ensure that you pick up all those marks. I would get a copy of Checkpoints and practice the more difficult application questions which separate the state throughout the year. After a while these will become second nature.

I'll also advise you to spend a good amount of time learning the Research Methods part of the course ( I am not 100% sure if it is in the new study design). The state average for the 10 marker question is usually around 3 or 4, so it's an opportunity for you to completely separate yourself from the competition and gives you breathing room if you find some of the SA questions more challenging than usual.

Good Luck!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Glasses on January 02, 2017, 06:26:19 pm
Hi,
I'm picking up psych as a 3/4 in 2017 and did bio 3/4 last year.

Does psych require the same level of interpretation and application as bio does?
Should I approach psych in a similar way as people generally approach bio?

Thanks!

Hey there! I'm not greatly familiar with the requirements for Biology, however I would say that Psychology assessments (especially the exam) place an emphasis on applying your knowledge to a scenario/case study, with information that you will need to decipher and interpret.
Best of luck!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: isobelj on February 10, 2017, 03:39:10 pm
In one part of my textbook cortisol is explained as slowing tissue repair and the healing of wounds, but in other part it says (quote) that 'corticosteroids such as cortisol ... are released into the bloodstream to further energise the body and help repair any damage that may have occurred'. I'm just confused, can someone explain this please? Have I missed out on something? Thanks  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: akka13722 on February 24, 2017, 10:00:42 pm
In one part of my textbook cortisol is explained as slowing tissue repair and the healing of wounds, but in other part it says (quote) that 'corticosteroids such as cortisol ... are released into the bloodstream to further energise the body and help repair any damage that may have occurred'. I'm just confused, can someone explain this please? Have I missed out on something? Thanks  :)

I believe that when cortisol is released it's not used for the functions it normally undertakes (maintaining the immune system especially), hence the reduced immunity after exposure to a chronic stressor is because cortisol is no longer doing its previous job, not that it actually causes slower healing directly.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: pha0015 on March 29, 2017, 02:54:32 pm
I'd like to know the reasoning behind the answer to this question:
Situation (paraphrased from SAC): Jane's son is sent to jail. Jane decides to take time off work and starts to take up drinking. A few months later, she realises that it isn't helping her cope.
Question (I don't fully remember, so it's something along the lines of ==>): What stage of appraisal is it when she realises that drinking isn't helping?
The correct answer: secondary appraisal
My answer: primary appraisal
There was no option for reappraisal

Is the answer "secondary appraisal" correct because reappraisal happens in secondary appraisal instead of primary appraisal?

Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: keke on March 29, 2017, 03:08:52 pm
I'd like to know the reasoning behind the answer to this question:
Situation (paraphrased from SAC): Jane's son is sent to jail. Jane decides to take time off work and starts to take up drinking. A few months later, she realises that it isn't helping her cope.
Question (I don't fully remember, so it's something along the lines of ==>): What stage of appraisal is it when she realises that drinking isn't helping?
The correct answer: secondary appraisal
My answer: primary appraisal
There was no option for reappraisal

Is the answer "secondary appraisal" correct because reappraisal happens in secondary appraisal instead of primary appraisal?

Thanks

Secondary appraisal is the answer since it's about making judgements of how you deal with the stressor/stress, which in Jane's case is realising that drinking isn't helping her cope. Primary appraisal can't be the answer as that's about making judgements on whether if a stressor is irrelevant, benign-positive or stressful. In your question's context, Jane has already perceived the situation as stressful so she has already passed the primary appraisal stage.

Reappraisal also isn't correct as it's essentially primary appraisal repeated.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on March 29, 2017, 09:14:07 pm
Hi!
Could someone please explain what 'implications' are in the discussion section of a report? Some friends are saying that it is about whether the results are 'relevant' to the real world. For example, watching the video during Loftus' experiment is not the same as seeing an accident in real life. Therefore, it is not necessarily relevant due to potential different responses.

Other people also said that it is how the results will affect people in real life (this is what i thought it was). For example, Loftus' experiment shows the eye-witness testimony is not foolproof and can be influenced by leading questions and misinformation after the event.


Could someone point me in the right direction? Would be best if it was by tomorrow but I was thinking I might put down both (since they don't contradict in an ERA report SAC) just to make sure i cover the bases.

Thanks!!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Glasses on April 03, 2017, 11:41:21 am
Hi!
Could someone please explain what 'implications' are in the discussion section of a report? Some friends are saying that it is about whether the results are 'relevant' to the real world. For example, watching the video during Loftus' experiment is not the same as seeing an accident in real life. Therefore, it is not necessarily relevant due to potential different responses.

Other people also said that it is how the results will affect people in real life (this is what i thought it was). For example, Loftus' experiment shows the eye-witness testimony is not foolproof and can be influenced by leading questions and misinformation after the event.


Could someone point me in the right direction? Would be best if it was by tomorrow but I was thinking I might put down both (since they don't contradict in an ERA report SAC) just to make sure i cover the bases.

Thanks!!!

What is required as part of the "implications" part of an ERA is not that specific, seeing as what you can write about will vary depending on the actual study. Therefore, you could probably write on either or both; however generally, I'd personally focus on 'how the results can be applied on a wider-scale' (that is, in the real world).

Best of luck! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: -273.15 on April 13, 2017, 10:05:24 pm
Hey :)
I'm having a bit of trouble picking out the ABC's in operant conditioning

Firstly, if a question asked to explain someones change in behaviour using the three phase model of operant conditioning, would you select the ABC for before the behaviour change and also for after so you have two 'sets' of ABC's?

Also, could someone tell me if my answer for this question is right (there are no answers)

Charlotte experiences the 'runners high' (due to endorphin release) when she ran a mini-marathon and as a result has started running 10 kilometers three times a week. Explain charlotte's changed behaviour using the three phase model of operant conditioning

Is the antecedent experiencing the runners high when she went on the mini-marathon, the behaviour is going for a run for 10km 3 times a week and the consequence is the endorphin release causing another runners high?
As there isn't any other info given I'd assume you would only write one 'set' of ABC's??

Thanks for the help :)


Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mariamnourine on April 26, 2017, 02:11:52 pm
Hey guys!!!

Has anyone purchased a Cambridge checkpoints book for psych?
I was just wondering if it'll be useful- are the question in their from past papers that are relevant to the new study design OR are they new questions written by the author VCAA style?
Cheers everyone :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: oJL8A99A on April 26, 2017, 10:49:04 pm
Has anyone purchased a Cambridge checkpoints book for psych?
I was just wondering if it'll be useful- are the question in their from past papers that are relevant to the new study design OR are they new questions written by the author VCAA style?

Yes, I have and for the most part of Unit 3 it's been a massive pain in the ass. Lots of their questions come from VCAA and some are new. If you're correcting answers and one of them looks a bit strange - make sure you check the actual VCAA examiner's report because sometimes they write the wrong answer..

Generally, the longer something has been in the study design and even more importantly the more consistent something has been in the study design the better. Chapter 1/2 of Checkpoints are atrocious and filled with shit that is completely irrelevant to the course. From what I remember about 5 of the 50 multiple choice questions for Nervous System functioning were actually current. Heaps of questions were either completely out of place or were about all the lobes and parts of the cerebral cortex from Unit 1. Beware with those two chapters - the one's on stress are slightly better. It's a really good book if you're looking at stress and sleep (which has remained fairly the same and has really only moved units). There's a tonne of questions on those which I'd recommend. If you're looking for some more questions I'd recommend doing some Exam 2 (Unit 4) Exams from pre-2011 which will basically just give you stacks of learning and memory related content. From what I've seen in checkpoints, the further down the book you get the better it is - but the first chapters are slack.

In summary, is checkpoints good sort of but only after you sort through the four million irrelevant questions and work out which answers are actually factual and correct

And find other sources for more accurate questions on nervous system functioning

Hope this helps,

Sara

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: AngusC on April 27, 2017, 12:12:26 am
Hey :)
I'm having a bit of trouble picking out the ABC's in operant conditioning

Firstly, if a question asked to explain someones change in behaviour using the three phase model of operant conditioning, would you select the ABC for before the behaviour change and also for after so you have two 'sets' of ABC's?

Also, could someone tell me if my answer for this question is right (there are no answers)

Charlotte experiences the 'runners high' (due to endorphin release) when she ran a mini-marathon and as a result has started running 10 kilometers three times a week. Explain charlotte's changed behaviour using the three phase model of operant conditioning

Is the antecedent experiencing the runners high when she went on the mini-marathon, the behaviour is going for a run for 10km 3 times a week and the consequence is the endorphin release causing another runners high?
As there isn't any other info given I'd assume you would only write one 'set' of ABC's??

Thanks for the help :)



I believe your answer would be sufficient. If you aren't sure, I think in addition to saying "she experiences another runner's high", you might also write "which creates a sense of well being". There was a similar exam question worth 6 marks that averaged 2.6 in the state. One mark was awarded for each phase correctly named, and another for each phase correctly explained in relation to the scenario. Therefore, 3 each for naming and explaining the phases.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: psychologie on April 29, 2017, 09:39:27 pm
does anyone know if action potential refers to the electrochemical message travelling through neurons and synapses OR is it just referring to the electrical impulse travelling through a neuron?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on April 30, 2017, 11:46:45 am
does anyone know if action potential refers to the electrochemical message travelling through neurons and synapses OR is it just referring to the electrical impulse travelling through a neuron?

Tough question! This varies a bit from resource to resource. My personal understanding is that the action potential is just the electrical impulse travelling through a neuron (although I am happy to be challenged on this).

Note that you wouldn't need to know this for the end-of-year exam, so don't stress too much about it :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: -273.15 on May 05, 2017, 09:50:36 am
Hello :)

Could someone explain why/how Alzheimer's disease isn't reversible?

Thanks so much
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: dribeiro on May 06, 2017, 10:20:29 am
Hello :)

Could someone explain why/how Alzheimer's disease isn't reversible?

Thanks so much

Alzheimer's disease involves the formation of amyloid plaques which, in Alzheimer's, are toxic to neurons in the brain. Also, neurofibrillary tangles form which contribute to degradation of neurons in the brain. So we have these two factors contributing to the death of neurons in the brain, and we know that once neurons die we generally cannot regenerate them. Therefore, this disease is not reversible.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: dribeiro on May 06, 2017, 10:26:39 am
does anyone know if action potential refers to the electrochemical message travelling through neurons and synapses OR is it just referring to the electrical impulse travelling through a neuron?

Great question. The action potential is the electrochemical message which travels through neurons. When this action potential reaches the axon terminal, it stimulates the events which ultimately lead to the release of neurotransmitters across the synaptic cleft to the post-synaptic neuron which could then stimulate an action potential in that neuron, and so on. So to answer your question - the action potential does not refer to the message travelling across the synapse, only the electrochemical message travelling through neurons.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on May 07, 2017, 12:27:51 pm
Hello :)

Could someone explain why/how Alzheimer's disease isn't reversible?

Thanks so much

Basically, Alzheimer's disease involves the death or degeneration of neurons, which is why it isn't reversible. And, as driberio spoke about above, amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles both form (let me know if you need more info about what these actually are). Alzheimer's disease also results in the brain shrinking in size, due to the death of neurons in the brain.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on May 07, 2017, 12:29:06 pm
Great question. The action potential is the electrochemical message which travels through neurons. When this action potential reaches the axon terminal, it stimulates the events which ultimately lead to the release of neurotransmitters across the synaptic cleft to the post-synaptic neuron which could then stimulate an action potential in that neuron, and so on. So to answer your question - the action potential does not refer to the message travelling across the synapse, only the electrochemical message travelling through neurons.

Awesome, that's what I thought - but you put it into words so much more nicely than I did :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: psychologie on May 14, 2017, 07:06:46 am
-what is the difference between memory encoding and memory consolidation; if any? In the textbook they are used interchangeably
eg. Reconsolidation: Re-encoding a memory that has been retrieved from LTM to STM, back into LTM; possibility of altering memories as we integrate the memory with new information

-in reconsolidation, does the memory ALWAYS change or does it have the possibility of changing? (see my def above)

Thank you in advance :))
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: psychologie on May 14, 2017, 07:18:41 am
what is meant by firing of a neuron? is it the entire electrochemical message sent through the neurons and synaptic gap? or just the electrical image. I found this def quite confusing:

Firing: When an electrical impulse travels through a neuron, is released from the presynaptic neuron and is transmitted to the postsynaptic neuron
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: psychologie on May 14, 2017, 07:25:41 am
what areas of the brain are the most 'plastic'? in some textbooks it says motor and sensory cortices, some say association areas, some say:

Location of LTP: hippocampus; motor, visual and auditory cortices of cerebral cortex (associated with memory and learning)

Which one is right? Its soo frustrating having different sources say different things!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on May 14, 2017, 10:36:24 am
-what is the difference between memory encoding and memory consolidation; if any? In the textbook they are used interchangeably
eg. Reconsolidation: Re-encoding a memory that has been retrieved from LTM to STM, back into LTM; possibility of altering memories as we integrate the memory with new information

They're basically the same thing for VCE Psych, and you'll quite often see them used interchangeably.

Quote
-in reconsolidation, does the memory ALWAYS change or does it have the possibility of changing? (see my def above)

Memories can be changed during reconsolidation (e.g. if new info is learnt or leading questions are presented), but aren't guaranteed to change. 

Quote
What is meant by firing of a neuron? is it the entire electrochemical message sent through the neurons and synaptic gap? or just the electrical image. I found this def quite confusing:

Firing: When an electrical impulse travels through a neuron, is released from the presynaptic neuron and is transmitted to the postsynaptic neuron

Again, in VCE Psych, you might see 'firing' refer to the entire process of information sent through the neurons and synaptic gap, or just the electrical impulse travelling through the neuron. In my personal opinion, firing refers to the entire process of information transmission through a neuron and being passed to another neuron, but it could be used for either.

Quote
what areas of the brain are the most 'plastic'? in some textbooks it says motor and sensory cortices, some say association areas, some say:

Location of LTP: hippocampus; motor, visual and auditory cortices of cerebral cortex (associated with memory and learning)

Which one is right? Its soo frustrating having different sources say different things!

Yeah, conflicting sources can be a very common source of frustration in Psych - I feel you :( My understanding is that it is sensory and motor areas in the cerebral cortex, although I am basing that knowledge off the Grivas textbook.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: psychologie on May 17, 2017, 10:48:35 am
1. what is the difference between synaptic, neural and adaptive plasticity, if any? This is what i have:
Synaptic plasticity: The ability of the synapse to change over time through use or disuse
Neural plasticity: The ability of the brain’s neural structures or functions to be changed by experience throughout the lifespan
Adaptive plasticity: the ability of the adult brain to change, adapt and grow throughout life in response to interaction with the environment and stimulating experiences

They seem the same to me...

2. When asked for examples of stimulus generalisation, discrimination, etc. is it ok to use pavlov's experiments?

3. if students are allocated into groups, say the teacher walks around and points to each person in line and goes 'group 1,group 2, group 3, group 4' thats NOT random allocation right? cause where they sit impacts results?

4. is there a difference between observational learning and vicarious conditoning? My defs:
Vicarious conditioning: When someone observes a model’s behaviour being reinforced or punished, and later behaves in the same/similar way or refrains from doing so as a result of the observation
Observational learning: Occurs when someone uses observation of a model’s actions and the consequences of those actions to guide their future actions. Also called modelling, social learning theory or social cognitive theory.

5. In the key processes of observational learning (attention, retention...) when is the behaviour actually shown (at which stage)?

6. What is an operant and could you provide an example? I dont understand this:
Operant: any voluntary response (without any stimulus) that acts on the environment in the same way each time to produce some kind of consequence

7. Don't remember where this sentence was from, i think Jacaranda TB, but is this true?
‘Spontaneous recovery is often stronger when it occurs after a lengthy period following extinction of the response than when it occurs relatively soon after extinction’ cause i thought that over time it should weaken rather than strengthen

8. What are the similarities/differences between: operant, classical conditioning and observational learning

Thank you so much :)




Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on May 21, 2017, 10:44:18 am
1. what is the difference between synaptic, neural and adaptive plasticity, if any? This is what i have:
Synaptic plasticity: The ability of the synapse to change over time through use or disuse
Neural plasticity: The ability of the brain’s neural structures or functions to be changed by experience throughout the lifespan
Adaptive plasticity: the ability of the adult brain to change, adapt and grow throughout life in response to interaction with the environment and stimulating experiences

For this study design in VCE Psych, I would consider them all to mean basically the same thing. Often you will see them used interchangeably in resources, so don't let this confuse you too much :)

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2. When asked for examples of stimulus generalisation, discrimination, etc. is it ok to use pavlov's experiments?

Yeah, absolutely I would think it is ok, unless the questions says specifically not to.

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3. if students are allocated into groups, say the teacher walks around and points to each person in line and goes 'group 1,group 2, group 3, group 4' thats NOT random allocation right? cause where they sit impacts results?

You're right, technically no, this isn't random allocation, as there could be bias and where people sit impact results. If this were me, I would check with your teacher if possible, as I'm guessing this is for a SAC, and write whatever she wants you too :)

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4. is there a difference between observational learning and vicarious conditoning? My defs:
Vicarious conditioning: When someone observes a model’s behaviour being reinforced or punished, and later behaves in the same/similar way or refrains from doing so as a result of the observation
Observational learning: Occurs when someone uses observation of a model’s actions and the consequences of those actions to guide their future actions. Also called modelling, social learning theory or social cognitive theory.

No, basically vicarious conditioning is just a key part of how observational learning works, as it refers to learning through the actions of others.

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5. In the key processes of observational learning (attention, retention...) when is the behaviour actually shown (at which stage)?

The observer actually performs the behaviour at the reproduction stage :) If you are referring to the model, then they would perform the behaviour during the attention stage, I believe.

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6. What is an operant and could you provide an example? I dont understand this:
Operant: any voluntary response (without any stimulus) that acts on the environment in the same way each time to produce some kind of consequence

The operant is simply the behaviour that an individual performs during the process of operant conditioning. For example, pointing a TV remote at the TV and pressing the power button would be an operant. This acts on the environment as it causes the TV to turn on - which would mean that you are more likely to use the remote again in the future. But basically, operant is just another term for behaviour or response (in terms of operant conditioning) :)

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7. Don't remember where this sentence was from, i think Jacaranda TB, but is this true?
‘Spontaneous recovery is often stronger when it occurs after a lengthy period following extinction of the response than when it occurs relatively soon after extinction’ cause i thought that over time it should weaken rather than strengthen

Yes, that is in the Jacaranda textbook. To my understanding, spontaneous recovery does get stronger if there is a longer rest break following extinction, rather than if it was only a few hours after extinction, for example. However, if there are multiple spontaneous recoveries, they tend to get weaker each time.

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8. What are the similarities/differences between: operant, classical conditioning and observational learning

This is quite a big question, so I'll just touch on a few:

- In operant conditioning the learner is active, while in classical conditioning the learner is passive
- In operant conditioning the behaviour is voluntary, while in classical conditioning it is involuntary/reflexive
- In both operant conditioning and observational learning, the likelihood of a behaviour being performed again depends on the consequences of the behaviour
- In operant conditioning, an individual performs the behaviour themselves, whereas in observational learning, an individual observes a model performing a behaviour

I hope this is useful!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Novashock on May 21, 2017, 07:36:28 pm
Hey,
So I was doing some questions, and I came across this:

Sensory Memory:
 a) is known as working memory
 b) is a limited capacity store that can maintain unrehearsed information for up to about 20 seconds.
 c) preserves information in its original form for less than a few seconds.
 d) is an unlimited capacity store that can hold information over lengthly periods of time.

I know that the first two are referring to the short term memory, and sensory memory has a duration of .2-4 seconds. So I circled C, but according to the answers, it's D? Can someone please tell me if im wrong, how it is D, or if its just a printing error? I'm so confused and my memory SAC is next week.

Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lovelyperson on May 21, 2017, 08:12:08 pm
Hey,
So I was doing some questions, and I came across this:

Sensory Memory:
 a) is known as working memory
 b) is a limited capacity store that can maintain unrehearsed information for up to about 20 seconds.
 c) preserves information in its original form for less than a few seconds.
 d) is an unlimited capacity store that can hold information over lengthly periods of time.

I know that the first two are referring to the short term memory, and sensory memory has a duration of .2-4 seconds. So I circled C, but according to the answers, it's D? Can someone please tell me if im wrong, how it is D, or if its just a printing error? I'm so confused and my memory SAC is next week.

Thanks

C should be correct. D can't be correct as sensory memory recall, and hence how long information is held, decays very rapidly.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on May 23, 2017, 04:09:10 pm
Hey,
So I was doing some questions, and I came across this:

Sensory Memory:
 a) is known as working memory
 b) is a limited capacity store that can maintain unrehearsed information for up to about 20 seconds.
 c) preserves information in its original form for less than a few seconds.
 d) is an unlimited capacity store that can hold information over lengthly periods of time.

I know that the first two are referring to the short term memory, and sensory memory has a duration of .2-4 seconds. So I circled C, but according to the answers, it's D? Can someone please tell me if im wrong, how it is D, or if its just a printing error? I'm so confused and my memory SAC is next week.

Thanks

Yep, as said above, C is definitely correct.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on May 27, 2017, 07:04:32 pm
Okay guys:

I was wondering if any of you know of any resources for psychology?

Also if you have business management, further math and English resources that would be lovely
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: AngelWings on May 27, 2017, 10:05:10 pm
Okay guys:

I was wondering if any of you know of any resources for psychology?

Also if you have business management, further math and English resources that would be lovely
Have you checked this or ExamPro out? If not, they might be your two best AN-sourced ones out there to begin with. If you're looking for more, check out some of the other textbooks available (Grivas et al., Nelson, Oxford IIRC), Checkpoints or maybe even the practise exam companies (e.g. TSFX, TSSM, Engage Education). These will be ample study material and majority of these are available in most of the other subjects you've listed too.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on May 28, 2017, 02:19:34 pm
Hey Psychlings!

I am currently in year 12 and I am doing psychology (obviously)

I was wondering, usually people who get above 45 in psychology do like 15 practice exams.
With the new study design there isn't much to practice on!
What resources have you been using, are planning to use or recommend if you are aiming for a 45 in psychology?

Your replies are appreciated!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: AngelWings on May 28, 2017, 02:54:34 pm
Hey Psychlings!

I am currently in year 12 and I am doing psychology (obviously)

I was wondering, usually people who get above 45 in psychology do like 15 practice exams.
With the new study design there isn't much to practice on!
What resources have you been using, are planning to use or recommend if you are aiming for a 45 in psychology?

Your replies are appreciated!!
Hey Ashjames!

I've had a quick peek at the 2017 Psych Study Design and it doesn't look like it's overly changed from previous years. Although not 100% accurate, any previous resources up to 2017 should still be relevant to some degree (70-95% usually between years). Thus, you can use any of the ones I listed in the previous post with a hint of caution, with the knowledge that textbooks and the latest Checkpoints are usually relevant to the current or last study design. I can't find it currently, but someone probably remembers where the study design changes are kept for you to double check that, so you can avoid the sections that have been altered. Hopefully that helps.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on May 28, 2017, 03:01:18 pm
Hey Ashjames!

I've had a quick peek at the 2017 Psych Study Design and it doesn't look like it's overly changed from previous years. Although not 100% accurate, any previous resources up to 2017 should still be relevant to some degree (70-95% usually between years). Thus, you can use any of the ones I listed in the previous post with a hint of caution, with the knowledge that textbooks and the latest Checkpoints are usually relevant to the current or last study design. I can't find it currently, but someone probably remembers where the study design changes are kept for you to double check that, so you can avoid the sections that have been altered. Hopefully that helps.

Yep - the thread I link below may be of use. :)

A summary of changes to the 2017+ study design.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on May 28, 2017, 03:38:44 pm
Hey Psychlings!

I am currently in year 12 and I am doing psychology (obviously)

I was wondering, usually people who get above 45 in psychology do like 15 practice exams.
With the new study design there isn't much to practice on!
What resources have you been using, are planning to use or recommend if you are aiming for a 45 in psychology?

Your replies are appreciated!!

It's a painful problem, I do feel sorry for you.

To give you an idea, I did about 10 prac exams for Psych, as they can be pretty long and arduous. I won't lie, I feel like the Psych study design has changed quite significantly from the previous one - particularly Unit 4, although I haven't looked at that in as much detail yet.

I would still definitely be doing past VCAA exams and trying to pick out relevant exam questions. Painful, I know, but still definitely worth it. VCAA have also put out a sample exam for the new study design. Other than that, the companies I did practice exams from included NEAP, Insight and STAV, so I would check those out to see if they've put out anything new. 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on May 28, 2017, 03:41:54 pm
@Ashjames,

Out of interest, would you find it useful if somebody (hypothetically) went through previous Psych exams and identified which questions were still relevant? Like, would that make things easier? :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on May 28, 2017, 05:35:15 pm
@Ashjames,

Out of interest, would you find it useful if somebody (hypothetically) went through previous Psych exams and identified which questions were still relevant? Like, would that make things easier? :)

OMGGGG are you serious??? I'd be on cloud 9 if someone did that for me!!!! Seeing as I have 2 other subjects which are content heavy (texts and traditions and business management) I kind of don't have enough time for anything like that  :'( (you feel me??)

But if someone meant to do that, I would appreciate it soooooo muchhhhhhhhhh  ;D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Novashock on May 30, 2017, 07:52:44 pm
Wait guys, so if I was given a report, how would I identify a possible hypothesis for the study? And is the saving score stuff something we need to learn, or just what relearning is?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lovelyperson on May 30, 2017, 08:10:22 pm
Wait guys, so if I was given a report, how would I identify a possible hypothesis for the study?

It's usually explicitly stated in the introduction as something like "we hypothesised that...", but if you're stuck, you can usually deduce it from the conclusion or ending of the discussion.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on May 31, 2017, 10:41:37 am
OMGGGG are you serious??? I'd be on cloud 9 if someone did that for me!!!! Seeing as I have 2 other subjects which are content heavy (texts and traditions and business management) I kind of don't have enough time for anything like that  :'( (you feel me??)

But if someone meant to do that, I would appreciate it soooooo muchhhhhhhhhh  ;D

It will get done. 8)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Novashock on June 04, 2017, 09:44:00 pm
Hey guys !!! It's me again hehe, so basically i was wondering,
1- Can we forget information that is held in the short term and sensory memories? Or is it because they haven't been consolidated properly, they were never able to be forgotten in the first place?
2- Would consolidation and encoding be considered the same thing or?
3- How do context and state dependent cues help our ability to retrieve implicit and explicit memories? Is it because they just aid in locating and retrieving the memories?
4- and what are some limitations of the retrieval failure theory?

THANKS AGAIN DUDES <3
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lovelyperson on June 04, 2017, 10:04:23 pm
Hey guys !!! It's me again hehe, so basically i was wondering,
1- Can we forget information that is held in the short term and sensory memories? Or is it because they haven't been consolidated properly, they were never able to be forgotten in the first place?
2- Would consolidation and encoding be considered the same thing or?
3- How do context and state dependent cues help our ability to retrieve implicit and explicit memories? Is it because they just aid in locating and retrieving the memories?
4- and what are some limitations of the retrieval failure theory?

THANKS AGAIN DUDES <3

1) Nope. Forgetting is defined as an inability to retrieve stored information, and since information technically isn't stored within sensory or STM, you can't 'forget' information in them.

2) Nope. Consolidation is making memories stronger neurologically, whereas encoding is converting information into a form that could be stored in memory. There is some overlap, but they're mostly different.

3) Yes? Not sure though - check with someone else for this one. .

4) Only one I could think of is that  you can't really validly test the model scientifically, since you can't be sure if the memory is even in LTM in the first place.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on June 05, 2017, 04:51:31 pm
1) Nope. Forgetting is defined as an inability to retrieve stored information, and since information technically isn't stored within sensory or STM, you can't 'forget' information in them.

2) Nope. Consolidation is making memories stronger neurologically, whereas encoding is converting information into a form that could be stored in memory. There is some overlap, but they're mostly different.

3) Yes? Not sure though - check with someone else for this one. .

4) Only one I could think of is that  you can't really validly test the model scientifically, since you can't be sure if the memory is even in LTM in the first place.

Top answers, Remi! Would agree with all of them. Just a couple of notes I would add:

2) There definitely is some overlap between consolidation and encoding, and occasionally you may see the terms used similarly.

3) State and context dependent cues do make it easier to locate and retrieve the memory, as has been said. This is simply because the external environment (for content) or the feeling/emotion (for state) acts a cue to help retrieve those memories. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on June 05, 2017, 05:04:00 pm
3) State and context dependent cues do make it easier to locate and retrieve the memory, as has been said. This is simply because the external environment (for content) or the feeling/emotion (for state) acts a cue to help retrieve those memories. :)

You can even use this knowledge to aid your own exam performance. :) For example, if you know where your exams will be held (as in, the physical location), you might like to do your practice exams there! ;)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on June 05, 2017, 05:08:04 pm
OMGGGG are you serious??? I'd be on cloud 9 if someone did that for me!!!! Seeing as I have 2 other subjects which are content heavy (texts and traditions and business management) I kind of don't have enough time for anything like that  :'( (you feel me??)

But if someone meant to do that, I would appreciate it soooooo muchhhhhhhhhh  ;D

Ashjames, just a note to you (and others) that you may want to check out this thread here, if you haven't already. 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: LukeFromVic on June 07, 2017, 10:29:33 pm
Hey Guys,

I stumbled upon this in the textbook regarding recall, relearning and recognition;
   
"Recall tends to be the least sensitive measure of retention
Relearning tends to be the most sensitive measure of retention
Recognition tends to be less sensitive than relearning but more sensitive than recall. "

Can somebody please explain what the term 'senstive' means in this context?! I don't really understand what it's trying to say.

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on June 08, 2017, 09:14:17 am
Hey Guys,

I stumbled upon this in the textbook regarding recall, relearning and recognition;
   
"Recall tends to be the least sensitive measure of retention
Relearning tends to be the most sensitive measure of retention
Recognition tends to be less sensitive than relearning but more sensitive than recall. "

Can somebody please explain what the term 'senstive' means in this context?! I don't really understand what it's trying to say.



You can basically replace "sensitive" with "effective". So recall is least likely to be effective in the retention of information, and recognition the most effective.

It's weird terminology, I agree. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mariamnourine on June 08, 2017, 04:23:06 pm
Hey psych buddies!!!

I have 2 questions:
- To type notes or not to type notes? ( which is more effective, handwritten or typed?)

- Should I go to a psych lecture? Is it necessary? Are they effective? If so, which company do you most recommend to attend to? (Sorry, that was like 4 questions!)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on June 08, 2017, 04:25:59 pm
Hey psych buddies!!!

I have 2 questions:
- To type notes or not to type notes? ( which is more effective, handwritten or typed?)

- Should I go to a psych lecture? Is it necessary? Are they effective? If so, which company do you most recommend to attend to? (Sorry, that was like 4 questions!)

Regarding notes: I personally much prefer handwritten, but this is a personal preference. I found that the information sunk in more easily (especially compared to when I tried to type notes for a couple of weeks at uni). :)

Regarding lectures: why not ATAR Notes? 8) They're free, super high quality - and the Psych lecture will be taken by none other than howey! That is, the absolute legend who made this thread. ;D So you know you'll be in good hands! If you like, I can post the link to registrations here as soon as it becomes available. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mariamnourine on June 08, 2017, 04:27:28 pm
And one more question:

Are ATARNOTES going to be holding any lectures in the future at RMIT? I totally missed the first ones!  :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on June 08, 2017, 04:28:37 pm
And one more question:

Are ATARNOTES going to be holding any lectures in the future at RMIT? I totally missed the first ones!  :'( :'( :'(

You bet. ;D See above post - the Psych one will be taken by howey!

I'll post the link here as soon as it's available. ;)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mariamnourine on June 08, 2017, 04:51:16 pm
You bet. ;D See above post - the Psych one will be taken by howey!

I'll post the link here as soon as it's available. ;)

Oh of course, Howey has helped a lot with psych on the forums! So I wouldn't miss any lecture that he does!!!!!!!!!!!!

And yes, I'll definitely attend the ATAR notes lectures (now that I realized it's a pretty good idea) so please link it here if you can!!! ( DW if you forget, I'll keep my open for it anyway)

And what other subjects does ATAR notes offer? (specifically, do you offer business management?)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on June 08, 2017, 06:46:54 pm
Mariamnourine, check out this thread! :)

*Free VCE Lectures* - Mid-Year 2017 - Exclusive to Forum - Register Now!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: forbiddensoulxx on June 10, 2017, 02:10:53 pm
Hey guys, just got a question regarding operationalising variables. So, the experiment we're doing is basically the serial position effect, with there being a control group who has immediate recall of a word list. The experimental group has a delayed recall by 50 seconds where they have to do something in that time, then recall the words. So, how would I go about operationalising the IV and DV, as I am quite confused.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lovelyperson on June 10, 2017, 02:32:44 pm
Hey guys, just got a question regarding operationalising variables. So, the experiment we're doing is basically the serial position effect, with there being a control group who has immediate recall of a word list. The experimental group has a delayed recall by 50 seconds where they have to do something in that time, then recall the words. So, how would I go about operationalising the IV and DV, as I am quite confused.

When asked to operationalise variables, ask yourself "how would I measure this?" So for in your case, ask yourself: "how would I measure the delayed 50 seconds?", and "how would I measure how many words from the list have been recalled?" You'll then plonk the answers to these questions into your variables, then boom! operationalised.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: forbiddensoulxx on June 10, 2017, 03:01:47 pm
When asked to operationalise variables, ask yourself "how would I measure this?" So for in your case, ask yourself: "how would I measure the delayed 50 seconds?", and "how would I measure how many words from the list have been recalled?" You'll then plonk the answers to these questions into your variables, then boom! operationalised.
Thanks for that! We are also measuring the position of the words recalled (start, middle, end), so how does one operationalise that?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lovelyperson on June 10, 2017, 04:17:56 pm
Thanks for that! We are also measuring the position of the words recalled (start, middle, end), so how does one operationalise that?

Talk about how'll the words are going to be presented to participants; will it be done verbally, on a piece of paper, or in another way?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: forbiddensoulxx on June 10, 2017, 05:27:24 pm
Talk about how'll the words are going to be presented to participants; will it be done verbally, on a piece of paper, or in another way?
Ermmm, I mean the DV. We are trying to get the serial position effect to occur, and we're measuring the position of the words recalled (start, middle or end), so how would I operationalise the DV?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on June 11, 2017, 10:28:04 am
Ermmm, I mean the DV. We are trying to get the serial position effect to occur, and we're measuring the position of the words recalled (start, middle or end), so how would I operationalise the DV?

I think your operationalised DV would simply be something like "The percentage of participants who correctly write down the word presented in the list". I'm assuming that participants are writing down their answers - if the are saying them verbally then you would need to change this.

In a way, you sort of have a couple of independent variables:
1. The position of the word in the list
2. Whether or not there is a delay after the presentation of the list

I'm assuming you're probably going with the second IV, as that is the major focus of the experiment.

This is a bit of a tricky one purely due to wording, I agree. I hope I haven't confused you more!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Novashock on June 11, 2017, 01:10:57 pm
Hey guys its me again xD
So when you're writing an investigation report, what is the difference between summary of results and the discussion? are they basically the same thing? Or are there some differences i'm missing?
Thanks !!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on June 11, 2017, 02:09:21 pm
Hey guys its me again xD
So when you're writing an investigation report, what is the difference between summary of results and the discussion? are they basically the same thing? Or are there some differences i'm missing?
Thanks !!!

G'day again!

There is a little bit of a difference.

A summary of results is where you put the results of the experiment. For example, you'll include any data in the form of tables, graphs, charts etc. This section may include a small piece of writing that summarise the results - but only summarise! For example, you might say '90% of participants remembered the last word that was presented to them'. However, you would not say why - that is for the discussion.

The discussion is usually a much larger part of the report. In the discussion, you examine the results and explain why the results occurred (e.g. for the example above, because of the recency effect, still in short-term memory etc.). It usually starts with a statement on whether the hypothesis is supported or rejected. You also note any extraneous variables or errors that occurred during the experiment and whether you can generalise the results to the wider population (which depends on your sample, population and method). The discussion section often ends with a brief conclusion.

I hope that helps! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Novashock on June 11, 2017, 02:21:32 pm
Thanks Howey!!! Just one more question (for now hehe) what do we write in a conclusion? Like what's different between that and the discussion?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on June 11, 2017, 02:57:15 pm
Thanks Howey!!! Just one more question (for now hehe) what do we write in a conclusion? Like what's different between that and the discussion?

A conclusion is generally just one or two sentences, and just summarises the whole experiment. E.g. Overall, this experiment clearly showed the existence of the serial position effect and therefore demonstrated the existence of both short-term and long-term memory.

Often, it is just added onto the end of the discussion, and is generally pretty short.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Novashock on June 11, 2017, 07:07:55 pm
Im pre sure you guys are getting sick of me rn xD but is there any difference between limitations of a study and the extraneous/confounding variables present? What else can i write under my limitations section?
Basically how to write an effective discussion pls.
THANKS AGAIN
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on June 12, 2017, 02:46:52 pm
In your limitations section you talk about how relevant your findings are to the real world. Limitations are caused by variables, but I wouldn't say they are variables. Some questions which can help you write this section include:
what population is my sample representative of, if any? Why?
What confounding variables may have impacted the results?
How would each variable impact the results?
What could a future researcher do to protect against this?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on June 14, 2017, 03:10:07 pm
Question:  How is the Amygdala and the cerebral cortex involved in long-term memory?
What are their roles in regards to long term memory formation and storage?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on June 14, 2017, 06:21:24 pm
Question:  How is the Amygdala and the cerebral cortex involved in long-term memory?
What are their roles in regards to long term memory formation and storage?

Amygdala is involved in formation and encoding of implicit memories which then are passed onto the cerebral cortex for storage. The cerebral cortex basically stores long term memories according to what type of information was processed. Eg. Procedural memories are stored in the frontal lobes of the cerebral cortex.

I'm learning this too, so someone correct me if I'm wrong! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on June 17, 2017, 12:18:52 pm
Questions:

1.Are episodic memories more susceptible to memory loss then semantic memories? Explain with reference to Alzheimer's disease

2. Explain the role of the temporal lobe in memory formation. What memories does it store?

3. Which is the Amygdala NOT responsible for?
a) learning
b)memory
c)fear
d)all emotions

4. Explain the existence of short term and long term memory using the serial position effect

5. Wendy and bill witnessed a car accident. Wendy was standing at the curb, while bill witnessed it from inside a bakery. Wendy always has vivid flashbacks of the event. One year later, Bill and Wendy were giving eyewitness testimony in court, Bill gave a different story to othre one he gave on the scene of the accident

a) Explain the role of the Amygdala with reference to Wendy's reaction
b) What hormone was responsible for Wendy's reactions?
C) With reference to Elizabeth Loftus, explain why Bill might have given different testimony in court

6. Explain anterograde amnesia with reference to an example
Thanks guys!!

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on June 18, 2017, 10:35:24 am
1.Are episodic memories more susceptible to memory loss then semantic memories? Explain with reference to Alzheimer's disease

I'm not 100% sure on this, but personally I would say that both episodic and semantic memories are heavily affected by Alzheimer's disease. The key thing is that explicit memories (semantic and episodic) tend to be affected earlier in the disease and more severely than implicit memories.

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2. Explain the role of the temporal lobe in memory formation. What memories does it store?

The temporal lobe contains both the hippocampus and the amygdala. Therefore, it is involved in the consolidation of explicit memories (the primary role of the hippocampus) and the formation of emotional memories (the amygdala). As for storage, neither the hippocampus or the amygdala store memories, as long-term explicit memories are distributed around the cerebral cortex. It is likely the temporal lobe will store auditory information from these memories, as auditory information is processed in the temporal lobe.

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3. Which is the Amygdala NOT responsible for?
a) learning
b)memory
c)fear
d)all emotions

Bit of a strange question, this. Personally, I would say d) all emotions, as the amygdala is involved in learning, memory and fear, and d) just seems like a bit of a strange answer, even though the amygdala does have a key role in regulating emotional reactions. Happy to be challenged on this one!

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4. Explain the existence of short term and long term memory using the serial position effect

The key here is to consider the primacy and recency effect. The primacy effect (items at the start of the list being remembered better) are rehearsed multiple times and therefore pass into LTM - therefore proving the existence of LTM. The recency effect (items at the end of the list being remembered better) occurs due to these items still being in STM - therefore proving the existence of STM.

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5. Wendy and bill witnessed a car accident. Wendy was standing at the curb, while bill witnessed it from inside a bakery. Wendy always has vivid flashbacks of the event. One year later, Bill and Wendy were giving eyewitness testimony in court, Bill gave a different story to othre one he gave on the scene of the accident

a) Explain the role of the Amygdala with reference to Wendy's reaction

Wendy's amygdala was responsible for this event being remembered strongly, and therefore able to be easily retrieved. During times of heightened emotional arousal, such as the accident, noradrenaline is released at the amygdala, which stimulates the amygdala to signal to the hippocampus that stronger encoding of the memory is needed. If the memory is encoded very strongly, this could explain Wendy's constant flashbacks.

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b) What hormone was responsible for Wendy's reactions?

As touched on above, noradrenaline, although adrenaline also plays a role.

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C) With reference to Elizabeth Loftus, explain why Bill might have given different testimony in court

Loftus found that memories could be reconstructed over time. Therefore, Bill may have reconstructed his memory of the accident over the past year due to new information becoming available, or due to being asked leading questions. This can lead to new information being inserted into Bill's memory, causing the memory to be fallible and possible incorrect, and different to the memory that he originally had.

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6. Explain anterograde amnesia with reference to an example

Anterograde amnesia is when an individual is unable to form new long-term explicit memories after the brain trauma/incident occurs (such as a head knock). H.M. is a famous example of this - he had most of his medial temporal lobes removed and was unable to form new explicit long-term memories afterwards.

I hope this helps! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on June 18, 2017, 12:54:52 pm
I'm not 100% sure on this, but personally I would say that both episodic and semantic memories are heavily affected by Alzheimer's disease. The key thing is that explicit memories (semantic and episodic) tend to be affected earlier in the disease and more severely than implicit memories.

The temporal lobe contains both the hippocampus and the amygdala. Therefore, it is involved in the consolidation of explicit memories (the primary role of the hippocampus) and the formation of emotional memories (the amygdala). As for storage, neither the hippocampus or the amygdala store memories, as long-term explicit memories are distributed around the cerebral cortex. It is likely the temporal lobe will store auditory information from these memories, as auditory information is processed in the temporal lobe.

Bit of a strange question, this. Personally, I would say d) all emotions, as the amygdala is involved in learning, memory and fear, and d) just seems like a bit of a strange answer, even though the amygdala does have a key role in regulating emotional reactions. Happy to be challenged on this one!

The key here is to consider the primacy and recency effect. The primacy effect (items at the start of the list being remembered better) are rehearsed multiple times and therefore pass into LTM - therefore proving the existence of LTM. The recency effect (items at the end of the list being remembered better) occurs due to these items still being in STM - therefore proving the existence of STM.

Wendy's amygdala was responsible for this event being remembered strongly, and therefore able to be easily retrieved. During times of heightened emotional arousal, such as the accident, noradrenaline is released at the amygdala, which stimulates the amygdala to signal to the hippocampus that stronger encoding of the memory is needed. If the memory is encoded very strongly, this could explain Wendy's constant flashbacks.

As touched on above, noradrenaline, although adrenaline also plays a role.

Loftus found that memories could be reconstructed over time. Therefore, Bill may have reconstructed his memory of the accident over the past year due to new information becoming available, or due to being asked leading questions. This can lead to new information being inserted into Bill's memory, causing the memory to be fallible and possible incorrect, and different to the memory that he originally had.

Anterograde amnesia is when an individual is unable to form new long-term explicit memories after the brain trauma/incident occurs (such as a head knock). H.M. is a famous example of this - he had most of his medial temporal lobes removed and was unable to form new explicit long-term memories afterwards.

I hope this helps! :)



Yes Howey- it has helped immensely!!! You're such a gun!! way to go Howey!! ;) ;)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on June 18, 2017, 01:06:41 pm
Bit of a strange question, this. 

Agreed upon Howey- its a really strange question (don't know where my teacher got this from???) I'll let you know what the correct answer is when I know.
Yeah I also agree with d), because the Amygdala is responsible for classically conditioned emotional responses (such as littleAlbert) so its definitely not b)learning, and the other 2 options are just TOO OBVIOUS!!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: EdwinaB19 on June 22, 2017, 07:51:44 pm
Hey I was wondering if anyone knew why stage 3 of NREM is 3-10 minutes long and why it's so short?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on June 23, 2017, 03:40:13 pm
This ones specifically for Howey::

I got my SAC back and my teacher told my that the Amygdala question was correct, it was d) all emotions

I really don't know how she came up with that, but thanks for your help anyways!  :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on June 25, 2017, 10:28:16 am
Hey I was wondering if anyone knew why stage 3 of NREM is 3-10 minutes long and why it's so short?

Hi! To be honest, no, I don't know why it's so short. As soon as there are over 50% delta brain waves it is classified as stage 4 sleep, so presumably this doesn't take very long after leaving stage 2. The good news is you don't need to know (for VCE purposes) why Stage 3 is so short. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on June 25, 2017, 10:29:42 am
This ones specifically for Howey::

I got my SAC back and my teacher told my that the Amygdala question was correct, it was d) all emotions

I really don't know how she came up with that, but thanks for your help anyways!  :D

Good to hear, Ashjames!! It really was a bit of a strange question - I'm glad you got the mark :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lovelyperson on June 26, 2017, 02:36:06 pm
Ermmm, I mean the DV. We are trying to get the serial position effect to occur, and we're measuring the position of the words recalled (start, middle or end), so how would I operationalise the DV?

Super super late response, but oh whoops - howey answered your question though.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on June 27, 2017, 01:44:37 pm
Questions:

Are amplitude and frequency only used to measure the brains electrical activity in regards to EEG? Are they used to measure electrical activity in EOG and EMG? ( basically, are amplitude and frequency used in EOG,EMG and EEG? or is it used only in EEG?)

Why is consciousness placed on a continuum?

 :) :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amigos on June 27, 2017, 03:02:13 pm
Questions:

Are amplitude and frequency only used to measure the brains electrical activity in regards to EEG? Are they used to measure electrical activity in EOG and EMG? ( basically, are amplitude and frequency used in EOG,EMG and EEG? or is it used only in EEG?)

Why is consciousness placed on a continuum?

 :) :)

Not really sure, but I would assume amplitude and frequency are used only in EEGs, as they're measures of brain waves and thus irrelevant to EOGs and EMGs.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on June 27, 2017, 06:54:05 pm
As touched on above, noradrenaline, although adrenaline also plays a role.

Just a clarification/correction here (looking back over my stuff and the study design) that adrenaline is the primary neurohormone involved in the consolidation of emotional memories, although noradrenaline does play a significant role as well.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Novashock on June 28, 2017, 10:02:38 pm
Hey again!!!
I just had a question, so since when we’re watching like a tv show we love or playing a game, and we sort of get addicted to it, are we paying focused attention to it, since we don't really tend to be aware of other things that might be going around us? Because if we are, then how come we tend to lose track of time?  Isn’t that like a trait of an altered state of consciousness? Or is it also losing track of time another thing associated with focused attention like the reduced awareness of our surroundings?
Thanks !
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on July 03, 2017, 07:17:13 pm
Hey again!!!
I just had a question, so since when we’re watching like a tv show we love or playing a game, and we sort of get addicted to it, are we paying focused attention to it, since we don't really tend to be aware of other things that might be going around us? Because if we are, then how come we tend to lose track of time?  Isn’t that like a trait of an altered state of consciousness? Or is it also losing track of time another thing associated with focused attention like the reduced awareness of our surroundings?
Thanks !

Yes, if you're closely watching a TV show or a game, then you would be using focused/selective attention. However, you would definitely still be in NWC, not an ASC. Even though you might lose track of time to some extent and have slightly reduced awareness, when you are using selective/focused attention you are still in NWC. This is probably because the distorted sense of time and reduced awareness isn't as significant as in an ASC (e.g. if you compare it to sleep, when you have basically no track of time and very little awareness).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: pha0015 on July 04, 2017, 09:12:29 am
Is there any difference between automatic processes and autonomic processes? If not, are they interchangeable and can they both be accepted by VCAA?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on July 04, 2017, 10:26:35 am
Is there any difference between automatic processes and autonomic processes? If not, are they interchangeable and can they both be accepted by VCAA?

Yes, there are differences. Autonomic processes are carried out by the autonomic nervous system; whereas, automatic processes occur with minimal or no attention or conscious effort. Another way to think about automatic processes is that you can complete two automatic processes concurrently

In terms of awareness we talk about activities such as an experienced rider maintaining balance on a bike as being an automatic process, but doing this uses the skeletal muscles which are controlled by the somatic NS not the autonomic NS.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: raaginim on July 05, 2017, 12:34:26 am
1.Difference between synaptogenesis and circuit formation and neurogenesis?
2. Stimulus discrimination and response discrimination same thing or different?
3. Are LTP and LTD adaptive plasticity or developmental plasticity?
4. Do we need to know about the consolidation theory? On the forum on ATAR notes it days it is removed from this years study design but in out textbook (oxford) there is information on it.
Thank you so much!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on July 06, 2017, 07:10:44 pm
I have a few questions:

- Is sleep deprivation considered to be an ASC?
-How can a sleep diary be indicative of the state of consciousness someone is in?
-Is video monitoring and objective measure or a subjective measure?

Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: mishs on July 06, 2017, 07:28:28 pm
Hey Ashjames!
I believe sleep deprivation CAUSES an ASC but in itself isn't technically an ASC.
Does that make sense?
Wikipedia (yes, yes I know I shouldn't use it but w/e) says "that can cause ASC includes sleep deprivation. This refers to the loss of sleep that will provoke possible seizures, caused by fatigue. Sleep deprivation can be chronic or short-term depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. Many patients can even report hallucinations because sleep deprivation impacts the brain as well. A Harvard Medical school study conducted in 2007, also indicated with the use of MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) that a sleep-deprived brain was not capable of being in control of its sensorimotor functions.[35] Therefore, there was impairment to the patient’s self-awareness. Patients were also prone to be a lot clumsier than if had they not been experiencing sleep deprivation."

I think it's a bit of a grey area, so unless you REALLY have to use it in a response or as an example, I'd steer clear of it and look for simpler, more clear cut examples.

Hope that helped!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: andrew_loka on July 07, 2017, 11:20:24 am
Hey guys,
Just a quick insight on my situation. Unit 3 has finished and Tbh I got average scores so I'm looking to lift heaps in unit 4. Any tips on what I should be doing? Currently, in preparation, i've been doing some practise questions after I make notes on the topic that we study. Also, I've been wondering where I can get unit 4 practise sacs from.
Thanks heaps!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on July 07, 2017, 12:06:15 pm
I have a few questions:

- Is sleep deprivation considered to be an ASC?
-How can a sleep diary be indicative of the state of consciousness someone is in?
-Is video monitoring and objective measure or a subjective measure?

Thanks


Self diaries record a persons (beliefs about their) pattern of behaviour in regards to sleep. For example, the person may be instructed to shade in boxes which hours during which they were asleep, to draw a downwards arrow when they think they fell asleep, and draw an up arrow when they have had caffeine. There may be other symbols for things like food, drink, exercise etc.   This is then given to a researcher who will interpret the data.

Video monitoring is subjective as it is open to interpretation. For example someone might watch the person shift position a lot and say "they're restless" another might say "they were having a bad dream" and another might say "they felt uncomfortable and were shifting to a different position"
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on July 07, 2017, 02:49:58 pm
Hey guys,
Just a quick insight on my situation. Unit 3 has finished and Tbh I got average scores so I'm looking to lift heaps in unit 4. Any tips on what I should be doing? Currently, in preparation, i've been doing some practise questions after I make notes on the topic that we study. Also, I've been wondering where I can get unit 4 practise sacs from.
Thanks heaps!


Hey Andrew!!!
Its totally okay if you didn't do as well as you wished in Unit 3 - those marks were a realty check for you, and know it's great that you have realized that you need to improve!!

I know it can be a bit daunting with these marks, but if you slay unit 4 and the exam you'll be fine!!

Regarding Unit 4 practice SAC's I've got a few and I can link them for you here.However, the key to success in unit 4 is knowing the content back-to-front. Also, what made you get those average marks in unit 3?? was it because you weren't studying sufficiently? Or maybe it was last minute studying? Figure out your areas of weaknesses and work on them!

Remember nobody perfect!! We learn from our mistakes and practice makes perfect!! [just a bunch of cliches to cheer you up!]

Also- Apparently I am only allowed to post 4 attachments. However if you are interested in more quizzes and SAC's for unit 4, shot me an email: [email protected]
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: andrew_loka on July 07, 2017, 03:15:41 pm

Hey Andrew!!!
Its totally okay if you didn't do as well as you wished in Unit 3 - those marks were a realty check for you, and know it's great that you have realized that you need to improve!!

I know it can be a bit daunting with these marks, but if you slay unit 4 and the exam you'll be fine!!

Regarding Unit 4 practice SAC's I've got a few and I can link them for you here.However, the key to success in unit 4 is knowing the content back-to-front. Also, what made you get those average marks in unit 3?? was it because you weren't studying sufficiently? Or maybe it was last minute studying? Figure out your areas of weaknesses and work on them!

Remember nobody perfect!! We learn from our mistakes and practice makes perfect!! [just a bunch of cliches to cheer you up!]

Also- Apparently I am only allowed to post 4 attachments. However if you are interested in more quizzes and SAC's for unit 4, shot me an email: [email protected]

Hey!
Thanks heaps for replying :) I think my problem is wording the questions correctly and time management in SACs (more-so the wording probably cause I picked it up in 3/4 without doing 1/2). I feel like I know the answers but the specific words that need to be there I don't know so I end up explaining it in the answer which makes me drop marks here and there. Thanks heaps for the practise SACs I know I have my sleep and consciousness SAC coming up soon after holidays and then my ERA so hopefully, I can lift up a lot more this unit!
Aiming high!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: madhu04 on July 07, 2017, 09:06:01 pm
Hello everyone, I am new to this forum. I am not even sure if I am asking my question in the correct place! But I am giving it a shot!

I have two questions (it is taken out from a extended response question) ! Can anyone please answer them?

1) Give Explanation of at least two physiological differences between NWC and an ASC.
2) Explanation of another factor that may lead to any identified differences that is not due to being in altered state.

Thanks guys  :) :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: PhoenixxFire on July 08, 2017, 09:25:41 am
Hello everyone, I am new to this forum. I am not even sure if I am asking my question in the correct place! But I am giving it a shot!

I have two questions (it is taken out from a extended response question) ! Can anyone please answer them?

1) Give Explanation of at least two physiological differences between NWC and an ASC.
2) Explanation of another factor that may lead to any identified differences that is not due to being in altered state.

Thanks guys  :) :D

Yes you're in the right place. Welcome to AN. I'm a bit rusty on psychology so correct me if i'm wrong also these aren't the best examples for question 1 but it would be something like:
1. 2 physiological differences between NWC and ASC is that in NWC there is an increased heart rate and higher body temperature than when in an ASC. (explain)
2. The increased body temperature could be due to a high air temperature.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: madhu04 on July 08, 2017, 09:11:49 pm
Yes you're in the right place. Welcome to AN. I'm a bit rusty on psychology so correct me if i'm wrong also these aren't the best examples for question 1 but it would be something like:
1. 2 physiological differences between NWC and ASC is that in NWC there is an increased heart rate and higher body temperature than when in an ASC. (explain)
2. The increased body temperature could be due to a high air temperature.

Thank You so much for replying. Based on your suggestion I got some hint and was able to come with an answer. However I referred some other resources and came to know that in NWC an individual would fairly have steady or normal heart rate and body temperature whereas in ASC an individual Heart rate and Body temperature may increase or decrease depending on the type of ASC an individual is in. ex: Sleep-low Body temperature/Heart rate whereas in drug induced- high body temperature and heart rate.

But indeed really helped me with second question because I was like what?? I HAVE NO IDEA!  :P

Anyway thank you so much again  :) ;D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on July 09, 2017, 10:26:40 am
1.Difference between synaptogenesis and circuit formation and neurogenesis?

Hi raaginim, and welcome to AN! Sorry for the delay in answering - it's been a pretty hectic week with lectures and what-not :)

To be honest, I don't know the difference between these - what I can assure you is that you don't need to know them for VCE Psych (unless your teacher is being really nasty in SAC's - you certainly don't need too for the exam). If anyone else does know the difference feel free to jump in and explain, but I'm not sure - the only knowledge I have here is that synaptogenesis is the forming of synapses early in life.

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2. Stimulus discrimination and response discrimination same thing or different?

Again, I haven't heard of response discrimination, but it certainly sounds like the same thing as stimulus discrimination, which is when a person/animal only responds to a specific stimulus that they were conditioned to respond to. 'Stimulus discrimination' is the term that VCAA will use, not response discrimination.

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3. Are LTP and LTD adaptive plasticity or developmental plasticity?

Personally, I would say developmental plasticity - although again this is outside of the study design and therefore not examinable. For the current study design, both LTP and LTD are considered synaptic plasticity, and developmental and adaptive plasticity don't appear in Unit 3/4.

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4. Do we need to know about the consolidation theory? On the forum on ATAR notes it days it is removed from this years study design but in out textbook (oxford) there is information on it.

Not specifically about consolidation theory , although you do need to know about 'the role of adrenaline in the consolidation of emotionally arousing experiences', according to the study design.

I hope this helps! :)

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amigos on July 10, 2017, 03:16:42 pm
Is there any difference between 'afferent pathway' and 'sensory pathway'? If there's none, which one should I use?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on July 10, 2017, 03:32:26 pm
Is there any difference between 'afferent pathway' and 'sensory pathway'? If there's none, which one should I use?

In regards to neurons "afferent" means "Heading towards the CNS", so this term can be used in regards to sensory information, and is the one the one that I would recommend. In my experience people treat "afferent" as being a "more advanced" term
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on July 10, 2017, 05:40:05 pm
Is there any difference between 'afferent pathway' and 'sensory pathway'? If there's none, which one should I use?

As miniturtle said above, 'afferent' simply means heading towards the CNS, and sensory pathways head towards the CNS - so for VCE Psych they're basically interchangeable. You can use either, but I would recommend 'afferent neuron/pathway', as it sounds smarter ;)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: madhu04 on July 10, 2017, 05:54:23 pm
Which answer is better for this question?   :-[ or any other suggestion if both don't cover all points required to get full marks?

Neural communication is essential for coordinating every thought and action. Provide a detailed description of how two neurons communicate by transmitting and receiving information.  (3 marks)

Answer 1:  Action potential results in terminal button on the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron to release a chemicals called neurotransmitter into the synapse. The neurotransmitter is then received by the dendrite of the post-synaptic neuron.

Answer 2: Communication between the neuron begins with information being transmitted from synapse to the dendrites in the post-synaptic neuron. This information in the form of electrical impulse is then passed through soma and along the axon. This information in the electrical impulse is then passed through soma and along the axon. A neurotransmitter is secreted from terminal buttons to the synapse and is then received by the dendrite of the post-synaptic neuron.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on July 10, 2017, 07:29:43 pm
Which answer is better for this question?   :-[ or any other suggestion if both don't cover all points required to get full marks?

Neural communication is essential for coordinating every thought and action. Provide a detailed description of how two neurons communicate by transmitting and receiving information.  (3 marks)

Answer 1:  Action potential results in terminal button on the axon terminal of the presynaptic neuron to release a chemicals called neurotransmitter into the synapse. The neurotransmitter is then received by the dendrite of the post-synaptic neuron.

Answer 2: Communication between the neuron begins with information being transmitted from synapse to the dendrites in the post-synaptic neuron. This information in the form of electrical impulse is then passed through soma and along the axon. This information in the electrical impulse is then passed through soma and along the axon. A neurotransmitter is secreted from terminal buttons to the synapse and is then received by the dendrite of the post-synaptic neuron.


Hi madhu04,

Personally, I like number 2 better - although I would probably change it a little bit so it reads something like this:

Communication between two neurons occurs at the synapse. Neurotransmitters are released from the terminal buttons of the pre-synaptic neuron, travel across the synaptic gap, and attach to receptors on the dendrites of the post-synaptic neuron. These neurotransmitters then have an effect (either excitatory or inhibitory) on the post-synaptic neuron. This message, or effect, may then spread to the next neuron through neurotransmitters, and so on.

Sorry, I basically rewrote the whole thing, my bad ;)

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Novashock on July 12, 2017, 12:23:37 am
Hey guys!
So idk if this question is really psych related but for those that have previously done psych, do you reckon it's better to do questions from the jacaranda text book or from checkpoints and things such as that? Idk i guess its because i find questions from checkpoints much clearer than those from the textbook, and so I was curious. Also, and these are more psych related, but
1. Explain whether sleep cycles and sleep episodes may occur voluntarily, involuntary or both.
2. Explain whether a hypnogogic state is an ASC distinguishable from sleep or dreaming.
Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on July 12, 2017, 03:43:20 pm
Hey guys!
So idk if this question is really psych related but for those that have previously done psych, do you reckon it's better to do questions from the jacaranda text book or from checkpoints and things such as that? Idk i guess its because i find questions from checkpoints much clearer than those from the textbook, and so I was curious. Also, and these are more psych related, but
1. Explain whether sleep cycles and sleep episodes may occur voluntarily, involuntary or both.
2. Explain whether a hypnogogic state is an ASC distinguishable from sleep or dreaming.
Thanks!

I think that checkpoints is better, for a few reasons:
a) This is the style VCAA presents questions in
b) You will learn how VCAA likes answers to be given
c) You may not always know what exact topic is being tested
However, you also need to ensure that you are adequately covering aspects of the course which are new to the study design.

1. (I'm not 100% confident that this is the correct wording)   Sleep can occur involuntarily, especially when sleep deprived such as when a driver enters a micro-sleep. A person can choose to engage in behaviours which increase the chance of them falling asleep, but this does not guarantee that sleep will occur.

2. Again, not 100% what the answer they want is but here's my take on it:
In a hypnogogic state a person experiences perceptual distortions and may have no muscular control yet remain aware of their surroundings. Awareness of the surrounding environment does not occur during sleep and dreaming, which separates this from those states. The presence of perceptual distortions indicates that this is an ASC.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: syubi on July 14, 2017, 05:06:40 pm
Does anybody know if there's answers available for the 2017 sample exam from VCAA?

I'm confused about Question 7 d ii. where it asks how the standard deviation suggest about the encoding in STM. I understand that SD is how far the scores vary from the mean, but unsure how to word/relate that to the encoding part.
And also question e ii. where it asks to use relevant psychological concepts. Would the answer be something similar to semantic encoding??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on July 14, 2017, 05:51:07 pm
Does anybody know if there's answers available for the 2017 sample exam from VCAA?

I'm confused about Question 7 d ii. where it asks how the standard deviation suggest about the encoding in STM. I understand that SD is how far the scores vary from the mean, but unsure how to word/relate that to the encoding part.
And also question e ii. where it asks to use relevant psychological concepts. Would the answer be something similar to semantic encoding??
VCAA doesn't supply answers for the sample exam, so there is no official answer.

d) ii) That ability to encode words into short-term memory varies between individuals

e) ii) I would link this to elaborative rehearsal
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: littledreamer on July 16, 2017, 10:16:00 am
Hey guys I just wanted to ask if its worth learning the saving score formula? I've seen questions pop up in checkpoints and a TSSM paper but I wasn't taught it in class, what do you guys think? did your teachers teach you the formula? Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on July 16, 2017, 10:19:27 am
Hey guys I just wanted to ask if its worth learning the saving score formula? I've seen questions pop up in checkpoints and a TSSM paper but I wasn't taught it in class, what do you guys think? did your teachers teach you the formula? Thanks :)

I think it's worth it; it shouldn't take very long. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amigos on July 16, 2017, 10:23:34 am
Hey guys I just wanted to ask if its worth learning the saving score formula? I've seen questions pop up in checkpoints and a TSSM paper but I wasn't taught it in class, what do you guys think? did your teachers teach you the formula? Thanks :)

Yup! We were taught it at our school and it popped up on our SAC. Just know the formula and what the score represents.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on July 16, 2017, 12:00:54 pm
Yup! We were taught it at our school and it popped up on our SAC. Just know the formula and what the score represents.

I second this - it's important to know what the score actually represents - which is the amount of info remembered from the first learning experience. So many students learn the formula but don't actually know what it means... definitely worth knowing, although personally I doubt it would come up on an exam.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: dsabeta on July 16, 2017, 04:12:28 pm
Hey guys, I have a question regarding my ERA title.
I've conducted an experiment where I basically conditioned my cat using operant conditioning, however my teacher told me that the title doesn't jump out at her and to try and twist it somehow in order to make it more eye-catching and interesting, but I'm finding it quite difficult to do so hahaha.
SO, I'm currently stuck with "Can you condition a cat to associate the sound of a bell with receiving a treat?". Is there ANY way I can make this title more appealing?  :'(
Any help is appreciated!!

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on July 17, 2017, 06:49:24 pm
Hey guys, I have a question regarding my ERA title.
I've conducted an experiment where I basically conditioned my cat using operant conditioning, however my teacher told me that the title doesn't jump out at her and to try and twist it somehow in order to make it more eye-catching and interesting, but I'm finding it quite difficult to do so hahaha.
SO, I'm currently stuck with "Can you condition a cat to associate the sound of a bell with receiving a treat?". Is there ANY way I can make this title more appealing?  :'(
Any help is appreciated!!

Tough one. There's no obvious answer. Everything I come up with is as long and convoluted as yours, if not worse.

E.g. Can a cat learn to associate the sound of a bell with receiving a treat using operant conditioning? or Can operant conditioning be used to condition a cat to associate the sound of a bell with receiving a treat?

Neither of them are overly good, I'm afraid :(
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on July 18, 2017, 04:35:10 pm
Hey guys, I have a question regarding my ERA title.
I've conducted an experiment where I basically conditioned my cat using operant conditioning, however my teacher told me that the title doesn't jump out at her and to try and twist it somehow in order to make it more eye-catching and interesting, but I'm finding it quite difficult to do so hahaha.
SO, I'm currently stuck with "Can you condition a cat to associate the sound of a bell with receiving a treat?". Is there ANY way I can make this title more appealing?  :'(
Any help is appreciated!!



Maybe "Can cats be classically conditioned?"
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on July 18, 2017, 07:22:38 pm
Okay- dumb question:

I still can't figure out the difference between physiological and psychological?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on July 18, 2017, 07:26:28 pm
Okay- dumb question:

I still can't figure out the difference between physiological and psychological?

No such thing as a dumb question :)

The way I remember it is this (it's not very sciency):
Physiological - in the body (e.g. increased heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, body temp etc.)
Psychological - in the brain
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on July 18, 2017, 07:50:53 pm
Okay- dumb question:

I still can't figure out the difference between physiological and psychological?

physiological -> physical
eg sweating, increased heart rate, trembling
psychological -> mental
eg anxiety, difficulty concentrating

Some can be both eg being tired
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on July 18, 2017, 10:57:11 pm
ughhh how would I be survivig year 12 if there was no Atar notes to clarify everthing for me??? Thanks Howey and miniturtle!!!!!!!  :) ;)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: raaginim on July 19, 2017, 11:16:50 am
1. For psychological and physiological, isn't an EEG physiological even though it has to do with the brain or is it psychological?
2. Is video monitoring a methods of subjective reporting or objective?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: PhoenixxFire on July 19, 2017, 11:27:47 pm
1. For psychological and physiological, isn't an EEG physiological even though it has to do with the brain or is it psychological?
2. Is video monitoring a methods of subjective reporting or objective?

1. Yes an EEG is physiological. It is 'in the brain' but it is not psychological. Another way to think about is that physiological is things you can see (whether by eye or with machinery) whereas psychological you can't see but it can cause physiological reactions (eg. anxiety (psycho.) causing a faster heart rate(physio))

2. Video monitoring is objective because it is not dependant on the individual. Think about it this way. Subjective = subject to the participants opinions/views etc. Objective = Object; can be experienced the same way by many people.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on July 20, 2017, 10:57:16 am
HEY psych students!

I was just wondering where I can find the template for the research methods poster (we have to base our research methods SAC of it)
Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: gabrielx458 on July 21, 2017, 08:29:45 pm
I'm doing Recall vs. Recognition for my psych investigation poster and having trouble identifying how my IV (recall condition and recognition condition) and my DV (how many nonsense syllables are reproduced) will be measured?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on July 21, 2017, 09:29:17 pm
I'm doing Recall vs. Recognition for my psych investigation poster and having trouble identifying how my IV (recall condition and recognition condition) and my DV (how many nonsense syllables are reproduced) will be measured?

I did the same thing :)

For operationalising the DV I did something like: "The number of randomly generated nonsense syllables accurately identified from a previously shown list"
There are definitely also other ways to achieve this.
What exactly are you going to do to be testing recognition rather than recall (or vice versa)? Answering that question should give you your answer for the IV
If you're still stuck let me know and I'll help you with it
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on July 23, 2017, 10:53:40 am
I'm doing Recall vs. Recognition for my psych investigation poster and having trouble identifying how my IV (recall condition and recognition condition) and my DV (how many nonsense syllables are reproduced) will be measured?

As miniturtle said above, the DV would be something like 'The number of nonsense syllables correctly identified from a list of nonsense syllables that was previously shown'.
Depending on how exactly you're doing your experiment, the IV would differ a little bit. For recognition, you might mention how many words are in the list etc., whereas for recall, you might talk about how long they have to recall the words, whether they are writing them etc.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cvkn on July 23, 2017, 09:31:24 pm
I need help! What is the difference between phobia and specific phobia? According to textbook definitions they kinda mean the same thing.....
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on July 24, 2017, 04:53:22 pm
I need help! What is the difference between phobia and specific phobia? According to textbook definitions they kinda mean the same thing.....

In my opinion, I would take them to mean the same thing (I do).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on July 31, 2017, 06:46:10 pm
Hey everyone!!

I was just doing my notes for the dot point 'the effects of a full night of sleep deprivation in comparison with BAC''

Now obviously, going without sleep for a full night is the equivalent of having a BAC of 0.10. But I was just wondering how would you compare that?? They are relatively the same!!

I did some research and I found out that having a BAC of 0.10 will result in euphoria, grater self-confidence and receding of 'good' feelings? Maybe that can be a point of comparison?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on July 31, 2017, 06:54:05 pm
Hey everyone!!

I was just doing my notes for the dot point 'the effects of a full night of sleep deprivation in comparison with BAC''

Now obviously, going without sleep for a full night is the equivalent of having a BAC of 0.10. But I was just wondering how would you compare that?? They are relatively the same!!

I did some research and I found out that having a BAC of 0.10 will result in euphoria, grater self-confidence and receding of 'good' feelings? Maybe that can be a point of comparison?

Yeah, this is an interesting one. It's one area I'm really not sure how they're going to examine.

One thing to note is that sleep deprivation tends to result in a negative mood, while a BAC of 0.10 often results in a positive mood. This could be one point to compare.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: andrew_loka on July 31, 2017, 09:48:45 pm
Hi guys, so my schools starting our ERA and i have no clue what to do mine on. If anyone could lend us a hand and give me some ideas or even send me their old ones if you still got em that would be great! Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amigos on July 31, 2017, 11:17:57 pm
Hi guys, so my schools starting our ERA and i have no clue what to do mine on. If anyone could lend us a hand and give me some ideas or even send me their old ones if you still got em that would be great! Thanks!

Anything to do with memory - it's the simplest area to do it on and there's heaps of studies to base it off.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: andrew_loka on August 01, 2017, 05:33:45 pm
Anything to do with memory - it's the simplest area to do it on and there's heaps of studies to base it off.
Yeah, i'm thinking about doing how chunking improves the amount of items recollected from our short term memory
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on August 01, 2017, 05:38:34 pm
Yeah, i'm thinking about doing how chunking improves the amount of items recollected from our short term memory

That sounds like a pretty good plan to me! Feel free to run us through your ideas; we can give more specific feedback from there. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on August 01, 2017, 06:21:07 pm
Yeah, i'm thinking about doing how chunking improves the amount of items recollected from our short term memory

Chunking would be a nice one to study. My only concern with it is that it appears to have been taken off the study design - but if you've studied it at school then it should be fine.

Another good option (that a lot of people do) is the serial position effect.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: pha0015 on August 01, 2017, 09:25:39 pm
Hi,
1. Do we need to know about different types of attention e.g. selective, focused, divided attention?
2. My textbook says that the EMG detects, amplifies and records the electrical activity of heart muscles? Isn't to supposed to measure muscles (in general)?
3. Is there any difference between muscle atonia and cataplexy? My textbook implies that cataplexy is paralysis when the person is conscious (is this just after waking) and that muscle atonia happens during REM sleep.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Glasses on August 04, 2017, 05:09:28 pm
Hi,
1. Do we need to know about different types of attention e.g. selective, focused, divided attention?
2. My textbook says that the EMG detects, amplifies and records the electrical activity of heart muscles? Isn't to supposed to measure muscles (in general)?
3. Is there any difference between muscle atonia and cataplexy? My textbook implies that cataplexy is paralysis when the person is conscious (is this just after waking) and that muscle atonia happens during REM sleep.

Hey there!
1. Based on the study design, I'm going to say no - there is no mention of the types of attention in the study design (in fact the only time 'attention' is mentioned is regards to the observational learning process) - so I think it is quite unlikely you'll be asked about the types of attention.
2. You're definitely right in questioning that! I'm confident that an EMG measures the electrical activity of the muscles in general, so I wouldn't use the textbook's explanation. (Which textbook is it by the way?)
3. Cataplexy is a sudden period of muscle weakness that generally occurs during the day and often occurs after 'strong emotions'. Muscle atonia, on the other hand, usually refers to the significant relaxation/paralysis of the skeletal muscles during REM. Therefore I'd say a key difference is that cataplexy occurs whilst conscious; whilst muscle atonia occurs whilst asleep (and specifically whilst in REM sleep).

Best of luck! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on August 04, 2017, 07:52:10 pm
Hi,
1. Do we need to know about different types of attention e.g. selective, focused, divided attention?
2. My textbook says that the EMG detects, amplifies and records the electrical activity of heart muscles? Isn't to supposed to measure muscles (in general)?
3. Is there any difference between muscle atonia and cataplexy? My textbook implies that cataplexy is paralysis when the person is conscious (is this just after waking) and that muscle atonia happens during REM sleep.

As narcolepsy has been cut from the study design I doubt that we would need to know about cataplexy.
I would, however, have that that we should be aware of the different types of attention as related to awareness.
I 100% agree with Glasses in regards to the EMG
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on August 05, 2017, 08:27:48 pm
Hey everyone.

I'm a bit confused, for consciousness do I compare a full nights sleep deprivation to a BAC of 0.05 or 0.10? Because in a technical sense, a full nights of sleep deprivation is not 1 full day, it is more likely 2 or 3 days because we sleep for 8 hours everyday, not 24 hours. So I was just confused- if anyone has finished their notes for this can you tell me how you did it?- would be really helpful
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on August 06, 2017, 10:19:00 am
As narcolepsy has been cut from the study design I doubt that we would need to know about cataplexy.
I would, however, have that that we should be aware of the different types of attention as related to awareness.
I 100% agree with Glasses in regards to the EMG

Yeah, I agree with this as well.

Personally, I would learn about the different types of attention (the two being selective/focused and divided) - they're very easy.

EMG definitely all muscles.

Definitely don't need to know about narcolepsy and its associated effects.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on August 06, 2017, 10:23:17 am
Hey everyone.

I'm a bit confused, for consciousness do I compare a full nights sleep deprivation to a BAC of 0.05 or 0.10? Because in a technical sense, a full nights of sleep deprivation is not 1 full day, it is more likely 2 or 3 days because we sleep for 8 hours everyday, not 24 hours. So I was just confused- if anyone has finished their notes for this can you tell me how you did it?- would be really helpful

Personally, I would say that 24 hours 'sustained wakefulness', or one day of sleep deprivation, is equivalent to a BAC of 0.10% in terms of performance on cognitive psychomotor tasks. 17 hours sustained wakefulness = BAC of 0.05%.

It is a bit of a tricky area, that's for sure :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on August 08, 2017, 04:18:00 pm
Hey everyone.

I'm a bit confused, for consciousness do I compare a full nights sleep deprivation to a BAC of 0.05 or 0.10? Because in a technical sense, a full nights of sleep deprivation is not 1 full day, it is more likely 2 or 3 days because we sleep for 8 hours everyday, not 24 hours. So I was just confused- if anyone has finished their notes for this can you tell me how you did it?- would be really helpful

I think you are confusing sleep deprivation and sleep debt. 

If a teenager stays awake from 8 am Friday to 8 am Saturday they have 24 hours sleep deprivation and 9 hours sleep debt.

Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on August 08, 2017, 09:15:10 pm
Guys, for the stages of sleep (NREM and REM), is it true that we don't need to know the brain waves and physiological responses for each stage?
The study design says that we don't but my school taught it for some reason??

If we don't need to know the brain waves for each stage and the physiological responses, then what do we actually need to know about the sleep stages?

Thanks!! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on August 09, 2017, 07:05:21 am
Guys, for the stages of sleep (NREM and REM), is it true that we don't need to know the brain waves and physiological responses for each stage?
The study design says that we don't but my school taught it for some reason??

If we don't need to know the brain waves for each stage and the physiological responses, then what do we actually need to know about the sleep stages?

Thanks!! :)

It was part of the old study design,  but you do NOT need to know it this year.

I can't give you a definitive answer on what we do need, but make sure you learn how the proportions  of each stage changes throughout the lifespan.  Also things like which stage someone can be most easily woken up from. 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on August 09, 2017, 09:15:21 am
Guys, for the stages of sleep (NREM and REM), is it true that we don't need to know the brain waves and physiological responses for each stage?
The study design says that we don't but my school taught it for some reason??

If we don't need to know the brain waves for each stage and the physiological responses, then what do we actually need to know about the sleep stages?

Thanks!! :)

To be honest, I don't think anybody really knows. My understanding is it's not in the study design, but schools might be teaching it briefly just in case (due to it being the first year of the new study design etc.). :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on August 09, 2017, 04:32:06 pm
Hey Butterfly girl

On the study design, it specifically states that corresponding brainwaves to each stage of sleep need not be known- so that answers your question
Regarding what you actually need to know, just what basically happens in each stage. For example, during stage 1, hypnic jerks can occur, Stage 4 NREM sleep is the deepest stages of sleep and REM sleep is characterized by a paralysis in muscles, called Atonia. Just characteristic of each stage.

I hope this helps you
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on August 13, 2017, 10:08:09 am
Hey Butterfly girl

On the study design, it specifically states that corresponding brainwaves to each stage of sleep need not be known- so that answers your question
Regarding what you actually need to know, just what basically happens in each stage. For example, during stage 1, hypnic jerks can occur, Stage 4 NREM sleep is the deepest stages of sleep and REM sleep is characterized by a paralysis in muscles, called Atonia. Just characteristic of each stage.

I hope this helps you

Personally, I don't even think that you'll need to know about things such as hypnic jerks, as the study design also specifically excludes physiological responses to each stage. It's really tough to tell what you actually need to know - definitely not brain waves. I would think simply things like duration of each stage, the amount of each stage through the lifespan and through a sleep episode, and how difficult a person is to wake (e.g. difficult during NREM stage 4, fairly easy during REM?NREM stage 1).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: pha0015 on August 21, 2017, 10:03:34 pm
What do we need to know about stimulants and depressants in regards to consciousness? My textbook is regurgitating everything, from short term effects to long term effects for over 10 different drugs. Do we need to know all that?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: -273.15 on August 22, 2017, 09:29:15 am
Hello :)
With the 4P model, could certain risk factors act as more than 1P in different situations?
for instance, poor sleep is typically referred to as a precipitating risk factor but say someone already has a mental disorder, and is experiencing poor sleep (possibly due to the mental disorder), would poor sleep be a perpetuating risk factor in this case?

Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on August 22, 2017, 06:31:55 pm
What do we need to know about stimulants and depressants in regards to consciousness? My textbook is regurgitating everything, from short term effects to long term effects for over 10 different drugs. Do we need to know all that?

Short answer - no.

In terms of stimulants and depressants, the only time they are explicitly listed on the study design is in relation to brainwaves, and the changes that they cause. (Stimulants = more beta, Depressants = more alpha, theta, delta).

In regards to consciousness, I personally don't think there's too much you need to know. For example, remember than senses will be heightened by using a stimulant and dulled by using a depressant (pretty common sense), and basic things like that.

In terms of knowing different stimulants/depressants, I would remember that caffeine, nicotine and amphetamines are a stimulant, and alcohol, benzos and opiates (e.g. heroin) are classified as depressants. However, I would expect them to tell you most of the time, unless it's something really obvious like caffeine.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on August 22, 2017, 06:33:42 pm
Hello :)
With the 4P model, could certain risk factors act as more than 1P in different situations?
for instance, poor sleep is typically referred to as a precipitating risk factor but say someone already has a mental disorder, and is experiencing poor sleep (possibly due to the mental disorder), would poor sleep be a perpetuating risk factor in this case?

Hi -273.15!

Yes, they probably could be in reality, but I would always class them in one category only if possible, just to reduce confusion, both for you and the examiners. There should be a table in the textbook that shows which category they fall in.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on August 27, 2017, 11:54:41 am
hey guys


I was just wondering, on the study design it says that we need to know the effects of sleep walking and sleep onset insomnia on the sleep-wake cycle.

What is meant by this?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: forbiddensoulxx on August 27, 2017, 12:30:39 pm
Hey guys, just had a question about the 4P model. I get that predisposing factors are previous factors which make an individual more likely to develop a mental illness, but what is the difference between predisposing and precipitating risk factors?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on August 27, 2017, 12:34:45 pm
hey guys


I was just wondering, on the study design it says that we need to know the effects of sleep walking and sleep onset insomnia on the sleep-wake cycle.

What is meant by this?

Good question! Basically, sleep walking doesn't have a huge effect on the sleep-wake cycle, but people may experience a reduced amount of sleep and a reduced amount of NREM 3/4 sleep if they keep waking up because they're sleep walking. Therefore, they may experience sleep deprivation and excessive sleepiness during waking hours.

Sleep-onset insomnia is a bit clearer. If people aren't able to fall asleep, they will probably have a reduced sleep time and therefore suffer from partial sleep deprivation (if they have to get up for school/work the next morning and can't sleep in). This can then result in excessive sleepiness during waking hours.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on August 27, 2017, 12:38:33 pm
Hey guys, just had a question about the 4P model. I get that predisposing factors are previous factors which make an individual more likely to develop a mental illness, but what is the difference between predisposing and precipitating risk factors?

Great question! They are pretty similar, there is just a very subtle difference.

A predisposing risk factor increases susceptibility to a particular mental disorder. The best example of this is genetic vulnerability.

A precipitating risk factor increase susceptibility to and also contribute to the occurrence of a particular mental disorder. These factors generally occur just before the onset of a disorder - think of things like a break-up/death and substance use.

The difference is pretty small and there can be some overlap - I would suggest you memorise the table in the textbook showing the 4P factor model :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on August 27, 2017, 12:46:28 pm
Good question! Basically, sleep walking doesn't have a huge effect on the sleep-wake cycle, but people may experience a reduced amount of sleep and a reduced amount of NREM 3/4 sleep if they keep waking up because they're sleeping walking. Therefore, they may experience sleep deprivation and excessive sleepiness during waking hours.

Sleep-onset insomnia is a bit clearer. If people aren't able to fall asleep, they will probably have a reduced sleep time and therefore suffer from partial sleep deprivation (if they have to get up for school/work the next morning and can't sleep in). This can then result in excessive sleepiness during waking hours.


My gosh Howey, you never fail to impress

Thank you so much- it makes sense now!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: forbiddensoulxx on August 27, 2017, 12:50:14 pm

Thanks a lot for that! The small difference makes sense now. :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on August 27, 2017, 04:27:54 pm
Hey guys,

Just a quick question

I was just wondering when you are comparing the effects of sleep deprivation with BAC for concentration, can we say that when an individual is sleep deprived they have difficulty completing simple tasks, and finds it easy completing complex tasks, whereas an individual with a BAC of .05 finds it difficult to complete difficult tasks [such as driving  car] and simple tasks [such as walking on a line steadily]

Was just wondering because VCAA it is very vague about this dot point
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on August 27, 2017, 06:26:31 pm
I was just wondering when you are comparing the effects of sleep deprivation with BAC for concentration, can we say that when an individual is sleep deprived they have difficulty completing simple tasks, and finds it easy completing complex tasks, whereas an individual with a BAC of .05 finds it difficult to complete difficult tasks [such as driving  car] and simple tasks [such as walking on a line steadily]
I wouldn't say they find it "easy" to complete complex tasks, they are just less disadvantaged than simple ones. I don't feel like this is different for driving, but I could be wrong.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on August 27, 2017, 09:05:01 pm
Hey Guys,

Just finishing off some old sleep notes and I came across that basically a person will feel the most tired upon being woken up from stages 3 and 4 of NREM.

Anyone know why this is?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on August 28, 2017, 06:51:27 am
Hey Guys,

Just finishing off some old sleep notes and I came across that basically a person will feel the most tired upon being woken up from stages 3 and 4 of NREM.

Anyone know why this is?

Stages 3&4 NREM are deep sleep, and it is most difficult to wake someone from this state.
The deeper the sleep the bigger the impact: Usually someone woken in stage 3 will feel groggy and be disorientated; someone woken from stage four will usually take several minutes to become oriented and will also feel groggy. This is also termed "sleep inertia".

Think of it as the body wasn't prepared to be woken up, and now that that has happened there is a bit of delay before you catch up.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on August 28, 2017, 10:22:18 am

My gosh Howey, you never fail to impress

Thank you so much- it makes sense now!

He's a great man, isn't he? :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on August 29, 2017, 04:09:14 pm
Hey I just had a few questions:

Why is Jet lag worse when an individual travels east?

What are 2 qualitative and 2 quantitative measures that could be found on a sleep diary?

Does EEG produce qualitative or quantitative results? Is EEG a primary or secondary source of data?

What is one limitation  of the restoration theory?

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: bdgonz on August 29, 2017, 05:52:15 pm
Hey I just had a few questions:

Why is Jet lag worse when an individual travels east?

What are 2 qualitative and 2 quantitative measures that could be found on a sleep diary?

Does EEG produce qualitative or quantitative results? Is EEG a primary or secondary source of data?

What is one limitation  of the restoration theory?



Not too sure about the Jet Lag question, but I know the phrase 'West is Best', but I'm also unsure why. This article may have the answer:
http://www.traveller.com.au/why-is-jet-lag-worse-when-flying-east-gqehul

Sleep diary:
Qualitative: Individual's writing down details of their sleep when they wake up OR waking up individuals during specific stages of sleep and asking them to describe their experiences
Quantitative: Waking up individuals and asking them to rate their quality sleep from a scale of 1-10 (can't really think of another one for quantitative, maybe asking participants to state the NUMBER of dreams they remember having in a sleep).

An EEG is a GRAPH, and GRAPHS are always quantitative data. An EEG can be a primary or a secondary source. If the experimenter directly uses an EEG themselves, then it is primary, however if the experimenter seeks EEG results from an external source, it will be secondary.

One limitation of the restoration theory is that if we abide by it, a person that is bed-ridden (lacks physical activity) should technically spend less time in NREM sleep (as it is unlikely that their body needs to be replenished due to limited physical activity). This however is untrue (it is still approximately 20% REM and 80% NREM).

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on August 29, 2017, 06:46:57 pm
Hey guys,


Just some more questions:


How do you reduce the effects of shift work disorder?

-o you allow the individual to stay one one shift for an extended period of time and then shift their work shift forward?

OR

-Do you allow an individual to stay in one shift for an extended period of time and then shift their work shift backward?


2. what if the lethal BAC for most adults?

3. compare the sleep patterns of adolescents with that of elderly. [2 differences]

4. On a question I got, we had to chose which fact was the most correct about sleep and there was:

-As we age the proportion of NREM sleep increases
- as we age the proportion of REM sleep decreases?

Which one is the most correct answer?????
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on August 29, 2017, 08:09:09 pm
Does anyone have tips on improving the long answer questions (10 mark ones and 6 mark ones) for psych?

I have no idea where to start with these and the expected structure etc.



Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: PhoenixxFire on August 29, 2017, 09:34:50 pm
Does anyone have tips on improving the long answer questions (10 mark ones and 6 mark ones) for psych?

I have no idea where to start with these and the expected structure etc.





Approach them like you would a really short essay, generally these will be your scenario questions so just work your way through it. Make sure you can see what the 10 marks would be for (ie. make 10 points) If you want to post one of your questions i'll tell you how I would approach it but i probably won't be much help with the actual answer because i did Psych last year (old study design)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on August 30, 2017, 09:05:44 am
Does anyone have tips on improving the long answer questions (10 mark ones and 6 mark ones) for psych?

I have no idea where to start with these and the expected structure etc.





Similar thoughts to PhoenixxFire's post above. I think a bit part of doing well in these questions is simply understanding where your marks will come from. I'd recommend spending 5-10 minutes on a few 6-10 mark questions trying to map out such a breakdown; this should (hopefully) help work out how to approach the question. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: shxre on August 30, 2017, 10:15:14 am
How much do we need to know about sleep hygiene and stimulus control therapy? Just wondering because it is in the textbook but we didn't really cover it in class that much or get assessed on it in our SAC?
Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on August 30, 2017, 06:07:52 pm
Okay thankyou!

And also, how much detail would we need to know for the reception and transmission across the synapse?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on August 31, 2017, 10:46:50 pm
Okay thankyou!
And also, how much detail would we need to know for the reception and transmission across the synapse?

You need to know the names of the neural structures (axon terminal, dendrite, synaptic gap etc), you need to know that neurotransmitters are released from vesicles in the axon terminal and that they attach to receptors on the dendrites. You should also be able to relate inhibitory & excitatory effects to the lock and key model, and show awareness of uptake channels.



For others aswell:

Its always easiest to shift the sleep wake cycle BACK rather than forward. This is why "west is best" and progressively later shifts are better than progressively earlier shifts.

Also north/south is better than east or west, and keeping the same shift is better than a rotating roster.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on September 03, 2017, 12:00:50 pm
How much do we need to know about sleep hygiene and stimulus control therapy? Just wondering because it is in the textbook but we didn't really cover it in class that much or get assessed on it in our SAC?
Thanks!

I doubt you'll have to know much about sleep hygiene and stimulus control therapy, although I would have a basic idea what they involve. I don't think VCAA will ask a question specifically about either of them, but there may be an in-depth answer on CBT as a whole where you could use that information (particularly if CBT was in the ER question).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on September 04, 2017, 12:04:46 am
Hey I just had a few questions:

Why is Jet lag worse when an individual travels east?


I hope this isn't too late, but I think my teacher explained it because of the reason that the body has a natural tendency for the sleep-wake cycle to be extended to a 25 hour long period rather than a 24 hours long period. (Jacaranda Textbook, pg397 Box 9.1). Therefore, since travelling east 'shortens' the day (since time will 'jump' forward'), it runs counter to our natural tendency for the biological clock to extend the day. Whereas, travelling west 'lengthens' the day (since time will 'jump' backwards' - giving more daylight) and therefore runs with our biological clock's tendency to extend the day.

To clarify the 'jump' forward or backward: imagine you are travelling to Singapore. There is normally a three hour difference, with Australia being 3 hours ahead of Singapore, i.e. 12pm in Melbourne is 9am in Singapore. When you get on the plane to go to Singapore, you are travelling west. If you depart Melbourne at Noon, you will arrive Singapore at 8pm (Melbourne time). However, in Singapore, this is only 5pm (local time), meaning that your day has been 'extended'.
On the other hand, if you are travelling from Singapore to Melbourne, leaving at noon and arriving at 8pm (Singapore time), the local time in Melbourne will be 11pm. Therefore, your day has been 'shortened'.

Hope this clarified things. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: pha0015 on September 05, 2017, 05:12:46 pm
On a recent SAC, there was the following question:
"What does the EEG measure?" 1 mark
My answer was:
"The EEG measures the electrical activity of the brain in the form of brainwaves."
The teacher said that my answer was wrong and that the correct answer should be:
"The EEG detects, amplifies and records the electrical activity of the brain in the form of brainwaves."

Was my marking truly deserved? I think that I answered the question fully, considering that the question already provides the function of what the EEG does, which I reiterated fully.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 05, 2017, 05:36:27 pm

On a recent SAC, there was the following question:
"What does the EEG measure?" 1 mark
My answer was:
"The EEG measures the electrical activity of the brain in the form of brainwaves."
The teacher said that my answer was wrong and that the correct answer should be:
"The EEG detects, amplifies and records the electrical activity of the brain in the form of brainwaves."

Was my marking truly deserved? I think that I answered the question fully, considering that the question already provides the function of what the EEG does, which I reiterated fully.

VCAA asked this exact question and used the same marking scheme as your teacher, so I don't feel that you can really contest the mark
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on September 05, 2017, 05:38:38 pm
On a recent SAC, there was the following question:
"What does the EEG measure?" 1 mark
My answer was:
"The EEG measures the electrical activity of the brain in the form of brainwaves."
The teacher said that my answer was wrong and that the correct answer should be:
"The EEG detects, amplifies and records the electrical activity of the brain in the form of brainwaves."

Was my marking truly deserved? I think that I answered the question fully, considering that the question already provides the function of what the EEG does, which I reiterated fully.

I think you definitely need the DARE (detects, amplifies and records electrical activity in...) acronym. It seems pretty specific and sucks, but yeah, probably fair marking in that particular instance IMO.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on September 05, 2017, 06:53:25 pm
I think you definitely need the DARE (detects, amplifies and records electrical activity in...) acronym. It seems pretty specific and sucks, but yeah, probably fair marking in that particular instance IMO.

Yup. The EEG, EMG and EOG definitions are the only three in the entire course that I tell students to know word-for-word. Must have DARE.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: joshgoundar on September 10, 2017, 08:37:43 pm
As the exam is approaching, I was wandering how would tackle the 10-marker this year. Since it is a new study design, how should we approach it?
I've seen a lot of people mentioning that the 2016 example, is a good representation, as this year is focusing on "evaluating" results/theories.
But my school hasn't started exam revision, and I am still unsure on how to tackle the 10 marker this year.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 10, 2017, 08:45:10 pm
As the exam is approaching, I was wandering how would tackle the 10-marker this year. Since it is a new study design, how should we approach it?
I've seen a lot of people mentioning that the 2016 example, is a good representation, as this year is focusing on "evaluating" results/theories.
But my school hasn't started exam revision, and I am still unsure on how to tackle the 10 marker this year.

Practice reading other research and identifying IV, DV, EV, etc what would a suitable hypothesis, aim, conclusion etc  be. Importantly consider the ethics, ability to  generalise,  validity and reliability. How would you improve this experiment? What sampling & allocation procedures were used?  What are the advantages of them?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on September 11, 2017, 09:07:45 am
I'm a bit confused, what is the difference between predisposing and precipitating risk factors? Don't they both increases an individuals susceptibility to having a mental health disorder????  ???
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: osporth on September 11, 2017, 09:40:15 am
I'm a bit confused, what is the difference between predisposing and precipitating risk factors? Don't they both increases an individuals susceptibility to having a mental health disorder????  ???

From my understanding, predisposing increase vulnerability and are present for a longer period of time than precipitating. Precipitating influence the person's current mental state and are not necessarily long term. For example a predisposing factor would be a genetic link whereas a precipitating could be something relating to your current situation such as being under high stress.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on September 11, 2017, 09:43:14 am
Okay one more question, in my psych textbook it says that low self-efficacy is a good predictor of low mental health and high self-efficacy is a good predictor of high mental health. Isn't it suppose to be the other way around????
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: osporth on September 11, 2017, 09:51:06 am
Okay one more question, in my psych textbook it says that low self-efficacy is a good predictor of low mental health and high self-efficacy is a good predictor of high mental health. Isn't it suppose to be the other way around????

Self-efficacy refers to how much a person believes they are able to successfully approach a situation or task, so higher levels of self-efficiacy would mean that they believe more in themselves.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on September 11, 2017, 10:01:24 am
Self-efficacy refers to how much a person believes they are able to successfully approach a situation or task, so higher levels of self-efficiacy would mean that they believe more in themselves.

Ohhhhh, I get it.
thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 11, 2017, 05:59:14 pm
I'm a bit confused, what is the difference between predisposing and precipitating risk factors? Don't they both increases an individuals susceptibility to having a mental health disorder????  ???
yes, both of them do increase susceptibility. However, precipitating risk factors also contribute to occurrence. 
Eg having GABA disfunction (predisposing) vs nearly drowning (precipitating) in the development of a phobia of water
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on September 11, 2017, 10:56:49 pm
I'm a bit confused, what is the difference between predisposing and precipitating risk factors? Don't they both increases an individuals susceptibility to having a mental health disorder????  ???

Predisposing risk factors are those that 'pre-exist' in the individual. These are often the genetic factors of the individual such as a GABA dysfunction or a relative with a mental disorder. Keep in mind that these do not guarantee the development of a disorder, but only increase the risk. Precipitating risk factors tend to be the events that 'trigger' the mental health disorder, for example, these could the loss of a significant relationship that increases both the susceptibility and occurrence of the disorder.

I like to think of all predisposing risk factors as genetic. I then go to perpetuating to see the events that are ongoing, and then the remaining are either protective or precipitating. This can make it easier for elimination of the options :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 11, 2017, 11:06:52 pm
Predisposing risk factors are those that 'pre-exist' in the individual. These are often the genetic factors of the individual such as a GABA dysfunction or a relative with a mental disorder. Keep in mind that these do not guarantee the development of a disorder, but only increase the risk. Precipitating risk factors tend to be the events that 'trigger' the mental health disorder, for example, these could the loss of a significant relationship that increases both the susceptibility and occurrence of the disorder.

I like to think of all predisposing risk factors as genetic. I then go to perpetuating to see the events that are ongoing, and then the remaining are either protective or precipitating. This can make it easier for elimination of the options :)

Please also remember that non-genetic factors can also be predisposing eg. Disorgsnised attachment.

Otherwise, good points :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: abbeyrose on September 12, 2017, 12:43:28 pm
Could I please have some help with answering this question? Thank you in advance!

List some of the matched interventions that may be used at the various stages outlined in the transtheoretical model of behaviour change for a person who suffers anxiety.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on September 12, 2017, 08:07:28 pm
Can anyone please explain how "specific environmental triggers" precipitate a phobia. Basically what even are specific environmental triggers, the textbook doesn't explain them that well.

Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 12, 2017, 08:56:01 pm
Can anyone please explain how "specific environmental triggers" precipitate a phobia. Basically what even are specific environmental triggers, the textbook doesn't explain them that well.

Thanks


Specific environmental trigger refers to a negative experience with an object or situation which causes the development of specific phobia.
Eg, Developing a phobia of an animal after being bitten by one
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on September 13, 2017, 04:49:18 pm
Specific environmental trigger refers to a negative experience with an object or situation which causes the development of specific phobia.
Eg, Developing a phobia of an animal after being bitten by one

Spot on. A traumatic experience with the phobic stimulus that 'caused' the phobia.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: syubi on September 13, 2017, 06:40:46 pm
Just a little wording thing, but for the definition for a precipitating risk factor would you say it increases susceptibility and contribute to occurrence of a specific mental disorder? Or increase susceptibility and contribute to re-occurrence?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 13, 2017, 06:43:17 pm
Just a little wording thing, but for the definition for a precipitating risk factor would you say it increases susceptibility and contribute to occurrence of a specific mental disorder? Or increase susceptibility and contribute to re-occurrence?
definitely occurrence

The mental health disorder does not have to have previously presented
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: mdon on September 14, 2017, 10:38:39 am
Hi all, so for the freeze response of the fight-flight-freeze, is it sympathetic or parasympathetic NS? Obviously fight and flight are sympathetic, but I have seen conflicting opinions regarding the freeze response. Some textbooks/companies are saying sympathetic, others are saying parasympathetic and both my teacher and I aren't sure as we can somewhat see both sides. Anyone have any solutions? Thanks heaps!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on September 14, 2017, 10:49:59 am
Hi all, so for the freeze response of the fight-flight-freeze, is it sympathetic or parasympathetic NS? Obviously fight and flight are sympathetic, but I have seen conflicting opinions regarding the freeze response. Some textbooks/companies are saying sympathetic, others are saying parasympathetic and both my teacher and I aren't sure as we can somewhat see both sides. Anyone have any solutions? Thanks heaps!

Hey mdon,

Welcome to ATAR Notes. :)

I'm on my phone and honestly haven't given this much thought at all, but I'd imagine sympathetic. What would be your reasoning for parasympathetic?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: mdon on September 14, 2017, 06:17:33 pm
Hey mdon,

Welcome to ATAR Notes. :)

I'm on my phone and honestly haven't given this much thought at all, but I'd imagine sympathetic. What would be your reasoning for parasympathetic?

Hey, thanks for your response. This is quoting straight out of the Nelson textbook regarding the freeze response: "However, when we are involved in life-threatening situations, such as serious accidents or violent crime, we may feel so overwhelmed and terrified by the event that we become traumatised. When this happens, we adopt the freeze response as our last attempt to survive. During the freeze response the sympathetic nervous system is suppressed and the parasympathetic nervous system is automatically activated. This stops us from attempting a fight or flight response that we feel has no chance of success. The freeze response is our most extreme defence strategy. It immobilises us by conserving our energy and directing it only to organs in the body's core we need for basic survival until the danger has passed. This is why people in a freeze state lose all power to communicate."

It goes on, but I think that's the gist of it. I've also found the companies QATs and Neap to have also said that it is the parasympathetic nervous system that is activated during the freeze response in the answers to some of their questions.

However, in saying that, the company STAV among others argue that it is the sympathetic nervous system that is activated.

So really, there are multiple reputable companies basically straight out disagreeing here, and it's left me pretty stumped. Is there any way we can know for sure?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: boooom on September 16, 2017, 09:46:52 am
Hey, thanks for your response. This is quoting straight out of the Nelson textbook regarding the freeze response: "However, when we are involved in life-threatening situations, such as serious accidents or violent crime, we may feel so overwhelmed and terrified by the event that we become traumatised. When this happens, we adopt the freeze response as our last attempt to survive. During the freeze response the sympathetic nervous system is suppressed and the parasympathetic nervous system is automatically activated. This stops us from attempting a fight or flight response that we feel has no chance of success. The freeze response is our most extreme defence strategy. It immobilises us by conserving our energy and directing it only to organs in the body's core we need for basic survival until the danger has passed. This is why people in a freeze state lose all power to communicate."

It goes on, but I think that's the gist of it. I've also found the companies QATs and Neap to have also said that it is the parasympathetic nervous system that is activated during the freeze response in the answers to some of their questions.

However, in saying that, the company STAV among others argue that it is the sympathetic nervous system that is activated.

So really, there are multiple reputable companies basically straight out disagreeing here, and it's left me pretty stumped. Is there any way we can know for sure?

I asked my teacher (she's a VCAA examiner) and she said that: 1) the parasympathetic is activated as it is associated with calming and relaxing effects, such as those seen in the freeze stage, and 2) if something is in a textbook, VCAA will mark it as correct (even if it really isn't).

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on September 16, 2017, 01:15:42 pm
hello everyone

I was jut wondering, in my textbook it says that unconscious responses are controlled by the somatic NS and the spinal cord, but in the notes I got it says they are controlled by the autonomic NS- which one is correct?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Novashock on September 16, 2017, 01:26:39 pm
Hey guys!
So i just did a practice exam, and I'm kind of confused about some of the answers to the multiple choice questions. Can someone please explain these to me?

1) Every morning, I let the chickens out of the henhouse where they roost overnight. As soon as they hear me coming, they begin to to scrape and peck at the door. This is likely explained by:
a) operant conditioning - opening henhouse is antecedent
b) classical condition - footsteps are conditioned stimulus
c) classical conditioning - opening door is UCS
d) operant conditioning - footsteps are antecedent
apparently the answer is D? i don't get how tho, I thought it was B.

2) Jimmy is three years old. One day when his mother took him to the supermarket, he noticed a box of Chuppa-Chups and screamed over and over “Want a lollipop; Want a lollipop!” his mother was embarrassed by the noise and gave him a Chuppa-Chup to suck – Jimmy became quiet immediately! After this had happened again, Jimmy becomes excited and yells “Want Lollipop, Want Lollipop!” whenever they approach the supermarket door and his mother gives him a
Chuppa-Chup as soon as she can.
How has conditioning influenced Jimmy's mother?
a) she has been negatively reinforced for the behaviour of giving Jimmy a lollipop.
b) she has been positively reinforced for the behaviour of giving jimmy a lollipop.
c and d are wrong so doesnt matter. I thought it was A, since giving the lollipop to Jimmy removes the negative stimulus of his screaming, increasing the likelihood of his mother performing the behaviour in the future. But apparently its B? i don't get it, pls explain.

3) Jacqui is undergoing an EEG as she attempts to solve complex puzzles. After a while she understands the problem and begins to work faster. Her EEG readings would show:
a) theta and gamma waves
b) beta and theta waves
c) theta and delta waves
d) gamma and beta waves
I circled B since she started working faster and understood the problem i didn't really get how there would be any gamma waves, she'd be more relaxed, but apparently the answer is D?

4) which of these phobias is likely to be resistent to treatment by systematic desensitisation?
a) fear of butterflies
b) fear of lifts
c) fear of failure
d) fear of snakes
i said failure bc how would you increasingly phobic approximations of failure, and you could use systematic desensitisation for snakes, but apparently the answer is D?

5) What does the term "GABA agonist" mean?
a) increases effects of GABA
b) decreases effects of GABA
c) acts as artificual GABA
d) replaces GABA
this might be more simple, but i thought GABA agonists imitate GABA, so it should be C? but apparently its A so.

THANKS GUYS
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 16, 2017, 02:28:27 pm
hello everyone

I was jut wondering, in my textbook it says that unconscious responses are controlled by the somatic NS and the spinal cord, but in the notes I got it says they are controlled by the autonomic NS- which one is correct?
Spinal reflex: somatic NS & spinal cord
Anything else that is involuntary: autonomic

To answer your question,  your notes are correct


@Novashock  I'm confused by some of the answers too, I strongly suspect that mistakes were made
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on September 16, 2017, 02:48:21 pm
hey guys [again]

amendments say we need to know GABA in PD- can someone please explain the role of GABA in Parkinson's disease. I only have the role of dopamine.

Appreciated-  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 16, 2017, 03:08:43 pm
hey guys [again]

amendments say we need to know GABA in PD- can someone please explain the role of GABA in Parkinson's disease. I only have the role of dopamine.

Appreciated-  :)

Your knowledge is fine,  this year you are allowed to know either GABA or dopamines role,  and don't need both.   Future years need to know dopamines role (only)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: forbiddensoulxx on September 16, 2017, 04:29:49 pm
1) Every morning, I let the chickens out of the henhouse where they roost overnight. As soon as they hear me coming, they begin to to scrape and peck at the door. This is likely explained by:
a) operant conditioning - opening henhouse is antecedent
b) classical condition - footsteps are conditioned stimulus
c) classical conditioning - opening door is UCS
d) operant conditioning - footsteps are antecedent
apparently the answer is D? i don't get how tho, I thought it was B.
For this, all I can think since the question doesn't explicitly state there is a particular naturally occurring response by the sound of you coming, such as them salivating or something, it would only make sense for it to be operant conditioning, as their response of scraping and pecking in voluntary.


2) Jimmy is three years old. One day when his mother took him to the supermarket, he noticed a box of Chuppa-Chups and screamed over and over “Want a lollipop; Want a lollipop!” his mother was embarrassed by the noise and gave him a Chuppa-Chup to suck – Jimmy became quiet immediately! After this had happened again, Jimmy becomes excited and yells “Want Lollipop, Want Lollipop!” whenever they approach the supermarket door and his mother gives him a
Chuppa-Chup as soon as she can.
How has conditioning influenced Jimmy's mother?
a) she has been negatively reinforced for the behaviour of giving Jimmy a lollipop.
b) she has been positively reinforced for the behaviour of giving jimmy a lollipop.
c and d are wrong so doesnt matter. I thought it was A, since giving the lollipop to Jimmy removes the negative stimulus of his screaming, increasing the likelihood of his mother performing the behaviour in the future. But apparently its B? i don't get it, pls explain.
For this, pretty sure the answers are wrong, as for it to be positive reinforcement, she must have had a positive stimulus added, but there has only been the removal of a negative stimulus (Jimmy crying), so it should be negative reinforcement.

3) Jacqui is undergoing an EEG as she attempts to solve complex puzzles. After a while she understands the problem and begins to work faster. Her EEG readings would show:
a) theta and gamma waves
b) beta and theta waves
c) theta and delta waves
d) gamma and beta waves
I circled B since she started working faster and understood the problem i didn't really get how there would be any gamma waves, she'd be more relaxed, but apparently the answer is D?
For this, even though we don't really need to know about gamma waves, they have the highest frequency and hence more involved in processing complex tasks and are present when doing tasks while active rather than theta waves, which are mainly present during sleep and sometimes during creative activities.

4) which of these phobias is likely to be resistent to treatment by systematic desensitisation?
a) fear of butterflies
b) fear of lifts
c) fear of failure
d) fear of snakes
i said failure bc how would you increasingly phobic approximations of failure, and you could use systematic desensitisation for snakes, but apparently the answer is D?
I think the answers for this are wrong as well.

5) What does the term "GABA agonist" mean?
a) increases effects of GABA
b) decreases effects of GABA
c) acts as artificual GABA
d) replaces GABA
this might be more simple, but i thought GABA agonists imitate GABA, so it should be C? but apparently its A so.
While you are right to an extent, a GABA agonist primarily increase inhibition of the brain by imitating GABA's inhibitory effect. However, A seems more correct since GABA agonists primarily aim to increase the inhibitory effect of GABA.

Hope that made sense!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on September 16, 2017, 07:09:31 pm
Hey guys!
So i just did a practice exam, and I'm kind of confused about some of the answers to the multiple choice questions. Can someone please explain these to me?

1) Every morning, I let the chickens out of the henhouse where they roost overnight. As soon as they hear me coming, they begin to to scrape and peck at the door. This is likely explained by:
a) operant conditioning - opening henhouse is antecedent
b) classical condition - footsteps are conditioned stimulus
c) classical conditioning - opening door is UCS
d) operant conditioning - footsteps are antecedent
apparently the answer is D? i don't get how tho, I thought it was B.

2) Jimmy is three years old. One day when his mother took him to the supermarket, he noticed a box of Chuppa-Chups and screamed over and over “Want a lollipop; Want a lollipop!” his mother was embarrassed by the noise and gave him a Chuppa-Chup to suck – Jimmy became quiet immediately! After this had happened again, Jimmy becomes excited and yells “Want Lollipop, Want Lollipop!” whenever they approach the supermarket door and his mother gives him a
Chuppa-Chup as soon as she can.
How has conditioning influenced Jimmy's mother?
a) she has been negatively reinforced for the behaviour of giving Jimmy a lollipop.
b) she has been positively reinforced for the behaviour of giving jimmy a lollipop.
c and d are wrong so doesnt matter. I thought it was A, since giving the lollipop to Jimmy removes the negative stimulus of his screaming, increasing the likelihood of his mother performing the behaviour in the future. But apparently its B? i don't get it, pls explain.

3) Jacqui is undergoing an EEG as she attempts to solve complex puzzles. After a while she understands the problem and begins to work faster. Her EEG readings would show:
a) theta and gamma waves
b) beta and theta waves
c) theta and delta waves
d) gamma and beta waves
I circled B since she started working faster and understood the problem i didn't really get how there would be any gamma waves, she'd be more relaxed, but apparently the answer is D?

4) which of these phobias is likely to be resistent to treatment by systematic desensitisation?
a) fear of butterflies
b) fear of lifts
c) fear of failure
d) fear of snakes
i said failure bc how would you increasingly phobic approximations of failure, and you could use systematic desensitisation for snakes, but apparently the answer is D?

5) What does the term "GABA agonist" mean?
a) increases effects of GABA
b) decreases effects of GABA
c) acts as artificual GABA
d) replaces GABA
this might be more simple, but i thought GABA agonists imitate GABA, so it should be C? but apparently its A so.

THANKS GUYS

Just curious, what company paper was this?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on September 17, 2017, 10:05:55 am
I asked my teacher (she's a VCAA examiner) and she said that: 1) the parasympathetic is activated as it is associated with calming and relaxing effects, such as those seen in the freeze stage, and 2) if something is in a textbook, VCAA will mark it as correct (even if it really isn't).

Good to hear! Personally, I thought it was when both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems were in a state of high arousal, but that is just based off the Jacaranda textbook.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on September 17, 2017, 10:19:26 am
Hey guys!
So i just did a practice exam, and I'm kind of confused about some of the answers to the multiple choice questions. Can someone please explain these to me?

1) Every morning, I let the chickens out of the henhouse where they roost overnight. As soon as they hear me coming, they begin to to scrape and peck at the door. This is likely explained by:
a) operant conditioning - opening henhouse is antecedent
b) classical condition - footsteps are conditioned stimulus
c) classical conditioning - opening door is UCS
d) operant conditioning - footsteps are antecedent
apparently the answer is D? i don't get how tho, I thought it was B.

2) Jimmy is three years old. One day when his mother took him to the supermarket, he noticed a box of Chuppa-Chups and screamed over and over “Want a lollipop; Want a lollipop!” his mother was embarrassed by the noise and gave him a Chuppa-Chup to suck – Jimmy became quiet immediately! After this had happened again, Jimmy becomes excited and yells “Want Lollipop, Want Lollipop!” whenever they approach the supermarket door and his mother gives him a
Chuppa-Chup as soon as she can.
How has conditioning influenced Jimmy's mother?
a) she has been negatively reinforced for the behaviour of giving Jimmy a lollipop.
b) she has been positively reinforced for the behaviour of giving jimmy a lollipop.
c and d are wrong so doesnt matter. I thought it was A, since giving the lollipop to Jimmy removes the negative stimulus of his screaming, increasing the likelihood of his mother performing the behaviour in the future. But apparently its B? i don't get it, pls explain.

3) Jacqui is undergoing an EEG as she attempts to solve complex puzzles. After a while she understands the problem and begins to work faster. Her EEG readings would show:
a) theta and gamma waves
b) beta and theta waves
c) theta and delta waves
d) gamma and beta waves
I circled B since she started working faster and understood the problem i didn't really get how there would be any gamma waves, she'd be more relaxed, but apparently the answer is D?

4) which of these phobias is likely to be resistent to treatment by systematic desensitisation?
a) fear of butterflies
b) fear of lifts
c) fear of failure
d) fear of snakes
i said failure bc how would you increasingly phobic approximations of failure, and you could use systematic desensitisation for snakes, but apparently the answer is D?

5) What does the term "GABA agonist" mean?
a) increases effects of GABA
b) decreases effects of GABA
c) acts as artificual GABA
d) replaces GABA
this might be more simple, but i thought GABA agonists imitate GABA, so it should be C? but apparently its A so.

THANKS GUYS

Hi Novashock,

I'll have a crack at explaining these. Just out of curiosity, what company/practice paper were these from?

1) I think D is correct. My key reason for this is that the hens scraping and pecking at the door is a voluntary behaviour, and therefore it will be operant conditioning, not classical conditioning. Basically, the antecedent stimulus (A) is the footsteps, the behaviour (B) is scraping and pecking at the door and the consequence (C) is being let out of the henhouse. I don't think B is correct as I would class it as operant conditioning, not classical conditioning.

2) I think you're right, A is correct. In terms of Jimmy's mother, she has undergone negative reinforcement, whereas Jimmy has undergone positive reinforcement.

3) You don't need to know about gamma waves at all, so don't worry about this question. We only look at beta, alpha, theta and delta in VCE Psych. However, the answer would be D (to the best of my understanding) because gamma brain waves are associated with high performance. Again though, I stress that you don't need to know this.

4) Ridiculous question. I would agree with you in saying C if I had to choose an answer, and I don't know why the answer would be D.

5) It is A in this case. Benzo's are GABA agonists and they stimulate the effect of GABA - they don't actually act as GABA themselves (from what I've seen and heard, this can be often confused and possibly taught wrong). Benzodiazepines increase GABA's inhibitory effects by making postsynaptic neurons more responsive to GABA, but don't actually mimic GABA themselves.

I hope this helps!! :) 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: pha0015 on September 17, 2017, 10:40:31 am
With reference to specific phobias and operant conditioning, is avoidance negatively enforced or positively enforced:
negatively enforced: removes anxiety and stress (I think this is more correct?)
positively enforced: good feelings of relief
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 17, 2017, 11:13:37 am
With reference to specific phobias and operant conditioning, is avoidance negatively enforced or positively enforced:
negatively enforced: removes anxiety and stress (I think this is more correct?)
positively enforced: good feelings of relief

I would say negatively reinforced,  as an undesirable stimulus is being removed
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on September 17, 2017, 11:26:00 am
With reference to specific phobias and operant conditioning, is avoidance negatively enforced or positively enforced:
negatively enforced: removes anxiety and stress (I think this is more correct?)
positively enforced: good feelings of relief

Definitely negatively reinforced, as the negative feelings of anxiety and worry are being removed
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on September 17, 2017, 02:17:17 pm
Okay so Novashock posted some questions she was unsure about, and I think I'm gonna start a debate about his:

For the first question, it clearly states that every morning she lets the chickens out of the hen house', so wouldn't that be classical conditioning because she has been doing it every morning, so the chickens have learned to associate her footsteps with freedom to the yard. So I'm leaning more towards classical conditioning.

Also out of curiosity, where the heck did you get such an ambiguous exam from????? VCAA are much more clear then that, so I wouldn't worry too much about those questions.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 17, 2017, 03:47:14 pm
Okay so Novashock posted some questions she was unsure about, and I think I'm gonna start a debate about his:

For the first question, it clearly states that every morning she lets the chickens out of the hen house', so wouldn't that be classical conditioning because she has been doing it every morning, so the chickens have learned to associate her footsteps with freedom to the yard. So I'm leaning more towards classical conditioning.

Also out of curiosity, where the heck did you get such an ambiguous exam from????? VCAA are much more clear then that, so I wouldn't worry too much about those questions.
Classical and operant condition both involve repetition so that is not a valid argument in my mind.

Classical conditioning results in involuntary responses eg fear, salivation, blinking   whereas operant conditioning involves voluntary behaviour eg hitting a switch. Scraping and pecking seem voluntary to me
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on September 17, 2017, 03:51:29 pm
Okay so Novashock posted some questions she was unsure about, and I think I'm gonna start a debate about his:

For the first question, it clearly states that every morning she lets the chickens out of the hen house', so wouldn't that be classical conditioning because she has been doing it every morning, so the chickens have learned to associate her footsteps with freedom to the yard. So I'm leaning more towards classical conditioning.

Cool, I like a debate :)

I personally think this is operant conditioning because the response from the chickens is clearly a voluntary response (pecking and scraping at the door). With classical conditioning, the response is involuntary/reflexive (e.g. Pavlov's dog drooling, Little Albert's fear response). [See VCAA 2015 Exam, MC Q3].

Out of curiosity, if you were to class this as classical conditioning, what do you believe the UCS, UCR, NS, CS and CR would be?

Edit: And as miniturtle said above, both OC and CC involve repetition.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on September 17, 2017, 06:51:43 pm
Hi Novashock,

I'll have a crack at explaining these. Just out of curiosity, what company/practice paper were these from?

1) I think D is correct. My key reason for this is that the hens scraping and pecking at the door is a voluntary behaviour, and therefore it will be operant conditioning, not classical conditioning. Basically, the antecedent stimulus (A) is the footsteps, the behaviour (B) is scraping and pecking at the door and the consequence (C) is being let out of the henhouse. I don't think B is correct as I would class it as operant conditioning, not classical conditioning.

2) I think you're right, A is correct. In terms of Jimmy's mother, she has undergone negative reinforcement, whereas Jimmy has undergone positive reinforcement.

3) You don't need to know about gamma waves at all, so don't worry about this question. We only look at beta, alpha, theta and delta in VCE Psych. However, the answer would be D (to the best of my understanding) because gamma brain waves are associated with high performance. Again though, I stress that you don't need to know this.

4) Ridiculous question. I would agree with you in saying C if I had to choose an answer, and I don't know why the answer would be D.

5) It is A in this case. Benzo's are GABA agonists and they stimulate the effect of GABA - they don't actually act as GABA themselves (from what I've seen and heard, this can be often confused and possibly taught wrong). Benzodiazepines increase GABA's inhibitory effects by making postsynaptic neurons more responsive to GABA, but don't actually mimic GABA themselves.

I hope this helps!! :) 

Question 4's answer might be to do with the fear of snakes being a natural fear within humans (adaptive in history), whereas the others are not?
But still, it's a bad question and wouldn't be asked :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on September 17, 2017, 07:22:30 pm
Cool, I like a debate :)

I personally think this is operant conditioning because the response from the chickens is clearly a voluntary response (pecking and scraping at the door). With classical conditioning, the response is involuntary/reflexive (e.g. Pavlov's dog drooling, Little Albert's fear response). [See VCAA 2015 Exam, MC Q3].

Out of curiosity, if you were to class this as classical conditioning, what do you believe the UCS, UCR, NS, CS and CR would be?

Edit: And as miniturtle said above, both OC and CC involve repetition.


oh yeah, I guess it make more sense to be operant conditioning, no need to roast me yall.  :o

I was thinking the NS could be the footsteps, and the UCS could also be the footsteps. but then I realized that pecking on the door is not a innate response, so I guess it is OC [You all got me]
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 18, 2017, 06:55:08 pm

oh yeah, I guess it make more sense to be operant conditioning, no need to roast me yall.  :o

I was thinking the NS could be the footsteps, and the UCS could also be the footsteps. but then I realized that pecking on the door is not a innate response, so I guess it is OC [You all got me]

I for one, am glad that you kept questioning until you understood. You've got a much better chance of correctly answering a q now that you've gone through that process than if you let it slide :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on September 18, 2017, 07:03:47 pm
I am really confused, how does the role of the stress response contribute to the development of a phobia??

In my textbook it says that the sympathetic NS is responsible for the fight-flight response, and then it goes on to discuss hoe the autonomic NS in people with phobias because they can not effectively control their stress responses??? WTH
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: forbiddensoulxx on September 19, 2017, 08:54:27 am
I am really confused, how does the role of the stress response contribute to the development of a phobia??

In my textbook it says that the sympathetic NS is responsible for the fight-flight response, and then it goes on to discuss hoe the autonomic NS in people with phobias because they can not effectively control their stress responses??? WTH
So basically, when a threat is perceived, the F-F-F response is activated. This can be an issue when there is no real threat (person being scared of a dog even though the dog is clearly harmless), this can inflate the persons anxiety levels since their perception of the threat is disproportional.  Because of the inflated levels of anxiety, the physiological stress response is often very severe and can persist at high levels.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: psychologie on September 19, 2017, 09:04:36 pm
Hey guys a couple of questions on unit 4 AOS2:
1. how long does a mental health problem have to continue to be considered a disorder? eg. how long would grief have to go on for to be considered a mental disorder? I was thinking more than a month but yeah, im really not sure and it doesnt say in the TB

5. is stress/anxiety/grief considered mental health problems? i reckon they are cause they only last for a short period of time and are not as intense as a mental illness, but just want to clarify that they aren't considered 'mentally healthy'

6. In terms of specific phobia, 'Response is conditioned/learned and not automatic/reflexive' (taken from ATARnotes book) Isn't the response reflexive though cause its precipitated through classical conditioning?

7. my teacher said that gaba agonist means that benzo's MIMIC gaba; but i thought they just increase the effects of GABA by working on post synaptic receptors- making them more receptive?



Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 19, 2017, 09:14:10 pm
Hey guys a couple of questions on unit 4 AOS2:
1. how long does a mental health problem have to continue to be considered a disorder? eg. how long would grief have to go on for to be considered a mental disorder? I was thinking more than a month but yeah, im really not sure and it doesnt say in the TB

5. is stress/anxiety/grief considered mental health problems? i reckon they are cause they only last for a short period of time and are not as intense as a mental illness, but just want to clarify that they aren't considered 'mentally healthy'

6. In terms of specific phobia, 'Response is conditioned/learned and not automatic/reflexive' (taken from ATARnotes book) Isn't the response reflexive though cause its precipitated through classical conditioning?

7. my teacher said that gaba agonist means that benzo's MIMIC gaba; but i thought they just increase the effects of GABA by working on post synaptic receptors- making them more receptive?




1. No set rule, but I think 3 months is the general guide?
5. Depends on the severity and duration. Stress & grief can be definitely  perfectly healthy.
6. Classical conditioning is a form of conditioning. So the response IS conditioned/learned
7. They work on GABA receptors to have an inhibitory effect, thereby mimicking the function of GABA
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peterjennings__ on September 20, 2017, 09:28:15 am
Hey guys,

I just had a question regarding the following passage of writing;
A psychologist wanted to test whether or not information could be consolidated while an individual was sleeping. She advertised in a local newspaper for participants aged between 18 and 20 years, and sampled 100 applicants by pulling their names out of a hat. The participants were all pre-tested for their general knowledge of geography, Participants with the same scores were paired and then allocated to one of two groups using the toss of a coin. Participants were then exposed to one of two conditions
The first condition involved participants reading a list of 50 countries when they woke up after a night’s sleep. Before going to bed the following evening, they were asked to write down the names of as many countries from the list that they could remember. The other participants were exposed to a second condition. This involved the participants reading a list of 50 cities from around the world before going to bed and then writing down as many names from the list that they could recall upon waking from sleep the next morning. 

The question asked about the sampling procedure that was used in the experiment and I thought it was convenience sampling as the experimenter visited a local newspaper for restricted ages however my teacher said it was random sampling. Could somebody please clarify 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: PhoenixxFire on September 20, 2017, 12:22:25 pm
I would say that it is both. Convenience because it was a local newspaper, however it was random because the names were pulled out of a hat.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: howey on September 20, 2017, 06:09:58 pm
Hey guys,

I just had a question regarding the following passage of writing;
A psychologist wanted to test whether or not information could be consolidated while an individual was sleeping. She advertised in a local newspaper for participants aged between 18 and 20 years, and sampled 100 applicants by pulling their names out of a hat. The participants were all pre-tested for their general knowledge of geography, Participants with the same scores were paired and then allocated to one of two groups using the toss of a coin. Participants were then exposed to one of two conditions
The first condition involved participants reading a list of 50 countries when they woke up after a night’s sleep. Before going to bed the following evening, they were asked to write down the names of as many countries from the list that they could remember. The other participants were exposed to a second condition. This involved the participants reading a list of 50 cities from around the world before going to bed and then writing down as many names from the list that they could recall upon waking from sleep the next morning. 

The question asked about the sampling procedure that was used in the experiment and I thought it was convenience sampling as the experimenter visited a local newspaper for restricted ages however my teacher said it was random sampling. Could somebody please clarify 


Yeah, it's an ordinary question because it's a bit of both.

Ad = convenience sampling.
Out of a hat = random sampling.

They're basically taking a random sample from a convenience sample.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 20, 2017, 06:15:38 pm
Hey guys,

I just had a question regarding the following passage of writing;
A psychologist wanted to test whether or not information could be consolidated while an individual was sleeping. She advertised in a local newspaper for participants aged between 18 and 20 years, and sampled 100 applicants by pulling their names out of a hat. 

The question asked about the sampling procedure that was used in the experiment and I thought it was convenience sampling as the experimenter visited a local newspaper for restricted ages however my teacher said it was random sampling. Could somebody please clarify 


I agree with you and not your teacher.
This is why:
The population of research interest is all individuals ("wanted to test whether or not information could be consolidated while an individual")
There is not an even chance of anyone in the population being selected, those who read the newspaper and are 18-20 years old have a distinctly higher chance of being selected.

If, however, the population of research interest was "individuals between 18 and 20 years of age who respond to newspaper advertisements for psychology research" it would be random sampling

I would speak to your teacher about this more
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: littledreamer on September 20, 2017, 08:33:10 pm
hey guys, is anxiety a state of physiological or psychological arousal? can it be both like stress? thank you :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on September 20, 2017, 10:34:33 pm
hey guys, is anxiety a state of physiological or psychological arousal? can it be both like stress? thank you :)

Anxiety can be both a psychological and physiological state of arousal. For example the stress levels associated with anxiety are psychological and the physical changes to the body due to anxiety [rapid heart rate, high blood pressure] are physiological.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: psychologie on September 24, 2017, 08:55:42 pm
Hi guys!! If someone could help me with these questions on stress i would really appreciate it
1. would you consider exercise to be a form of emotion-focused coping? i thought yes cause it assists in reducing the stress hormones in the body while also releasing feel-good endorphins. Also, is procrastination/substance use/oversleeping considered emotion focused coping? Again i think yes cause its like distraction
2. do eustress and distress have the same physiological response? if so, can they both be bad for your health then?
3. its hard to distinguish between major stress and catastrophes that disrupt entire communities (for example in Jacaranda TB it says natural disasters fall under both) so how would you distinguish the 2 and can you give examples that fall explicitly under each category?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: madhu04 on September 24, 2017, 09:53:37 pm
Hi guys!! If someone could help me with these questions on stress i would really appreciate it
1. would you consider exercise to be a form of emotion-focused coping? i thought yes cause it assists in reducing the stress hormones in the body while also releasing feel-good endorphins. Also, is procrastination/substance use/oversleeping considered emotion focused coping? Again i think yes cause its like distraction
2. do eustress and distress have the same physiological response? if so, can they both be bad for your health then?
3. its hard to distinguish between major stress and catastrophes that disrupt entire communities (for example in Jacaranda TB it says natural disasters fall under both) so how would you distinguish the 2 and can you give examples that fall explicitly under each category?

Hey, my opinion towards your questions are as follows:
1) Yes, I would consider exercise as a form of emotion-focused coping. It involves distraction from the actual stressor and it also helps to deal with negative feelings associated with the stressor, again your trying to distract from the negative feelings associated with stressor, by let's say for example: going for a run. (You may also want to include the fact that exercise release endorphin that provides a sense of wellbeing and improves mood.

2) Yes both results in same physiological response because it is both activated by sympathetic NS. And probably I would say any stress that activates SNS in the long run, can result in negative effects to your health. But I doubt on whether an individual would experience eustress for a long period time.

3)Well Major stress is basically events that is intense and extreme that causes stress regardless of who experiences. ex: Robbery-usually everyone will experience distress when they lose their valuable belongings. Catastrophes are traumatic events that affects the whole community at the same time. For example if a city floods, it affects the whole community/city at the same time. I know it's confusing how the Jacaranda TB states that natural disaster falls under both but I think all it's trying to say is anyone who experience a natural disaster will experience stress hence it is a major stress and usually a natural disaster affects a whole community rather than a single person hence it is a catastrophe.


-I hope I have cleared your doubts
Have a good night :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: psychologie on September 25, 2017, 08:19:16 am
1. weird question haha...but why are genitals excited during SNS activation? I thought sexual drive should be suppressed since its not immediately essential to survival (or is it like, its an evolutionary thing where people are trying to 'mate' perhaps)
2. monosynaptic reflex arc only involves sensory and motor neurons, so spinal cord is not involved right??
3. would you say the soma initiates action potential rather than the dendrites? cause the soma decides whether or not the neuron will fire
4. when referring to neural impulse, they mean the electrical AND chemical components right? or just electrical?
5. so parkinsons is caused by NOT ENOUGH dopamine being produced, and/or too much GABA? (GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and dopamine is an excitatory neurotransmitter)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Atlantis on September 25, 2017, 11:09:10 am
3. would you say the soma initiates action potential rather than the dendrites? cause the soma decides whether or not the neuron will fire
4. when referring to neural impulse, they mean the electrical AND chemical components right? or just electrical?
5. so parkinsons is caused by NOT ENOUGH dopamine being produced, and/or too much GABA? (GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter and dopamine is an excitatory neurotransmitter)

3. When looking at the study design, it explicitly says that details of signal transduction are not required so I would not worry about what initiates a response, focus on what receives and transmits (both are words used in the SD) an electrical impulse - which is effectively the dendrites and the axon/myelin.
 
4. Yeah I would think they are referring to both electrical and chemical components (action potentials and chemicals responsible for initiating that electrical impulse - neurohormones and neurotransmitters)

5. Yes for the first part, as when a person has Parkinsons it means they have lost many of the cells responsible for producing Dopamine. For the second part it's actually a deficit in GABA that plays a role in Parkinsons, as GABA decreases muscle movement and there's a link to it and patients with Parkinsons (they experience symptoms such as muscle tremors and dystonia.) It's important to know that research tells us the cells producing both Dopamine and GABA are in the midbrain (so both are likely effected).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on September 25, 2017, 04:13:47 pm
hey,
I was just wondering, what methods of selection to we need to know for the exam?  Like which ones are listed on the study design, because on the study design, it says experiments, self re[ports, questionnaires ans interviews. But my book doesn't state all these [my book states case studies, observational studies]???


I'm stuck can someone help me? And also are experiments and case studies the same thing?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 26, 2017, 06:32:32 am

hey,
I was just wondering, what methods of selection to we need to know for the exam?  Like which ones are listed on the study design, because on the study design, it says experiments, self re[ports, questionnaires ans interviews. But my book doesn't state all these [my book states case studies, observational studies]???


I'm stuck can someone help me? And also are experiments and case studies the same thing?

They are methods of DATA COLLECTION and yes, you do need to know them. If you have the jacaranda book the sleep section has useful information on them.

No experiments and case studies are not the same. In an experiment, an IV is manipulated to investigate the impact on the DV.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on September 26, 2017, 07:58:23 am
Which company practice papers do you think are good or worth getting for this psych study design? My school didn't give us any.
Which ones were u guys given and are they worth getting?

Also, how are u guys going about studying for the psych exam, I started doing some checkpoints because not sure how to approach the new study design.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: dsabeta on September 26, 2017, 04:45:52 pm
Which company practice papers do you think are good or worth getting for this psych study design? My school didn't give us any.
Which ones were u guys given and are they worth getting?

Also, how are u guys going about studying for the psych exam, I started doing some checkpoints because not sure how to approach the new study design.

Hi!
I recently bought the TSSM sample exam for Unit 3&4 which is only for students (https://www.tssm.com.au/browse-resourceitem-details/psychology-trial-examination-paper-units-3-4-one-paper-905.aspx) , you can also get an exam that is for Unit 3 :-)
My school gave us the VCAA 2017 sample exam and the NEAP exam, however I also found another one for Unit 3 online (http://www.epsychvce.com/unit-3-trial-exam-2017-free.html).
Hope this helps!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on September 26, 2017, 07:33:52 pm
Thanks! Does anyone know any company papers that can be bought by students, other than TSSM?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on September 27, 2017, 09:28:47 pm
Can someone help me with these questions?

Do we need to know about the galvanic skin response, mnemonics, acrostics and about Bandura's Bobo doll experiment?

Also, when in altered state of consciousness, why is it easier to perform complex tasks than simple ones?

Thanks!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on September 28, 2017, 04:08:24 pm
Can someone help me with these questions?

Do we need to know about the galvanic skin response, mnemonics, acrostics and about Bandura's Bobo doll experiment?

Thanks!!

I don't think we need to know about GSR, mnemonics, acrostics or the Bobo doll experiment. However, it would be good to know that mnemonics is a type of elaborative rehearsal. Also, I think that it's a good idea to have a brief knowledge of the Bobo doll experiment, but the study design doesn't have anything mentioning it.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: syubi on September 28, 2017, 05:07:50 pm
Does eustress activate the sympathetic or the parasympathetic NS? There's a MC question from the epsych unit 3 trial exam which states eustress activates the parasympathetic NS, but I thought all stress would activate the sympathetic NS.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 28, 2017, 05:45:19 pm
Does eustress activate the sympathetic or the parasympathetic NS? There's a MC question from the epsych unit 3 trial exam which states eustress activates the parasympathetic NS, but I thought all stress would activate the sympathetic NS.

I believe that they have answered that incorrectly too
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: dsabeta on September 28, 2017, 07:19:31 pm
Hey guys!
I was just wondering if anyone knows where I can get some research methods resources? Worksheets maybe?
I'm not the best at research methods, but I'm definitely not the worst. I've already printed out the research methods sections from the past exams, as well as all the other trial exams I have. I was just hoping for some extra help before the exam
Thanks :-)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on September 28, 2017, 09:09:15 pm
Thanks!!

I'm still having trouble with the reasoning behind this:

when in altered state of consciousness, why is it easier to perform complex tasks than simple tasks?

I thought it would be easier to perform simple tasks because it requires less awareness??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 29, 2017, 06:56:10 am
Thanks!!

I'm still having trouble with the reasoning behind this:

when in altered state of consciousness, why is it easier to perform complex tasks than simple tasks?

I thought it would be easier to perform simple tasks because it requires less awareness??

Simple tasks are monotonous, tedious, repetitive, and boring.
The sleep deprived person isn't as engaged in the activity as they would be for a complex task, and this is what leads to them making more mistakes on simple rather than complex tasks.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: pizza123 on September 29, 2017, 02:31:57 pm
hey guys, has anyone done the sample exam? I need help with question 7eii)

In the conclusion section of her scientific poster, Amelia proposed that her investigation could be extended to find out whether the words in List 2 would be more easily remembered if they were presented alongside pictures; for example, if the word ‘sock’ was presented alongside a picture of a sock.
Predict the results of Amelia’s proposed extended investigation, using relevant psychological concepts to justify your response.

Pretty much before the list of words were being read out loud.

thank you!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 29, 2017, 05:38:17 pm
hey guys, has anyone done the sample exam? I need help with question 7eii)

In the conclusion section of her scientific poster, Amelia proposed that her investigation could be extended to find out whether the words in List 2 would be more easily remembered if they were presented alongside pictures; for example, if the word ‘sock’ was presented alongside a picture of a sock.
Predict the results of Amelia’s proposed extended investigation, using relevant psychological concepts to justify your response.

Pretty much before the list of words were being read out loud.

thank you!

I haven't done it yet but from what you described:

It would be expected that more words from list 2 would be accurately remembered

Seeing the pictures would increase elaborative rehearsal and therefore strengthen the neural connections related to that memory,  aiding recall
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on September 30, 2017, 10:44:48 am
Hi guys,
Do we have to known about the NMDA and AMPA receptors?

Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 30, 2017, 11:01:10 am
Hi guys,
Do we have to known about the NMDA and AMPA receptors?

Thanks

I think so, as part of glutamate's rule in learning.  It has been on trial exams I have completed
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: boooom on September 30, 2017, 11:12:20 am
Hello! This is Jacaranda's explanation of extinction within classical conditioning - is there something wrong with it?  :o

Extinction is the gradual decrease in the strength or rate of a CR that occurs when the UCS is no longer presented.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Atlantis on September 30, 2017, 11:30:48 am
Hello! This is Jacaranda's explanation of extinction within classical conditioning - is there something wrong with it?  :o


"when the UCS is no longer presented" is a bit strange, I think a better way to explain extinction is to say
Extinction is the gradual decrease in the strength or rate of a CR that occurs when the CS appears repeatedly without the UCS.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: syubi on September 30, 2017, 04:52:29 pm
In observational learning, how is it that the consequences are applied indirectly to the learner? If a consequence was self-reinforcement, wouldn't that directly strengthen the behaviour?

Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 30, 2017, 05:03:42 pm
In observational learning, how is it that the consequences are applied indirectly to the learner? If a consequence was self-reinforcement, wouldn't that directly strengthen the behaviour?

Thanks!
In observational learning various sources of motivation and reinforcement can be considered.
Vicarious conditioning may occur, through the model.
The  behaviour can also be directly reinforced when it is reproduced by the learner
Different forms of reinforcement are not mutually exclusive
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 200240 on October 01, 2017, 09:10:00 pm
Why are simple tasks affected by partial sleep deprivation but complex tasks are not?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: PhoenixxFire on October 01, 2017, 10:27:27 pm
Simple tasks are affected because you don't need much mental effort to complete them - they're habit. Complex tasks however you need lots of mental effort, meaning you have to focus on them. When your focusing you can complete them accurately. It seems kind of backwards but it actually makes sense.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 02, 2017, 06:51:18 am
Why are simple tasks affected by partial sleep deprivation but complex tasks are not?

Complex tasks are still affected, just not as much as simple ones. I'm not sure if we are expected to know that but I'd be careful with your wording just in case
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Notarobot on October 02, 2017, 08:55:28 pm
Which part of the study design is tested in the 10-mark question? Is it pages 11-13, 'key science skills'?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: zofromuxo on October 02, 2017, 09:06:24 pm
Which part of the study design is tested in the 10-mark question? Is it pages 11-13, 'key science skills'?
It is as you said the "key science skills" on pg 11-13 that is tested for the 10-mark question.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: boooom on October 03, 2017, 09:41:14 am
Which part of the study design is tested in the 10-mark question? Is it pages 11-13, 'key science skills'?

Could be anything from the study design, but there's probably going to be at least some research methods in it.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashyyy23 on October 03, 2017, 03:53:10 pm
Hi guys, just wondering whether you are familiarising yourself in-depth with the lobes of the brain? It is not explicitly mentioned in the study design so I'm wondering if I'm just wasting my time?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: emmaqiu on October 03, 2017, 03:58:21 pm
Hi, if anyone could help me with a few questions I have, it would be greatly appreciated:

In terms of operant conditioning, can stimulus generalisation/discrimination, extinction and spontaneous recovery only occur for behaviours that have been reinforced? If not, could someone explain how to properly explain these terms for operant conditioning?

Does immune system become suppressed immediately when cortisol is released or only after prolonged cortisol release?

And should I be learning the HPA Axis, some notes have included it but it doesn't seem to be on the study design?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: zofromuxo on October 03, 2017, 06:00:07 pm

And should I be learning the HPA Axis, some notes have included it but it doesn't seem to be on the study design?


You don't need to be learning about HPA Axis as it isn't on the study design.
But if your having trouble understanding the whole stress process, then it may help you understand the stress response process.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 03, 2017, 06:11:51 pm
Hi guys, just wondering whether you are familiarising yourself in-depth with the lobes of the brain? It is not explicitly mentioned in the study design so I'm wondering if I'm just wasting my time?
You are very likely wasting your time.   It was in the previous study design, but is now only in units 1 & 2

Hi, if anyone could help me with a few questions I have, it would be greatly appreciated:

In terms of operant conditioning, can stimulus generalisation/discrimination, extinction and spontaneous recovery only occur for behaviours that have been reinforced? If not, could someone explain how to properly explain these terms for operant conditioning?

Does immune system become suppressed immediately when cortisol is released or only after prolonged cortisol release?

And should I be learning the HPA Axis, some notes have included it but it doesn't seem to be on the study design?


If I punish you everytime you say "um" you may stop saying "um" around me. But then if after a while I stop punishing you, then you will probably start saying um again.    If you dont see me for a while, but then you are around me again later, you'll probably not say "um" 
Does this help??

No, the impairment to the immune system occurs with prolonged exposure

The HPA axis stimulates cortisol release, and cortisol is on the study design
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: emmaqiu on October 03, 2017, 07:35:52 pm
If I punish you everytime you say "um" you may stop saying "um" around me. But then if after a while I stop punishing you, then you will probably start saying um again.    If you dont see me for a while, but then you are around me again later, you'll probably not say "um" 
Does this help??

Thanks! Ok I get that, but if I'm talking about stimulus generalisation for example, my notes define it as: 'when the learned behaviour is made to another antecedent that is similar to the antecedent that was present when the behaviour was reinforced.'

But if the behaviour was punished shouldn't the definition include something like 'not producing the undesirable behaviour to an antecedent similar to the original antecedent present when behaviour was punished?'
 
This is the same for spontaneous recovery ('when a conditioned behavioural response is thought to have been extinguished but re-appears after a period of time, even if there is no reinforcement') and the other terms. I guess I am just having some difficulty understanding how to word the definitions and why most of the definitions only include reinforcement, not punishment?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peterjennings__ on October 03, 2017, 08:48:38 pm
Does anybody have a list of 5-10 standard effects of partial sleep deprivation on a person's affective, behavioural and cognitive functioning?
Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 03, 2017, 09:28:54 pm
When operationalising the DV do we need to mention everything involved in measuring it, including at what intervals they measure it?
Eg. If it's a self report test that is administered at set intervals of one day after, then 1month then 6 months?

Because I'm unsure whether we only mention the actual test or the time intervals too.

Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 04, 2017, 09:58:05 am
Thanks! Ok I get that, but if I'm talking about stimulus generalisation for example, my notes define it as: 'when the learned behaviour is made to another antecedent that is similar to the antecedent that was present when the behaviour was reinforced.'

But if the behaviour was punished shouldn't the definition include something like 'not producing the undesirable behaviour to an antecedent similar to the original antecedent present when behaviour was punished?'
 
This is the same for spontaneous recovery ('when a conditioned behavioural response is thought to have been extinguished but re-appears after a period of time, even if there is no reinforcement') and the other terms. I guess I am just having some difficulty understanding how to word the definitions and why most of the definitions only include reinforcement, not punishment?

I really wouldn't worry about definitions too much, they wouldn't take marks of you in the exam for writing it only in terms of reinforcement if they did ask for a definition (which in itself is unlikely). In this context you could take it to mean that the behaviour is not completing the activity, and that that behaviour is being reinforced if that helps you feel better about the definition provided but it's really not worth worrying over.

Does anybody have a list of 5-10 standard effects of partial sleep deprivation on a person's affective, behavioural and cognitive functioning?
Thanks :)

A:
-difficulty judging others emotions
-reduced empathy
-easily irritated and short-tempered
-impaired ability to regulate own emotions
-more likely to have an inappropriate emotional response
B:
-reduced motor co-ordination
-sleep inertia
-fatigue
-impaired behaviour control
-microsleeps
C:
-lapses in selective attention
-irrational thinking
-impaired memory
-impaired learning
-reduced ability to think clearly, especially for simple and/or boring tasks

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on October 06, 2017, 12:08:34 pm
Hey,


Can someone explain reliability and validity to me. I don't get it
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 06, 2017, 12:14:03 pm
Hey,


Can someone explain reliability and validity to me. I don't get it

Reliability is a measure that the if you repeat an experiment, you will get the same results each time

Validity is a measure of if your actually measuring the DV or something else
Eg. Your results could be reliable, but not valid because it doesn't actually measure what its supposed to measure.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 06, 2017, 12:16:29 pm
Whats the interaction between the amygdala, hippocampus, cerebral cortex and cerebellum in storing long term memories??

I know individual functions but I don't understand how they interact.

Thanks guys! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 07, 2017, 05:09:56 pm
Whats the interaction between the amygdala, hippocampus, cerebral cortex and cerebellum in storing long term memories??

I know individual functions but I don't understand how they interact.

Thanks guys! :)

There's a couple of different ones.
The cerebellum interprets the mental map made by the hippocampus
The hippocampus encodes memories more strongly when the amygdala signals it in response to noradrenaline
The hippocampus encodes and transfers declarative memories to the cerebral cortex for permanent storage
Both the amygdala and cerebellum are involved in classically conditioned memories
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on October 07, 2017, 09:52:34 pm
 I don't get the role of cortisol in stress? Like, what are the effects of prolonged release of cortisol in the bloodstream?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 08, 2017, 07:30:25 am
I don't get the role of cortisol in stress? Like, what are the effects of prolonged release of cortisol in the bloodstream?

Cortisol is released in the resistance stage of the GAS. It unlocks access to more energy supplies and protects against some of the negative side GAS of stress.  Unfortunately it also has its own side effects, such as impairing immune system action and retarding tissue repair
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 08, 2017, 09:33:23 am
Can someone please explain standard deviation and what we actually need to know?
I know it’s something like the lower the standard deviation, the more consistent (reliable) the data is.
How does it then also relate to validity?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 08, 2017, 12:40:14 pm
How much depth of knowledge do we need to know about Loftus' research into eyewitness testimonies?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 08, 2017, 12:42:30 pm
Can someone please explain standard deviation and what we actually need to know?
I know it’s something like the lower the standard deviation, the more consistent (reliable) the data is.
How does it then also relate to validity?

If there's a high standard deviation, it may mean that there are extraneous variables other than the IV affecting the DV as the results are not as close to each other. Thus, less valid.

Someone else confirm? I don't know if its correct.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: zofromuxo on October 08, 2017, 01:15:30 pm
Can someone please explain standard deviation and what we actually need to know?
I know it’s something like the lower the standard deviation, the more consistent (reliable) the data is.
How does it then also relate to validity?
Standard deviation is the measure used to determine the spread of the data.
Are you sure your not mistaking this for the p-value instead?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 08, 2017, 07:01:28 pm
Can someone please explain standard deviation and what we actually need to know?
I know it’s something like the lower the standard deviation, the more consistent (reliable) the data is.
How does it then also relate to validity?

Standard deviation is related to the bell curve.  1 standard deviation either side of the mean always includes 68% of results, so lower standard deviation means more tightly grouped results/ narrower bell curve. 
Therfore, lower standard deviation increases reliability.

The standard deviation does not provide information about validity.


Note: standard deviation is a descriptive statistic in the study design.  P-value is an inferential statistic not in the study design
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: zofromuxo on October 08, 2017, 08:35:58 pm
Standard deviation is related to the bell curve.  1 standard deviation either side of the mean always includes 68% of results, so lower standard deviation means more tightly grouped results/ narrower bell curve. 
Therfore, lower standard deviation increases reliability.

The standard deviation does not provide information about validity.


Note: standard deviation is a descriptive statistic in the study design.  P-value is an inferential statistic not in the study design
Oh sweet, the more you know.

I'm also lowkey embrassed that I didn't check the study design for changes :( :( :/.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on October 09, 2017, 10:49:36 pm
Okay, I really need someone to explain reliability and variability. It's not in my textbook and all the videos I watch just confuse me.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 10, 2017, 07:23:27 am
Okay, I really need someone to explain reliability and variability. It's not in my textbook and all the videos I watch just confuse me.
Validity: the experiment accurately measures the impact of the IV on the DV
Reliability: I get similar, or the same, results every time the experiment is done
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 11, 2017, 12:58:16 am
Guys how are u learning the content? I started doing practice exams but I feel like I still don't know all the content.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 11, 2017, 07:15:33 am
Guys how are u learning the content? I started doing practice exams but I feel like I still don't know all the content.
Do you feel like you are missing small info from throughout the course, or that you don't know some of the topics?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 11, 2017, 08:13:31 am
Do you feel like you are missing small info from throughout the course, or that you don't know some of the topics?

Like small pieces of info that are part of the study design

Have u done all the VCAA papers?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on October 11, 2017, 11:58:06 am
Guys how are u learning the content? I started doing practice exams but I feel like I still don't know all the content.

Same here. I've been dong a lot of practice exams, but I find that some questions are more easily answered then the others [such as classical conditioning], I answered questions correctly without revising my notes] But of course there are some questions that I was lacking knowledge of content to answer. So I only plan on memorizing my notes for the things I don't know [like for research methods, I ain't gonna memorize that because its kinda easy]
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 11, 2017, 04:13:33 pm
Like small pieces of info that are part of the study design

Have u done all the VCAA papers?

No, I haven't. I have, however, completed a few 2017 exams.

It might be useful for you to go through the study design and mark each dotpoint you are comfortable with. Then, work your way through the ones that you aren't confident in one-at-a-time, until you have ticked everything
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 12, 2017, 12:09:00 pm
With operant conditioning, is the consequence:
- The environmental event that occurs IMMEDIATELY after the behaviour?
Because sometimes the reinforcement/punishment may not occur exactly immediately after the behaviour..
e.g.) behaviour: Study for test coming up
        consequence: Get good mark on test therefore you are positively reinforced to repeat the behaviour of studying for a test due to the desirable outcome (getting a good mark).
^ Finding out the mark might take some time, so the consequence may not always occur immediately.
Should I remove the 'immediately' from my definition?
I hope I'm making sense! Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: yuki_hinata on October 12, 2017, 06:37:23 pm
Is it just me that’s having trouble with Loftus reconstruction? I don’t know what to talk about!! Help !
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on October 12, 2017, 07:00:12 pm
Is it just me that’s having trouble with Loftus reconstruction? I don’t know what to talk about!! Help !

Welcome to ATAR Notes! :)

What types of Loftus-related questions are you struggling with?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 12, 2017, 07:56:41 pm
With operant conditioning, is the consequence:
- The environmental event that occurs IMMEDIATELY after the behaviour?
Because sometimes the reinforcement/punishment may not occur exactly immediately after the behaviour..
e.g.) behaviour: Study for test coming up
        consequence: Get good mark on test therefore you are positively reinforced to repeat the behaviour of studying for a test due to the desirable outcome (getting a good mark).
^ Finding out the mark might take some time, so the consequence may not always occur immediately.
Should I remove the 'immediately' from my definition?
I hope I'm making sense! Thanks!

It doesnt have to be immediate,  but there is a correlation between stronger learning and shorter delays
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Notarobot on October 12, 2017, 08:10:38 pm
Hello I have a question about timing in the exam, thanks for the advice in Nick McIndoe's article how to study for the psych exam 3 weeks out. Regarding the timing, the two sections and the mark allocation, how long would you allocate for each section?

For reference:
Section A: 50 multiple choice questions (50 marks).
Section B: Short-answer and extended-answer questions, for a total of 70 marks.
The exam is 150 minutes long for a total of 120 marks.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on October 12, 2017, 09:02:25 pm
Is it necessary to memorize every single thing in Psych. Because I find that somethings don't need memorizing-just understanding.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 12, 2017, 09:41:14 pm
Guys I was thinking that we could all help each other for the 10 marker because no one knows how it's going to be marked. Do u think we should post our responses for sample questions and then give feedback on each others? We should start a thread for it. What do u guys think??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 12, 2017, 10:06:31 pm
Also, guys what do we write for ''attention'',''motivation' and 'reinforcement' in observational learning?? for when we use a scenario to discuss these.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 12, 2017, 10:28:14 pm
Also, guys what do we write for ''attention'',''motivation' and 'reinforcement' in observational learning?? for when we use a scenario to discuss these.

I'm gonna make up a situation:

Bob watches his mum bake a cake:
Attention: Bob directs focus to his mum- he closely and actively watches her bake the cake.
Motivation: Bob has the desire to bake a cake so he can be just as good as his mum
Reinforcement: Bob watches his mother feel proud of her cake that she has made, and all the compliments she is given, which increases the likelihood of Bob making the cake himself

Hope that helps!  :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on October 13, 2017, 09:57:54 am
Hello I have a question about timing in the exam, thanks for the advice in Nick McIndoe's article how to study for the psych exam 3 weeks out. Regarding the timing, the two sections and the mark allocation, how long would you allocate for each section?

For reference:
Section A: 50 multiple choice questions (50 marks).
Section B: Short-answer and extended-answer questions, for a total of 70 marks.
The exam is 150 minutes long for a total of 120 marks.

Hey, Notarobot!

Timing is a bit of a personal thing; some people may just naturally take longer on, for example, multiple choice questions than others. And that's totally fine. What's important is that you test this for yourself. By doing practice exams, you'll work out the right timing for you - and you can then implement that in your exam.

The exam format has changed a little since I did Psych, but with the current conditions, I would guess I would allocate the time (roughly) accordingly:
- Multiple choice: 25 minutes
- Short-answer and extended-answer: 125 minutes

Again, don't take that as like, a golden figure or anything. I've just made that up based on what I know I was like during Year 12 - quick with multiple choice questions, slower with the rest etc. The point isn't really giving you numbers - it's giving you the idea that, by testing it yourself, you'll be able to find the right conditions for you. :)

Guys I was thinking that we could all help each other for the 10 marker because no one knows how it's going to be marked. Do u think we should post our responses for sample questions and then give feedback on each others? We should start a thread for it. What do u guys think??

Sounds good to me!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 14, 2017, 08:55:05 am
How does classical conditioning work during systematic desensitization? because there's no neutral stimulus?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: psychologie on October 14, 2017, 11:25:28 am
this is from a neap exam and has me so confused. i thought a phobia is a type of anxiety DISORDER therefore a mental disorder, and so a mentally healthy person cannot have a phobia (hence why i picked d) but the answer is a?? explanatory notes say that a mentally healthy person can have a phobia but fear response is only evoked in the presence of a phobic stimulus and therefore causes no impairment in daily functioning.

Which of the following best describes the relationship between mental health and phobia according to the mental health continuum?
a) a fear response is only evoked in the presence of a phobic stimulus and consequently causes no impairment in daily functioning
b) the threat of a phobic stimulus causes temporary impairment in daily functioning
c) the persistent and intense fear of a phobic stimulus causes disabling impairment in daily functioning
d) a mentally healthy person cannot have a phobia
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: boooom on October 14, 2017, 12:03:19 pm
this is from a neap exam and has me so confused. i thought a phobia is a type of anxiety DISORDER therefore a mental disorder, and so a mentally healthy person cannot have a phobia (hence why i picked d) but the answer is a?? explanatory notes say that a mentally healthy person can have a phobia but fear response is only evoked in the presence of a phobic stimulus and therefore causes no impairment in daily functioning.

Which of the following best describes the relationship between mental health and phobia according to the mental health continuum?
a) a fear response is only evoked in the presence of a phobic stimulus and consequently causes no impairment in daily functioning
b) the threat of a phobic stimulus causes temporary impairment in daily functioning
c) the persistent and intense fear of a phobic stimulus causes disabling impairment in daily functioning
d) a mentally healthy person cannot have a phobia

You have to remember though, mental health acts on a continuum and is always changing. It's not a black and white thing where you're mentally healthy or not, and there's always more than one factor that contributes to your position on it.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: forbiddensoulxx on October 14, 2017, 05:28:40 pm
How does classical conditioning work during systematic desensitization? because there's no neutral stimulus?

Alright, so it involves acquisition since you associate relaxation with the phobic stimulus, and extinction since you extinguish the phobic response by exposing levels of the CS(phobic stimulus), without presenting the UCS(something unpleasant).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: syubi on October 14, 2017, 10:27:26 pm
Which of the following would not be considered an aspect of stigma
A. Negative stereotypes around mental illness
B. A belief that mental illness is under the control of the sufferer
C. A belief that social support is an effective component of treatment for mental health
D. Isolation in the workplace based on colleagues knowledge of mental illness

I understand A and D is not the answer because those are components of stigma. C is the answer but I don't really understand this in relation to the question. And how B is an aspect of stigma was well.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 15, 2017, 07:36:08 am
Which of the following would not be considered an aspect of stigma
A. Negative stereotypes around mental illness
B. A belief that mental illness is under the control of the sufferer
C. A belief that social support is an effective component of treatment for mental health
D. Isolation in the workplace based on colleagues knowledge of mental illness

I understand A and D is not the answer because those are components of stigma. C is the answer but I don't really understand this in relation to the question. And how B is an aspect of stigma was well.

B is the idea of "just snap out of it" , "you're just being lazy" "it's just attention seeking" and "grow up". Obviously this is not supportive, and is detrimental to the perception of people with mental illness. 

C suggests the absence of a negative attitude towards people with mental illness
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: emmaqiu on October 15, 2017, 06:33:46 pm
Is the exhaustion stage characterised by the individual being unable to get out of bed/ being physically depleted to a point where they can't function normally? Or if an individual gets a cold because of being stressed, can they be classed as being in the exhaustion stage?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: boooom on October 15, 2017, 08:49:57 pm
Is the exhaustion stage characterised by the individual being unable to get out of bed/ being physically depleted to a point where they can't function normally? Or if an individual gets a cold because of being stressed, can they be classed as being in the exhaustion stage?

Both. What characterises exhaustion however ultimately depends on the length of time being exposed to the stressor. The longer the exposure, the more bodily resources depleted, and more suppressed the immune system (due to cortisol release).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 15, 2017, 09:11:26 pm
Is the exhaustion stage characterised by the individual being unable to get out of bed/ being physically depleted to a point where they can't function normally? Or if an individual gets a cold because of being stressed, can they be classed as being in the exhaustion stage?

Stress doesn't cause illness, it increases susceptibility.
In exhaustion you don't necessarily need to have such low functioning that you are bedridden. That being said, I think that your first description is better than the second
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: EdwinaB19 on October 16, 2017, 08:55:22 pm
Hey!

I've been finding conflicting information about the proportion of REM to NREM that elderly people experience:

Can anyone confirm if they experience 15% REM and 80% NREM or 20% REM and 80%? (Or if it is another proportion)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on October 16, 2017, 09:43:49 pm
Hey!

I've been finding conflicting information about the proportion of REM to NREM that elderly people experience:

Can anyone confirm if they experience 15% REM and 80% NREM or 20% REM and 80%? (Or if it is another proportion)
I seem to have confliciting information regarding this as well! My notes have that Elderly people, on average sleep for 6 hours per night, since an individuals total sleep time diminishes with age, with a proportion of 75% NREM and 20-25% REM.

I don't think there are exact firgures or proportion in terms of NREM and REM sleep, so I wouldn't stress about this too much. Perhaps you could say 75-80% NREM and 20-25% REM.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 16, 2017, 10:53:52 pm
How are you guys gonna approach the 10-marker, I haven't started looking at it yet but not sure where to start. Does anyone have any ideas on how to start it?

My school hasn't even gone through it at all. Has anyone else's school gone through it?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 17, 2017, 07:16:51 am
How are you guys gonna approach the 10-marker, I haven't started looking at it yet but not sure where to start. Does anyone have any ideas on how to start it?

My school hasn't even gone through it at all. Has anyone else's school gone through it?

We've gone through it a lot.
I like to hightlight or underline key points and annotate first. Then I plan what I'll talk about for each point.  I begin with what I feel most confident they would like to see if I had difficulty in the previous step. Otherwise, I discuss in the order presented.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 17, 2017, 07:25:24 am
Also, does anyone know the answer to the SAMPLE exam question 6b?? I wasn't sure how to link it to the scenario
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 17, 2017, 07:39:05 am
We've gone through it a lot.
I like to hightlight or underline key points and annotate first. Then I plan what I'll talk about for each point.  I begin with what I feel most confident they would like to see if I had difficulty in the previous step. Otherwise, I discuss in the order presented.


Okay cool. Also just a few questions:
Do you think its better to write under subheadings or better not to do that?
How much do you write for the response approximately? Because I don't know how long it should be. The SAMPLE exam gives 1 and 1/2 pages so do u usually fill that up?
Also, how long do you think should be spent on it?

Thanks!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 17, 2017, 09:21:56 am
Can someone please explain the reasons why salivation and digestion is decreased when the sympathetic nervous system is activated (fight-flight-freeze response)?

Also, when talking about the spinal reflex (reflex arc), should I mention that the brain receives the message about the pain only after the response has been initiated? Or should I not mention it, and just explain how the reflex itself occurs without input from the brain?

Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: halo on October 17, 2017, 10:19:30 am
Can someone please explain the reasons why salivation and digestion is decreased when the sympathetic nervous system is activated (fight-flight-freeze response)?

Also, when talking about the spinal reflex (reflex arc), should I mention that the brain receives the message about the pain only after the response has been initiated? Or should I not mention it, and just explain how the reflex itself occurs without input from the brain?

Thanks!

Salivation and digestion is decreased so that your body can divert most of its energy to responding to the threat or stressor that caused the sympathetic response, rather than carrying out digestion. It's also practical because if you're have a FFF response, you don't want to feel hungry (be salivating) because that will distract you from focusing on the threat.

In terms of the reflex arc, you could mention it if you want (it's not wrong to say it), but it just depends on what the questions asking and how many marks are allocated. So if the question was "what is the reflex arc" and it was 2 marks, you really don't need to mention the info about how the brain receives the message after the response has been initiated. If the question was a bit more specific, asking you to explain the process of how someone might perceive and respond to touching a hot stove, and was 3-4 marks, then you'd go into detail about how the brain receives the message.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: boooom on October 17, 2017, 10:28:31 am
Can someone please explain the reasons why salivation and digestion is decreased when the sympathetic nervous system is activated (fight-flight-freeze response)?

Also, when talking about the spinal reflex (reflex arc), should I mention that the brain receives the message about the pain only after the response has been initiated? Or should I not mention it, and just explain how the reflex itself occurs without input from the brain?

Thanks!

Adding to halo's response, digestion - which salivation falls under - isn't needed to deal with the immediate stressor, so it's consuming unnecessary energy that could be otherwise used to deal with the threat.

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: juliae on October 17, 2017, 10:45:28 am
Hi everyone,
Does anyone know if there are any answers to the sample exam available?
I know VCAA doesn't release any but I'm just wondering if there is any where else to find some.
Thank you!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: halo on October 17, 2017, 10:47:11 am
Can you say glutamate has a role in the development of a phobia because it is involved in the classical conditioning that precipitates the phobia? Or is it simply chemicals such as GABA, adrenaline etc. that are involved in the precipitation of the phobia via the fear response? I'm not sure if this is true but I vaguely remember reading somewhere that glutamate only has a role in learning under normal circumstances, and not in states of arousal.

Also, I'm a bit confused between what a confounding and extraneous variable is. I sort of get it, but can someone please explain this to me with examples?
Thanks!

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: boooom on October 17, 2017, 11:08:34 am
Hi everyone,
Does anyone know if there are any answers to the sample exam available?
I know VCAA doesn't release any but I'm just wondering if there is any where else to find some.
Thank you!!

http://www.epsychvce.com/vcaa-sample-exam-solutions.html
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 17, 2017, 11:29:19 am
Also, I'm a bit confused between what a confounding and extraneous variable is. I sort of get it, but can someone please explain this to me with examples?

An extraneous variable is any variable other than the IV that may cause a change in the participant's response/results (DV) in an unwanted way, whereas a confounding variable is something other than the IV that has definitely caused a change in the DV, making it impossible to tell what actually caused the change in the DV (if it was the IV or some other variable).

An example of this could be something like individual participant differences in an experiment that is testing maths ability. More intelligent kids who are better at maths may score higher than those who are less intelligent (extraneous variable, which could also become a confounding variable) rather than them scoring higher because of the effect of the IV (which could be the type of test, or way the topic was taught). A confounding variable in this situation could be something like kids having sugar before doing the test (not instructed to do so by the experimenter), which may result in the kids doing much better due to being on a sugar high and being more alert, rather than because of the type of test (or whatever the IV was)- the results would be affected in an unwanted way due to this.

I hope I explained this alright and that it makes sense to you!!
Sorry I couldn't think of a better example  ::)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 17, 2017, 06:06:57 pm
Okay cool. Also just a few questions:
Do you think its better to write under subheadings or better not to do that?
How much do you write for the response approximately? Because I don't know how long it should be. The SAMPLE exam gives 1 and 1/2 pages so do u usually fill that up?
Also, how long do you think should be spent on it?

Thanks!!
Subheadings are good but you wouldn't lose marks for not using them.
More than 10 minutes. I spend quite a lot of time and paper on it but I add detail that doesn't need to be there etc. as I have spare time due to finishing MC very very quickly. (I think I wrote 5 pages on my trial, which was wayyyyyy excessive and I didn't get any extra marks for it)? I wouldn't recommend you to spend as much time as I do unless you can do so without adversely impacting the rest of your paper so I find it difficult to say what would be good for you.
Sorry, I know that's not paticularly helpful, but it really does come down to what you can afford to spend on it.

Can someone please explain the reasons why salivation and digestion is decreased when the sympathetic nervous system is activated (fight-flight-freeze response)?

Also, when talking about the spinal reflex (reflex arc), should I mention that the brain receives the message about the pain only after the response has been initiated? Or should I not mention it, and just explain how the reflex itself occurs without input from the brain?

Thanks!
Expanding on what halo and boooom have said (as I didn't see their posts until after this was already typed):
Spending energy and resources  on digestion isn't worth it if your life is in danger. Would you a) send extra glucose and oxygen to muscles that can help you run etc or b) send these resources to the stomach so it keeps on breaking down food etc. ?

Use marks/context is a guide. 4-6 marks on a spinal reflex situation - definitely talk about the brain.
 2 marks on "contrast dropping a mug with boiling water to dropping a lukewarm mug" - very likely not needed
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: EdwinaB19 on October 17, 2017, 06:18:38 pm

Can you say glutamate has a role in the development of a phobia because it is involved in the classical conditioning that precipitates the phobia? Or is it simply chemicals such as GABA, adrenaline etc. that are involved in the precipitation of the phobia via the fear response? I'm not sure if this is true but I vaguely remember reading somewhere that glutamate only has a role in learning under normal circumstances, and not in states of arousal.

Glutamate has a role in long-term potentiation which is a biological contributing factor for the development of phobias. GABA doesn't play a role in arousal because it's a inhibitory neurotransmitter.

It'd be more relevant in terms of psychological contributing factors to discuss the role that adrenaline has in the precipitation of phobias by classical classical conditioning. Adrenaline enhances the formation of the emotional component of the traumatic memory in the amygdala.

That is as far as I've understood throughout the course.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: boooom on October 17, 2017, 06:57:31 pm
I have 2 questions;

- How is 'reconstruction' used to retrieve information from memory and demonstrate its existence within memory?
- Is 'impaired ability to perform monotonous tasks' a valid behavioural impairment for partial sleep deprivation?

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 17, 2017, 08:05:14 pm
Guys, I still don't the distinction between stress, anxiety and phobia
and also the distinction between mentally healthy, mental health problems and mental disorder.

Can someone help please??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Novashock on October 17, 2017, 10:19:19 pm
Is it possible for secondary appraisal to occur at the same time as primary appraisal?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: boooom on October 18, 2017, 08:11:18 am
Guys, I still don't the distinction between stress, anxiety and phobia
and also the distinction between mentally healthy, mental health problems and mental disorder.

Can someone help please??

Essentially stress and anxiety is part of everyday life, whereas a phobia isn't. Also, anxiety is a feeling that something is going to wrong, and stress is a feeling that you can't cope.

Mental healthy, problem and disorder are all different degrees of mental health. Mental health problems causes some distress, generally short term, whereas a mental disorder provides prolonged distress that impairs normal everyday functioning.

Is it possible for secondary appraisal to occur at the same time as primary appraisal?

No, you have to perceive something as stressful (so primary appraisal) before you can secondly appraise it.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: halo on October 18, 2017, 08:34:15 am
Guys, I still don't the distinction between stress, anxiety and phobia
and also the distinction between mentally healthy, mental health problems and mental disorder.

Stress vs anxiety vs phobia
Stress is physiological and psychological arousal resulting from a stressor perceived to be challenging or exceeding an individual's ability to cope.
Anxiety also involves similar physiological arousal (increased heart rate, dilation of pupils, suppression of digestion). However, unlike when you feel stressed, when you experience anxiety the threat or stressor is not usually immediately present. Instead, you feel worried or uneasy that something bad/unpleasant might happen. Most people experience stress and anxiety to some degree, and on their own they are not mental disorders (although they can contribute to them).
A phobia, on the other hand, is a mental disorder. It's a type of anxiety disorder (mental disorder involving feelings of extreme anxiety which prevent sufferer from functioning normally) that is characterised by excessive, unreasonable, intense and persistent fear of a particular object or situation, which is usually out of proportion to the danger posed by the object or situation. Stress and anxiety are usually considered rational - phobias are almost always irrational.

Mentally healthy vs mental health problems vs mental disorder
Someone who is mentally healthy realises their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to their community. They tend to have a high level of functioning, social and emotional wellbeing and resilience to stressors.
Mental health problems have a negative effect on the way a person thinks, feels or behaves, but it is to a lesser extent and shorter duration than a mental disorder. Compared to someone who is mentally healthy, they are more likely to have sleep problems, have difficulty coping, find it hard to concentrate or experience temporary impairment.
Someone with a mental disorder usually has an impaired ability to function effectively in everyday life because of certain thoughts/feelings/behaviours.

Hope this helps, let me know if you need anything clarified!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 18, 2017, 12:30:09 pm
Is dopamine excitatory or inhibitory?
I keep hearing such mixed answers about it, some saying it is excitatory and others saying it's inhibitory!
How would a lack of either its excitatory/inhibitory effects result in Parkinson's disease?
Please help!! Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 18, 2017, 12:36:41 pm
Stress vs anxiety vs phobia
Stress is physiological and psychological arousal resulting from a stressor perceived to be challenging or exceeding an individual's ability to cope.
Anxiety also involves similar physiological arousal (increased heart rate, dilation of pupils, suppression of digestion). However, unlike when you feel stressed, when you experience anxiety the threat or stressor is not usually immediately present. Instead, you feel worried or uneasy that something bad/unpleasant might happen. Most people experience stress and anxiety to some degree, and on their own they are not mental disorders (although they can contribute to them).
A phobia, on the other hand, is a mental disorder. It's a type of anxiety disorder (mental disorder involving feelings of extreme anxiety which prevent sufferer from functioning normally) that is characterised by excessive, unreasonable, intense and persistent fear of a particular object or situation, which is usually out of proportion to the danger posed by the object or situation. Stress and anxiety are usually considered rational - phobias are almost always irrational.

Mentally healthy vs mental health problems vs mental disorder
Someone who is mentally healthy realises their own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and is able to make a contribution to their community. They tend to have a high level of functioning, social and emotional wellbeing and resilience to stressors.
Mental health problems have a negative effect on the way a person thinks, feels or behaves, but it is to a lesser extent and shorter duration than a mental disorder. Compared to someone who is mentally healthy, they are more likely to have sleep problems, have difficulty coping, find it hard to concentrate or experience temporary impairment.
Someone with a mental disorder usually has an impaired ability to function effectively in everyday life because of certain thoughts/feelings/behaviours.

Hope this helps, let me know if you need anything clarified!


thankyou so much!! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 18, 2017, 12:38:26 pm
According to the modifications to the study design, we don't need to know sleep apnoea or narcolepsy right??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sweetiepi on October 18, 2017, 12:41:03 pm
Is dopamine excitatory or inhibitory?
I keep hearing such mixed answers about it, some saying it is excitatory and others saying it's inhibitory!
How would a lack of either its excitatory/inhibitory effects result in Parkinson's disease?
Please help!! Thanks :)
Hey there! I'm not so sure about the effects of dopamine on Parkinson's disease, but from my own studies, dopamine is classified as a 'special' neurotransmitter- with both excitatory and inhibitory properties. :)
(Someone feel free to correct me on this, as I'm no psych expert :) )
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: halo on October 18, 2017, 12:44:34 pm
According to the modifications to the study design, we don't need to know sleep apnoea or narcolepsy right??
Yep, we don't! Just need to know about sleep-onset insomnia and sleep walking
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: psychologie on October 18, 2017, 02:49:45 pm
is cortisol released during the fight flight freeze response? i thought it was just adrenaline and noradrenaline, and cortisol comes later via the HPA axis, but im now being told that its released during FFF! So that means its released during the countershock stage (alarm reaction) of GAS. Please tell me if thats correct :)

Also, are people's immune systems lowered and therefore vulnerable to illness during resistance or exhaustion? ive been told resistance but it doesnt make sense to me, i thought it was exhaustion cause body has cortisol present for long periods of time. can someone clarify this for me and explain why! thank you so much
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: psychologie on October 18, 2017, 03:36:30 pm
hi all, we know the autonomic nervous system is self regulating (ie independently of the brain) but we also know that the ANS enables communication between the CNS and visceral muscles, organs and glands. Why would this be so if it does not require the brain?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: halo on October 18, 2017, 04:42:15 pm
is cortisol released during the fight flight freeze response? i thought it was just adrenaline and noradrenaline, and cortisol comes later via the HPA axis, but im now being told that its released during FFF! So that means its released during the countershock stage (alarm reaction) of GAS. Please tell me if thats correct :)

Also, are people's immune systems lowered and therefore vulnerable to illness during resistance or exhaustion? ive been told resistance but it doesnt make sense to me, i thought it was exhaustion cause body has cortisol present for long periods of time. can someone clarify this for me and explain why! thank you so much

As far as I know, FFF activates the HPA axis which releases adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol.  This is what I understand from the Cambridge textbook anyway (pg88). My teacher has emphasised that we don't need to talk about the HPA axis when talking about FFF since it's not in the study design. I also doubt you need to know about the pathways for how certain stress hormones are released, so that might be something to keep in mind.
Also, yes cortisol is released in countershock when FFF is activated.

I've been told that in the resistance phase cortisol circulates the body and suppresses the immune system, making your body more vulnerable to illnesses. Cortisol doesn't necessarily need to be in your bloodstream for a really long time for it to suppress the immune system, hence people's vulnerability to illnesses can increase in the resistance phase. Also, for some people, the resistance phase may actually go on for a long time, so their immunity would definitely be compromised.
 I would imagine that the longer the cortisol circulates your body, the more vulnerable you become to illness, so it would make sense that in exhaustion phase your susceptibility is higher to illnesses than in resistance, but that doesn't mean that immunity isn't compromised in the resistance phase.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: halo on October 18, 2017, 05:02:41 pm
hi all, we know the autonomic nervous system is self regulating (ie independently of the brain) but we also know that the ANS enables communication between the CNS and visceral muscles, organs and glands. Why would this be so if it does not require the brain?
The autonomic nervous system is self regulating not because it works independently of the brain, but because it  doesn't require voluntary/conscious control from the individual. There is still a lot of communication between the ANS and the brain - both too and from. You don't need to know this, but take for example your heart rate. When it is too high or too low, a "cardiac centre" in the medulla oblongata of the brain either initiates the parasympathetic NS to lower heart rate or sympathetic NS to increase it (which are the branches of the ANS).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 18, 2017, 06:28:24 pm
is cortisol released during the fight flight freeze response? i thought it was just adrenaline and noradrenaline, and cortisol comes later via the HPA axis, but im now being told that its released during FFF! So that means its released during the countershock stage (alarm reaction) of GAS. Please tell me if thats correct :)

Also, are people's immune systems lowered and therefore vulnerable to illness during resistance or exhaustion? ive been told resistance but it doesnt make sense to me, i thought it was exhaustion cause body has cortisol present for long periods of time. can someone clarify this for me and explain why! thank you so much

in the resistance stage, you have high resistance to the stressor, but start to become vulnerable to other things eg. Illness
In the exhaustion stage , you are very vulnerable to both the stressor and other stimuli (such as illness, and at this stage you probably will be ill)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: boooom on October 18, 2017, 07:29:01 pm
Is dopamine excitatory or inhibitory?
I keep hearing such mixed answers about it, some saying it is excitatory and others saying it's inhibitory!
How would a lack of either its excitatory/inhibitory effects result in Parkinson's disease?
Please help!! Thanks :)

Second insanpi's answer - dopamine produces both excitatory and inhibitory effects. You don't have to acknowledge this in your discussion of its role in dopamine though. Just know that it's responsible for stimulation (i.e excitation) of the motor cortex, and consequently, control of all motor commands and movements.

Questions of my own (and bump for my previous ones ::)?):
- How is acquisition defined in classical conditioning?
- How does the stress response precipitate a specific phobia?
- How does adrenaline improve consolidation of emotionally arousing events?
- How does elaborative rehearsal improve storage and recall of LTM?
- Do GABA agonists imitate GABA's inhibitory function or increase it?

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: halo on October 18, 2017, 08:46:54 pm
Quote
How is acquisition defined in classical conditioning?
Acquisition is when the UCR and NS are successfully paired through repeated associations, leading to the UCR becoming the CR, and the NS the CS.
(It's a bit sloppy but its the best I can think of)

Quote
How does the stress response precipitate a specific phobia?
I think you could offer more than one explanation, but the one I'm going to go with is classical conditioning. In this situation, the potentially phobic stimulus is initially the NS, the UCS is anything that produces a fear response and UCR is the fear response. Through repeated (idk if it has to be repeated as some people get phobias from one exposure) associations, the fear response becomes the CR and the phobic stimulus becomes CS.

Quote
How does adrenaline improve consolidation of emotionally arousing events?
When you experience an emotionally arousing event, your body releases adrenaline, which then causes the amygdala to release noradrenaline, which then signals to the nearby hippocampus that the memory is important and should be remembered. This then enhances its storage into LTM.

Quote
How does elaborative rehearsal improve storage and recall of LTM? 
Ok I'm not sure exactly how to answer this question, so you can disregard my attempt if you want.
I think, basically, in elaborative rehearsal you're just giving new info meaning through associating it to stuff you already know. This makes it easier to store the new info because you already have a basis of neural connections which you can add the new info to. So then when you recall LTM, you have stronger synaptic connections (because the neural pathway representing the LTM is connected to other pathways you associated it to) for it than if you hadn't used elaborative rehearsal.
I also think elaborative rehearsal gets you to think more deeply about the info, and that in itself means you're paying more attention to it.  According to Atkinson-Shiffrin model, it's then more likely to move from sensory memory to STM to LTM.



Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: halo on October 18, 2017, 09:03:04 pm
Quote
Do GABA agonists imitate GABA's inhibitory function or increase it?
I'm not sure about other GABA agonists, but benzodiazepines work by increasing how 'receptive' GABA receptors are to GABA on postsynaptic neurons, increasing GABA activity. The amount of GABA remains the same when you use these.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: syubi on October 18, 2017, 11:12:35 pm
Is it possible for secondary appraisal to occur at the same time as primary appraisal?

No, you have to perceive something as stressful (so primary appraisal) before you can secondly appraise it.

According one of the VCAA responses actually, "primary and secondary appraisals can interact with one another and are often undertaken simultaneously". I believe this is because as you make a primary appraisal (doesn't always have to be a conscious decision though), you can also think about what approach/coping strategies at the same time that you can take to deal with the stressor. It is considered to be a limitation of the transactional model. This is from question 4 in the 2015 VCAA paper. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: boooom on October 19, 2017, 12:01:13 am
According one of the VCAA responses actually, "primary and secondary appraisals can interact with one another and are often undertaken simultaneously". I believe this is because as you make a primary appraisal (doesn't always have to be a conscious decision though), you can also think about what approach/coping strategies at the same time that you can take to deal with the stressor. It is considered to be a limitation of the transactional model. This is from question 4 in the 2015 VCAA paper. :)

Oh whoopsie - nevermind me then :P
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 19, 2017, 09:42:53 am
Can someone please explain the definitions of context-specific effectiveness and coping flexibility with examples? I keep getting confused between the two! Thanks  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: halo on October 19, 2017, 10:11:49 am
Can someone please explain the definitions of context-specific effectiveness and coping flexibility with examples? I keep getting confused between the two! Thanks  :)

So context-specific effectiveness is when your coping strategy is suitable for dealing with a stressful situation. For example, if you have exams coming up and you're stressed, a coping strategy where you plan your time, take breaks for relaxation and study to achieve your goals would be considered to have context-specific effectiveness (because this is what will help you be prepared for your exams). If instead, you decided to just exercise or meditate everyday and not study to relieve the stress, this is considered to be not a suitable way to deal with the stressful situation. Exercise and meditation definitely helps relieve stress, but it won't deal with the stressful situation itself - the context (exams).

Coping flexibility is the ability to change your coping strategies according to the demands of different stressful situations. So for example, a stressful situation right now might be exams, and my coping strategy would be to plan my time and study. Once exams are over, I want to get a job and that kind of situation requires a different coping strategy - I  might need to practice giving interviews so I can get over my nerves, learn breathing techniques so I can stay calm in the interview etc. And then maybe when exam results come out, I'll face a different kind of stressful situation (might not be happy with ATAR etc), and my coping strategy may be positive self-talk, getting encouragement from family and considering different options for my education in uni. If I'm able to change from each coping strategy to the other depending on the circumstances, then I'd have coping flexibility.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on October 19, 2017, 08:38:13 pm
What are we all saying for Cognitive aspects that are affected in an individual upon Partial and Total sleep deprivation?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 19, 2017, 09:00:30 pm
What are we all saying for Cognitive aspects that are affected in an individual upon Partial and Total sleep deprivation?


I made a list of affective, cognitive, and behavioural changes die to sleep deprivation earlier in this thread which may be useful for you :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 20, 2017, 08:43:28 am
What are we all saying for Cognitive aspects that are affected in an individual upon Partial and Total sleep deprivation?

Here’s a few:
- difficulty concentrating
- impaired memory
- difficulty problem solving/decision making
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on October 20, 2017, 05:56:33 pm
Hey everyone, I was just wondering.

We did an experiment at school and it was about classical conditioning. So if was basically just 4 students who has 1 student each 4and we just tested them using Wizz fizz.

So what would be the experiential design, I'm confused.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: zofromuxo on October 20, 2017, 06:31:59 pm
Hey everyone, I was just wondering.

We did an experiment at school and it was about classical conditioning. So if was basically just 4 students who has 1 student each 4and we just tested them using Wizz fizz.

So what would be the experiential design, I'm confused.
Repeated measures? Since they all got exposed to the IV being the Wizz Fizz.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on October 21, 2017, 12:24:18 pm
Hi guys, just some questions on TSSM 2013 MCQ.

Q2: Cooper is completing a timed English essay, During this task Cooper has thoughts about his party on the weekend, the next English task he has to complete and about 'schoolies week' at the end of the school year. Cooper's state of consciousness can be best described as?
a. Normal waking consciousness
b. altered state of consciousness
c. focused state of consciousness
d. selective state of consciousness
I answered B, since Cooper seems to be daydreaming, but the solutions say he is in normal waking consciousness? I thought daydreaming was an ASC, not a NWC.

Q22: The amygdala is involved with the processing of which type of memories?
a. Iconic
b. Short term
c. Long Term
d. Traumatic
I answered D, since it encodes emotional information in, but the solutions say C. I would have thought that this is correct, but not the most correct answer?

Q34: Which of the following best described long term potentiation?
a. Axon of the postsynpatic neuron is active while the presynaptic neuron is firing, the synapse is strengthened
b. Axon of the presynaptic neuron is active while the postsynaptic neuron is firing, the synapse is strengthened
c. Axon of the presynaptic neuron is active while the postsynaptic neuron is firing, the synapse is weakened
d. Axon of the postsynpatic neuron is active while the presynaptic neuron is firing, the synapse is weakened.
The answered A, since the presynaptic neuron fires while post synaptic neuron receives, but the solutions say it is B?

Q47: In operant conditioning, the stimulus comes ___ the response, whereas in classical conditioning it comes ___ the response
a. before, after
b. after, before
c. before, before
d. after, after
I answered C, since i always thought the antecedent was also considered the discriminative stimulus for which the behaviour occurs in response to? The solutions say it is B. Is the consequence considered the stimulus in operant conditioning, or is it both the antecedent and consequence, or just the antecedent?

Also relating to OC, is the response voluntary, or both voluntary and involuntary. I thought that the CC response is involuntary while the OC response is voluntary since you make a conscious decision to act in a way according to the consequence you receive.

TIA!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on October 21, 2017, 12:37:53 pm
Hi guys, just some questions on TSSM 2013.
Q2: Cooper is completing a timed English essay, During this task Cooper has thoughts about his party on the weekend, the next English task he has to complete and about 'schoolies week' at the end of the school year. Cooper's state of consciousness can be best described as?

Well it's definitely NOT an ASC, and I'll yell you why.

1. If he was in an ASC then he would not be able to focus on the English exam
2. If you recall, consciousness is described by William James as being ongoing, like a stream of water, and this is because our content of consciousness is constantly changing. This is why Cooper, although he is completing his English exam, is thinking about other things, such as 'schoolies week' and the
3. You need to be careful, questions like this have been on MC before, and the correct answer is ALWAYS NWC.
4. If you still need clarifications, please let me know. I don't know if you understood it, but it's pretty straight forward, because imagine if Cooper was in an ASC he would have lowered awareness and would not be able to concentrate [typical characteristics of an ASC]
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on October 21, 2017, 12:46:18 pm
Hi guys, just some questions on TSSM 2013 MCQ.


Q47: In operant conditioning, the stimulus comes ___ the response, whereas in classical conditioning it comes ___ the response
a. before, after
b. after, before
c. before, before
d. after, after
I answered C, since i always thought the antecedent was also considered the discriminative stimulus for which the behaviour occurs in response to? The solutions say it is B. Is the consequence considered the stimulus in operant conditioning, or is it both the antecedent and consequence, or just the antecedent?

Also relating to OC, is the response voluntary, or both voluntary and involuntary. I thought that the CC response is involuntary while the OC response is voluntary since you make a conscious decision to act in a way according to the consequence you receive.

TIA!


Now with this question, The 'stimulus' as I believe is referring to the type of reinforcement of punishment. Now obviously this comes after the behavior. For example if a child was throwing a tantrum and I positively reinforce him by giving him a lollipop, then the lollipop in this case is the 'stimulus'. So the presence or removal of a stimulus, always occurs AFTER the behavior.

With CC, You already answered it correctly, because your option said the stimulus comes BEFORE the behavior, which is correct, just think of Pavlovs experiment, the bell and meat powder came before the response of salivation [response]
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on October 21, 2017, 12:51:41 pm
Question 22 and 34 were a bit of a grey area. The amygdala I would also assume is involved in traumatic memories, but you need to keep in mind that these emotional memories are encoded so that they are stored as long-term memories. Which may be why option C is the corect answer.


Question 34, is really weird, I agree with the option you choose. That just makes so much more sense. can anyone lend a helping hand over here please????
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on October 21, 2017, 12:54:52 pm
Well it's definitely NOT an ASC, and I'll yell you why.

1. If he was in an ASC then he would not be able to focus on the English exam
2. If you recall, consciousness is described by William James as being ongoing, like a stream of water, and this is because our content of consciousness is constantly changing. This is why Cooper, although he is completing his English exam, is thinking about other things, such as 'schoolies week' and the
3. You need to be careful, questions like this have been on MC before, and the correct answer is ALWAYS NWC.
4. If you still need clarifications, please let me know. I don't know if you understood it, but it's pretty straight forward, because imagine if Cooper was in an ASC he would have lowered awareness and would not be able to concentrate [typical characteristics of an ASC]

Oh okay, that makes sense. How would you differentiate between a daydream being an ASC where they cannot focus, lower attention etc. and just a NWC as you described?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on October 21, 2017, 12:56:16 pm

Now with this question, The 'stimulus' as I believe is referring to the type of reinforcement of punishment. Now obviously this comes after the behavior. For example if a child was throwing a tantrum and I positively reinforce him by giving him a lollipop, then the lollipop in this case is the 'stimulus'. So the presence or removal of a stimulus, always occurs AFTER the behavior.

With CC, You already answered it correctly, because your option said the stimulus comes BEFORE the behavior, which is correct, just think of Pavlovs experiment, the bell and meat powder came before the response of salivation [response]


Thanks! So would you say to 'ignore' the antecedent as a stimulus?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 21, 2017, 01:04:14 pm
Thanks! So would you say to 'ignore' the antecedent as a stimulus?

Yes- think of it (the 'stimulus' that comes after the behaviour in OC) as the stimulus that determines whether the behaviour will be repeated again in the future. So yes, when talking about whether the stimulus comes before or after the behaviour in OC, were talking about the 'consequence' (after) stimulus, NOT the antecedent stimulus (you can 'ignore it' in this case) :)

Hope that made sense
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on October 21, 2017, 01:04:50 pm
Question 22 and 34 were a bit of a grey area. The amygdala I would also assume is involved in traumatic memories, but you need to keep in mind that these emotional memories are encoded so that they are stored as long-term memories. Which may be why option C is the corect answer.


Question 34, is really weird, I agree with the option you choose. That just makes so much more sense. can anyone lend a helping hand over here please????

Yeah, I understand how they are encoded as LTM, making both C and D correct. But I would have thought that D is the 'better answer'. Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 21, 2017, 01:06:41 pm
Yeah, I understand how they are encoded as LTM, making both C and D correct. But I would have thought that D is the 'better answer'. Thanks!

I would say that C is the better answer because the amygdala is involved in encoding all emotional long-term memories (doesn't have to be traumatic), so that is why C is the better answer
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on October 21, 2017, 01:09:04 pm
Oh okay, that makes sense. How would you differentiate between a daydream being an ASC where they cannot focus, lower attention etc. and just a NWC as you described?

Good question. With the practice exams I have been doing [from VCAA] they would make the distinction clear-cut. If Cooper was in an ASC they would say that he is not focusing on his exam, or they would ACTUALLY say that he is daydreaming about the next English exam or the 'schoolies week'. Now you need to realize that the fact the Cooper is actually doing his exam, is indicative of a NWC because if he was daydreaming, he would only be thinking about his internal thoughts[ such as his next English exam] and he would not be able to focus on his external environment- which in this scenario is he English exam] If the question said that he was not completing his exam because he was thinking about other things [internal thoughts] , then that would be an ASC. I'll try and find the MC questions that are similar to this one so that you can practice on them. However, this would be deemed a trick question, because a large proportion would have chosen ASC like you.

feel free to ask more questions for clarifications! The more you know, the better.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on October 21, 2017, 01:18:05 pm
Thanks! So would you say to 'ignore' the antecedent as a stimulus?

You could think of it that way, as just ígnoring the antecedent as the stimulus. But either way the stimulus would still occur after the response. I'll illustrate with the use of an example.

Antecedent is the green light. Ben crosses the road: see even if you used the antecedent as the 'stimulus', the response of crossing the road would still come AFTER the stimulus [green light]

However, if you ignore the antecedent stimulus, then here is an example: [using the consequence as the stimulus]

Behavior is crossing the road, Ben nearly gets hit by a car. The stimulus of 'nearly getting hit by a car' [positive punishment] still comes AFTER the behavior of crossing the road.


So either way you like to look at it, the stimulus comes AFTER the response. whether the response be the antecedent [ green light] or crossing the road].


So basically you can think of it anyway you want, but the way the question is worded, it is asking you when the stimulus is presented [before or after] in relation to the RESPONSE. so the response is the way Ben  'responds to the antecedent, or in other words it is Ben's behavior to the antecedent.


Do you understand that, please let me know if you don't and I could try to explain it differently.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on October 21, 2017, 01:40:50 pm
Oh okay, that makes sense. How would you differentiate between a daydream being an ASC where they cannot focus, lower attention etc. and just a NWC as you described?

Hey again Peter,

Regarding the VCAA exam questions I have found 2 for you. This will demonstrate to you how clear and unambiguous VCAA make the distinction between an ASC and a NWC.

The first question is from VCAA 2002 Exam 1. Question 36.

Q. 36: Louis underwent hypnosis as a treatment to help him quit smoking. Afterwards, he was surprised to learn that he had been under hypnosis for half an hour because it seemed to him that only 15 minutes had passed. Louis has most likely experienced:

A. a state of normal waking consciousness
B. an altered state of consciousness.
C. A stream of consciousness
D. an automatic process.

Obviously, the correct answer is B. Adding on to what I said earlier, if the scenario involved some one in a ASC. they would hint it to you, for example they would say something about lowered level of awareness, pr amplified emotions, or in this scenario, they said something about Louis not being able to accurately perceive the passage of time [which is characteristic of an ASC]. So in a nutshell, if the answer was ASC, then there would be a characteristic of an ASC in the question.

This next question is symmetric to the one you came across on the TSSM exam. It is extracted from VCAA Exam 1 2003. Question 32.

Adrienne is completing a test. During the task, Adrienne has thoughts about the part-time work roster her employer changed recently, the party she is attending the next day, and the prospect of getting her Learners permit next week. What is the best way of describing her state of consciousness.

A. normal waking consciousness
B. Altered state of consciousness
C. Focused state of consciousness
D. selective sate of consciousnesses.


Now, I assume you'd know by now that the answer is indeed A. NWC. and I'm going to be honest here, when I first did this I also chose B. But know that I read the examiners report, I released it was really stupid thing because that just doesn't make sense. Because if he was in a ASC. then he would not be able to think about so may things. So as you can see the answer is A, and it's good that you know now because a similar question may come by in the exam.


In relation to the examiners report for this question, only 46% answer A correctly and 34% answers B. the comment on the report is verbatim:

The flow of thoughts described for Adrienne in this question is a
concrete example of William James’ hypothetical construct of the
stream of consciousness referred
 to in the previous question.


Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 21, 2017, 02:03:45 pm
How does random allocation remove the extraneous variable of individual participant differences?
Is it because there is a more even spread of participant variables?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on October 21, 2017, 03:14:43 pm
I would say that C is the better answer because the amygdala is involved in encoding all emotional long-term memories (doesn't have to be traumatic), so that is why C is the better answer
Makes sense! Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on October 21, 2017, 03:15:34 pm
Good question. With the practice exams I have been doing [from VCAA] they would make the distinction clear-cut. If Cooper was in an ASC they would say that he is not focusing on his exam, or they would ACTUALLY say that he is daydreaming about the next English exam or the 'schoolies week'. Now you need to realize that the fact the Cooper is actually doing his exam, is indicative of a NWC because if he was daydreaming, he would only be thinking about his internal thoughts[ such as his next English exam] and he would not be able to focus on his external environment- which in this scenario is he English exam] If the question said that he was not completing his exam because he was thinking about other things [internal thoughts] , then that would be an ASC. I'll try and find the MC questions that are similar to this one so that you can practice on them. However, this would be deemed a trick question, because a large proportion would have chosen ASC like you.

feel free to ask more questions for clarifications! The more you know, the better.

Good to know! Thank you!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on October 21, 2017, 03:17:49 pm
Hey again Peter,

Regarding the VCAA exam questions I have found 2 for you. This will demonstrate to you how clear and unambiguous VCAA make the distinction between an ASC and a NWC.

The first question is from VCAA 2002 Exam 1. Question 36.

Q. 36: Louis underwent hypnosis as a treatment to help him quit smoking. Afterwards, he was surprised to learn that he had been under hypnosis for half an hour because it seemed to him that only 15 minutes had passed. Louis has most likely experienced:

A. a state of normal waking consciousness
B. an altered state of consciousness.
C. A stream of consciousness
D. an automatic process.

Obviously, the correct answer is B. Adding on to what I said earlier, if the scenario involved some one in a ASC. they would hint it to you, for example they would say something about lowered level of awareness, pr amplified emotions, or in this scenario, they said something about Louis not being able to accurately perceive the passage of time [which is characteristic of an ASC]. So in a nutshell, if the answer was ASC, then there would be a characteristic of an ASC in the question.

This next question is symmetric to the one you came across on the TSSM exam. It is extracted from VCAA Exam 1 2003. Question 32.

Adrienne is completing a test. During the task, Adrienne has thoughts about the part-time work roster her employer changed recently, the party she is attending the next day, and the prospect of getting her Learners permit next week. What is the best way of describing her state of consciousness.

A. normal waking consciousness
B. Altered state of consciousness
C. Focused state of consciousness
D. selective sate of consciousnesses.


Now, I assume you'd know by now that the answer is indeed A. NWC. and I'm going to be honest here, when I first did this I also chose B. But know that I read the examiners report, I released it was really stupid thing because that just doesn't make sense. Because if he was in a ASC. then he would not be able to think about so may things. So as you can see the answer is A, and it's good that you know now because a similar question may come by in the exam.


In relation to the examiners report for this question, only 46% answer A correctly and 34% answers B. the comment on the report is verbatim:

The flow of thoughts described for Adrienne in this question is a
concrete example of William James’ hypothetical construct of the
stream of consciousness referred
 to in the previous question.




Perfect! Thanks so much again for the help :) Good luck to you as well!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on October 21, 2017, 04:37:34 pm
Perfect! Thanks so much again for the help :) Good luck to you as well!

Thanks Peter, all the best!!!  ;)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: halo on October 21, 2017, 05:25:22 pm
Hi guys. Are we allowed to use abbreviations when talking about classical conditioning (for example, neutral stimulus=NS), without defining it first by putting it in brackets? So like instead of going "the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) is ..." are we able to just say "the UCS is..."?

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: zofromuxo on October 21, 2017, 05:28:28 pm
Hi guys. Are we allowed to use abbreviations when talking about classical conditioning (for example, neutral stimulus=NS), without defining it first by putting it in brackets? So like instead of going "the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) is ..." are we able to just say "the UCS is..."?


Nope, you have to define it first.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: psychologie on October 22, 2017, 10:53:57 am
With specific environmental triggers in relation to specific phobia, does it count as a specific environmental trigger if its vicariously? eg. parent telling you a story. My understanding that its only direct exposure, but i have conflicting sources of info that tell me otherwise :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 31415926535 on October 22, 2017, 11:20:07 am
Hi,

I just had a few questions over things I've seen in exams.

For Lazarus and Folkman, I remember reading that even if you had a primary appraisal of threat or harm/loss, you could secondarily appraise that you had adequate coping resources and thus not have a stress response. Is this correct?

Where are implicit memories stored because I thought that the cerebral cortex stored well-learned implicit memories and the cerebellum encoded and temporarily stored implicit memories, SO Im not sure what to answer.

Also, for the precipitation of phobia, would you talk about glutamate (LTP and the strengthening of the neural connections relating to the fear response) or adrenaline (role in consolidating emotionally significant events) or possibly both??

And for the question; outline two devices that could be used to help determine if an individual is in an ASC. What would you talk about?? Obviously an EEG, but I'm unsure what an EMG or EOG or sleep diary etc would show if a person was in an ASC for the 2nd mark.

Finally, for the question; Jonah sleeps an average of 7 hours each night. When he is asleep, about 1/5 of his sleep time is spent in R.EM sleep. Jonah is most likely to be;
1
13
40
90

I answered D because my teacher specifically told us that adults sleep 8 hours so I thought it couldn't be C, so what would an elderly person's R.E.M. show and how many hours of sleep would they get?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 22, 2017, 11:22:21 am
With specific environmental triggers in relation to specific phobia, does it count as a specific environmental trigger if its vicariously? eg. parent telling you a story. My understanding that its only direct exposure, but i have conflicting sources of info that tell me otherwise :)

Yep, it can be both (direct or indirect exposure)!

Such as:
e.g.) Spiders
- Directly getting bitten by a spider
- Seeing someone else being bitten by a spider and freaking out
- Hearing about it on news/radio
- Seeing it in a movie

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: **** on October 22, 2017, 11:35:42 am
Hi,

I just had a few questions over things I've seen in exams.

For Lazarus and Folkman, I remember reading that even if you had a primary appraisal of threat or harm/loss, you could secondarily appraise that you had adequate coping resources and thus not have a stress response. Is this correct? Yes

Also, for the precipitation of phobia, would you talk about glutamate (LTP and the strengthening of the neural connections relating to the fear response) or adrenaline (role in consolidating emotionally significant events) or possibly both?? Neither. These aren't the precipitating factors that are listed in the study design; stick to them instead.

And for the question; outline two devices that could be used to help determine if an individual is in an ASC. What would you talk about?? Obviously an EEG, but I'm unsure what an EMG or EOG or sleep diary etc would show if a person was in an ASC for the 2nd mark.
I would say depends on the type of ASC, but generally speaking, I would go with EMG. ASC has less self-control --> less able to control muscles --> less muscle tone --> lower electrical reading on EMG

Finally, for the question; Jonah sleeps an average of 7 hours each night. When he is asleep, about 1/5 of his sleep time is spent in R.EM sleep. Jonah is most likely to be;
1
13
40
90

I answered D because my teacher specifically told us that adults sleep 8 hours so I thought it couldn't be C, so what would an elderly person's R.E.M. show and how many hours of sleep would they get?
 Proportion of REM sleep for most of the lifespan is 20 - 25% but it decreases when you reach old age. It also becomes shorter and more fragmented; search up 'elderly hypnograms' if you want a graphical illustration. Hours of sleep is generally 6 ish.

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 31415926535 on October 22, 2017, 12:35:10 pm


Thank you!!!!!!

For the second question, I probably shouldn't have used the word precipitate, as I more meant the NT/NH associated with stress response and LTP in developing a phobia.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ashjames on October 22, 2017, 12:52:12 pm
Hey Guys,

For biological treatment of phobias, do benzodiazepines MIMIC GABA function or do they INCREASE GABA function?

Does elaborative rehearsal increase LTM and maintenance rehearsal increase STM- is this true?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: forbiddensoulxx on October 22, 2017, 01:07:29 pm
Hey Guys,

For biological treatment of phobias, do benzodiazepines MIMIC GABA function or do they INCREASE GABA function? Benzo's mimic GABA function and act on GABA receptors in order to increase the inhibitory effect on GABA, if that made sense aha.

Does elaborative rehearsal increase LTM and maintenance rehearsal increase STM- is this true? Not quite, as LTM has a relatively permanent duration and capacity, and all elaborative rehearsal does it transfer information from STM into LTM. STM has a duration of 18-30 seconds and a capacity of 5-9 items. All maintenance rehearsal does is increase the duration of time the information is in STM.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on October 22, 2017, 06:31:51 pm
One of the practice exams stated that the duration of short-term memory is 12-30 seconds, however I usually put 18-30 seconds. It's the same for sensory memory, for it's capacity I usually write 0.2-4 seconds (iconic and echoic) but the prac exam had 0.3-4 seconds.

Basically, will VCAA be this strict if these were questions on the upcoming exam? It's pretty unlikely that we'd get a question this simple, but I wanted to make sure just in-case.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: zofromuxo on October 22, 2017, 06:35:58 pm
One of the practice exams stated that the duration of short-term memory is 12-30 seconds, however I usually put 18-30 seconds. It's the same for sensory memory, for it's capacity I usually write 0.2-4 seconds (iconic and echoic) but the prac exam had 0.3-4 seconds.

Basically, will VCAA be this strict if these were questions on the upcoming exam? It's pretty unlikely that we'd get a question this simple, but I wanted to make sure just in-case.
Yes. VCAA are quite strict about having the exact ranges for these durations.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: forbiddensoulxx on October 22, 2017, 06:52:12 pm
One of the practice exams stated that the duration of short-term memory is 12-30 seconds, however I usually put 18-30 seconds. It's the same for sensory memory, for it's capacity I usually write 0.2-4 seconds (iconic and echoic) but the prac exam had 0.3-4 seconds.

Basically, will VCAA be this strict if these were questions on the upcoming exam? It's pretty unlikely that we'd get a question this simple, but I wanted to make sure just in-case.
My teacher is a VCAA assessor and has also written several psych textbooks, what he told us was to basically mention the duration of STM is 18-20, sometimes up to 30 seconds, and we'd never go wrong with this.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 22, 2017, 07:51:07 pm
One of the practice exams stated that the duration of short-term memory is 12-30 seconds, however I usually put 18-30 seconds. It's the same for sensory memory, for it's capacity I usually write 0.2-4 seconds (iconic and echoic) but the prac exam had 0.3-4 seconds.

Basically, will VCAA be this strict if these were questions on the upcoming exam? It's pretty unlikely that we'd get a question this simple, but I wanted to make sure just in-case.
I doubt you'd lose marks for stating 0.2-4. However if you quoted some similar figured eg.  0.1, you would not get the mark
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: halo on October 22, 2017, 09:41:48 pm
Can we write in pencil for the psych exam? I know VCAA tells us to use pen, but will they still mark my exam if I've written in pencil?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: zofromuxo on October 22, 2017, 09:52:53 pm
Can we write in pencil for the psych exam? I know VCAA tells us to use pen, but will they still mark my exam if I've written in pencil?
They will still mark it, if you did it in pencil.
But I would recommend pen as pencil doesn't scan well. This makes it harder for the assessor to mark your exam and could make you lose marks due to being unable to see your answer.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 23, 2017, 08:06:06 pm
What stage of the GAS is cortisol released?

I've heard it's released in resistance, but am hearing conflicting opinions where it is released in the countershock stage of alarm reaction.

Thoughts??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mariamnourine on October 23, 2017, 08:09:01 pm
What stage of the GAS is cortisol released?

I've heard it's released in resistance, but am hearing conflicting opinions where it is released in the countershock stage of alarm reaction.

Thoughts??
What stage of the GAS is cortisol released?

I've heard it's released in resistance, but am hearing conflicting opinions where it is released in the countershock stage of alarm reaction.

Thoughts??

In the counter shock stage, adrenaline is released. However as we enter the resistance stage our body needs extra resources and energy to cope with the stressor, which is why cortisol is released in the resistance stage.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 23, 2017, 09:01:47 pm
In the counter shock stage, adrenaline is released. However as we enter the resistance stage our body needs extra resources and energy to cope with the stressor, which is why cortisol is released in the resistance stage.

Yeah, I agree with you aswell, but I've also heard otherwise- that cortisol is also released in small amounts in countershock, but mainly adrenaline (and sympathetic NS- FFF), as it is a short-term response to stress. After, when the body reaches resistance stage, a more long-term way to deal with the stress is achieved through the release of cortisol alone, without adrenaline.

This kinda makes sense because for example in the exam, our heart rate and breathing rate is not increased and were not sweating rapidly for the whole 2 hours and 45 minutes, but to keep us energised and going for a longer amount of time, cortisol is released.

Now I'm getting confused as to what I should be saying?!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: pha0015 on October 23, 2017, 09:42:15 pm
just wanted to ask for clarification on some questions that I got wrong on a practice exam:

can punishment act as a reinforcer (wrong answer: punishment decreases likelihood of avoidance behaviours)

can the response in operant conditioning be both voluntary and involuntary (as opposed to just being voluntary)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mariamnourine on October 23, 2017, 09:56:09 pm
Yeah, I agree with you aswell, but I've also heard otherwise- that cortisol is also released in small amounts in countershock, but mainly adrenaline (and sympathetic NS- FFF), as it is a short-term response to stress. After, when the body reaches resistance stage, a more long-term way to deal with the stress is achieved through the release of cortisol alone, without adrenaline.

This kinda makes sense because for example in the exam, our heart rate and breathing rate is not increased and were not sweating rapidly for the whole 2 hours and 45 minutes, but to keep us energised and going for a longer amount of time, cortisol is released.

Now I'm getting confused as to what I should be saying?!

Don't be confused, every resources I've used says what I told you previously, I know it does make sense to you that way but even VCAA questions I've attempted say that cortisol is released in the resistance stage.

In relation to your example, when you enter the exam, adrenaline is predominant, however, when you start to chill out, that's cortisol at work. It could be possible that there is a minor amount of cortisol during the counter shock stage, but not mentioned in many resources I've read.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 23, 2017, 10:25:45 pm
Don't be confused, every resources I've used says what I told you previously, I know it does make sense to you that way but even VCAA questions I've attempted say that cortisol is released in the resistance stage.

In relation to your example, when you enter the exam, adrenaline is predominant, however, when you start to chill out, that's cortisol at work. It could be possible that there is a minor amount of cortisol during the counter shock stage, but not mentioned in many resources I've read.


Alright. I'm gonna trust u on this one!! Thanks for the help  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mariamnourine on October 23, 2017, 10:28:28 pm
Alright. I'm gonna trust u on this one!! Thanks for the help  :)

Pretty sure it's correct, I would say I'm 100% sure it's correct but then my head will get bigger ;). If you're still unsure ask and someone else will answer it for you, but they'll most likely say what I said

Good Luck with your exams!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on October 23, 2017, 10:32:46 pm
just wanted to ask for clarification on some questions that I got wrong on a practice exam:

can punishment act as a reinforcer (wrong answer: punishment decreases likelihood of avoidance behaviours)


Yes, punishment can inadvertently act as a reinforcer. For example, say you are trying to stop a student from talking in class by telling them off in front of everyone. This seems like you are positively punishing them (provision of a stern warning etc.), however, this could also act as a positive reinforcer by providing attention towards them.

I'm not too sure about the OC question either, so if someone could provide some insight, that would be much appreciated!
Also, I think i recognise these questions from a past exam right?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: halo on October 23, 2017, 10:43:38 pm
Yeah, I agree with you aswell, but I've also heard otherwise- that cortisol is also released in small amounts in countershock, but mainly adrenaline (and sympathetic NS- FFF), as it is a short-term response to stress. After, when the body reaches resistance stage, a more long-term way to deal with the stress is achieved through the release of cortisol alone, without adrenaline.

This might contradict other answers, but according to the Oxford textbook (pg90), cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline are released in countershock phase, and cortisol continues to be released and circulated around the body in the resistance phase. I'm not sure if you trust wikipedia, but it also says the same thing as this textbook. I've checked a few other sites and they say more or less the same thing too. However, there are also some resources saying cortisol is released in resistance only... soooo idk. I guess just know it is definitely released in resistance phase - that's all you need to know for the most likely questions on cortisol anyways (about how it increases susceptibility to illness)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 24, 2017, 09:35:22 am
This might contradict other answers, but according to the Oxford textbook (pg90), cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline are released in countershock phase, and cortisol continues to be released and circulated around the body in the resistance phase. I'm not sure if you trust wikipedia, but it also says the same thing as this textbook. I've checked a few other sites and they say more or less the same thing too. However, there are also some resources saying cortisol is released in resistance only... soooo idk. I guess just know it is definitely released in resistance phase - that's all you need to know for the most likely questions on cortisol anyways (about how it increases susceptibility to illness)


Yeah exactly! See now I'm just worried that I will say the wrong thing.. I don't know what to do. My textbook (jacaranda) doesn't mention cortisol being released in countershock, but yours does, and I've heard it from others. I'm assuming (hoping) they will give us the mark for saying either opinion, because different resources are saying conflicting things!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mariamnourine on October 24, 2017, 04:08:56 pm
Yeah exactly! See now I'm just worried that I will say the wrong thing.. I don't know what to do. My textbook (jacaranda) doesn't mention cortisol being released in countershock, but yours does, and I've heard it from others. I'm assuming (hoping) they will give us the mark for saying either opinion, because different resources are saying conflicting things!

Okay, so I do agree with cortisol being released in the in the aftershock stage, but it my only be released in SMALL AMOUNTS. The resistance stage is Predominately CORTISOL and the counter shock stage is PREDOMINANTLY ADRENALINE. There may be other hormones released during the stages, but adrenaline and cortisol are the MAIN hormones released in the counter shock and resistance stage respectively. 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: halo on October 24, 2017, 04:18:26 pm
Okay, so I do agree with cortisol being released in the in the aftershock stage, but it my only be released in SMALL AMOUNTS. The resistance stage is Predominately CORTISOL and the counter shock stage is PREDOMINANTLY ADRENALINE. There may be other hormones released during the stages, but adrenaline and cortisol are the MAIN hormones released in the counter shock and resistance stage respectively. 

this explanation sounds reasonable to me
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: **** on October 24, 2017, 04:18:38 pm
Yeah exactly! See now I'm just worried that I will say the wrong thing.. I don't know what to do. My textbook (jacaranda) doesn't mention cortisol being released in countershock, but yours does, and I've heard it from others. I'm assuming (hoping) they will give us the mark for saying either opinion, because different resources are saying conflicting things!

VCAA will always mark it as correct if it's in a textbook - words from my teacher who is an examiner.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 24, 2017, 06:06:03 pm
Okay, so I do agree with cortisol being released in the in the aftershock stage, but it my only be released in SMALL AMOUNTS. The resistance stage is Predominately CORTISOL and the counter shock stage is PREDOMINANTLY ADRENALINE. There may be other hormones released during the stages, but adrenaline and cortisol are the MAIN hormones released in the counter shock and resistance stage respectively. 
VCAA will always mark it as correct if it's in a textbook - words from my teacher who is an examiner.

THANKS SO MUCH GUYS!!!  :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Novashock on October 25, 2017, 01:22:32 pm
Hey guys!
Are the 3 distinct factors that contibute to the context specific effectiveness of a stress response assumed preknowlege? because it's not in our textbooks and mmy teacher didn't know it, but it popped up in one of the practice exams?
Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 25, 2017, 02:55:07 pm
Hey guys!
Are the 3 distinct factors that contibute to the context specific effectiveness of a stress response assumed preknowlege? because it's not in our textbooks and mmy teacher didn't know it, but it popped up in one of the practice exams?
Thanks

Is that from the ACED exam or Access? I think I remember doing it- I crossed it out, it made no sense!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on October 25, 2017, 09:45:50 pm
Hey guys!
Are the 3 distinct factors that contibute to the context specific effectiveness of a stress response assumed preknowlege? because it's not in our textbooks and mmy teacher didn't know it, but it popped up in one of the practice exams?
Thanks

I don't think that is relevant. What exam and year is that from?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rnrn on October 25, 2017, 09:50:54 pm
I don't think that is relevant. What exam and year is that from?

Not Novashock, but it's from Aced's 2017 paper, short answer question 2 c)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: -273.15 on October 26, 2017, 10:47:16 am
Hi guys
What sort of score range would I need to achieve on the exam if I was aiming for a 45+???
Thank you :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 26, 2017, 11:10:57 am
Guys, just wondering, what order do you complete the sections of the exam?

I tend to do it from start to end: MC, short answer then the 10-marker.

What about you guys? and how do you find timing when doing it in your particular order?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: zofromuxo on October 26, 2017, 11:25:20 am
Guys, just wondering, what order do you complete the sections of the exam?

I tend to do it from start to end: MC, short answer then the 10-marker.

What about you guys? and how do you find timing when doing it in your particular order?

I also completed the exam in the way you and finished all the questions with 10 minutes to spare for checking and improving answers.
There is no real cut and dry way of doing it.
Some do the 10-mark question first and for others the short-answer. It is mainly a personal choice, it wouldn't worry too much about what you do.

If you find that you are going overtime, identify the reason for it.
Is it because your don't know the content well?
Are you putting too much information in your answer?
It may not have to do with the order you do it in, but feel free to experiement in your practice exams.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: -273.15 on October 26, 2017, 02:35:31 pm
Hi guys when i have been doing practice exams, especially the sample exam for this year, I keep losing marks for not defining something.
Im not sure when I should or shouldn't include a definition when a question doesn't even ask for one?
A lot of questions allocate one mark just for defining a concept but other times they don't
Any advice for knowing when to include a definition???

thank you
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: LPadlan on October 26, 2017, 06:14:44 pm
Hi guys, i just need some clarification. Depressants clearly put you into ASC but apparently stimulants do put you into ASC as well, so does that mean a stimulant like caffeine would put you into ASC? Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on October 27, 2017, 10:36:36 am
Hi guys, i just need some clarification. Depressants clearly put you into ASC but apparently stimulants do put you into ASC as well, so does that mean a stimulant like caffeine would put you into ASC? Thanks

Yep, both stimulants and depressants put you into an induced altered state of consciousness.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mariamnourine on October 27, 2017, 01:00:25 pm
Guys, you know how the recency effect doesn't occur after a delay, is there anything that happens to prevent primacy effect from occurring?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 27, 2017, 03:16:13 pm
Guys, you know how the recency effect doesn't occur after a delay, is there anything that happens to prevent primacy effect from occurring?
No
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on October 28, 2017, 12:42:04 am
Guys, you know how the recency effect doesn't occur after a delay, is there anything that happens to prevent primacy effect from occurring?

I'm sure there's "some" factor that might affect it, but in terms of our VCE course it's pretty much assumed that there's always going to be a primacy effect, as these words will enter LTM.

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 28, 2017, 08:59:48 am
How do you guys structure a classical conditioning and operant conditioning response? Like what keys words etc. do we need to include.

Eg. If it asked, (for operant conditioning), how could Jane stop her daughters behaviour of talking in class?

And for classical conditioning too.


Thanks!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 28, 2017, 09:54:49 am
How do you guys structure a classical conditioning and operant conditioning response? Like what keys words etc. do we need to include.

Eg. If it asked, (for operant conditioning), how could Jane stop her daughters behaviour of talking in class?

And for classical conditioning too.


Thanks!!

OPERANT CONDITIONING
IF it said use the three-phase model of operant conditioning, then you would mention the:
- Antecedent (Being in class)
- Behaviour (Jane talks in class- Jane's mother is notified)
- Consequence (Jane's mother uses response cost- she takes away Jane's phone for 2 weeks (desired stimulus), to decrease the likelihood that she will continue talking in class in the future (undesirable behaviour).

IF it said what made Jane's behaviour of talking in class stop/decrease, you would just mention the consequence of response cost. This would usually be a 2 mark question (1 mark for saying response cost, and the other for explaining how her behaviour of talking in class would be decreased through the removal of a desirable stimulus) ----> you could also use positive punishment.

CLASSICAL CONDITIONING
IF it said using the language of classical conditioning, then you could mention all the NS,UCS,UCR.... in the form of a sentence/story.

IF it said use the three-phase model/process of classical conditioning, then you would have to integrate the NS, UCS.... into before conditioning, during conditioning (acquisition) and after conditioning.

Before conditioning:
NS---> NR
UCS---> UCR--->

During conditioning (acquisition):
NS+UCS---> UCR (through repeated association)- or could occur just once in phobias

After conditioning:
CS---> CR
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 28, 2017, 10:18:27 am
OPERANT CONDITIONING
IF it said use the three-phase model of operant conditioning, then you would mention the:
- Antecedent (Being in class)
- Behaviour (Jane talks in class- Jane's mother is notified)
- Consequence (Jane's mother uses response cost- she takes away Jane's phone for 2 weeks (desired stimulus), to decrease the likelihood that she will continue talking in class in the future (undesirable behaviour).

IF it said what made Jane's behaviour of talking in class stop/decrease, you would just mention the consequence of response cost. This would usually be a 2 mark question (1 mark for saying response cost, and the other for explaining how her behaviour of talking in class would be decreased through the removal of a desirable stimulus) ----> you could also use positive punishment.

CLASSICAL CONDITIONING
IF it said using the language of classical conditioning, then you could mention all the NS,UCS,UCR.... in the form of a sentence/story.

IF it said use the three-phase model/process of classical conditioning, then you would have to integrate the NS, UCS.... into before conditioning, during conditioning (acquisition) and after conditioning.

Before conditioning:
NS---> NR
UCS---> UCR--->

During conditioning (acquisition):
NS+UCS---> UCR (through repeated association)- or could occur just once in phobias

After conditioning:
CS---> CR


Okay thanks!!


Also, would it be okay if we called the consequence 'punishment' instead of 'positive punishment'?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on October 28, 2017, 11:43:31 am
Okay thanks!!


Also, would it be okay if we called the consequence 'punishment' instead of 'positive punishment'?

It would be safer to specify positive punishment, it's only one word so it shouldn't take more than a second or two.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on October 28, 2017, 04:57:30 pm
Hey just a quick question!

Do we need to know the Sympathetic Adreno Medullay System or the HPA axis??

Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 28, 2017, 05:46:20 pm
Hey just a quick question!

Do we need to know the Sympathetic Adreno Medullay System or the HPA axis??

Thanks
I don't know the first thing you listed, but to be safe I think you should know the role of the HPA axis with reference to cortisol
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 28, 2017, 07:57:58 pm
How's everyone feeling about the psych exam coming up?

I feel quite stressed, especially about the 10-marker because I don't really know if the online samples (eg. from epsych) are reliable...
I have been writing under subheadings and I don't even know if that's allowed...

Do you guys write under subheadings?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: halo on October 28, 2017, 08:23:06 pm
How's everyone feeling about the psych exam coming up?

I feel quite stressed, especially about the 10-marker because I don't really know if the online samples (eg. from epsych) are reliable...
I have been writing under subheadings and I don't even know if that's allowed...

Do you guys write under subheadings?

Out of all the subjects I've had this year, I'm most comfortable with and confident about psych, so I'm not feeling too stressed out atm. Please don't stress too much - it is going to be to your detriment to do so in these last few days, and trust me, you know so much you'll be absolutely fine.
Remember, everyone is in the same position with the 10 marker - we all don't know what to expect besides a rough idea from the sample exam and possibly company papers. The best you can do is go in and write as much relevant stuff as you can for the question. Writing under subheadings is fine - I know some people's teachers recommended it. I personally don't do it (but I should).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mariamnourine on October 28, 2017, 10:53:20 pm
Quick question,

If the exam asks us to identify the response that is activated by the sympathetic NS, do we say ' fight=flight' of 'fight-flight-freeze' ?

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on October 28, 2017, 10:55:56 pm
Something that gets me is Observational Learning VS Social Learning Theory. Are these the same thing or are they describing two different theories?? On last years VCAA exam it asked for a similaritiy and difference between Operant conditioning and the Social Learning Theory, and then said that one of the answers was that the social learning theory comprised of five stages, attention, retention, reproduction, motivation and reinforcement whilst operant conditioning had three phases.. but isnt this observational learning???

Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mariamnourine on October 28, 2017, 11:00:34 pm
Something that gets me is Observational Learning VS Social Learning Theory. Are these the same thing or are they describing two different theories?? On last years VCAA exam it asked for a similaritiy and difference between Operant conditioning and the Social Learning Theory, and then said that one of the answers was that the social learning theory comprised of five stages, attention, retention, reproduction, motivation and reinforcement whilst operant conditioning had three phases.. but isnt this observational learning???

Thanks :)

same theory. Different name. Don't get confused.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 28, 2017, 11:41:49 pm
Quick question,

If the exam asks us to identify the response that is activated by the sympathetic NS, do we say ' fight=flight' of 'fight-flight-freeze' ?



You would say fight-flight-freeze as that is what it's called in the study design:
if you are wondering this because of the 'freeze' response not being activated the parasympathetic nervous system (not the sympathetic ns), you would still add it in as the fight and flight are more dominant in the name"fight-flight-freeze" and it therefore all comes under the sympathetic ns (if that makes sense)

I'm sorry that wasn't the best explanation, let me know if you want me to explain it better!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mariamnourine on October 29, 2017, 12:19:28 am
You would say fight-flight-freeze as that is what it's called in the study design:
if you are wondering this because of the 'freeze' response not being activated the parasympathetic nervous system (not the sympathetic ns), you would still add it in as the fight and flight are more dominant in the name"fight-flight-freeze" and it therefore all comes under the sympathetic ns (if that makes sense)

I'm sorry that wasn't the best explanation, let me know if you want me to explain it better!
I'm still a bit confused because isn't the Freeze response governed by the parasympathetic NS?

Like if the scenario said the response is activated by the sympathetic NS, wouldn't you say just the fight-flight response [since the freeze response is by the parasympathetic?]
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 29, 2017, 08:10:06 am
I'm still a bit confused because isn't the Freeze response governed by the parasympathetic NS?

Like if the scenario said the response is activated by the sympathetic NS, wouldn't you say just the fight-flight response [since the freeze response is by the parasympathetic?]

Say fight-flight-freeze, the sympathetic NS is also involved in the freeze response
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 29, 2017, 10:27:50 am
Say fight-flight-freeze, the sympathetic NS is also involved in the freeze response

Yep^
The freeze response kinda involves both- I'm assuming they'll stay away from any questions about this because its very unclear and everyone has different opinions
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on October 29, 2017, 12:07:04 pm
Hi guys,
For conscious and unconscious responses (i.e. spinal reflex), what nervous systems are used?

I know that for conscious responses, the somatic NS detects the sensory, send it to the brain (via spinal cord) where it is processed and the motor message is initiated to enact voluntary skeletal muscle movement via the somatic nervous system.
I also know that we have responses such as pupil dilation is all controlled by the autonomic NS. However, I'm a bit confused on what nervous systems are used for a spinal reflex, e.g. flinching from a hot pan

Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 29, 2017, 01:18:41 pm
Hi guys,
For conscious and unconscious responses (i.e. spinal reflex), what nervous systems are used?

I know that for conscious responses, the somatic NS detects the sensory, send it to the brain (via spinal cord) where it is processed and the motor message is initiated to enact voluntary skeletal muscle movement via the somatic nervous system.
I also know that we have responses such as pupil dilation is all controlled by the autonomic NS. However, I'm a bit confused on what nervous systems are used for a spinal reflex, e.g. flinching from a hot pan

Thanks

This is also controlled by the somatic NS. Although the spinal reflex is involuntary, it still occurs through the somatic NS, because it involves the use of the skeletal muscles of the body.

We can eliminate the autonomic NS being an option, as this regulates the functioning of visceral muscles (non-skeletal), organs and glands, and it does not control skeletal muscles such as arm muscles (this is the somatic NS's role).

It also does involve the CNS due to it being a SPINAL reflex (as the spinal cord is in the CNS).

Hope this is a thorough enough explanation!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: forbiddensoulxx on October 29, 2017, 02:42:14 pm
Hey guys, I know what the reconstructive nature of memory is, but am just wondering if anyone can give me a good way of expressing it if a question asked for it,
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on October 29, 2017, 02:50:08 pm
Hey guys, I know what the reconstructive nature of memory is, but am just wondering if anyone can give me a good way of expressing it if a question asked for it,

A memory is never consolidated and transferred into LTM in it's exact form, it is instead encoded so that it can neurologically placed into LTM. As a result the contents of a memory is combined with other stored memories to form what is believed to be a more accurate or coherent memory. What other information it is stored with is based on an individuals personal beliefs, personalties, experiences etc. When the memory is retrieved, it may be retrieved with other pieces of information that didn't actually happen, but have now been incorporated into the memory. 

In the same way, by retrieving a memory each time, new pieces of information can be added to a memory that did not actually happen (like what happens with leading questions)

Basically if it comes up in a question I think it's important to mention the fact that memories are encoded and not stored in their exact replica form, so they are combined with other pieces of information to make a more coherent and accurate memory, which can therefore distort the memory

AND

by retrieving the memory, it is subject to further reconstruction as new pieces of information may be added to the memory.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mariamnourine on October 29, 2017, 07:54:13 pm
Okay these 2 questions have been buzzing in my mind and I need them answered:

Do benzodiazepines INCREASE or IMITATE GAB function???

What branch of the autonomic NS governs the Freeze response?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 29, 2017, 08:24:55 pm
Okay these 2 questions have been buzzing in my mind and I need them answered:

Do benzodiazepines INCREASE or IMITATE GAB function???

Benzodiazepines mimic the role of GABA (they are GABA agonists), and make the GABA receptors on the post synaptic neuron more responsive to GABA, in order to calm anxiety.

What branch of the autonomic NS governs the Freeze response?

The parasympathetic nervous system dominates over the sympathetic nervous system (heart rate decreases and blood pressure drops) 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 29, 2017, 08:29:15 pm
Some questions:

1. Do we have know what the decisional balance is in the transtheoretical model of change?

2. What are the advantages and limitations of video monitoring and also sleep diaries in sleep labs?

3. What's a good example of a speed and accuracy cognition test to measure consciousness?

4. Can someone please just sum up reliability and validity- I cannot seem to understand it (also, how can I tell if an experiment is both reliable and valid?)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: zofromuxo on October 29, 2017, 08:43:10 pm
2. What are the advantages and limitations of video monitoring and also sleep diaries in sleep
Video Monitoring
 Advantage
-People can sleep in their natural environment
 Disadvantage  
-Interpretation can be subjective and don't tell us what internally is happening to the person

Sleep Dairies
 Advantage
-Tell us the internal components such as the thoughts of the participants

 Disadvantage
-The description may not be accurate and truthful
-Key information may be left out
-Can the description be interpreted?

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 29, 2017, 08:56:10 pm


Thanks!!
What would an advantage of video monitoring be if it was used in a sleep lab?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: halo on October 29, 2017, 10:12:26 pm
Some questions:
3. What's a good example of a speed and accuracy cognition test to measure consciousness?
4. Can someone please just sum up reliability and validity- I cannot seem to understand it (also, how can I tell if an experiment is both reliable and valid?)
3. I'm not sure if this is what you're looking for, but you could measure response time to obstacles in a driving simulator (it's really specific but we did a prac on this at school so thats why I remember it). The speed aspect of it would be how quickly you react to the obstacle, and the accuracy would be if you react to the obstacle at all
4. reliability refers to whether the results of an experiment are dependable and can be repeated if the experiment was done again. Validity is if the procedure for the experiment measures what it is supposed to measure

For example, if you wanted to see if body temp dropped before you fell asleep but your thermometer wasn't working properly and you got an inaccurate reading, then your results wouldn't be valid, because your results don't actually indicate the real temperature. However, if you still got the same results every time you measured the temperature, your results would be reliable
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: syubi on October 29, 2017, 10:24:28 pm
1. Do we have know what the decisional balance is in the transtheoretical model of change?

Might be good to know if you are asked a question on the stages in the transtheoretical model, maybe? The decisional balance is just where individuals in the contemplation stage weigh up the pros and cons in changing their behaviour, and think about the possibility of changing their behaviour.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on October 29, 2017, 10:34:38 pm
Does the Cerebral Cortext only store long-term explicit memories? It doesn't have any involvement in Implicit memories right?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: syubi on October 30, 2017, 12:39:28 am
Does the Cerebral Cortext only store long-term explicit memories? It doesn't have any involvement in Implicit memories right?


Yes, the cerebral cortex only stores explicit memories. The cerebellum is involved in the encoding and storage of implicit procedural memories.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 31415926535 on October 30, 2017, 09:11:55 am
Yes, the cerebral cortex only stores explicit memories. The cerebellum is involved in the encoding and storage of implicit procedural memories.

Actually I learned that the cerebral cortex stores well-learned implicit memories and that the cerebellum only encodes and temporarily stores implicit memories? Not sure which is right.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on October 30, 2017, 09:18:53 am
Actually I learned that the cerebral cortex stores well-learned implicit memories and that the cerebellum only encodes and temporarily stores implicit memories? Not sure which is right.

I learned this as well; that the cerebellum initially forms and temporarily stores procedural memories, and is then transferred to the cerebral cortex for long term storage. Cerebellum also forms and stores simple reflexes acquired through classical conditioning.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on October 30, 2017, 09:31:31 am
Hi guys,
With Little Albert and the ethical considerations that would have been breached/upheld, multiple exams are giving conflicting answers on which ones were breached, for example, some say that there was informed consent, but others say that there was not.

What would be the safest answers to go with apart from the 'no psychological harm to participants' and the lack of debriefing to extinguish his fear response?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 30, 2017, 10:22:24 am
Guys, for the role of the stress response in contributing the development of a specific phobia, does that refer to the stress response being triggered for an irrational fear? so the response is extreme? but how does this contribute to the development?

Same for long term potentiation in the development of a specific phobia? Does this refer to constantly thinking about the fear? because wouldn't exposure to the fear help them to overcome it?
I'm just trying here but not completely sure how these link to specific phobia.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 31415926535 on October 30, 2017, 11:21:43 am
Hi guys,
With Little Albert and the ethical considerations that would have been breached/upheld, multiple exams are giving conflicting answers on which ones were breached, for example, some say that there was informed consent, but others say that there was not.

What would be the safest answers to go with apart from the 'no psychological harm to participants' and the lack of debriefing to extinguish his fear response?

I would say confidentially as his pictures, and the results of the study, were released to the general public without his mother's consent.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 30, 2017, 11:24:43 am
Hi guys,
With Little Albert and the ethical considerations that would have been breached/upheld, multiple exams are giving conflicting answers on which ones were breached, for example, some say that there was informed consent, but others say that there was not.

What would be the safest answers to go with apart from the 'no psychological harm to participants' and the lack of debriefing to extinguish his fear response?


I would also say withdrawal rights, as even after Little Albert showed severe distress, Watson made no effort to end the experiment. Also, little Albert attempted to crawl away many times but they just pulled him back in.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: nm2xo on October 30, 2017, 11:37:27 am
Can someone please explain the role of the amygdala and the cerebellum in the role of classically conditioned memory?
Is the amygdala for the memory of it, and the cerebellum for the reflex? I'm so confused! Thanks :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 30, 2017, 11:56:38 am
Can someone please explain the role of the amygdala and the cerebellum in the role of classically conditioned memory?
Is the amygdala for the memory of it, and the cerebellum for the reflex? I'm so confused! Thanks :D
The amygdala is responsible for emotional (esp fear) classically conditioned reflexes
The cerebellum is responsible for simple motor classically conditioned reflexes
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 31415926535 on October 30, 2017, 12:22:13 pm
Guys, for the role of the stress response in contributing the development of a specific phobia, does that refer to the stress response being triggered for an irrational fear? so the response is extreme? but how does this contribute to the development?

Same for long term potentiation in the development of a specific phobia? Does this refer to constantly thinking about the fear? because wouldn't exposure to the fear help them to overcome it?
I'm just trying here but not completely sure how these link to specific phobia.

Yes, could someone explain this as I don't know how to talk about LTP and the stress response for phobia??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 30, 2017, 12:42:51 pm
Yes, could someone explain this as I don't know how to talk about LTP and the stress response for phobia??

LTP:
-'fire together wire together'
-Repeated activation of neural pathways increases the synaptic strength of connections within it, making this pathway easier to activate in the future
LTP w/ fear response
-"fear pathways" (dont use this term in exam, this is just to explain) are activated, increasing synaptic strength in pathways connecting the stimulus to fearful feelings, behaviours and thoughts, and increases synaptic strength within pathways responsible for fear, anxiety etc aswell
-This increases the likelihood of activation of these pathways in the future
-Basically it becomes a viscous cycle
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: syubi on October 30, 2017, 01:11:46 pm
I learned this as well; that the cerebellum initially forms and temporarily stores procedural memories, and is then transferred to the cerebral cortex for long term storage. Cerebellum also forms and stores simple reflexes acquired through classical conditioning.

Ooh, I'm not too sure then!! I might check with my teacher on that one.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 30, 2017, 03:08:14 pm
LTP:
-'fire together wire together'
-Repeated activation of neural pathways increases the synaptic strength of connections within it, making this pathway easier to activate in the future
LTP w/ fear response
-"fear pathways" (dont use this term in exam, this is just to explain) are activated, increasing synaptic strength in pathways connecting the stimulus to fearful feelings, behaviours and thoughts, and increases synaptic strength within pathways responsible for fear, anxiety etc aswell
-This increases the likelihood of activation of these pathways in the future
-Basically it becomes a viscous cycle

Makes sense but is the stimulation of the neural pathway responsible for fear due to them constantly thinking about it or actual exposure to the stimulus. Because wouldn't exposure to the stimulus help them to overcome it through desensitization?

Also, what about the stress response?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 30, 2017, 04:08:14 pm
Makes sense but is the stimulation of the neural pathway responsible for fear due to them constantly thinking about it or actual exposure to the stimulus. Because wouldn't exposure to the stimulus help them to overcome it through desensitization?

Also, what about the stress response?

When someone with phobia is exposed to the stimulus, they may engage in catastrophic thinking, experience the FFF response etc and rather than becoming desensitised the phobia can be reinforced.
Rumination (dwelling on it without deciding on a solution) works hand-in-hand with LTP

Experiencing the stress response may involve hyperventilation, which can then increase the person's panic and potentially induce a panic attack. The stress response is maladaptive in specific phobia as the adrenaline, pounding heart etc. won't actually help the person - normal functioning is being suspended for no good reason. The person may then associate the phobic stimulus with FFF through classical conditioning, leading to it always being activated in the presence of the stimulus.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on October 30, 2017, 04:09:19 pm
Makes sense but is the stimulation of the neural pathway responsible for fear due to them constantly thinking about it or actual exposure to the stimulus. Because wouldn't exposure to the stimulus help them to overcome it through desensitization?


Bascially, LTP is a PERPETUATING risk factor for a phobia, meaning that it maintains the onset of the specific phobia. It neurologically strengthens the associatoin between a phobic stimulus and a fear or anxiety response through its activity at the syapse. The more times a phobic stimulus is encountered, the more the fear response will be strengthened through long term potentiaion.

This usually results when a person encounters the specific situation in which they have a phobia, and it is not likely that they will overcome the phobia by themselves. For example a person who is scared of flying in planes will still most likely be scared whenever they take a flight, regardless if they have flown a lot in the past. The association is so strong between their phobia of planes and experieicing anxiety that synaptic transmission responsible for these neural pathway will be very efficient.

I hope this helped a little. It is a difficult concept to grasp initially.

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: psychologie on October 30, 2017, 04:18:22 pm
if we're asked about why a child recovers from brain damage faster than an adult do we talk about developmental and adaptive plasticity as in past years? or just that children have higher levels of neural plasticity and this reduces throughout the lifespan??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on October 30, 2017, 04:26:45 pm
if we're asked about why a child recovers from brain damage faster than an adult do we talk about developmental and adaptive plasticity as in past years? or just that children have higher levels of neural plasticity and this reduces throughout the lifespan??

As far as I'm aware, this is not a part of the current study design, and is therefore not examinable. However, to answer your question I'm pretty sure you would emphasise the role of adaptive plasticity in a child.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: psychologie on October 30, 2017, 04:30:58 pm
does synaptic pruning occur during LTD or is that only in developmental plasticity? what changes occur to the synapse during LTD?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on October 30, 2017, 04:34:40 pm
does synaptic pruning occur during LTD or is that only in developmental plasticity? what changes occur to the synapse during LTD?

I've just re-checked the study design and both ADAPTIVE and DEVELOPMENTAL plasiticty are not listed in either Unit 3 or 4. I've listed the dot-points below from this area.

Neural basis of learning and memory
• neural plasticity and changes to connections between neurons (including long-term potentiation and long-term
depression) as the fundamental mechanisms of memory formation that leads to learning
• the role of neurotransmitters and neurohormones in the neural basis of memory and learning (including the role of
glutamate in synaptic plasticity and the role of adrenaline in the consolidation of emotionally arousing experiences).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on October 30, 2017, 05:04:28 pm
Hey guys,

What are some examples of speed and accuracy's task that measure an individuals state of consciousness apart from driving simulators.

Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 30, 2017, 05:10:24 pm
does synaptic pruning occur during LTD or is that only in developmental plasticity? what changes occur to the synapse during LTD?

For LTD just think the opposite of LTP. The neural connections weaken due to:
-less neurotransmitters being released
-less receptors
-less uptake channels
-pruning

Hey guys,

What are some examples of speed and accuracy's task that measure an individuals state of consciousness apart from driving simulators.

Thanks!
-digit-symbol substitution
-pattern identification
-tracking a moving object with a mouse
-simple arithmetic tasks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: pha0015 on October 30, 2017, 05:49:32 pm
do we need to know about how old age affects memory
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 30, 2017, 05:52:23 pm
do we need to know about how old age affects memory
no
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: psychologie on October 30, 2017, 06:00:31 pm
i think i was told to assume that if a q says 'reinforcement' to assume it means positive reinforcement and 'punishment' as positive punishment. SO if we are asked the difference between 'reinforcement and negative punishment' for example, do we describe the difference between positive reinforcement and negative punishment, or the difference between positive/negative reinforcement and negative punishment?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: pha0015 on October 30, 2017, 06:21:44 pm
do we need to know how to manage stress in terms of biopsychosocial framework (besides from exercise and maybe social support)?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: colin.j on October 30, 2017, 06:41:25 pm
do we need to know how to manage stress in terms of biopsychosocial framework (besides from exercise and maybe social support)?
I don't believe you do need to know it under a biospsychosocial framework because the different coping strategies (context-specific effectiveness, coping flexibility, exercise and approach and avoidance coping strategies)are not definite under a certain category.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: -273.15 on October 30, 2017, 07:00:27 pm
question from 2016 exam:
Zahra is a first-time mother. When her baby boy was eight weeks old, Zahra’s mother, who lives overseas,
came to stay for six weeks to help care for her new grandson and to help Zahra adjust to her new role as
a parent. Zahra also started attending a group for new parents, run by a maternal and child health nurse
through her local council, where she meets once a week with a group of five other first-time parents.
Explain how one source of social support identified in the scenario could help alleviate Zahra’s stress
response associated with caring for a newborn.


I identified a source of social support - attending group for new parents and said that this would allow her to learn new info about caring for her baby and that it was an approach coping strategy. In the answer for a mark you had to say how this causes stress to reduce through changing appraisals of coping
I did not explicitly say that she would change her appraisal of coping but is saying that she used an approach coping strategy to deal with the stress sufficient for the marks?

thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 30, 2017, 09:03:53 pm
question from 2016 exam:
Zahra is a first-time mother. When her baby boy was eight weeks old, Zahra’s mother, who lives overseas,
came to stay for six weeks to help care for her new grandson and to help Zahra adjust to her new role as
a parent. Zahra also started attending a group for new parents, run by a maternal and child health nurse
through her local council, where she meets once a week with a group of five other first-time parents.
Explain how one source of social support identified in the scenario could help alleviate Zahra’s stress
response associated with caring for a newborn.


I identified a source of social support - attending group for new parents and said that this would allow her to learn new info about caring for her baby and that it was an approach coping strategy. In the answer for a mark you had to say how this causes stress to reduce through changing appraisals of coping
I did not explicitly say that she would change her appraisal of coping but is saying that she used an approach coping strategy to deal with the stress sufficient for the marks?

thanks
I think that you wouldn't get full marks, because you didn't explain how it would alleviate her stress, and that's what the question is asking for
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 30, 2017, 09:17:07 pm
What is a good definition for the evolutionary theory of sleep?

And what are 2 (good, easy to understand) pieces of evidence?

Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: -273.15 on October 30, 2017, 09:37:00 pm
I think that you wouldn't get full marks, because you didn't explain how it would alleviate her stress, and that's what the question is asking for

What would you suggest writing to say how it would alleviate her stress?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on October 30, 2017, 09:40:53 pm
What is a good definition for the evolutionary theory of sleep?

And what are 2 (good, easy to understand) pieces of evidence?

Thanks!

The evolutionary theory of sleep proposes that sleep evolved to enhance survival by protecting an organism by making it inactive during the part of the day where they are most at threat.

Evidence that supports this theory includes:

Smaller animals with a large number of predators tend to sleep longer than larger animals with a small amount of predators.
Humans sleep at night as we are not well equipped to see in the dark, making us more vulnerable to harm.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 30, 2017, 09:51:05 pm
What is a good definition for the evolutionary theory of sleep?

And what are 2 (good, easy to understand) pieces of evidence?

Thanks!

can someone answer this for restorative purpose of sleep too please
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on October 30, 2017, 10:00:35 pm
can someone answer this for restorative purpose of sleep too please

Restorative theory of sleep proposes that sleep allows our body's physical and mental resources to be replenished from activities that occur throughout normal-waking-consciousness.

Evidence:
Marathon runners spend more time asleep (stage 3/4 NREM) the night after conducting a marathon, in order to replenish their body's physical resouces.

I can't think of a second point of evidence for this theory.... maybe someone else can write one down :))
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 30, 2017, 10:10:32 pm
What would you suggest writing to say how it would alleviate her stress?
I think you could approach this in a few different ways such as:
-having access to additional resources from this group resulting in reappraisal

- or tack on a "thereby reducing the signifance of the stressor and therefore the threat it poses" line

can someone answer this for restorative purpose of sleep too please

Proposes that the purpose of sleep is to facillitate growth and repair.

-REM is for psychological
-NREM is for physiological

Evidence for this includes
-marathon runners tend to sleep longer after a competition
-newborns spending a lot of time in REM (lots of mental growth as a newborn)
-feeling refreshed after waking up in the morning
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 30, 2017, 10:15:27 pm
Evidence for this includes
-marathon runners tend to sleep longer after a competition
-newborns spending a lot of time in REM (lots of mental growth as a newborn)
-feeling refreshed after waking up in the morning


Could another possible piece of evidence be that we experience REM rebound following a period of sleep/REM deprivation?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on October 30, 2017, 10:19:36 pm
Could someone describe what the decisional balance is in terms of the Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour Change? It's not even discussed in my textbook. Do we need to explain it in terms of each of the 5 stages?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 30, 2017, 10:24:06 pm
Could someone describe what the decisional balance is in terms of the Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour Change? It's not even discussed in my textbook. Do we need to explain it in terms of each of the 5 stages?

I found some notes on it. It's pretty much just that if the pros in favour of behaviour change outweigh the cons for change, then a person may be more likely to make a change in their behaviour. If the cons of changing outweighs the pros of changing, then no behaviour change will be initiated.

We don't need to know this for VCE purposes, from what I've heard this is at uni level :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: K888 on October 31, 2017, 01:12:40 am
Could someone describe what the decisional balance is in terms of the Transtheoretical Model of Behaviour Change? It's not even discussed in my textbook. Do we need to explain it in terms of each of the 5 stages?
Didn't do psych, so will trust jrose006 that this is out of the VCE scope. :)

If you're curious about it, I've studied it at uni, and will expand on it a bit - basically decisional balance is essentially just the pros and cons of the behaviour change, as jrose006 touched on. And this shifts as you move along the stages - in pre-contemplation, the cons outweight the pros. In contemplation, the pros and cons generally carry a pretty equal weighting. However, in the preparation and action stages, the pros outweigh the cons (I think the fact that the pros outweigh the cons is what makes people move into these stages). And as you move into the maintenance stage - the pros of maintaining the change generally should outweigh the cons (to avoid relapse).

Wikipedia has a pretty good explanation of how it all fits in and lays it out pretty nicely. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 31, 2017, 08:34:54 am
Guys, I'm really confused about this question that my teacher gave:

A number of devices are often used to monitor sleep patterns in sleep clinics.
Name one of these devices, list what it measures and clearly explain how its recordings can distinguish between REM and NREM sleep.

Then she wrote a note saying: The EMG would not be an appropriate instrument because - these answers demonstrate a key point that these devices detect, amplify and record electrical activity, not movement.

Um? I thought that EMG measured the electrical activity of the muscles in the body???
So confused...


I don't trust my teacher anyway. So I'll ask you guys, the EMG can be used right? because it literally has 'electro' in the name.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 31, 2017, 09:06:08 am
Guys, I'm really confused about this question that my teacher gave:

A number of devices are often used to monitor sleep patterns in sleep clinics.
Name one of these devices, list what it measures and clearly explain how its recordings can distinguish between REM and NREM sleep.

Then she wrote a note saying: The EMG would not be an appropriate instrument because - these answers demonstrate a key point that these devices detect, amplify and record electrical activity, not movement.

Um? I thought that EMG measured the electrical activity of the muscles in the body???
So confused...


I don't trust my teacher anyway. So I'll ask you guys, the EMG can be used right? because it literally has 'electro' in the name.

Yeh you're right, it does. The electrical activity comes from movement- the higher the electrical activity, the more movement there is in the muscles of the body.
I'm not really sure what your teacher is trying to say?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 31, 2017, 09:43:23 am
how would you define/describe sleep/wake shifts in adolescents, shift work and jet lag?

Also, what do we need to know about sleepwalking and sleep onset insomnia?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: colin.j on October 31, 2017, 10:05:15 am
how would you define/describe sleep/wake shifts in adolescents, shift work and jet lag?

Also, what do we need to know about sleepwalking and sleep onset insomnia?

First question:
well firstly they are circadian rhythm phase disorders.
Sleep: is a reversible behavioral state of perceptual disengagement from and unresponsiveness to the environment.

Sleep-wake cycle shift in adolescents: is the change in the timing of the major sleep episode. Also referred to as the delayed sleep phase disorder because the entire sleep-wake cycle is delayed by 1-2 hours resulting in teenagers going to sleep later and waking up later (due to delayed release of melatonin).
Shift-work: main thing you need to know is that a fixed schedule for workers is better than a rotating schedule so that they are not constantly resetting the circadian sleep-wake cycle.
Jet lag: is a sleep disorder due to a disturbance in the circadian sleep-wake cycle caused by rapid travel across multiple time zones. Also flying west is best due to phase-delay where the day is lengthened in the country you are arriving in allowing you to better adjust yourself to the new sleep-wake cycle (as compared to phase-advance where the day is shortened).

2nd question:
Sleep walking (parasomnia):  involves getting up from bed and walking about or performing other behaviors while asleep.
Sleep-onset insomnia(dyssomnia): involves persistent difficult falling asleep at the usual sleep time.


Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 31, 2017, 10:49:46 am
Thanks!!
One more quick question,
0.05 BAC is the same as 17 hours of sleep deprivation
0.1 BAC same as 24 hours sleep deprivation.

Is that right?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: colin.j on October 31, 2017, 10:51:11 am
Thanks!!
One more quick question,
0.05 BAC is the same as 17 hours of sleep deprivation
0.1 BAC same as 24 hours sleep deprivation.

Is that right?

Yep.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: -273.15 on October 31, 2017, 11:03:10 am
For the sources of stress (daily pressures, life events etc) do you think we would be required to know precise definitions to explain them or if we have an understanding of what they are would that be sufficient?
for instance in a question that mentioned major stressors would i be required to state that they are 'an event that is extraordinarily stressful or disturbing for everyone who experiences it' or are there other ways of achieving the marks?

thank you
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: -273.15 on October 31, 2017, 11:14:31 am
another question sorry in the GAS in resistance, the parasympathetic nervous system is predominant
I understand the sympathetic response doesn't last long but I dont really get why the parasympathetic is predominant if the stressor is still present

also an old vcaa exam required an explanation of the role of the sympathetic NS in the exhasution stage and it said as the stressor is still present the sympathetic NS would be activated
SO does this mean that the sympathetic NS is still mildly activated throughout the whole GAS? But I dont understand how this would work if only one division of the ANS can be dominant at one time?

thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on October 31, 2017, 01:20:53 pm
Hello,
Are we required to know about polysynaptic and monosynaptic reflexes?
Thank you
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Novashock on October 31, 2017, 01:45:42 pm
Are we required to know about polysynaptic and monosynaptic reflexes?
Well, considering I've never heard of till now, I'm gonna say no.

Also guys, can someone give me like a concrete definition for each stage of observational learning with an example, I keep screwing that up.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: -273.15 on October 31, 2017, 01:51:57 pm
Attention - the learner must be paying attention to the observed behaviour and must be actively watching
retention - learner makes a mental representation of what they have observed and retains this
reproduction - observer must be physically and intellectually capable of converting mental representation into action
motivation - observer must have motivation to perform the behaviour
(note - must say perform not learn)
Reinforcement - a behaviour is more likely to be performed again when is reinforced

things in bold - must say to get the mark according to vcaa
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mariamnourine on October 31, 2017, 02:14:09 pm
Attention - the learner must be paying attention to the observed behaviour and must be actively watching
retention - learner makes a mental representation of what they have observed and retains this
reproduction - observer must be physically and intellectually capable of converting mental representation into action
motivation - observer must have motivation to perform the behaviour
(note - must say perform not learn)
Reinforcement - a behaviour is more likely to be performed again when is reinforced

things in bold - must say to get the mark according to vcaa

I was aware of mental representation, but not he other 2! Thanks soooooo much for this, you're a legend!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Frantic Zealot on October 31, 2017, 03:00:36 pm
Hey!

I just completed a practice exam and there was a reoccurring supposed error that I made around the same based question in both the multi-choice and short answer.

Do people who use serial recall immediately after the words were read out have only the primacy effect? I thought it was both recency and primacy effect. There was the word "slowly" used but I didn't think that would've effected the recency effect.

Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: colin.j on October 31, 2017, 03:12:55 pm
Hey!

I just completed a practice exam and there was a reoccurring supposed error that I made around the same based question in both the multi-choice and short answer.

Do people who use serial recall immediately after the words were read out have only the primacy effect? I thought it was both recency and primacy effect. There was the word "slowly" used but I didn't think that would've effected the recency effect.

Thanks!

The serial position effect shows that free recall is better for items at the beginning and end of the list, however with serial recall, because it involves reproducing the information in the exact order it was read out, we tend to recall only the items at the beginning of the list (primacy effect) because the capacity of the STM is exceeded once we progress through the list. Therefore, due to constant rehearsal of items at the beginning of the list and the displacement of items in STM as we progress through the list, only the primacy effect is present.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 31, 2017, 03:35:03 pm
How can the behaviour/response be involuntary in operant conditioning?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: -273.15 on October 31, 2017, 03:35:32 pm
Have inferential statistics been taken off the course?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Novashock on October 31, 2017, 03:59:40 pm
How can the behaviour/response be involuntary in operant conditioning?

pretty sure they can't, involuntary learning is only in classical conditioning right?

Attention - the learner must be paying attention to the observed behaviour and must be actively watching
retention - learner makes a mental representation of what they have observed and retains this
reproduction - observer must be physically and intellectually capable of converting mental representation into action
motivation - observer must have motivation to perform the behaviour
(note - must say perform not learn)
Reinforcement - a behaviour is more likely to be performed again when is reinforced

THANK YOU OMG
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 31, 2017, 04:01:42 pm
Have inferential statistics been taken off the course?
Yes, you do NOT need to know p-values
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 31, 2017, 04:25:52 pm
pretty sure they can't, involuntary learning is only in classical conditioning right?


Yeah, that's what I thought too but recently I've come across some questions about comparing the nature of the responses in OC and CC, and the answers have said (this is from a few different companies) that the response in OC can be both voluntary and involuntary!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: pha0015 on October 31, 2017, 05:05:36 pm
How can the behaviour/response be involuntary in operant conditioning?


There can be some aspects that are involuntary, but it's mainly voluntary. My textbook doesn't expand much further on that.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 31, 2017, 06:14:38 pm
hold on, quick question, for observational learning in the 'attention stage', should they be actively watching the behaviour only or the behaviour AND the consequence??

and should reference to behaviour AND consequence be carried through when describing other stages too??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on October 31, 2017, 06:42:46 pm
hold on, quick question, for observational learning in the 'attention stage', should they be actively watching the behaviour only or the behaviour AND the consequence??

and should reference to behaviour AND consequence be carried through when describing other stages too??

I think these type of questions would refer mainly towards a certain type of action or behaviour an individual is trying to learn, and therefore as a result it would only be necessary to mention the relevant behaviour.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 31, 2017, 07:56:03 pm
Does anyone wanna chat about Question 8d on the VCAA 2017 trial paper?
I really don't know what they want for 2 marks as I have so much to say!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: colin.j on October 31, 2017, 08:01:21 pm
Hey guys, can someone please explain to me how standard deviation works and how if the standard deviation is lower the results are more accurate?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 31415926535 on October 31, 2017, 08:03:51 pm


Is that the one about reliability and validity? Wouldn't you just define each and apply?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: colin.j on October 31, 2017, 08:05:04 pm

Yeah, could someone also explain this please, because originally I thought that the study lacked in validity because the participants may have experienced performance impairment due to the experimental design of the study (repeated measures), especially on day 2 and 3. However the answers say to not only define it but state that the results are valid.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 31415926535 on October 31, 2017, 08:05:29 pm
Does anyone know how to explain the reason for depression in Parkinson's sufferers?

Also, what is meant by a evidence-based intervention?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on October 31, 2017, 08:10:26 pm
Does anyone know how to explain the reason for depression in Parkinson's sufferers?

Also, what is meant by a evidence-based intervention?
As far as I know, the reason for the depression in Parkinson's disease is due to the lack of the neurotransmitter GABA.
Evidence-based interventions are just treatments that have been found effective on the basis reliable research evidence/studies
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: pha0015 on October 31, 2017, 08:12:58 pm
I think these type of questions would refer mainly towards a certain type of action or behaviour an individual is trying to learn, and therefore as a result it would only be necessary to mention the relevant behaviour.

attention needs to be paid to both the behaviour displayed by the model and its consequences, although as specified by bandura, learning can take place even if the learner didn't view the consequences
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 31415926535 on October 31, 2017, 08:15:21 pm
Yeah, could someone also explain this please, because originally I thought that the study lacked in validity because the participants may have experienced performance impairment due to the experimental design of the study (repeated measures), especially on day 2 and 3. However the answers say to not only define it but state that the results are valid.

Well I doubt that performance impairment would effect results as the days the participants were required for testing were one week apart i.e. participants have plenty of time to recover. Therefore, because there were no CV's and the IV had a systematic effect on the DV, the results could be considered as valid.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on October 31, 2017, 08:19:34 pm
Yeah, could someone also explain this please, because originally I thought that the study lacked in validity because the participants may have experienced performance impairment due to the experimental design of the study (repeated measures), especially on day 2 and 3. However the answers say to not only define it but state that the results are valid.

What answers are you using?
Also, I don't think that the question requires you to assess the experiment in terms of those terms, but rather just define them and put them into context. ie.
validity - refers to whether the procedure tested what the research intended to measure. eg. whether the effectiveness of the measurement of the mean number of driver errors is an accurate indicator of driver performance.
Reliability - refers to whether the results obtained are consistent and dependent over time. eg. whether other studies researched similar stuff came up with similar results, or if the procedure was repeated more times over the next couple of months would the results stay consistent...
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 31, 2017, 08:26:56 pm
How would you guys describe the steps in a spinal reflext? like what key terms MUST we use??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on October 31, 2017, 08:28:58 pm
What answers are you using?
Also, I don't think that the question requires you to assess the experiment in terms of those terms, but rather just define them and put them into context. ie.
validity - refers to whether the procedure tested what the research intended to measure. eg. whether the effectiveness of the measurement of the mean number of driver errors is an accurate indicator of driver performance.
Reliability - refers to whether the results obtained are consistent and dependent over time. eg. whether other studies researched similar stuff came up with similar results, or if the procedure was repeated more times over the next couple of months would the results stay consistent...


Yeah see I wasn't sure if they wanted a definition or an evaluation of if it was valid/reliable or not. They did say 'explain what is meant my reliability and validity', so do they mean to do it just like you said, just simply define and link it?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on October 31, 2017, 08:31:52 pm
Yeah see I wasn't sure if they wanted a definition or an evaluation of if it was valid/reliable or not. They did say 'explain what is meant my reliability and validity', so do they mean to do it just like you said, just simply define and link it?
Well yes that is what I would assume as that is what the question asks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on October 31, 2017, 08:37:46 pm
How would you guys describe the steps in a spinal reflext? like what key terms MUST we use??
I would say definitely reference the three types of neurons, what their role is, the spinal cord and depending on whether the question asks you to explain why it is unconscious, you would probably have to state that the interneurons send a message to the motor neurons to initiate the response which occurs prior to the brain receiving the message from the spinal cord (and hence the movement occurs before the sensory input is processed and hence before we are consciously aware of it).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 31415926535 on October 31, 2017, 08:46:54 pm
Sorry for the multitude of questions, but...

Are circadian rhythm disorders (e.g. jet lag) considered as a parasomnia or dysomnia or neither??

cause on one of my exams I have a 10 marker asking to explain the difference between dysomnias and parasomnias w/ reference to an example and I was wondering if I could talk about jet lag and shift work etc. and if not what else I could talk about for 10 marks?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 31415926535 on October 31, 2017, 08:52:07 pm
How would you guys describe the steps in a spinal reflext? like what key terms MUST we use??

Perhaps the following;

Example; touching hot pan
Sensory receptors detect the heat of the pan and this sensory information travels via sensory neurons to the spinal cord. Interneurons in the spinal cord relay this information to motor neurons. Motor information travels via motor neurons to the hand causing a withdrawal reflex of the hand from the hot pan. Depending on the depth of the question, you might also like to add that as this spinal reflex is occurring, sensory neurons would convey the sensory message further up to the brain, where this information would be received/processed and felt as pain after the withdrawal reflex occurs.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on October 31, 2017, 09:02:05 pm
Perhaps the following;

Example; touching hot pan
Sensory receptors detect the heat of the pan and this sensory information travels via sensory neurons to the spinal cord. Interneurons in the spinal cord relay this information to motor neurons. Motor information travels via motor neurons to the hand causing a withdrawal reflex of the hand from the hot pan. Depending on the depth of the question, you might also like to add that as this spinal reflex is occurring, sensory neurons would convey the sensory message further up to the brain, where this information would be received/processed and felt as pain after the withdrawal reflex occurs.
When you mention that "sensory neurons would convey the sensory message further up to the brain", I think that would be incorrect as it is the spinal cord that connects the brain with the peripheral nervous system, and hence it would be the interneurons in the spinal cord that relay the sensory information up to the brain.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 31415926535 on October 31, 2017, 09:14:37 pm
When you mention that "sensory neurons would convey the sensory message further up to the brain", I think that would be incorrect as it is the spinal cord that connects the brain with the peripheral nervous system, and hence it would be the interneurons in the spinal cord that relay the sensory information up to the brain.

That's a good point, but I thought that interneurons only convey information between motor and sensory neurons, therefore they can't 'relay' information as such.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on October 31, 2017, 09:21:39 pm
That's a good point, but I thought that interneurons only convey information between motor and sensory neurons, therefore they can't 'relay' information as such.

Predominantly in the brain, there are no sensory or motor neurons, only interneurons. Therefore I believe its more correct to state that interneurons relay the message regarding the stimuli to the brain, in which the brain interprets the stimuli as pain.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 31, 2017, 09:28:36 pm
Sorry for the multitude of questions, but...

Are circadian rhythm disorders (e.g. jet lag) considered as a parasomnia or dysomnia or neither??

cause on one of my exams I have a 10 marker asking to explain the difference between dysomnias and parasomnias w/ reference to an example and I was wondering if I could talk about jet lag and shift work etc. and if not what else I could talk about for 10 marks?
Circadian phase disorders aren't considered either


Things to discuss:
-what is a dysomnia
-what is sleep onset insomnia
-what negative impacts can it have
-how can it be treated
-sleep hygiene
-what is a parasomnia
-what is sleepwalking
-when is it most likely to occur
-what negative impacts can it have
-what ages is it most common for
-parasomnia can lead to dysomnia but not the other way around

Remember that the response isn't scored in the usual dot-point method, and instead high-med-low
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 31, 2017, 10:05:57 pm
Circadian phase disorders aren't considered either


Things to discuss:
-what is a dysomnia
-what is sleep onset insomnia
-what negative impacts can it have
-how can it be treated
-sleep hygiene
-what is a parasomnia
-what is sleepwalking
-when is it most likely to occur
-what negative impacts can it have
-what ages is it most common for
-parasomnia can lead to dysomnia but not the other way around

Remember that the response isn't scored in the usual dot-point method, and instead high-med-low

What would be the negative effects of sleep walking?

Also, its most common in children right? does anyone know a reason for this?

Also, is there any way to reduce it?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on October 31, 2017, 10:29:37 pm
also guys,

is this correct: the amygdala is involved in the encoding and formation of emotional memories and the cerebellum is involved in the encoding, formation and storage of procedural memories such as conditioned reflexes.

So the fear response may be formed in the amygdala then stored in the cerebellum. right?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: colin.j on November 01, 2017, 08:18:36 am
also guys,

is this correct: the amygdala is involved in the encoding and formation of emotional memories and the cerebellum is involved in the encoding, formation and storage of procedural memories such as conditioned reflexes.

So the fear response may be formed in the amygdala then stored in the cerebellum. right?

As far as I know, all memories (implicit or explicit) are stored in the cerebral cortex, but the amygdala as you said encodes conditioned emotional responses. I'm not too sure whether it retrieves conditioned emotional response (but I know that it definitely retrieves explicit memories) because I know for sure that the cerebellum is involved in the encoding and retrieval of implicit memories.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theomccoy on November 01, 2017, 10:00:34 am
Hi! I have been confused about the length of the sleep stages in the first cycle vs the total length of the average sleep cycle, because they don't add up to make 90 minutes.

How long on average is each stage?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: colin.j on November 01, 2017, 10:11:25 am
Just a quick question,
is LTD a result of weak low frequency stimulation of pre synaptic axon terminal or post synaptic axon terminal?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on November 01, 2017, 10:25:32 am
Just a quick question,
is LTD a result of weak low frequency stimulation of pre synaptic axon terminal or post synaptic axon terminal?


presynaptic axon terminal
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: oJL8A99A on November 01, 2017, 10:58:54 am
Quick questions?

Is the challenge component of the Lazarus and Folkman model considered eustress or distress? Whereas, are threat and harm/loss considered distress? I've been hearing this from sample answers for the 2017 sample and I just want to confirm. I've never heard it expressed like this before.

Also, where are emotional classically conditioned memories (such as Little Albert's fear of white rats) stored; the cerebellum or amygdala? Would it be better to say that the amygala plays a role in the encoding, storage, and retrieval of emotional classically conditioned responses rather than giving a definite answer? I know simple reflexes from CC are stored in the cerebellum (such as blinking your eye at a puff of air) but not sure about emotional ones.

Good luck for tomorrow  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: -273.15 on November 01, 2017, 11:44:53 am
so for theta waves they can be present when doing a creative activity
what is an example of this?
For instance if painting, that is 'creative' but i would not think that it involves theta waves
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on November 01, 2017, 11:59:31 am
Hey Guys,

Hope everyone is going well with their final study!! Best of luck for tomorrow :)

Just some quick questions:

1. When Stratified Sampling is done by a researcher, is random sampling used to select participants from each stratum?

2. Is there any difference between matched participants and independent groups, other than the fact that participants are matched on one of more participant variable in matched participants?


Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on November 01, 2017, 12:39:34 pm
Hey Guys,

Hope everyone is going well with their final study!! Best of luck for tomorrow :)

Just some quick questions:

1. When Stratified Sampling is done by a researcher, is random sampling used to select participants from each stratum?
It can be. This is called random-stratified sampling.

2. Is there any difference between matched participants and independent groups, other than the fact that participants are matched on one of more participant variable in matched participants?
Not really- there is a pretest involved to pair up participants based on the relevant characteristics (in a matched-participants design)


Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: psychologie on November 01, 2017, 01:04:38 pm
DO WE OPERATIONALISE OUR HYPOTHESIS
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 01:06:20 pm
DO WE OPERATIONALISE OUR HYPOTHESIS
No
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rnrn on November 01, 2017, 01:08:17 pm
DO WE OPERATIONALISE OUR HYPOTHESIS

If asked to otherwise no.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 01:12:21 pm
If asked to otherwise no.
As far as I know it is not part of the study design, however they can ask to operationalise the variables.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 31415926535 on November 01, 2017, 01:31:18 pm
HELP

Explain whether Loftus’s research findings on the reconstructive nature of memory are relevant to long-term memories other than episodic memories.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: kaii on November 01, 2017, 01:41:42 pm
Hi, do the examiners prefer dot-point form or essay-format answers? Will they deduct a mark if I use dot-points? My teacher told me that vcaa is moving away from this type of writing and wants the students to write their answers like in essays.
Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: colin.j on November 01, 2017, 01:52:24 pm
Hi, do the examiners prefer dot-point form or essay-format answers? Will they deduct a mark if I use dot-points? My teacher told me that vcaa is moving away from this type of writing and wants the students to write their answers like in essays.
Thanks!
Yeah could someone please answer that as well cause my teacher told me that I should always aim to use dot-points in my answers.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: isobelj on November 01, 2017, 01:54:59 pm
Hey guys, do we need to know about proactive and retroactive interference? The CheckPoints book keeps mentioning it, but I can’t find it in my textbook.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on November 01, 2017, 01:56:59 pm
Hey guys, do we need to know about proactive and retroactive interference? The CheckPoints book keeps mentioning it, but I can’t find it in my textbook.

We don't need to know it
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on November 01, 2017, 02:01:26 pm
what would u say are the negative effects of sleep walking?? and also how would you treat sleep walking??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: isobelj on November 01, 2017, 02:01:46 pm

We don't need to know it

Okay that’s good!! Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: isobelj on November 01, 2017, 02:06:22 pm

what would u say are the negative effects of sleep walking?? and also how would you treat sleep walking??

Negative effects: higher risk of injury, sleep inertia/confusion if awoken, and studies show more daytime sleepiness/fatigue in sleepwalkers than non-sleep walkers.

Treatment: I’m not sure of any direct treatments, but I’m pretty sure that anxiety and stress can cause sleep walking, so treatments for stress (meditation or exercise) may indirectly help to reduce sleepwalking.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: isobelj on November 01, 2017, 02:21:02 pm

so for theta waves they can be present when doing a creative activity
what is an example of this?
For instance if painting, that is 'creative' but i would not think that it involves theta waves

Theta waves can be present when daydreaming or imagining, drawing, or painting like you said.

Also, you may know this, but theta waves can also be present when someone is very drowsy. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on November 01, 2017, 02:24:17 pm
Do you mean Alpha waves?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: isobelj on November 01, 2017, 02:38:01 pm

Do you mean Alpha waves?

Okay I’m a bit confused now.. my textbook says ‘dream-like visual imagery’, would that not count as imagining something?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: colin.j on November 01, 2017, 03:32:04 pm
Hey guys,
would question 13 (section b) of the 2016 exam paper be relevant to the current study design
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: isobelj on November 01, 2017, 03:42:50 pm

Hey guys,
would question 13 (section b) of the 2016 exam paper be relevant to the current study design

Yes, you will need to be able to briefly design an experiment based on a given hypothesis
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 03:55:17 pm
Guys how would you distinguish between something that is appraised as benign-positive or something that is viewed as a challenge? What's the difference? How would you define benign-positive?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: isobelj on November 01, 2017, 04:26:29 pm
Guys how would you distinguish between something that is appraised as benign-positive or something that is viewed as a challenge? What's the difference? How would you define benign-positive?

Benign-positive is when the stimuli/event is not stressful, but poses the potential for growth. It is usually associated with positive emotions. This evaluation is a part of the primary appraisal stage of the transactional model.

However, for a stressor to be viewed as a challenge, it must be primarily appraised as stressful. Then, a further mini-appraisal occurs (this is not a secondary appraisal) when the stimuli/event is assessed through its harm/loss, potential threat, and challenge. Challenge is the assessment for personal gain or growth.

So, a challenge is an evaluation for potential gain or growth from a stressful situation, whilst a benign-positive evaluation is the deduction that a stimuli/event poses growth, and is not stressful.

Hopefully that helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: kaii on November 01, 2017, 04:28:58 pm
Will the cortical areas of the brain  be assessed on the exam? I'm not sure if its included in the study design.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on November 01, 2017, 04:31:58 pm
Will the cortical areas of the brain  be assessed on the exam? I'm not sure if its included in the study design.

Nope. Not in the study design! But make sure you know the roles of the hippocampus, cerebellum, amygdala and cerebral cortex in terms of memory formation.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on November 01, 2017, 04:33:21 pm
Does anyone know in which stages the Parasympathetic NS is active in the GAS? I know the Sympathetic NS is activated during counter-shock in the alarm reaction phase, and then the sympathetic nervous system is also active during the resistance stage, but apparently the parasympathetic nervous system is to?

Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theomccoy on November 01, 2017, 04:49:43 pm
Does anyone have a clear explanation of the role of glutamate in learning/memory?

I understand but can't put it into words to form a clear explanation! Pleaaase!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: isobelj on November 01, 2017, 04:49:51 pm
Does anyone know in which stages the Parasympathetic NS is active in the GAS? I know the Sympathetic NS is activated during counter-shock in the alarm reaction phase, and then the sympathetic nervous system is also active during the resistance stage, but apparently the parasympathetic nervous system is to?

Thanks :)

During the resistance phase, the body attempts to adapt to the stressor. This involves the parasympathetic nervous system becoming active to reduce some of that initial arousal of the alarm reaction stage. :)

Edit: it’s important to note that both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems can be active at the same time, performing different roles. One system is usually dominant though, and in the resistant phase, I think the dominant system would be the parasympathetic nervous system.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: isobelj on November 01, 2017, 05:02:32 pm

Does anyone have a clear explanation of the role of glutamate in learning/memory?

I understand but can't put it into words to form a clear explanation! Pleaaase!

If that were an exam question, here’s what I would say:

According to Hebb’s rule ‘neurons that fire together, wire together’, learning and memory occurs when an excitatory neurotransmitter is repeatedly sent across the synaptic gap which allows it to strengthen the connection between the two neurons. Because glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, it plays a large role in learning/memory by strengthening the adjacent neurons connections, and making them more likely to fire again together in the future. The continued strengthening of a synapse increases the efficiency of the message, decreasing the chance the information will be forgotten, and promoting learning and memory.

This answer definitely isn’t perfect though so if anyone would like to add on, please do
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on November 01, 2017, 05:09:42 pm
On the exam do i refer to receptor sites being located on the dendrites of the post-synaptic neuron or the dendritic spines of the post-synaptic neuron.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 05:14:09 pm
Okay I’m a bit confused now.. my textbook says ‘dream-like visual imagery’, would that not count as imagining something?
Alpha waves are associated with being awake and alert but still generally relaxed (particularly if eyes are closed).
Theta waves are associated with being drowsy OR creative tasks/imaginative activities. It is uncommon during NWC except for creativity.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on November 01, 2017, 05:29:53 pm
Alpha waves are associated with being awake and alert but still generally relaxed (particularly if eyes are closed).
Theta waves are associated with being drowsy OR creative tasks/imaginative activities. It is uncommon during NWC except for creativity.

However daydreaming is an altered-state of consciousness that occurs, and an EEG would detect mostly alpha-like waves..
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theomccoy on November 01, 2017, 05:32:00 pm
If that were an exam question, here’s what I would say:

According to Hebb’s rule ‘neurons that fire together, wire together’, learning and memory occurs when an excitatory neurotransmitter is repeatedly sent across the synaptic gap which allows it to strengthen the connection between the two neurons. Because glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, it plays a large role in learning/memory by strengthening the adjacent neurons connections, and making them more likely to fire again together in the future. The continued strengthening of a synapse increases the efficiency of the message, decreasing the chance the information will be forgotten, and promoting learning and memory.

This answer definitely isn’t perfect though so if anyone would like to add on, please do


thanks legend! this helped heaps.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on November 01, 2017, 05:34:18 pm
PLEASE HELP!

Does the hippocampus/cerebellum/amygdala also retrieve memories?

Does the cerebral cortex permanently store procedural memories, or just temporarily store them?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: emmaline on November 01, 2017, 05:43:11 pm
what specifically do we need to know about the hippocampus and the hypothalamus for the psych exam?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 05:53:34 pm
Would being given a photo of year 6 classmates and being asked to recall the names of the individuals be an example of cued-recall or recognition (I am pretty confident that it is cued-recall but of the practice exams says otherwise).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on November 01, 2017, 05:54:57 pm
Would being given a photo of year 6 classmates and being asked to recall the names of the individuals be an example of cued-recall or recognition (I am pretty confident that it is cued-recall but of the practice exams says otherwise).

Cued recall; you're not merely selecting the correct option out of a list of options, as would be the case with recognition.

(Disclaimer: has been a while, happy to be corrected.)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: isobelj on November 01, 2017, 05:59:54 pm
PLEASE HELP!

Does the hippocampus/cerebellum/amygdala also retrieve memories?

Does the cerebral cortex permanently store procedural memories, or just temporarily store them?

From Grivas textbook: 'the hippocampus probably has a role in the retrieval of explicit memories.' So, if possible, I probably wouldn't mention the hippocampus having a role in retrieval. The textbook also doesn't mention the amygdala or the cerebellum having a role in retrieving memories either.

Yeah, procedural memories are permanently stored in the cerebral cortex. They're temporarily stored in the cerebellum :)

what specifically do we need to know about the hippocampus and the hypothalamus for the psych exam?

You must know about: the hippocampus' role in consolidation, the influence on long term memory if it is damaged, and the hypothalamus' role in the HPA axis.

Pretty sure that's it, but if there's anything I missed please add on!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: emmaline on November 01, 2017, 06:07:41 pm
Do we need to know anything about the role of the thalamus?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mariamnourine on November 01, 2017, 06:13:11 pm
Cued recall; you're not merely selecting the correct option out of a list of options, as would be the case with recognition.

(Disclaimer: has been a while, happy to be corrected.)

Correct Joseph41!

it is recognition because there are other options available [for example the names of other students in your class]

f it was cued recall, they would give you the beggining of each students name and tell you to remember it.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mariamnourine on November 01, 2017, 06:15:25 pm
 was just wondering, how would we apply the CBT to a person with sleep onset insomnia,
Like I get the behavioral; component, but what kind of thoughts would you be challenging with them in the cognitive component??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on November 01, 2017, 06:20:11 pm
Correct Joseph41!

it is recognition because there are other options available [for example the names of other students in your class]

f it was cued recall, they would give you the beggining of each students name and tell you to remember it.

I'm pretty sure it's actually cued recall and not recognition, because you're trying to retrieve the names of people, and therefore the photo of the classmates faces would serve as a cue to aid the recall of the name. If it was recognition, than a list of names would be presented of the year six classmates names.

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: isobelj on November 01, 2017, 06:24:57 pm
was just wondering, how would we apply the CBT to a person with sleep onset insomnia,
Like I get the behavioral; component, but what kind of thoughts would you be challenging with them in the cognitive component??

They may be having thoughts such as 'if there were nothing wrong with me, I'd be able to sleep' or 'I'll never get to sleep', which will only cause frustration, anger, and anxiety, causing further difficulties sleeping. Through CBT these thoughts can be challenged, such as replacing them with logical thoughts like 'even people with sleep-onset insomnia will get to sleep eventually' or 'I always fall asleep eventually, even if it takes awhile, I just have to wait' to aid relaxation and promote sleep.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on November 01, 2017, 06:25:11 pm
How would you use bright light therapy to get a person to feel tired at 10:00 pm and not 12:00 AM,

How would you use bright light therapy to get a person to feel tired at 12:00 AM and not 10:00 PM.

Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: oJL8A99A on November 01, 2017, 06:27:44 pm
was just wondering, how would we apply the CBT to a person with sleep onset insomnia,
Like I get the behavioral; component, but what kind of thoughts would you be challenging with them in the cognitive component??

During the cognitive component, you challenge the dysfunctional thoughts that might inhibit them from sleeping and replace them with desirable thoughts. For example, a year 12 student with sleep-onset insomnia might worry about not being able to sleep at night which may cause them to wake up late and miss their exam or sleep deprivation may cause them to fail their exam. This might cause them to have trouble sleeping at night and not be able to sleep for 30+ minutes after they get in bed, a symptom of sleep-onset insomnia. CBT removes those dysfunctional thoughts, such as by reminding the person that they've never missed an exam before and have had a great average throughout the year, and therefore the likelihood of them missing the exam or failing is very low. Obviously behavioral is sleep-hygiene (good sleep habits) and stimulus control therapy (associate the bed with sleeping)

Good luck for tomorrow :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on November 01, 2017, 06:30:59 pm
Can someone please explain reappraisal? Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: oJL8A99A on November 01, 2017, 06:31:57 pm
How would you use bright light therapy to get a person to feel tired at 10:00 pm and not 12:00 AM,

How would you use bright light therapy to get a person to feel tired at 12:00 AM and not 10:00 PM.

Thanks

The idea of BLT is that you administer the light when the individual would usually be asleep, shifting their sleep-wake cycle.
Your first example refers to DELAYED circadian rhythm phase disorder (such as with adolescence). Administer BLT at around 6am or in the morning when the individual would usually be asleep, allowing them to stay awake during that time and shifting their sleep-wake cycle FORWARD to the desirable time.

Second example is ADVANCED circadian rhythm phase disorder (shift work/jet lag when travelling west/elderly sleep patterns). Administer BLT at 6pm, when the individual is close to going asleep. This allows them to continue to stay awake when they would usually be asleep, shifting their sleep-wake cycle BACKWARDS to the time they should be going to sleep.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: oJL8A99A on November 01, 2017, 06:35:41 pm

Can someone please explain reappraisal? Thanks!

Reappraisal isn't in the study design for Lazarus and Folkman so you don't need to know it. Pretty sure it's just an individual evaluating the significance of the situation again (for primary) and re-evaluating coping resources (for secondary). But 100% not mentioned so I wouldn't worry about it :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on November 01, 2017, 06:37:11 pm
I'm pretty sure it's actually cued recall and not recognition, because you're trying to retrieve the names of people, and therefore the photo of the classmates faces would serve as a cue to aid the recall of the name. If it was recognition, than a list of names would be presented of the year six classmates names.



Agreed - this is what I was contending earlier.

Perhaps poorly worded.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on November 01, 2017, 06:39:02 pm
The idea of BLT is that you administer the light when the individual would usually be asleep, shifting their sleep-wake cycle.
Your first example refers to DELAYED circadian rhythm phase disorder (such as with adolescence). Administer BLT at around 6am or in the morning when the individual would usually be asleep, allowing them to stay awake during that time and shifting their sleep-wake cycle FORWARD to the desirable time.

Second example is ADVANCED circadian rhythm phase disorder (shift work/jet lag when travelling west/elderly sleep patterns). Administer BLT at 6pm, when the individual is close to going asleep. This allows them to continue to stay awake when they would usually be asleep, shifting their sleep-wake cycle BACKWARDS to the time they should be going to sleep.

This helped a lot! Thank you!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: oJL8A99A on November 01, 2017, 06:43:22 pm
This helped a lot! Thank you!

All good! Sorry I just realised that travelling west is delayed and east is advanced oops. Good luck :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 06:45:50 pm
Alcohol induces alpha brain waves?
Meditating induces theta?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on November 01, 2017, 06:48:16 pm
Alcohol induces alpha brain waves?
Meditating induces theta?
Yes. Remember that alcohol is a depressant, and that a meditative state can be considered an ASC
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: isobelj on November 01, 2017, 06:52:27 pm
Do altered states of consciousness mostly show theta brain waves?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on November 01, 2017, 06:54:01 pm
Do altered states of consciousness mostly show theta brain waves?

Nah, but having theta waves suggests that the person MAY be in an ASC
Eg rem sleep is an ASC but has beta-like waves
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on November 01, 2017, 06:59:51 pm
I hope the 10-marker is on neurons, memory or something like that and NOT sleep :/
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on November 01, 2017, 07:03:22 pm
I hope the 10-marker is on neurons, memory or something like that and NOT sleep :/

If you prepare for the worst you'll be able to cope with anything that happens :)
Might want to quickly brush up your understand as doubtless there'll be questions about sleep somewhere
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: maria.ali on November 01, 2017, 07:29:56 pm
Do we have to know about the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus and 'zeitgebers' in sleep or is that too much information and not needed?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theomccoy on November 01, 2017, 07:35:23 pm
DO WE NEED TO KNOW HPA AXIS
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 07:38:27 pm
Do we have to know about the role of the suprachiasmatic nucleus and 'zeitgebers' in sleep or is that too much information and not needed?
Yes definitely the suprachiasmatic nucleus (about how it detects incoming light and sends the information to the pineal gland where a decision is made about how much melatonin is to be released.
I'm not too sure about zeitgebers however the concept is not too difficult and they can just be described as environmental time cues.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 07:41:57 pm
DO WE NEED TO KNOW HPA AXIS
I would assume yes since it is involved in the resistance stage of the GAS model as well as important in the way cortisol is secreted.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Tara777 on November 01, 2017, 07:46:21 pm
Is the freeze response due to activation of the sympathetic nervous system or the parasympathetic nervous system?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Angelx001 on November 01, 2017, 07:47:26 pm
Psych VCAA 2015 exam question 10c??
Students could gain one mark for identifying punishment (or negative punishment) as the learning
principle. Positive punishment was not an acceptable response (this relates to application of an
negative stimulus, rather than taking away a desired stimulus). The act of taking away a desired
activity/positive reinforcer as a consequence for an undesirable behaviour (i.e. not completing
homework) is what makes this punishment, rather than negative reinforcement. Students could
then gain another mark if they explained how punishing the undesirable behaviour (i.e. not doing
homework) might be effective in producing the desired response. This aspect of the question
focused on motivating a desired response. The best response to this aspect of the question was to
indicate that punishment of the undesirable behaviour may motivate Najida to do her homework so
as to avoid this punishment.

Is the answer produced by vcaa contradicting?? Can't tell whether it's saying negative reinforcement or punishment is the answer? Can someone explain please? THANK YOU!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: isobelj on November 01, 2017, 07:47:43 pm
DO WE NEED TO KNOW HPA AXIS

Yes, but don't worry! All you need to know is that during stress, the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to release ACTH (a hormone) which travels through the blood stream, stimulating the adrenal gland to release cortisol. This response takes a few minutes to occur, but is very long lasting.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: isobelj on November 01, 2017, 07:51:16 pm
Is the freeze response due to activation of the sympathetic nervous system or the parasympathetic nervous system?

Both! It's sort of like having one foot on the brake and one foot on the accelerator of a car. The parasympathetic NS is active to help the organism remain still and undetected, whilst the sympathetic NS is active to allow the organism a 'boost' to escape or fight as soon as the opportunity arises.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 07:52:28 pm
Psych VCAA 2015 exam question 10c??
Students could gain one mark for identifying punishment (or negative punishment) as the learning
principle. Positive punishment was not an acceptable response (this relates to application of an
negative stimulus, rather than taking away a desired stimulus). The act of taking away a desired
activity/positive reinforcer as a consequence for an undesirable behaviour (i.e. not completing
homework) is what makes this punishment, rather than negative reinforcement. Students could
then gain another mark if they explained how punishing the undesirable behaviour (i.e. not doing
homework) might be effective in producing the desired response. This aspect of the question
focused on motivating a desired response. The best response to this aspect of the question was to
indicate that punishment of the undesirable behaviour may motivate Najida to do her homework so
as to avoid this punishment.

Is the answer produced by vcaa contradicting?? Can't tell whether it's saying negative reinforcement or punishment is the answer? Can someone explain please? THANK YOU!!
The answer means negative punishment or response cost.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Angelx001 on November 01, 2017, 08:01:27 pm
The answer means negative punishment or response cost.

Thank you !!!

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Butterflygirl on November 01, 2017, 08:24:15 pm
Do you guys use the terms positive punishment and negative punishment or punishment and response cost, respectively????
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 08:30:11 pm
Thank you !!!
I generally specify both by explicitly stating one and then putting the other version in brackets however it shouldn't matter.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 08:36:46 pm
lol wrong quote
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on November 01, 2017, 08:37:02 pm
Yes, but don't worry! All you need to know is that during stress, the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to release ACTH (a hormone) which travels through the blood stream, stimulating the adrenal gland to release cortisol. This response takes a few minutes to occur, but is very long lasting.

Can we use the abbreviation ACTH or is it not acceptable?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Angelx001 on November 01, 2017, 08:39:34 pm
Do we need to know about sprouting/ re- routing (adaptive plasticity)?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 08:43:31 pm
Do we need to know about sprouting/ re- routing (adaptive plasticity)?
I have heard people saying that adaptive and developmental plasticity are not examinable however neural plasticity is. However further input would be appreciated.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: oJL8A99A on November 01, 2017, 08:45:21 pm
Quick question - do Benzodiazepines MIMIC the role of GABA? or do they act selectively on GABA receptors increasing their inhibitory effects? Different sources giving different answers  :-\
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: isobelj on November 01, 2017, 08:47:15 pm
Can we use the abbreviation ACTH or is it not acceptable?

As far as I'm aware, examiners won't deduct a mark for using abbreviations. Especially in this case as ACTH isn't a huge part of the course.

But, if you happen to remember that ACTH stands for adrenocorticotropic hormone then definitely state it. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mariamnourine on November 01, 2017, 08:48:11 pm
Quick question - do Benzodiazepines MIMIC the role of GABA? or do they act selectively on GABA receptors increasing their inhibitory effects? Different sources giving different answers  :-\

i too was sooo confused at this, but if you look through previous posts, I asked this question and I got a reply that Bezodiazepines act as agonists, therefore they MIMIC GABA function. Anyone got differing thoughts on this?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: emmaline on November 01, 2017, 08:55:11 pm
do we need to know anything about the thalamus?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 08:55:58 pm
i too was sooo confused at this, but if you look through previous posts, I asked this question and I got a reply that Bezodiazepines act as agonists, therefore they MIMIC GABA function. Anyone got differing thoughts on this?
Hard to tell but I'm pretty sure that the wording means that they directly affect the GABA receptors on the post-synaptic neuron by changing their shape to make them more receptive to the activity of GABA which means that the neurons are more likely to resist excitation and react more to inhibition. ie. it amplifies the effect of GABA
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 31415926535 on November 01, 2017, 08:56:26 pm
Good luck to all the beautiful people on here for tomorrow!

Absolutely smash it !!!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 08:57:29 pm
do we need to know anything about the thalamus?
No
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 09:00:14 pm
i too was sooo confused at this, but if you look through previous posts, I asked this question and I got a reply that Bezodiazepines act as agonists, therefore they MIMIC GABA function. Anyone got differing thoughts on this?
Also as far as the Jacaranda textbook goes about it, an agonist is "a drug or medication that stimulates a neurotransmitter's activity.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Angelx001 on November 01, 2017, 09:01:52 pm
Can single blind procedure refer to the experimenter not knowing which groups participants are in or is it only for participants not knowing which group they're in? Also thanks for answering my other question :)

And can someone explain question 57 2013 psych vcaa exam??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on November 01, 2017, 09:06:54 pm
 
Can we use the abbreviation ACTH or is it not acceptable?
I don't think anyone in the state will be writing out adenocoriticotropic hormone, just write ACTH unless you are feeling especially paranoid.
Likewise for N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA), and I'm not even going to try to type out AMPA's full name

Can single blind procedure refer to the experimenter not knowing which groups participants are in or is it only for participants not knowing which group they're in? Also thanks for answering my other question :)

And can someone explain question 57 2013 psych vcaa exam??
It only refers to the participants not knowing

57.  In learning, neurons communicate with eachother. When neurons communicate the dendrite receives neurotransmitters
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: emmaline on November 01, 2017, 09:08:09 pm
Is the synapse the same thing as the synaptic gap - can you use those terms interchangeably?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on November 01, 2017, 09:10:27 pm
Is the synapse the same thing as the synaptic gap - can you use those terms interchangeably?
Some definitions of the synapse include the presynaptic and postsynaptic neuron
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: emmaline on November 01, 2017, 09:12:36 pm
I understand and I've read multiple times that excitatory neurotransmitters make a post-synaptic neuron more likely to fire and inhibitory the opposite, but what does 'firing' actually mean? Does a neuron firing refer to the neural impulse travelling down the axon of the post-synaptic neuron? I'm not really sure..
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 09:13:42 pm
Can single blind procedure refer to the experimenter not knowing which groups participants are in or is it only for participants not knowing which group they're in? Also thanks for answering my other question :)

And can someone explain question 57 2013 psych vcaa exam??
No, where the experimenter doesn't know would be called the double-blind procedure, where the participants also do not know where they are allocated.
For the exam question, the answer is B. The answer cannot be A since dendrites do not contain terminal buttons which secrete the neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap/cleft. These are called axon terminals. B is correct as that is the correct function of dendrites (to receive the neurotransmitters and to send the relevant messages to the soma). The answer cannot be C (to be honest this choice doesn't even make sense to me but I'm making the assumption that they meant the axon) since the dendrites send the impulses to the soma. And it cannot be D since dendrites aren't able to perform higher level functions such as that of integrating and processing information.
Hope that helps. If you need more clarification I'll do my best
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 09:15:15 pm
I don't think anyone in the state will be writing out adenocoriticotropic hormone, just write ACTH unless you are feeling especially paranoid.
Likewise for N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA), and I'm not even going to try to type out AMPA's full name
It only refers to the participants not knowing

57.  In learning, neurons communicate with eachother. When neurons communicate the dendrite receives neurotransmitters
NMDA and AMPA are not part of the study design.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: isobelj on November 01, 2017, 09:16:09 pm
I understand and I've read multiple times that excitatory neurotransmitters make a post-synaptic neuron more likely to fire and inhibitory the opposite, but what does 'firing' actually mean? Does a neuron firing refer to the neural impulse travelling down the axon of the post-synaptic neuron? I'm not really sure..

Yes, exactly! It's just an action potential occurring in a post-synaptic neuron.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anicawajswelner on November 01, 2017, 09:18:31 pm
What are the factors that influence the success of operant conditioning!?!?!?
Like the timing of the consequence after the behaviour, the appropriateness of the consequence to the behaviour, scheduled reinforcement etc?

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Angelx001 on November 01, 2017, 09:27:25 pm

57.  In learning, neurons communicate with eachother. When neurons communicate the dendrite receives neurotransmitters


thanks! but why cant question 57 be answer D?
Also i looked at one of the VCAA past exams and it said that a single blind procedure should be used so experimenters do not know which group participants are in (since it is impossible for participants not to know which group theyre in so can't use double blind)- this this was the green valley one 2014 i think, so im confused?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: -elcee on November 01, 2017, 09:31:54 pm
Not sure how forums work, but in response to the operant conditioning question :

Order : reinforcement or punishment must come AFTER the response
Timing : reinforcement or punishment immediately after the response
Appropriateness : for a stimulus to be a reinforcer, it must either provide a pleasant consequence for it's recipient to increase the desirable behaviour. Contrastingly, for a stimulus to be a punisher, it must provide an unpleasant consequence and thus decrease the undesirable behaviour.

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 09:32:45 pm

thanks! but why cant question 57 be answer D?
Also i looked at one of the VCAA past exams and it said that a single blind procedure should be used so experimenters do not know which group participants are in (since it is impossible for participants not to know which group theyre in so can't use double blind)- this this was the green valley one 2014 i think, so im confused?
Did you see my answer to your question?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Angelx001 on November 01, 2017, 09:40:33 pm
Did you see my answer to your question?
Yeah i looked at your answer
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Angelx001 on November 01, 2017, 09:41:06 pm
Are both adrenaline & noradreline hormones AND neurotransmitters?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Globe on November 01, 2017, 09:50:34 pm
Are both adrenaline & noradreline hormones AND neurotransmitters?

Yes.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: emmaline on November 01, 2017, 10:01:25 pm
Where are implicit memories stored? I know explicit memories are stored in the cerebral cortex but I don't know about implicit memories, I know they're formed in the cerebellum but where are they stored in the long term?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: theONEandONLY1 on November 01, 2017, 10:09:59 pm
After a few days of sleep deprivation, it is most likely that a person would experience
A. no increase in the amount of sleep on the nights following the sleep deprivation
B. an increased amount of sleep on one or more nights
C. an increased amount of slow-wave sleep only
D. an increased amount of REM sleep only

The answer is B however I thought that option D could also be a valid option (ie. I thought that there were two answers). Could some explain why D is incorrect?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: oJL8A99A on November 01, 2017, 10:34:01 pm
After a few days of sleep deprivation, it is most likely that a person would experience
A. no increase in the amount of sleep on the nights following the sleep deprivation
B. an increased amount of sleep on one or more nights
C. an increased amount of slow-wave sleep only
D. an increased amount of REM sleep only

The answer is B however I thought that option D could also be a valid option (ie. I thought that there were two answers). Could some explain why D is incorrect?
\

Yes, there is increased REM through REM-rebound. But if you're increasing REM that's going to increase the total amount of sleep as a whole.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jrose006 on November 01, 2017, 10:38:41 pm
After a few days of sleep deprivation, it is most likely that a person would experience
A. no increase in the amount of sleep on the nights following the sleep deprivation
B. an increased amount of sleep on one or more nights
C. an increased amount of slow-wave sleep only
D. an increased amount of REM sleep only

The answer is B however I thought that option D could also be a valid option (ie. I thought that there were two answers). Could some explain why D is incorrect?

Because if a person is sleep deprived, they will have missed out on both NREM and REM sleep, and will need to have longer periods of both of them. They will not just experience an increased proportion of REM sleep only. Also, another thing to look out for is the use of the word only. In psychology there is no answer that is ‘black or white’, there is never a definitive answer- that is another reason why D is wrong. Hope this helped!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on November 02, 2017, 06:44:50 am
Best of luck, everybody! :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on November 02, 2017, 11:05:42 am
CONGRATULATIONS!

For all post-exam discussion and questions, please go to this thread. Seriously can't wait to hear how the exam was and how you all went.
;D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Joseph41 on November 02, 2017, 12:24:13 pm
for the rat question on the 2017 exam what research procedure was used?

Best to ask in this thread; our Psych lecturer is posting his solutions, and you can ask there. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cbeccia on November 07, 2017, 03:22:10 pm
Hi everyone,

I'm a year 11 going into year 12 psych next year without units 1/2. Does anyone have any tips?

Also, how many marks can you afford to lose on the exam to get a 40+?

Thanks in advance :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on November 19, 2017, 11:51:18 am
Yo I know this is thread for questions for 3/4 psyc but there is no 1/2 thread so imma ask anyway  :P

When talking about influences on taste perception is it good enough just to mention perceptual set-good packaging and appearance without mentioning the factors which influence perceptual set (context, culture,motivation etc.)

Cheers!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Skitty on November 25, 2017, 09:50:38 pm
What's the best textbooks for Psychology? Also anyone have like notes for the whole year?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: abbeyrose on November 25, 2017, 10:16:54 pm
What's the best textbooks for Psychology? Also anyone have like notes for the whole year?

I cannot say which is the best one, but personally I really disliked the Oxford one. It was the textbook used at my school and I found I had to heavily rely on A+ notes and additional resources to learn the content. In my personal opinion, I think the Oxford one is quite vague in many areas and doesn't cover the content well.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on November 25, 2017, 11:02:30 pm
What's the best textbooks for Psychology? Also anyone have like notes for the whole year?
The Jacaranda textbook is regarded highly, but be aware that some of the content in it is not assessable in the current study design. Throughout the whole year make sure you check the SD for what you need to know
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: TheAspiringDoc on January 05, 2018, 03:44:48 pm
Don't even do psych, but...
Is there a way that police could easily test a driver's sleep levels to determine if they were driving while unsafely fatigued? Like is there a certain molecule whose levels could be tested? And would fatigue vary significantly between individuals despite similar levels of such a molecule?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: PhoenixxFire on January 05, 2018, 08:35:57 pm
Don't even do psych, but...
Is there a way that police could easily test a driver's sleep levels to determine if they were driving while unsafely fatigued? Like is there a certain molecule whose levels could be tested? And would fatigue vary significantly between individuals despite similar levels of such a molecule?
As far as I know..

Easily - definitly not (or they would be doing it)

Increased melatonin is generally associated with increased sleepiness, but I don’t know if there being any way to test it, and I suspect different amounts would affect people differently.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on January 06, 2018, 01:17:32 pm
Don't even do psych, but...
Is there a way that police could easily test a driver's sleep levels to determine if they were driving while unsafely fatigued? Like is there a certain molecule whose levels could be tested? And would fatigue vary significantly between individuals despite similar levels of such a molecule?


I remember reading an article about a molecule last year (not melatonin) that shows correlation with tiredness but research was only in the early stages and other factors may impact its levels too much.


At the moment I do not believe there is an easy, valid, and reliable method they could use
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lovelyperson on January 06, 2018, 01:35:52 pm
Don't even do psych, but...
Is there a way that police could easily test a driver's sleep levels to determine if they were driving while unsafely fatigued? Like is there a certain molecule whose levels could be tested? And would fatigue vary significantly between individuals despite similar levels of such a molecule?

Believe the molecule is adenosine. It's produced throughout the day with brain activity and binds to your brain receptors to make you feel groggy. Melatonin could also be measured, but it's a bit iffy since melatonin's role is to tell the body what time of the day it is so there isn't a direct correlation to fatigue.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jungkookie on January 14, 2018, 05:16:07 pm
Can someone please help me with the kristy kendall VCE Psychology Research Methods Key Science Skills Workbook?
I am taking units 3 and 4 with out 1 and 2. So I'm very stressed.
any help will be glady appreaciated.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on January 14, 2018, 07:39:10 pm
Can someone please help me with the kristy kendall VCE Psychology Research Methods Key Science Skills Workbook?
I am taking units 3 and 4 with out 1 and 2. So I'm very stressed.
any help will be glady appreaciated.

I don't know whats in the workbook but if there's a concept or question you need help with feel free to ask and you'll be helped :)

I wouldn't stress too much about not having done 1&2 - the only really important thing you missed is research methods & ethics and you'll have the opportunity to learn and practice that this year
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Dr. Nick on January 23, 2018, 11:15:31 pm
Can someone help with the question:
The synaptic gap if one of the three components of the synapse, name the other two:

 I answered postsynaptic and presynaptic neuron... but Idk if thats right :/

thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lovelyperson on January 23, 2018, 11:17:30 pm
Can someone help with the question:
The synaptic gap if one of the three components of the synapse, name the other two:

 I answered postsynaptic and presynaptic neuron... but Idk if thats right :/

thanks :)

Almost right, just be more specific. What part of the postsynaptic/presynaptic neuron?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Dr. Nick on January 23, 2018, 11:54:25 pm
Oh okay hahha, would it be the axon terminals of the presynpatic neuron and the dendrites of the post synaptic neuron? I didn't actually realise that they classified as being part of the synapse
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lovelyperson on January 24, 2018, 07:41:39 am
Oh okay hahha, would it be the axon terminals of the presynpatic neuron and the dendrites of the post synaptic neuron? I didn't actually realise that they classified as being part of the synapse

Yup, that's correct! And yeah, easy way to remember it is that the synapse is the point of communication between two neurons, so it wouldn't make sense to say the entire neuron is part of the synapse.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Dr. Nick on January 24, 2018, 08:29:48 am
Yup, that's correct! And yeah, easy way to remember it is that the synapse is the point of communication between two neurons, so it wouldn't make sense to say the entire neuron is part of the synapse.

Thanks a lot!  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Dr. Nick on January 24, 2018, 10:15:21 pm
the question:
explain why some responses increase and others decrease when someone is in a state of arousal. is worth 3 marks,

my answer was
 the activation of the sympathetic nervous system allows the body to better prepare for heightened arousal
because it physically prepares the body for action, by altering activity levels of internal muscles, organs and glands, this alteration may be slowing down or speeding up certain responses, depending on their importance.



I don’t think i would get the three marks in this case... could someone tell me what the three marks are allocated to?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on January 24, 2018, 11:03:20 pm
the question:
explain why some responses increase and others decrease when someone is in a state of arousal. is worth 3 marks,

my answer was
 the activation of the sympathetic nervous system allows the body to better prepare for heightened arousal
because it physically prepares the body for action, by altering activity levels of internal muscles, organs and glands, this alteration may be slowing down or speeding up certain responses, depending on their importance.



I don’t think i would get the three marks in this case... could someone tell me what the three marks are allocated to?

Hi! I think that your answer is a pretty good start, but some further expansion would be good for three marks. Here's my mark breakdown:
1. Activation of the sympathetic NS arouses the level of arousal through the release of cortisol and adrenaline/noradrenaline into the blood stream
2. This results in the increase in some aspects to enhance survival by prioritising important functions. For example, heart rate may increase to increase blood flow to muscles
3. This also results in the decrease in some aspects to enhance survival by 'neglecting' (there are better words, just can't think of it) some functions such as digestion so that blood flow can be prioritised to the brain, heart etc.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Dr. Nick on January 25, 2018, 03:23:46 pm
Hi! I think that your answer is a pretty good start, but some further expansion would be good for three marks. Here's my mark breakdown:
1. Activation of the sympathetic NS arouses the level of arousal through the release of cortisol and adrenaline/noradrenaline into the blood stream
2. This results in the increase in some aspects to enhance survival by prioritising important functions. For example, heart rate may increase to increase blood flow to muscles
3. This also results in the decrease in some aspects to enhance survival by 'neglecting' (there are better words, just can't think of it) some functions such as digestion so that blood flow can be prioritised to the brain, heart etc.

Thanks a lot!

I really like how you broke it down into dot points... I’m really bad at knowing what they are looking for in a response :/
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Dr. Nick on January 26, 2018, 05:08:54 pm
Sorry I keep draining this forum...

but I have so much things I wanna clarify, and this is the only place to turn

In my book emotion focused coping and problem focused coping are both classified as approach coping strategies, and avoidance coping is like a categoty on its own.

Is this correct? wouldn't emotion focussed coping be a type of avoidance?  Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on January 26, 2018, 10:41:19 pm
Sorry I keep draining this forum...

but I have so much things I wanna clarify, and this is the only place to turn

In my book emotion focused coping and problem focused coping are both classified as approach coping strategies, and avoidance coping is like a categoty on its own.

Is this correct? wouldn't emotion focussed coping be a type of avoidance?  Thanks :)


No worries! Questions are the best way to understand the content (i sure asked a lot of questions haha)

I don't think that there is a definite answer to your question because there is a lot of overlap between the strategies. Last year, I personally didn't make too much of a distinction between them since they were so similar. But i'll try to figure it out for you.

I think that both emotion and problem focused coping could be classified as approach strategies because both try to deal with the 'stressor and its effects' (that's the definition from the jacaranda textbook). Therefore, problem focused coping could target the stressor whereas the emotion focused coping strategies could target the 'effects'. On the other hand, the avoidance coping strategies may be things like trying to completely avoid the stressor AND its effects. For example, someone who is stressed by homework could 1. not do the homework and 2. distract themselves from their emotions of stress by watching a movie etc.

It's really a grey area imo and probably wouldn't be tested that deeply other than a question like: Describe an problem focused coping strategy that John Smith uses in this scenario.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Dr. Nick on January 27, 2018, 10:59:17 am
No worries! Questions are the best way to understand the content (i sure asked a lot of questions haha)

I don't think that there is a definite answer to your question because there is a lot of overlap between the strategies. Last year, I personally didn't make too much of a distinction between them since they were so similar. But i'll try to figure it out for you.

I think that both emotion and problem focused coping could be classified as approach strategies because both try to deal with the 'stressor and its effects' (that's the definition from the jacaranda textbook). Therefore, problem focused coping could target the stressor whereas the emotion focused coping strategies could target the 'effects'. On the other hand, the avoidance coping strategies may be things like trying to completely avoid the stressor AND its effects. For example, someone who is stressed by homework could 1. not do the homework and 2. distract themselves from their emotions of stress by watching a movie etc.

It's really a grey area imo and probably wouldn't be tested that deeply other than a question like: Describe an problem focused coping strategy that John Smith uses in this scenario.

Thanks so much!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Dr. Nick on February 02, 2018, 05:35:01 pm
Is it worth buying 2018 checkpoints if I already have 2017 checkpoints?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lovelyperson on February 02, 2018, 06:27:37 pm
Is it worth buying 2018 checkpoints if I already have 2017 checkpoints?

Nah, I wouldn't. They probably just added the 2017 exam questions, and removed questions about the stuff that was taken out from the study design mid-year.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: c_niloo on February 05, 2018, 06:05:42 pm
Need some clarification on the reflex arc.

How do the interneurons in the spinal cord know when to intercept the sensory neurons from travelling to the brain? In other words how does the CNS know when to trigger the reflex arc because pain isnt registered until the brain right?

Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on February 05, 2018, 06:11:15 pm
Need some clarification on the reflex arc.

How do the interneurons in the spinal cord know when to intercept the sensory neurons from travelling to the brain? In other words how does the CNS know when to trigger the reflex arc because pain isnt registered until the brain right?

Thanks!

Yes, pain isn't received until the brain

As to how the interneurons know? I'm not sure (beyond the scope of the course but I would be interested if anyone has the answer)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: c_niloo on February 05, 2018, 06:29:32 pm
So if a question asks when does the CNS initiate the reflex arc i could just answer when the receptors pick up a harmful/painful stimulus? If thats true then that means there are normal sensory receptors and pain receptors and not just one type right? I think i am overthinking this
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on February 05, 2018, 06:47:51 pm
So if a question asks when does the CNS initiate the reflex arc i could just answer when the receptors pick up a harmful/painful stimulus? If thats true then that means there are normal sensory receptors and pain receptors and not just one type right? I think i am overthinking this

As you suspected, there are many different receptors, temperature, pressure etc.
However, harmful/painful might be a bit too broad - we can be pained without experiencing the spinal reflex (depending on who was marking it might also be accepted but better safe than sorry).

Answers I would consider:
 - when the spinal reflex is initiated (look at the question structure to see if this is too circular or not)
 - when receptors detect a source of possible harm that the body must be quickly removed from to minimise damage.
 - after sensory pathways have transmitted a signal from the receptors indicating a source of harm which the body should be rapidly removed from (tailored to the exact wording of your sample question)



I find it unlikely that that question would be asked
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: c_niloo on February 05, 2018, 07:01:49 pm
Thank you! +1
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on February 05, 2018, 08:30:07 pm
Hi, I was doing this MC question (attached) and the answer is D. I know low GABA levels is linked to Parkinson's but I thought the main imbalance was the lack of dopamine? Could someone explain to me why the answer is D? Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on February 05, 2018, 08:32:21 pm
Hi, I was doing this MC question (attached) and the answer is D. I know low GABA levels is linked to Parkinson's but I thought the main imbalance was the lack of dopamine? Could someone explain to me why the answer is D? Thanks :)

Study design changes. VCAA changed the study design halfway through last year and that set of answers is no longer relevant to you.

The correct answer would be e) lack of dopamine
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on February 05, 2018, 08:41:07 pm
Study design changes. VCAA changed the study design halfway through last year and that set of answers is no longer relevant to you.

The correct answer would be e) lack of dopamine
Thank you!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Dr. Nick on February 06, 2018, 05:17:16 pm
How would I go about answering this question?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on February 06, 2018, 05:31:04 pm
How would I go about answering this question?

Compare where the groups are at the start, if they are in different places then that is an EV and it should be considered.
(If I gave someone little food would you expect them to have eat the same amount later as someone who had had a lot?)


What are your thoughts at the moment?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Dr. Nick on February 06, 2018, 05:38:43 pm
Compare where the groups are at the start, if they are in different places then that is an EV and it should be considered.
(If I gave someone little food would you expect them to have eat the same amount later as someone who had had a lot?)


What are your thoughts at the moment?

I answered a conclusion cannot be drawn, as it cannot be certain the cause of change in average weekly callorie intake occurs as a result of whether or not individuals take a hunger reducing pill, as extraneous variables such as individual participant differences (diet) may have caused the change in the average weekly calorie intake.


But my teacher said we should always look for a p-value when drawing conclusions which confused me because I don't know how to incopporate that in my answer
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on February 06, 2018, 05:47:18 pm
I answered a conclusion cannot be drawn, as it cannot be certain the cause of change in average weekly callorie intake occurs as a result of whether or not individuals take a hunger reducing pill, as extraneous variables such as individual participant differences (diet) may have caused the change in the average weekly calorie intake.


But my teacher said we should always look for a p-value when drawing conclusions which confused me because I don't know how to incopporate that in my answer
Apparently the p-value and statistical significance are not included on the new study design, so your teacher is not teaching you updated information.
In the old study design, you would incorporate the p-value into your answer by saying something like "as the p-value was found to be less than 0.05 (meaning that the possibility that the DV was caused by values other than the IV was less than 5/100), the results can be determined to be statistically significant and therefore a conclusion can be drawn [and a generalisation can be made to the population]".
My memory is a little scratchy but that was the gist of it.
In any case, the question actually needs to state the p-value if you are to refer to it. From what I can see, this question does not. If it does, it must be an outdated question.

Good luck!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Dr. Nick on February 06, 2018, 06:28:19 pm
Apparently the p-value and statistical significance are not included on the new study design, so your teacher is not teaching you updated information.
In the old study design, you would incorporate the p-value into your answer by saying something like "as the p-value was found to be less than 0.05 (meaning that the possibility that the DV was caused by values other than the IV was less than 5/100), the results can be determined to be statistically significant and therefore a conclusion can be drawn [and a generalisation can be made to the population]".
My memory is a little scratchy but that was the gist of it.
In any case, the question actually needs to state the p-value if you are to refer to it. From what I can see, this question does not. If it does, it must be an outdated question.

Good luck!
So I guess ill have to mention it for my SACS but not on the vcaa exam
Thanks sarangiya and good luck to you too!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on February 06, 2018, 08:43:52 pm
So I guess ill have to mention it for my SACS but not on the vcaa exam
Thanks sarangiya and good luck to you too!
I'd ask them/argue it. SACs are meant to assess understanding of the Areas of Study in the current study design.
Otherwise I guess it's fine? idk. Just my opinion.
Thank you!! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on February 06, 2018, 09:05:59 pm
I'd ask them/argue it. SACs are meant to assess understanding of the Areas of Study in the current study design.
Otherwise I guess it's fine? idk. Just my opinion.
Thank you!! :)

Nothing wrong with pointing out this study design change to your teacher - just obviously do what they want you to in the SACs
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on February 14, 2018, 10:11:26 am
Hey. I just wanted to check if it is definitely the sympathetic nervous system that activates the HPA axis when you need to deal with a stressor over a prolonged period of time. The question is : Explain the role of the sympathetic nervous system in stage 3 of the GAS.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on February 14, 2018, 07:07:50 pm
Hey. I just wanted to check if it is definitely the sympathetic nervous system that activates the HPA axis when you need to deal with a stressor over a prolonged period of time. The question is : Explain the role of the sympathetic nervous system in stage 3 of the GAS.
Yes it does. The first secretion of cortisol is released in Stage 1: Alarm - Countershock, but apparently autonomic nervous system symptoms reappear in Stage 3: Exhaustion, which suggest that the sympathetic nervous system may release another secretion of cortisol etc. (which is initiated via the HPA axis)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on February 15, 2018, 09:04:14 pm
Yes it does. The first secretion of cortisol is released in Stage 1: Alarm - Countershock, but apparently autonomic nervous system symptoms reappear in Stage 3: Exhaustion, which suggest that the sympathetic nervous system may release another secretion of cortisol etc. (which is initiated via the HPA axis)

To clarify, symptoms first appear in Stage 2: resistance, but are worse in stage 3 due to the prolonged suppression of the immune system and exhaustion of physical and psychological resources.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on February 15, 2018, 11:38:25 pm
To clarify, symptoms first appear in Stage 2: resistance, but are worse in stage 3 due to the prolonged suppression of the immune system and exhaustion of physical and psychological resources.
That makes a lot of sense! Thanks as always !
Actually I have a question as well.
Would you say that the symptoms occur is Stage 2 while the secretion happens in Stage 1 or were you implying that both start in Stage 2?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on February 16, 2018, 08:17:22 am
That makes a lot of sense! Thanks as always !
Actually I have a question as well.
Would you say that the symptoms occur is Stage 2 while the secretion happens in Stage 1 or were you implying that both start in Stage 2?

All texts agree that adrenaline release is in stage 1 but some of them say cortisol is released at the same time whereas others say that cortisol is first released in stage 2.

Check with your teacher and the textbook your class is using for what to write in SACs

Whether cortisol is first released in stage 2 or not, definetely talk about cortisol release and the impacts of this (when applicable to the question).

(As far as I know/VCE is concerned) Symptoms don't occur immediately after release - cortisol's initial impact is positive
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on February 17, 2018, 04:07:22 pm
All texts agree that adrenaline release is in stage 1 but some of them say cortisol is released at the same time whereas others say that cortisol is first released in stage 2.

Check with your teacher and the textbook your class is using for what to write in SACs

Whether cortisol is first released in stage 2 or not, definetely talk about cortisol release and the impacts of this (when applicable to the question).

(As far as I know/VCE is concerned) Symptoms don't occur immediately after release - cortisol's initial impact is positive
Awesome as always!
Thank you!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on February 19, 2018, 07:22:41 pm
All texts agree that adrenaline release is in stage 1 but some of them say cortisol is released at the same time whereas others say that cortisol is first released in stage 2.

Check with your teacher and the textbook your class is using for what to write in SACs

Whether cortisol is first released in stage 2 or not, definetely talk about cortisol release and the impacts of this (when applicable to the question).

(As far as I know/VCE is concerned) Symptoms don't occur immediately after release - cortisol's initial impact is positive
Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on February 19, 2018, 07:25:21 pm
I have another question.. :) What primarily determines whether or not a neurotransmitter will have an excitatory or inhibitory effect? In the textbook, it says "The effects of a neurotransmitter are not entirely caused by the chemical. Its
effects are also due to the receptor to which the neurotransmitter binds. The same neurotransmitter can be excitatory or inhibitory, depending on the properties of the receptor and on the receptor’s location in the brain." So is it primarily the chemical and binding is influential, or vice versa?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on February 19, 2018, 08:45:11 pm
I have another question.. :) What primarily determines whether or not a neurotransmitter will have an excitatory or inhibitory effect? In the textbook, it says "The effects of a neurotransmitter are not entirely caused by the chemical. Its
effects are also due to the receptor to which the neurotransmitter binds. The same neurotransmitter can be excitatory or inhibitory, depending on the properties of the receptor and on the receptor’s location in the brain." So is it primarily the chemical and binding is influential, or vice versa?

It's about the signal transduction pathway (note that the study design says that details about signal transduction are not required).

The neurotransmitter attaches to a receptor with complementary fit. This attachment causes the receptor to react - and its that receptor's reaction that will have an excitatory or inhibitory effect.

So the neurotransmitter's chemical shape is very important as this determines what receptors it will bind to - its what the receptor initiates in response to that which is the most important.

Hope this clarifies things a bit :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on February 20, 2018, 08:41:15 am
It's about the signal transduction pathway (note that the study design says that details about signal transduction are not required).

The neurotransmitter attaches to a receptor with complementary fit. This attachment causes the receptor to react - and its that receptor's reaction that will have an excitatory or inhibitory effect.

So the neurotransmitter's chemical shape is very important as this determines what receptors it will bind to - its what the receptor initiates in response to that which is the most important.

Hope this clarifies things a bit :)
Ok thank you!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on February 26, 2018, 08:01:02 pm
Hi, was wondering why the answer to this question is B. I thought it would be D.

Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on February 26, 2018, 08:14:08 pm
That is a good question lol
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on February 26, 2018, 08:24:55 pm
Hi, was wondering why the answer to this question is B. I thought it would be D.

Thanks!

Think of responses as exchanges with the environment; the environment gives something to the body (in the form of sensory stimuli) and the body gives something back (usually to influence the stimulus in some way), such as moving a hand. The FFF response doesn't 'give back' anything so it's therefore not a response, conscious or unconscious.

B is the most correct answer (A and C aren't correct because they don't make sense).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on February 26, 2018, 09:24:08 pm
Think of responses as exchanges with the environment; the environment gives something to the body (in the form of sensory stimuli) and the body gives something back (usually to influence the stimulus in some way), such as moving a hand. The FFF response doesn't 'give back' anything so it's therefore not a response, conscious or unconscious.

B is the most correct answer (A and C aren't correct because they don't make sense).
Isn't the fight-flight-freeze a response to a stressor? The textbook states "without our awareness or conscious control, our body instantly responds by automatically activating the fight– flight–freeze response." I still don't understand why the answer is B, because it says a series of three specific reactions that occur independently, but I though the fight-flight-freeze was read as fight OR flight OR freeze, meaning they do not all occur?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on February 26, 2018, 10:01:51 pm
Isn't the fight-flight-freeze a response to a stressor? The textbook states "without our awareness or conscious control, our body instantly responds by automatically activating the fight– flight–freeze response." I still don't understand why the answer is B, because it says a series of three specific reactions that occur independently, but I though the fight-flight-freeze was read as fight OR flight OR freeze, meaning they do not all occur?

In psychology, no, it isn't a response for the reasons I've stated above. It does react to the stressor but there's no exchange with the external environment and stressful stimuli. Also, the FFF response may be read as fight OR flight OR freeze to indicate that you can enter any stage is response to a stressor, not to suggest that they occur with one another (because they don't - wouldn't make sense anyway because they'll just cancel each other out).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on February 26, 2018, 11:04:59 pm
My thoughts were that it could be placing importance on the part that the "fight-flight-freeze response" isn't the same reaction every time, but rather a reaction that manifests in three separate forms: a confrontation, a retreat, or a state of "lying low".
Where is this question from though?
I think it's too ambiguous to be VCAA - I'd be surprised if it were.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on February 27, 2018, 08:15:00 am
Hi, was wondering why the answer to this question is B. I thought it would be D.

Thanks!

imo this is a bad question.

I think the angle that the writers are coming from is that they want you to understand that you don't fight, flight AND freeze - they are seperate responses.

(They don't mean series in a sequential sense)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on February 27, 2018, 08:46:19 am
My thoughts were that it could be placing importance on the part that the "fight-flight-freeze response" isn't the same reaction every time, but rather a reaction that manifests in three separate forms: a confrontation, a retreat, or a state of "lying low".
Where is this question from though?
I think it's too ambiguous to be VCAA - I'd be surprised if it were.
It's from the textbook, the end of chapter tests.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on February 27, 2018, 08:46:56 am
imo this is a bad question.

I think the angle that the writers are coming from is that they want you to understand that you don't fight, flight AND freeze - they are seperate responses.

(They don't mean series in a sequential sense)
Ok, thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on February 28, 2018, 09:35:21 am
It's from the textbook, the end of chapter tests.
Jac?
I personally find the Jacaranda textbook questions really bad representations of the exam. They might be a decent test of the textbook content but I don't think those type of questions are VCAA-style at all.
I'd put little importance on those questions.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ardria on March 02, 2018, 09:58:32 pm
From the Jacranda Psychology 3/4 textbook:

1)
A neurotransmitter will have its effect when it...

A. reaches an axon terminal.
B. binds to its receptor.
C. contacts a dendrite.
D. enters the synapse.

Why is the answer A and not B?

I answered B because neurotransmitters only have any effect on the target tissue/neuron if it successfully binds to its receptor.



2)
The peripheral nervous system transmits information between the _____ and the _____.
A. central nervous system; spinal cord
B. spinal cord; muscles, organs and glands
C. sensory receptors, muscles, organs and glands; central nervous system
D. somatic nervous system; muscles, organs and glands

Why is the answer B and not C?


Can't figure these answers out! Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on March 02, 2018, 10:03:14 pm
From the Jacranda Psychology 3/4 textbook:

A neurotransmitter will have its effect when it...

B. reaches an axon terminal.
C. binds to its receptor.
C. contacts a dendrite.
D. enters the synapse.

Why is the answer B and not C?

I answered C because neurotransmitters only have any effect on the target tissue/neuron if it successfully binds to its receptor.

Thanks :)

Answer's wrong. You're correct.

2)
The peripheral nervous system transmits information between the _____ and the _____.
A. central nervous system; spinal cord
B. spinal cord; muscles, organs and glands
C. sensory receptors, muscles, organs and glands; central nervous system
D. somatic nervous system; muscles, organs and glands

Why is the answer B and not C?

This is a pretty crappy question imo, but I'm going to assume because B is more correct than C? C sort of implies that there's no sequential processes in which information is transferred within the nervous system, which there are.

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ardria on March 03, 2018, 04:26:16 pm

C sort of implies that there's no sequential processes in which information is transferred within the nervous system, which there are.

Thanks for answering, what do you mean by this though?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on March 03, 2018, 04:37:05 pm
Thanks for answering, what do you mean by this though?

C doesn't acknowledge that information first has to go through the spinal cord before it can reach the brain, and that afferent pathways exist between the spinal cord and sensory receptors.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on March 04, 2018, 01:30:57 pm
Could someone please explain the difference between interpreting a situation as either 'irrelevant' or 'benign positive' in primary appraisal!

Also, in primary appraisal if a situation is deemed to be stressful, can someone experience eustress or distress even if the stressful situation is deemed to be harm/loss or threat?

cheers  ;D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on March 04, 2018, 03:08:44 pm
Could someone please explain the difference between interpreting a situation as either 'irrelevant' or 'benign positive' in primary appraisal!
There are two levels to primary appraisal. One is assessing the situation, and then the consequent level is assessing what impact that situation may have.
So the irrelevant/benign-positive/stressful is the first level.
> If the situation doesn't affect the individual, it is irrelevant.
> If the situation is positive for the individual, but not stressful, (idk like someone smiling at you or something lol), then it is benign-positive.
> Stressful, of course, is self-explanatory.

The second level only occurs if the situation is assessed as stressful, at which stage the impact of the situation is evaluated.
> If the harm is thought to probably occur in the future, it is a threat
> If the impact causes opportunity for growth or is perceived as positive, it is a challenge
> If the harm has already occurred, it is considered harm-loss

Also, in primary appraisal if a situation is deemed to be stressful, can someone experience eustress or distress even if the stressful situation is deemed to be harm/loss or threat?

cheers  ;D
In secondary appraisal, availability of resources to cope are assessed.

If there are sufficient resources, eustress can be experienced even in the face of harm/loss or threat. This is because one feels an ability to cope, and the situation will usually be reassessed through reappraisal and be a irrelevant (coped with it, not my problem now), or a challenge (I can cope with this).

On the other hand, of course, if there are insufficient resources to cope, then distress is usually experienced. Reappraisal will loop because the stressor has not been coped with.

Good luck!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on March 04, 2018, 04:57:31 pm
Thank you so much sarangiya!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: recess on March 06, 2018, 08:11:43 pm
Hi,

I was just wondering if the fight-flight-freeze response is only activated when a person is 'faced' (is that the right terminology?) with a stressor causing distress, or is it for all stress (including eustress?)

Also, how does fight response apply for when someone is taking a test? For flight, it's that they'll postpone the test and for freeze- they will not be able to think during the test so they stay frozen. Is fight when they tackle the test but not getting anything right? Similarly, what is a 'fight' response to someone who is scared about doing speeches?

Lastly, I am a bit confused about why people cry when they feel distressed, because isn't it the parasympathetic nervous system that is responsible for producing tears?

Cheers!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on March 06, 2018, 10:19:39 pm
Hi,

I was just wondering if the fight-flight-freeze response is only activated when a person is 'faced' (is that the right terminology?) with a stressor causing distress, or is it for all stress (including eustress?)
Distress (and eustress, potentially, thanks to rani_b :) ). From your post as a whole, I take it that your impression of FFF response is that it is common. On the contrary, it is uncommon and is only activated in extreme situations of immediate danger. Like, for example, running away from a fire, fighting against domestic abuse, freezing while being assaulted. If you're wondering if it will apply, thinking about whether the reaction is initiated with the intent of increasing chance of survival.

Some exams will want you to describe a response to something like a Lloyd bang in reference to FFF. It may seem to fall out of the scope but because the source of the sound (gunshot? No, actually a car backfire) or nature of the spider is unknown (daddy long legs or viscous funnel web?), the response will be initiated as a precaution.

A biological stress model that does occur regardless of eustress/distress (any stressor will activate it) and is in response to any stressor is the General Adaptation Syndrome model by Selye.

Also, how does fight response apply for when someone is taking a test? For flight, it's that they'll postpone the test and for freeze- they will not be able to think during the test so they stay frozen. Is fight when they tackle the test but not getting anything right? Similarly, what is a 'fight' response to someone who is scared about doing speeches?
The reason you're having trouble addressing these scenarios is because none of the would be extreme enough to activate FFF. None of them are a threat to survival. Yes there is a stress response, but it is probably the GAS modelled response over FFF.

Lastly, I am a bit confused about why people cry when they feel distressed, because isn't it the parasympathetic nervous system that is responsible for producing tears?

Cheers!
Contemplating why humans cry is very interesting. You'll find that there is no good answer. This is primarily because although other animals tend to share our behaviours, even stress and stress responses, no other animal produces tears.
You could consider it an emotion-focused coping method (venting, appealing for social support) or even just a source of catharsis.
I wouldn't put it down to sympathetic or parasympathetic purely because there are no documented studies to back you up. Interesting though.

Good luck!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on March 07, 2018, 12:06:10 pm
Distress. From your post as a whole, I take it that your impression of FFF response is that it is common. On the contrary, it is uncommon and is only activated in extreme situations of immediate danger. Like, for example, running away from a fire, fighting against domestic abuse, freezing while being assaulted. If you're wondering if it will apply, thinking about whether the reaction is initiated with the intent of increasing chance of survival.

.

Good luck!
I'm a little confused as to why the fight-flight-freeze response isn't activated even during eustress. I thought our body went through the same physiological changes regardless of eustress and distress, and during the first stage of GAS the fight-flight-freeze response is activated. Or is the body able to distinguish when it is eustress or distress and for eustress only some sympathetic nervous system functions are activated, like increased heart rate but not the FFF response, and in distress the FFF response?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on March 07, 2018, 02:16:07 pm
I'm a little confused as to why the fight-flight-freeze response isn't activated even during eustress. I thought our body went through the same physiological changes regardless of eustress and distress, and during the first stage of GAS the fight-flight-freeze response is activated. Or is the body able to distinguish when it is eustress or distress and for eustress only some sympathetic nervous system functions are activated, like increased heart rate but not the FFF response, and in distress the FFF response?
You're right, the alarm stage of GAS is considered to include FFF. And, yes, GAS models the response to any stressor.
I'll definitely stand corrected to say eustress or distress can activated FFF response, but I think you'd be hard-come-by to find eustress that would threaten chances of survival enough (if at all) to trigger the FFF response.
For example, on the 2017 exam, question 17 is the only one that specifically refers to the FFF response and it is in reference to an alarm sounding because a shark was spotted in water. This to me, makes sense as a stimulus to activate FFF because it is threatening to our survival, and is distressing.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on March 07, 2018, 05:56:14 pm
You're right, the alarm stage of GAS is considered to include FFF. And, yes, GAS models the response to any stressor.
I'll definitely stand corrected to say eustress or distress can activated FFF response, but I think you'd be hard-come-by to find eustress that would threaten chances of survival enough (if at all) to trigger the FFF response.
For example, on the 2017 exam, question 17 is the only one that specifically refers to the FFF response and it is in reference to an alarm sounding because a shark was spotted in water. This to me, makes sense as a stimulus to activate FFF because it is threatening to our survival, and is distressing.
Ok, thanks for clarifying. I guess it depends on our interpretation of the stressor as well.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: recess on March 12, 2018, 11:48:59 am
are interneurons only located in the CNS? (spinal cord and brain?) similarly, are neural pathways only in brain, can they be in body also?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: enociz on March 12, 2018, 12:14:26 pm
are interneurons only located in the CNS? (spinal cord and brain?) similarly, are neural pathways only in brain, can they be in body also?

According to Jacaranda Psych 3/4 Textbook (Box 2.3 on Pg 127):
Quote
Sensory and motor neurons are found throughout the nervous system, whereas interneurons are found only in the CNS.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: gary123 on March 18, 2018, 07:11:07 pm
Hello! Couple of questions regarding stress..
-what is the difference in terms of dealing with stress for emotion and problem focused coping and also approach and avoidant coping strategies?
-What is the key difference between life events and major stress? so life events cause substantial amounts of stress and requires substantial adjustment but so does major stress??
-also if stress is caused by inadequate resources to cope then how can we evaluate someone thing as stressful in primary appraisal without the role of second appraisal in the first place?
Thanks in advance
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lazaward on March 18, 2018, 09:47:04 pm

Hello! Couple of questions regarding stress..
-what is the difference in terms of dealing with stress for emotion and problem focused coping and also approach and avoidant coping strategies?
-What is the key difference between life events and major stress? so life events cause substantial amounts of stress and requires substantial adjustment but so does major stress??
-also if stress is caused by inadequate resources to cope then how can we evaluate someone thing as stressful in primary appraisal without the role of second appraisal in the first place?
Thanks in advance

- emotion/problem focused coping are more specifically to do with secondary appraisal of the transactional model where as approach/avoidance coping strategies aren’t associated with a model.
- life events is more on the individual scale where as major stress affects almost everyone who experiences it.
- primary appraisal is about the significance of the stressor to the individual. you can perceive something as stressful despite having resources to cope, stress is not only caused by not having adequate resources. the stressor has to be stressful to you first before inadequate resources are taken into account, you could have inadequate resources and not care about the situation at all.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: gary123 on March 18, 2018, 11:06:04 pm
Thank you, could you also clarify my understanding of Lazarus and Folkman model

 the transactional model applies to any potential stressor meaning it still technically hasn't been considered a stressor yet which is then evaluated in primary appraisal.  If it is irrelevant or benign positive then it is not considered stress and the individual doesn't proceed to second appraisal. But if it were stressful then the second appraisal would determine if it has enough coping resources and options to deal with it. If it does then we would experience eustress(not sure how this works because for something like winning a lottery it would be considered benign positive and eustressful at the same time) or distress(e.g losing part time job but we still perceive our selves as capable of dealing with the loss) or no stress at all(clarify here especially pls) . If we perceive ourselves with insufficient resources then we experience distress. Regardless of wether we have enough resources we still use problem focused or emotion focused coping strategies to deal with the stressor.

Sorry if some of it doesn't make sense I am also confused myself with this :/
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MambaMent.. on March 19, 2018, 07:43:27 pm
Hey, was wondering if anyone could explain the link between HPA axis and fight flight freeze response? Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: TheBamboozler on March 19, 2018, 08:26:56 pm
Could somebody explain to me the similarities between long term potentiation and long term depression? Cheers!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on March 20, 2018, 03:57:45 pm
Thank you, could you also clarify my understanding of Lazarus and Folkman model

 the transactional model applies to any potential stressor meaning it still technically hasn't been considered a stressor yet which is then evaluated in primary appraisal.  If it is irrelevant or benign positive then it is not considered stress and the individual doesn't proceed to second appraisal. But if it were stressful then the second appraisal would determine if it has enough coping resources and options to deal with it. If it does then we would experience eustress(not sure how this works because for something like winning a lottery it would be considered benign positive and eustressful at the same time) or distress(e.g losing part time job but we still perceive our selves as capable of dealing with the loss) or no stress at all(clarify here especially pls) . If we perceive ourselves with insufficient resources then we experience distress. Regardless of wether we have enough resources we still use problem focused or emotion focused coping strategies to deal with the stressor.

Sorry if some of it doesn't make sense I am also confused myself with this :/


I think that the example for winning the lottery is quite complex and would obviously have multiple stages where the person realises they have won the lottery, and then they start thinking about what to do etc. So, I think there are multiple aspects of winning the lottery that you'd have to consider and then determine the individual stressors. For example, thinking of what to do with family who want a part of the money may be considered stressful, whereas you thinking about the new phone you'll buy isn't. So i'd say, consider the different aspects and make judgements separately. Just remember that our evaluation of stress isn't simple and is made up of cost vs. benefit and multiple evaluations to figure out if we're stressed or not.

For the example about losing the job, but being able to find a new one, I would classify this as a challenge because the individual has recognised that 'yes, there is an issue, but I can make the best of it by finding a new job (dealing with the loss)'.

Hope i helped a bit :)

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on March 20, 2018, 04:02:59 pm
Hey, was wondering if anyone could explain the link between HPA axis and fight flight freeze response? Thanks!

Both the HPA axis and fight-flight-freeze responses are biological responses. In this i mean that hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline are released. I believe that HPA axis is more of a long term outlook on stress whereas the fight flight freeze response is an immediate response. For example, if a car is coming towards you quickly, you go into fight-flight or freeze, where you can either try to get out of the way, fight the car (? good luck) or you may freeze :(. Whereas, releasing you have 5 assignments due on one day may result in an initial shock and then countershock (resistance drops and then rises above), this is alarm reaction. Then, in the more short term, more cortisol may be released to increase energy and provide resources to cope with the stress of 5 assignments, this is resistance. Then, if this occurs for too long, the negative effects of cortisol start to set in and you enter the exhaustion stage whereby your immune system is weakened and you become fatigued etc.

So, to summarise, the HPA axis is more of a long term view whereas FFF (don't use this acronym in SACs) is short term. Both are biological

Hope this helped :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on March 20, 2018, 04:06:18 pm
Could somebody explain to me the similarities between long term potentiation and long term depression? Cheers!

Think of long term potentiation (LTP) and long term depression (LTD) as opposite functions. Both involve the changes of synapses and occur according to how much those neurons are used.

LTP: the long term strengthening of neurons due to repeated usage. For example, continually speaking French will strengthen and enhance neurotranmission between these neurons associated with French

LTP: the long term weakening of neurons due to lack of usage. For example, not playing for tennis for 10 years may result in the degeneration of these neurons and the connections are not as strong. Therefore, when you try to play again, you may forget. However, it'll probably be quicker to learn again (you'll learn about this in the next AOS of learning and memory)

Hope I answered your question :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on March 21, 2018, 05:25:10 pm
Could somebody explain to me the similarities between long term potentiation and long term depression? Cheers!

As peter.g15 has alluded to, both are elements of neuroplasticity which aid our memory and learning. They achieve this through tangible changes at the synapse which either increase (LTP) or decrease (LTD) the probability of the postsynaptic neuron firing as a result of the presynaptic neuron firing.

e.g to take peter's example of learning French, if you initially pronounced a word incorrectly, LTP would help you remember the new/correct pronunciation and LTD would help you lose the incorrect pronunciation. 

Does this answer your question?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: TheBamboozler on March 22, 2018, 08:40:39 pm
Thanks peter and miniturtle!

If you don't mind, I'd appreciate an explanation of the role of the hippocampus and amygdala during heightened arousal, as well as the role of adrenaline in consolidation of emotionally arousing experiences.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on March 22, 2018, 10:18:05 pm
Thanks peter and miniturtle!

If you don't mind, I'd appreciate an explanation of the role of the hippocampus and amygdala during heightened arousal, as well as the role of adrenaline in consolidation of emotionally arousing experiences.

No worries :)

I assume you're referring to the following vcaa DP: "The role of neurotransmitters and neurohormones in the neural basis of memory and learning (including the role of glutamate in synaptic plasticity and the role of adrenaline in the consolidation of emotionally arousing experiences".

So when an individual has heightened arousal, this is basically referring to when adrenaline is pumping through the body and you're in some sort of dangerous/scary situation. For example, going on a rollercoaster.

So, the hippocampus by itself is involved in the consolidation of long-term declarative memories while the amygdala is responsible for the emotional aspect of the memory. When you're emotionaly aroused, adrenaline triggers the release of noradrenaline in the amygdala. This activates the amygdala to send a signal to the hippocampus that the details of this event are significant and that the long term storage is to be strengthened. The amygdala also encodes emotion information into the memory.

Basically, adrenaline strengthens the storage of long term memories by making them more vivid and memorable.

Hope i helped :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on April 02, 2018, 03:53:49 pm
Hi! I wanted to ask what the difference was between response cost and negative punishment? The book says response cost is when any stimulus valued by an organism is removed, whether or not it causes a response. What does that underlined bit mean? Are there examples where something is negative punishment but not response cost? Thank you!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on April 02, 2018, 05:00:48 pm
Hi! I wanted to ask what the difference was between response cost and negative punishment? The book says response cost is when any stimulus valued by an organism is removed, whether or not it causes a response. What does that underlined bit mean? Are there examples where something is negative punishment but not response cost? Thank you!!

Response cost = stimulus taken away doesn't necessarily cause the response that is to be reduced (e.g speeding fines; money doesn't cause the speeding behaviour, but nevertheless reduces it when taken away due to perceived value).

It's just a more specific version of negative punishment. Study design only states response cost though, so you'll probably never be put in a situation where you'll have to distinguish between the two.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on April 04, 2018, 11:45:52 am
Response cost = stimulus taken away doesn't necessarily cause the response that is to be reduced (e.g speeding fines; money doesn't cause the speeding behaviour, but nevertheless reduces it when taken away due to perceived value).

It's just a more specific version of negative punishment. Study design only states response cost though, so you'll probably never be put in a situation where you'll have to distinguish between the two.
Thank you!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: IsabellaBrown on April 16, 2018, 05:55:01 pm
Hi,
I was wondering if somebody could please explain what an antecedent is. I have the jist of what it is, but I'm having difficulty in understanding it's role.  :-\
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on April 16, 2018, 07:37:53 pm
Hi,
I was wondering if somebody could please explain what an antecedent is. I have the jist of what it is, but I'm having difficulty in understanding it's role.  :-\

It's the prompt. 

Eg. If someone participating in a track starts running after hearing a bang so they receive positive reinforcement, the anecedant is the bang.

If a child asks their parents to buy a toy after seeing it,  the antecedent is seeing it.

If a student starts studying after receiving feedback, the feedback is the antecedent.

If the antecedent wasn't present,  the behaviour (and thus consequence) would not occur
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on April 19, 2018, 06:32:10 pm
"Because taking exams in the past has always lead to failure and humiliation, Sam gets nervous and nauseous whenever the teacher announces they are going to take a quiz." Is this an example of classical or operant conditioning and why? Thank you!!
 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on April 19, 2018, 06:42:07 pm
Classical Conditioning  ;D

The behaviour in Classical is always involuntary (e.g salivating, fear, excitement, feeling nervous)

The behaviour in Operant is voluntary (e.g Doing more homework, Spending more money, Not distracting others in class) lol sorry for the bad examples
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on April 20, 2018, 08:35:00 am
Classical Conditioning  ;D

The behaviour in Classical is always involuntary (e.g salivating, fear, excitement, feeling nervous)

The behaviour in Operant is voluntary (e.g Doing more homework, Spending more money, Not distracting others in class) lol sorry for the bad examples
Okay, thanks.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on April 21, 2018, 04:22:47 pm
I'm back again  :D Could someone help me with how to go about discerning the antecedent, behaviour and consequence from this scenario and any scenario in general? And what should I be putting in my answer to gain 6 marks?

Thank you!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on April 22, 2018, 10:16:43 am
I'm back again  :D Could someone help me with how to go about discerning the antecedent, behaviour and consequence from this scenario and any scenario in general? And what should I be putting in my answer to gain 6 marks?

Thank you!!

Behaviour: what Jack does
Anecedant: why Jack does it / thing that Jack is reacting to
Consequence: what happens as a result of Jack's behaviour

In your answer you would get 2 marks for each stage that you correctly identified and described using appropriate psychological terminology with reference to the scenario.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: mingduytran1606 on May 07, 2018, 03:54:53 pm
Hi, I have a question on LTP and LTD. What is the relationship between LTP and LTD??? How do they support each other??
My teacher said that LTD help to utilize brain resource due to pruining the unused connection so there will be more resources available for LTP to strengthen the important connection. However, when I watch Edrolo, the lady mention something about how LTP just can strengthen the connection to a certain level. In other to maintain and further strengthen the connection, LTD need to weaken it first then LTP can take place. Which one is correct???
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on May 08, 2018, 11:25:28 am
Hi, I have a question on LTP and LTD. What is the relationship between LTP and LTD??? How do they support each other??
My teacher said that LTD help to utilize brain resource due to pruining the unused connection so there will be more resources available for LTP to strengthen the important connection. However, when I watch Edrolo, the lady mention something about how LTP just can strengthen the connection to a certain level. In other to maintain and further strengthen the connection, LTD need to weaken it first then LTP can take place. Which one is correct???
I think your teacher has a good point, and Edrolo isn't wrong.
The effect of LTP is a "strengthening" of the synapse, which in effect makes that pathway easier to activate. (Edrolo is right)
The effect of LDP is a "weakening" of the synapse, which as your teacher says, 'prunes' unneeded synapses.
It could be that your teacher is right in that it frees up resources.
However, I would think about it like this:
Let's say I remember the quadratic formula as \begin{array}{*{20}c} {x = \frac{{ - b \pm \sqrt {a^2 - 4ac} }}{{2b}}} \end{array}
This is obviously incorrect, but I used it so much that LTP takes place and the semantic memory of the incorrect formula is strengthened.
My teacher notices, and tells me the actual formula is: \begin{array}{*{20}c} {x = \frac{{ - b \pm \sqrt {b^2 - 4ac} }}{{2a}}} \end{array}
So, if LTD did not exist, no matter how hard I tried, I will be stuck with always remembering the incorrect formula first, right?
Therefore, LTD is necessary to 'forget' a faulty or incorrect memory, and allows LTP to strengthen the new, correct memory.

Therefore, you might see that LTD and LTP work together to correct our mistakes, change the way we think, adapt to our changing environment and remove conflicting and competing information that hinders our potential growth.
Good luck!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: gary123 on May 12, 2018, 05:14:04 pm
Need clarification specifically on adrenaline's role on consolidation of emotionally arousing memories as I felt a bit hesitant about my response to a question that involved this concept.

During a stressful situation adrenaline is released which in turn stimulates release of noradrenaline neurotransmitters which signals the amygdala that a particular experience needs to be strengthened and reinforced in the long term memory. The amygdala then communicates this message to the hippo campus and encodes the emotional response of an experience which is then stored in the cerebral cortex.
Is this correct or am I saying something wrong? Not too sure on how the amygdala interacts with the hippo campus and whether this is important or not.
Cheers in advance
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: fruitbowl34 on May 19, 2018, 11:58:17 am
Hi everyone! I'm a bit confused with this dotpoint 'interactions between specific regions of the brain (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and cerebellum) in the storage of long-term memories, including implicit and explicit memories.' What else would I need to know besides what kind of memories each region specialises in? And I don't really understand what they mean by the interactions. Thank you!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on May 19, 2018, 02:01:46 pm
Hi everyone! I'm a bit confused with this dotpoint 'interactions between specific regions of the brain (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and cerebellum) in the storage of long-term memories, including implicit and explicit memories.' What else would I need to know besides what kind of memories each region specialises in? And I don't really understand what they mean by the interactions. Thank you!
I think it is trying to highlight interactions such as that between the amygdalae and hippocampi in the encoding of emotionally-arousing memories. (Quite similar to the question above yours!)
From Jacaranda: "Through its interaction with the amygdala, then hippocampus also plays a role in the formation of emotional memories, particularly the explicit memory component of an emotional event."

It may also be referring to processes - like the transfer of LTM from hippocampi to cerebral cortex, and the way they are stored there. For example, memories aren't stored in one separate cortical area, but rather are spread over many areas of the brain and are 'combined' into a fluid, whole reconstruction when recalled.
The Jacaranda textbook gives this example: "...the name of the band will be stored in a cortical area involved with language (frontal lobe), images in visual cortex (occipital lobe) and sounds in auditory cortex (temporal lobe). Furthermore, the different components are linked to ensure they do not remain a collection of separate memories. When required, the separate parts are gathered together and reconstructed as a single, integrated memory for retrieval into our conscious awareness. This can be likened to pieces of a jigsaw coming together to create a vivid recollection. The cortex has a crucial role in this process, particularly for explicit memories (Bergland, 2015)."
Need clarification specifically on adrenaline's role on consolidation of emotionally arousing memories as I felt a bit hesitant about my response to a question that involved this concept.

During a stressful situation adrenaline is released which in turn stimulates release of noradrenaline neurotransmitters which signals the amygdala that a particular experience needs to be strengthened and reinforced in the long term memory. The amygdala then communicates this message to the hippo campus and encodes the emotional response of an experience which is then stored in the cerebral cortex.
Is this correct or am I saying something wrong? Not too sure on how the amygdala interacts with the hippo campus and whether this is important or not.
Cheers in advance
It looks pretty good to me! You have included the neuronal/physiological basis of emotional memory encoding (including the roles of the amygdala and hippocampus) and then the storage afterwards.
This is from the Jacaranda textbook: "...adrenaline induces the release of noradrenaline in the amygdala. The presence of noradrenaline is believed to stimulate the amygdala to attach more emotional significance to the experience and signal the hippocampus to encode..."
I found an interesting Wikipedia page that also might make sense of the whole 'signalling to the hippocampus': https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_processing_in_the_brain#Molecular_basis
I'm going to try and explain it here, but please take it with a grain of salt because I'm not confident I understand it wholly myself.
Essentially, in the amygdala, there are beta-adrenergic receptors that bond with noradrenaline (and others, but for the sake of simplicity). The receptors (especially beta2 ones) are activated during flight-or-fight (lending into our ideas of emotional arousal). Research has found when these receptors are blockaded (when noradrenaline cannot bond to them) acquisition of fear learning is prevented, but not the retrieval of fear memories. On the other hand, when noradrenaline interacts with these beta-adrenergic receptors, it also affects GABAergic interneurons by inhibiting their effect. GABA, if you remember, has an inhibitory effect and doesn't help with LTP. Therefore, the inhibiting effect of GABA is reduced, and instead the effect of glutamate is heightened. This activates Hebbian synaptic plasticity (think LTP and Hebb's Law: neurons that fire together, wire together). Therefore, the fear learning is strengthened as a result of noradrenaline interaction with the amygdala, which triggers all of these effects which will affect encoding in the hippocampus.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on May 28, 2018, 10:03:17 pm
Hi guys,
 
Can anyone help me identify the IV and DV in classical conditioning experiments, more specifically in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DQjCPBZaUk

Im not sure how to word the IV:
would it be: Whether or not the sound of a computer restarting is paired with an altoid mint

Dv: the type of observed response elicited by dwight

im really confused :/ Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on May 30, 2018, 07:40:02 pm
Hi guys,
 
Can anyone help me identify the IV and DV in classical conditioning experiments, more specifically in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DQjCPBZaUk

Im not sure how to word the IV:
would it be: Whether or not the sound of a computer restarting is paired with an altoid mint

Dv: the type of observed response elicited by dwight

im really confused :/ Thanks!

You're definitely on the right track!

I would go with
IV: The presence (or absence) of a specificied computer tone
DV: Whether or not the participant salivated

 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: You dont know me on May 30, 2018, 08:34:44 pm
Which lobes generally do what main functions? As I'm currently doing Units 1 and 2 we don't have to go into immense detail so far. Thanks in advance <3
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sweetiepi on May 30, 2018, 09:32:22 pm
Which lobes generally do what main functions? As I'm currently doing Units 1 and 2 we don't have to go into immense detail so far. Thanks in advance <3
I'm assuming the lobes of the brain here, disregard this post if this isn't what you mean. :)
I also assume you know the four main lobes- frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal lobes.

The occipital lobe is located "at the back" and is mainly responsible for processing visual information. (Back when I did 1/2, I remembered the function of the occipital lobe by remembering the phrase "the eyes at the back of my head")

The temporal lobe's main function is to process auditory (or sound) information, as well as being able to comprehend speech (the latter is mostly due to the the Wernicke's area situated in the left temporal lobe)

The parietal lobe processes other general sensory info such as touch, temperature and taste.

The frontal lobe is the most responsible for motor function and for higher order thinking.

You could possibly link the functions of the lobes to their main cortices- the primary motor (movement) cortex is in the frontal lobe, the primary somatosensory (means sensation) cortex is in the parietal lobe, the temporal lobe has the primary auditory (hearing) cortex, and the occipital lobe houses the primary visual cortex. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: You dont know me on May 30, 2018, 09:47:40 pm
I'm assuming the lobes of the brain here, disregard this post if this isn't what you mean. :)
I also assume you know the four main lobes- frontal, parietal, occipital and temporal lobes.

The occipital lobe is located "at the back" and is mainly responsible for processing visual information. (Back when I did 1/2, I remembered the function of the occipital lobe by remembering the phrase "the eyes at the back of my head")

The temporal lobe's main function is to process auditory (or sound) information, as well as being able to comprehend speech (the latter is mostly due to the the Wernicke's area situated in the left temporal lobe)

The parietal lobe processes other general sensory info such as touch, temperature and taste.

The frontal lobe is the most responsible for motor function and for higher order thinking.

You could possibly link the functions of the lobes to their main cortices- the primary motor (movement) cortex is in the frontal lobe, the primary somatosensory (means sensation) cortex is in the parietal lobe, the temporal lobe has the primary auditory (hearing) cortex, and the occipital lobe houses the primary visual cortex. :)
Just realised this is a 3/4 thread, my mistake. Anyways thank you, that was exactly what I was asking about.  ;D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: You dont know me on May 31, 2018, 07:28:10 pm
How can I study effectively, to try and grasp information quickly? (I have mid year exams in a few days  :'()
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on May 31, 2018, 07:36:52 pm
How can I study effectively, to try and grasp information quickly? (I have mid year exams in a few days  :'()

There's a plethora of ways that work for different people but some of my favourites are:
- online flashcards (to do from phone when waiting for anything)
- practice exam questions (chuck any multiple choice ones you get wrong into your flashcards app)
- for psych in particular,  diagrams.  Diagrams of the GAS, transactional model,  conditioning,  etc and even diagrams connecting the different concepts together
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on May 31, 2018, 09:20:17 pm
I was doing this multiple choice question from the 2002 VCAA exam and came across this (attached) question.
I was kind of confused by the range of options as the key knowledge states classical conditioning results in the involuntary association between a neutral stimulus and unconditioned stimulus to produce a conditioned
response,
And this was not in any of the options, so I figured the closest alternative was D, however the answer is C, which is confusing to me because isn't the conditioned stimulus an effect of the initial establishment of the association between the NS and UCS?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on June 01, 2018, 04:47:09 pm
I was doing this multiple choice question from the 2002 VCAA exam and came across this (attached) question.
I was kind of confused by the range of options as the key knowledge states classical conditioning results in the involuntary association between a neutral stimulus and unconditioned stimulus to produce a conditioned
response,
And this was not in any of the options, so I figured the closest alternative was D, however the answer is C, which is confusing to me because isn't the conditioned stimulus an effect of the initial establishment of the association between the NS and UCS?

The neutral stimulus become the conditioned stimulus through the learning/association process.
This makes C the closest answer to the key knowledge description.

(D refers to the unconditioned response )
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on June 06, 2018, 06:47:48 pm
If anyone wants to help me out that would be great !!  ;D Thanks in advance

According to Social Learning Theory (Bandura), the observer
A.   must be actively involved in the learning process
B.   may be passive in the learning process
C.   may be active or passive in the learning process
D.   must possess the appropriate implicit responses for learning to occur

The answer is A, but I thought that the observer could be passive during observational learning processes?

In classical conditioning, stimulus discrimination occurs when
A.   a stimulus similar to the conditioned stimulus causes the conditioned response
B.   the conditioned response is elicited only by the unconditioned stimulus
C.   the unconditioned response is elicited only by the conditioned stimulus
D.   the conditioned stimulus causes the conditioned, reflexive, response

The answer is C, but I was wondering why it couldn't be D, since Classical conditioning results in a CS eliciting a CR that is similar but not necessarily identical to the UCR? Or is it because we are looking for the word "only?"

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on June 06, 2018, 11:00:29 pm
If anyone wants to help me out that would be great !!  ;D Thanks in advance

According to Social Learning Theory (Bandura), the observer
A.   must be actively involved in the learning process
B.   may be passive in the learning process
C.   may be active or passive in the learning process
D.   must possess the appropriate implicit responses for learning to occur

The answer is A, but I thought that the observer could be passive during observational learning processes?
I see where you're coming from! The observer can certainly be passive during the attention stage of learning (for example, in the learning of values), but not during the others. For example, retention involves active memory processes/cognition and actually performing the action involves an active agent.
As a whole, I would say observational learning and operant conditioning are active learning processes (involves cognitive input as well as voluntary behaviour initiated by the learner), while classical conditioning alone is a passive learning process (due to the association of stimuli not being carried out by the learner, and the response being involuntary)

In classical conditioning, stimulus discrimination occurs when
A.   a stimulus similar to the conditioned stimulus causes the conditioned response
B.   the conditioned response is elicited only by the unconditioned stimulus
C.   the unconditioned response is elicited only by the conditioned stimulus
D.   the conditioned stimulus causes the conditioned, reflexive, response

The answer is C, but I was wondering why it couldn't be D, since Classical conditioning results in a CS eliciting a CR that is similar but not necessarily identical to the UCR? Or is it because we are looking for the word "only?"
Stimulus discrimination refers only to the stimulus, hence the name. Therefore, in classical conditioning, only the stimulus that is the original CS can elicit the same CR, not the same stimulus causing different responses. I know what you mean by UCR not being the exact same as the CR, but I think the 'stimulus' part should help you remember that the response does not change in the processes of stimulus generalisation/discrimination, and only switching between presence/absence for spontaneous recovery/extinction.
Also, you're right! The key in this question is too look for the 'only'. Therefore, one would expect a confusion between B and C. In that case, B is eliminated because the unconditioned stimulus causes the unconditioned response, not the conditioned response. Only the conditioned stimulus should cause the conditioned response (as the conditioned stimulus is actually the NS, not UCS, anyway!). That leads you to C :)

Good luck!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on June 07, 2018, 08:01:20 am
Good luck!

Great response! :)

I just wanted to add that observational learning is the MOST active form of learning,  even more so than operant conditioning. 

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ardria on June 14, 2018, 02:20:55 pm
Hi there,

Why does 'Motivation' come after 'Reproduction' in the 5-stage Observational Learning process? If reproduction is the act of copying the model's behaviour, wouldn't you need to be motivated before reproducing it? Or does it mean motivation to reproduce it next time?

Thanks very much  :)

--

EDIT: Just realised that the Reproduction stage only refers to the observer having the ability to reproduce the behaviour, not that they are going to reproduce it yet! Is this correct?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on June 14, 2018, 06:07:51 pm
Hi there,

Why does 'Motivation' come after 'Reproduction' in the 5-stage Observational Learning process? If reproduction is the act of copying the model's behaviour, wouldn't you need to be motivated before reproducing it? Or does it mean motivation to reproduce it next time?

Thanks very much  :)

--

EDIT: Just realised that the Reproduction stage only refers to the observer having the ability to reproduce the behaviour, not that they are going to reproduce it yet! Is this correct?

Your edit is spot on :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on June 25, 2018, 11:17:07 am
Why is mental health defined as : The psychological state of an individual who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioural adjustment, in my book?

 Isn't that the definition of someone who is mentally healthy?  Because I would assume that mental health is something that everybody has (regardless of whether or not one is functioning at a 'satisfactory level'.)

Shouldn't mental health be defined more broadly? Like this for example: an indivudal's psychological state of emotional and behavioural wellbeing (which can vary from mentally healthy to poor mental health to having a mental disorder)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on June 26, 2018, 06:13:28 pm
Why is mental health defined as : The psychological state of an individual who is functioning at a satisfactory level of emotional and behavioural adjustment, in my book?

 Isn't that the definition of someone who is mentally healthy?  Because I would assume that mental health is something that everybody has (regardless of whether or not one is functioning at a 'satisfactory level'.)

Shouldn't mental health be defined more broadly? Like this for example: an indivudal's psychological state of emotional and behavioural wellbeing (which can vary from mentally healthy to poor mental health to having a mental disorder)
In this instance, I think you should think of [mental health] as being "an end of the spectrum", or as you say, "mentally healthy".
It is purely because you are contrasting health with illness. Therefore, being "healthy" would imply functioning well for the most part, while being "ill" implies dysfunction or disorder (as 'mental disorder' is synonymous with 'mental illness').

If you are looking for a broad definition (as you put it) I would avoid the term "mental health" altogether and opt for "mental state" or something similar. Just because of the aformention connection of "health" to a continuum from "illness" to "health", and health is generally thought of as the 'absence of illness', though not necessarily true.

Side note: I'd say the spectrum is from "mental health" to "mental health issue" to "mental illness".
IMHO 'poor mental health's is too ambiguous and not mentioned in most textbooks. Though I understand what you mean, I would stay away from it in formal assessments.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on June 27, 2018, 10:58:47 am
snip

snip

You both raise good points.
Here, the study design should be your guide:
"Key knowledge
Defining mental health
•    mental health as a continuum (mentally healthy, mental health problems, mental disorders) influenced by
internal and external factors that can fluctuate over time
•    the typical characteristics of a mentally healthy person, including high levels of functioning, social and emotional
well-being and resilience to life stressors"

So your definitions would be:
mental health: a continuum encompassing being mentally healthy, having mental health problems, and experiencing mental disorder/s, which is influenced by internal and external factors that can fluctuate over time
mentally healthy: a positive state of wellbeing in which a person can function effectively (contribute to their community, achieve goals, demonstrate resilience to life's stressors) and feels connection (to their community and others in general)


@studyingg   imo that book's definition is lackluster even when applied to being mentally healthy
I agree with saringiya that "poor mental health" is very ambigous and it would be better to use "mental illness" or "mental health disorder"


Note:  Defining mental health as a positive attribute is not invalid. There are lots of different definitions for mental health, and the World Health Organisation defines mental health in a way that shows it as a positive attribute. However, given the specificity with which VCAA has defined mental health in the study design, I would be cautious using any approach that isn't theirs.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KatherineGale on June 28, 2018, 02:35:40 pm
Hi,  I've got a silly question :)

I'm looking for past literature on free recall and recognition. Does anyone know any websites I could find it?

Any help would be appreciated!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on June 29, 2018, 08:05:30 am
Hi,  I've got a silly question :)

I'm looking for past literature on free recall and recognition. Does anyone know any websites I could find it?

Any help would be appreciated!

Not a silly question at all!

When you reach uni it becomes a lot easier as you gain access to databases, but in year 12 my main tactic was googling.

I happened to look at recall and recognition last year and here are a couple of the papers I found

papers
Haist, F., Shimamura, A., & Squire, L. (1992). On the relationship between recall and recognition memory. Journal Of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, And Cognition, 18(4), 691-702. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037//0278-7393.18.4.691


TAJIKA, H. (1984). Influences of the encoding instructions on retrieval processes in recall and recognition memory. Japanese Psychological Research, 26(4), 179-186. Retrieved from https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/psycholres1954/26/4/26_4_179/_pdf


Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KatherineGale on June 29, 2018, 01:25:52 pm
Not a silly question at all!

When you reach uni it becomes a lot easier as you gain access to databases, but in year 12 my main tactic was googling.

I happened to look at recall and recognition last year and here are a couple of the papers I found

papers
Haist, F., Shimamura, A., & Squire, L. (1992). On the relationship between recall and recognition memory. Journal Of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, And Cognition, 18(4), 691-702. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037//0278-7393.18.4.691


TAJIKA, H. (1984). Influences of the encoding instructions on retrieval processes in recall and recognition memory. Japanese Psychological Research, 26(4), 179-186. Retrieved from https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/psycholres1954/26/4/26_4_179/_pdf




Thank you!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on June 30, 2018, 03:23:53 pm
Research Methods Question:
Are self reports a separate method of research to experimental research?

Because some resources conder them "non-experimental methods of research", whereas other resources consider them methods of data collection (which can be used to collect data in an experiment). This really confuses me, because it makes sense to consider as both.  For example someone could design an experiment where they control and manipulate variables as well as use random allocation to devise a control and experimental group and then use a self-report to measure the effect of the IV on the  DV. Or someone could design a non-experimental research procedure where they use a self report to collect data- like an online survey or something. But it wouldn't be an experiment bc of the uncontrolled variables, not manipulate an IV, and not meet the qualifications of experimental research. So which is right? sorry if I confuse anyone, it kind of confuses me :P


You both raise good points.
Here, the study design should be your guide:
"Key knowledge
Defining mental health
•    mental health as a continuum (mentally healthy, mental health problems, mental disorders) influenced by
internal and external factors that can fluctuate over time
•    the typical characteristics of a mentally healthy person, including high levels of functioning, social and emotional
well-being and resilience to life stressors"

So your definitions would be:
mental health: a continuum encompassing being mentally healthy, having mental health problems, and experiencing mental disorder/s, which is influenced by internal and external factors that can fluctuate over time
mentally healthy: a positive state of wellbeing in which a person can function effectively (contribute to their community, achieve goals, demonstrate resilience to life's stressors) and feels connection (to their community and others in general)


@studyingg   imo that book's definition is lackluster even when applied to being mentally healthy
I agree with saringiya that "poor mental health" is very ambigous and it would be better to use "mental illness" or "mental health disorder"


Note:  Defining mental health as a positive attribute is not invalid. There are lots of different definitions for mental health, and the World Health Organisation defines mental health in a way that shows it as a positive attribute. However, given the specificity with which VCAA has defined mental health in the study design, I would be cautious using any approach that isn't theirs.

Thank you both :)


Mod edit: Merged double post
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on June 30, 2018, 05:22:08 pm
Research Methods Question:
Are self reports a separate method of research to experimental research?

Because some resources conder them "non-experimental methods of research", whereas other resources consider them methods of data collection (which can be used to collect data in an experiment). This really confuses me, because it makes sense to consider as both.  For example someone could design an experiment where they control and manipulate variables as well as use random allocation to devise a control and experimental group and then use a self-report to measure the effect of the IV on the  DV. Or someone could design a non-experimental research procedure where they use a self report to collect data- like an online survey or something. But it wouldn't be an experiment bc of the uncontrolled variables, not manipulate an IV, and not meet the qualifications of experimental research. So which is right? sorry if I confuse anyone, it kind of confuses me :P

I'm not sure if this answers your question, but  yes self reporting can be a method of data collection  and can be included as part of an experiment (talk about the limitations it has if this pops up in a question, such as subjectivity and the possibility that people will lie to make themselves look better etc. & if relevant also talk about the pros).

You are also correct that an experiment is defined by measuring the impact of changing the IV on the DV & controlling other variables


Thank you both :)

you're welcome :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on June 30, 2018, 07:37:08 pm
Thanks for the clarification!
 -but just one more thing. In the study design (key knowledge for unit 4 aos 3), this is one of the dot-points: the characteristics of scientific research methodologies and techniques of primary qualitative and quantitative data collection relevant to the selected investigation: experiments, self-reports, questionnaires, interviews and/ or use of rating scales; reliability and validity of data; and minimisation of experimental bias and confounding and extraneous variables


What i'm confused about is: is VCAA suggesting that experiments are distinct and different to self reports? Because many resources give the idea that self reports are methods of data collection that can be employed in the procedure/data collection process of an experiment (so are still part of an experiment) 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on June 30, 2018, 08:06:28 pm
Thanks for the clarification!
 -but just one more thing. In the study design (key knowledge for unit 4 aos 3), this is one of the dot-points: the characteristics of scientific research methodologies and techniques of primary qualitative and quantitative data collection relevant to the selected investigation: experiments, self-reports, questionnaires, interviews and/ or use of rating scales; reliability and validity of data; and minimisation of experimental bias and confounding and extraneous variables


What i'm confused about is: is VCAA suggesting that experiments are distinct and different to self reports? Because many resources give the idea that self reports are methods of data collection that can be employed in the procedure/data collection process of an experiment (so are still part of an experiment) 

Experiments and self reports aren't the same thing, but that doesn't make them mutually exclusive.

So you can use an experiment with self reporting to collect data and it is also possible to use an experiment without self reports and it is also possible to use self reporting alone.

You're welcome!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on July 14, 2018, 06:23:17 pm
Hey guys! I just wanted to see what people would write in response to this question:

"Name one neurotransmitter involved in memory formation." (1 mark)

I have my answer but it didn't match the given solutions so I just wanted to see if it was just a difference in study design maybe?
Thanks!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on July 14, 2018, 08:54:15 pm
Hey guys! I just wanted to see what people would write in response to this question:

"Name one neurotransmitter involved in memory formation." (1 mark)

I have my answer but it didn't match the given solutions so I just wanted to see if it was just a difference in study design maybe?
Thanks!!

The most apparent one is probably glutamate, but other answers such as adrenaline/epinephrine could also work
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on July 14, 2018, 10:06:45 pm
Okay great, that's what I put  :) The answers said acetylcholine, which I guess makes sense because reduced levels are associated with Alzheimers. This question was from 2016 though.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on July 15, 2018, 01:15:48 am
Okay great, that's what I put  :) The answers said acetylcholine, which I guess makes sense because reduced levels are associated with Alzheimers. This question was from 2016 though.

Wow where from??
I don't remember ACh being in the previous study design.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on July 15, 2018, 10:39:20 am
Wow where from??
I don't remember ACh being in the previous study design.

TSSM unit 3 2016 exam  :o
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on July 15, 2018, 03:39:16 pm
TSSM unit 3 2016 exam  :o
It's not mentioned explicitly but there was definitely Alzheimer's.
Maybe I've got memory loss!! haha
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: gary123 on July 29, 2018, 10:44:47 am
Hello, I need clarification with validity and reliability as I can't really nail down how to determine the extent of each one in a given scenario. Here is a research scenario from Jacaranda:
For her extended VCE Psychology practical investigation, Amelia decided to investigate encoding in short-term memory. She used a random sample of 30 students from a cohort of 150 Year 10 students at her school.
Two lists of monosyllabic words were read out to participants in the investigation:
•   List 1 – key, pea, ski, flea, tea, bee, knee, tree, sea (monosyllabic words that rhyme)
•   List 2 – sock, bean, stick, ant, milk, fly, leg, leaf, sand (monosyllabic words that do notrhyme)
All 30 participants listened to two readings of the words in List 1 and were then given two minutes to write down the words that they recalled. Next, they all listened to two readings of the words in List 2 and were then given two minutes to write down the words that they recalled.

There were two questions asking about validity and reliability(2 marks each). For validity I wrote the definition correct but in the scenario I wrote that validity is the extent of amount of time taken to do the puzzle was actually due to the IV which was not marked correct. My teacher wrote 'How do you know time taken to complete puzzle seems valid in objectively measuring concentration skills'. tbh I don't know how it is actually 'valid' as well so I need help on that. For reliability I wrote the definition and then wrote wether results will be consistent or same in different experimental conditions or if other experimenters used different items. Another mark taken off, I looked at the solutions and I sorta understand reliability but need help with validity in particular.
Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on July 29, 2018, 06:46:51 pm
Hello, I need clarification with validity and reliability as I can't really nail down how to determine the extent of each one in a given scenario. Here is a research scenario from Jacaranda:
For her extended VCE Psychology practical investigation, Amelia decided to investigate encoding in short-term memory. She used a random sample of 30 students from a cohort of 150 Year 10 students at her school.
Two lists of monosyllabic words were read out to participants in the investigation:
•   List 1 – key, pea, ski, flea, tea, bee, knee, tree, sea (monosyllabic words that rhyme)
•   List 2 – sock, bean, stick, ant, milk, fly, leg, leaf, sand (monosyllabic words that do notrhyme)
All 30 participants listened to two readings of the words in List 1 and were then given two minutes to write down the words that they recalled. Next, they all listened to two readings of the words in List 2 and were then given two minutes to write down the words that they recalled.

There were two questions asking about validity and reliability(2 marks each). For validity I wrote the definition correct but in the scenario I wrote that validity is the extent of amount of time taken to do the puzzle was actually due to the IV which was not marked correct. My teacher wrote 'How do you know time taken to complete puzzle seems valid in objectively measuring concentration skills'. tbh I don't know how it is actually 'valid' as well so I need help on that. For reliability I wrote the definition and then wrote wether results will be consistent or same in different experimental conditions or if other experimenters used different items. Another mark taken off, I looked at the solutions and I sorta understand reliability but need help with validity in particular.
Thanks!

Validity - does the experiment test the relationship between IV and DV?
I don't understand... is the puzzle you refer to a different scenario? Are still talking about the Jacaranda prompt?
Having few extraneous variables contributes positively to validity, because you know the IV is isolated in making changes in the DV (therefore the test of the IV on the DV is true, not affected by other variables that aren't the IV). Is it a good design to test one against the other? Validity also refers to the ability to be generalised. Are the results valid for people in the past? People of a different age group? A different culture/ethnicity? This is rare to see in a VCE context.

Reliability - does the test give the same results time and time again?
You can have reliability within the experiment itself. For example, if you refer to your above scenario, it would have poor reliability if the word list changed each time, or if one list was allowed to be recalled over 3 minutes, but the other over 2. It wouldn't be consistent, and would give different results each time - not a reliable measure. You can also have external reliability. This is a measure of the experiment itself - if the experiment was run again by someone else, would they get similar results? If they would (e.g. the method is easy to follow, the trials are consistent measures), then there is a high level of reliability. If each time the test was re-run the results were different, it is not a reliable tool for testing whatever you're trying to. Inter-rater reliability was also mentioned in the previous study design, and refers to when 'raters' (basically assessors of the experiment) predict what is going to happen. If their perceptions/predictions are accurate, your test is probably reliable. If not, it probably isn't. For example, if you said that the DV is 'violent behaviour' - some raters might only think that a kick (but not a kick) is violent, while others might think a punch is violent. In that case, you can improve reliability by operationalising or objectifying your DV ("violent behaviour" -> number of times bodily contact was made in any form)

The reason why "results will be consistent or same in different experimental conditions or if other experimenters used different items" is not correct is because if you change the experimental conditions or different items, how is that meant to show consistency? E.g. if one experiment showed that 15/20 words could be remembered on average when given two minutes to recall, and another showed an average of 17/20 for five minutes to recall, how are they testing the same thing? How does that show that your method is reliable when you actually change it? Using different items is the same deal. Let's say one experiment used monosyllabic words (rhymed) vs. monosyllabic words (not rhymed), and another used polysyllabic words (rhyme) vs. non-rhymed, then you aren't testing rhyme vs. non-rhyme, you're comparing monosyllabic vs. polysyllabic, which has nothing to do with your topic.
Sorry, I think that's confusing but I hope you get what I mean.

Idk I hope that helped a bit. If you could clear up the puzzle thing I can update my answer. Good luck
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: gary123 on July 29, 2018, 08:55:28 pm
sht i copy pasted the wrong scenario i feel so stupid lol sorry. Heres the correct one

Denise, an educational psychologist, was interested in studying the effects of distractors on concentration of VCE students. Denise works at Beachside Secondary College, a coeducational secondary school.

There are 200 VCE students at the college,100 students in Year 11 and 100 students in Year 12.Both year levels comprise 60% males
and 40% females, aged between 16 and 17.5 yearsold.

Denise randomly sampled 20VCE  students at her school. The 20 VCE students were matched on IQ levels andone member of each pair were then randomly allocated into Group 1 and Group 2.
Denise obtained informedconsent.

Denise used a research assistant to help conduct the experiment .For Group 1,the research assistant gave participants
a logic puzzle to complete with no background distraction. For Group 2 the research assistant gave participants the logic puzzle and asked them to complete it while loud instrumental music was played.

The research assistant recorded the time taken to complete the puzzle.

The following results were obtained.
Mean time taken to complete puzzle
Group 1 -13.4 min (no background noise)
Group 2 - 16.01 min ( background noise)
SORRY again btw thanks for clarifying I sorta have the grasp of them now :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on July 30, 2018, 12:59:17 am
sht i copy pasted the wrong scenario i feel so stupid lol sorry. Heres the correct one

Denise, an educational psychologist, was interested in studying the effects of distractors on concentration of VCE students. Denise works at Beachside Secondary College, a coeducational secondary school.

There are 200 VCE students at the college,100 students in Year 11 and 100 students in Year 12.Both year levels comprise 60% males
and 40% females, aged between 16 and 17.5 yearsold.

Denise randomly sampled 20VCE  students at her school. The 20 VCE students were matched on IQ levels andone member of each pair were then randomly allocated into Group 1 and Group 2.
Denise obtained informedconsent.

Denise used a research assistant to help conduct the experiment .For Group 1,the research assistant gave participants
a logic puzzle to complete with no background distraction. For Group 2 the research assistant gave participants the logic puzzle and asked them to complete it while loud instrumental music was played.

The research assistant recorded the time taken to complete the puzzle.

The following results were obtained.
Mean time taken to complete puzzle
Group 1 -13.4 min (no background noise)
Group 2 - 16.01 min ( background noise)
SORRY again btw thanks for clarifying I sorta have the grasp of them now :)
Lol all good! I'm glad you got a grasp of them. I took me ages to finally understand them.

For this scenario I think your validity would be indicated by:
• Matched participant (controlling for IQ variable = less extraneous variables = more valid)
• double blind procedure (use of assistance = reducing experimentor bias = less extraneous variables = more valid)
• maybe the whole stratified random sample etc makes it generalisation-able-ish? Which suggests validity. Also the strata reduce participant variables as well I think
Tbh I don't really know what your teacher meant either. Like, sure, it is hard to tell whether the longer the time taken = the less concentrated the students. But it annoys me that there's no suggestion on how to fix it. Oh well. Id go with the extraneous variables stuff ... If anyone has better ideas m(_ _)m lol

For reliability:
• using same logic puzzle for group 1 and 2 (same conditions = consistent = same results every time)
• retest (hypothetically if the test was run again >> same results = reliable, weird results = not so reliable )

I think reliability is a bit harder. I could only think of the puzzles for internal reliability and out of interrater and restesting for external the retest seemed better.

Let me know how you get on. Good luck :))
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on July 30, 2018, 09:23:48 am
Why is jet lag considered a sleep disorder and not a sleep disturbance? I thought one of the criteria for something to be a sleep disorder was that it had to regularly disturb sleep?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarangiya on July 30, 2018, 10:36:01 am
Why is jet lag considered a sleep disorder and not a sleep disturbance? I thought one of the criteria for something to be a sleep disorder was that it had to regularly disturb sleep?
According to the texbook:
Quote from: Jacaranda
The term sleep disturbance is used to refer to any sleep-related problem that disrupts an individual’s normal sleep–wake cycle, including problems with sleep onset, waking from sleep and abnormal behaviour occurring during sleep. The disruption may be temporary, occasional or persistent. If a sleep disturbance regularly disrupts sleep, causing distress or impairment in important areas of everyday life during normal waking hours, then it is usually referred to as a sleep disorder. This means that sleep disorders are generally considered serious disturbances to the normal sleep–wake cycle (American Academy of Sleep Medicine [AASM], 2014a; APA, 2013)

Jetlag may not affect the individual for months or years, but it can have a significant effect for days or perhaps even weeks. It also "disrupts sleep, causing distress or impairment in important areas of everyday life during normal waking hours" because people with jetlag may sleep during normal waking hours which affects their ability to function socially and productively. It may also be "considered serious disturbances to the normal sleep–wake cycle" because it is "a mismatch between the individuals cycle and the day-night cycle of their physical environment", which makes it a circadian rhythm phase disorder.
I kind of agree with you that I think jet lag is probably one of the less severe sleep disorders, but I guess we have to accept it as a sleep disorder because it consistently occurs (can be induced by travel?), can last for days/weeks, interrupts the individual's functioning and may result in distress. That's probably a little bit more serious than a sleep disturbance (e.g. just a bad's night sleep from being too hot).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on July 30, 2018, 05:11:37 pm
According to the texbook:
Jetlag may not affect the individual for months or years, but it can have a significant effect for days or perhaps even weeks. It also "disrupts sleep, causing distress or impairment in important areas of everyday life during normal waking hours" because people with jetlag may sleep during normal waking hours which affects their ability to function socially and productively. It may also be "considered serious disturbances to the normal sleep–wake cycle" because it is "a mismatch between the individuals cycle and the day-night cycle of their physical environment", which makes it a circadian rhythm phase disorder.
I kind of agree with you that I think jet lag is probably one of the less severe sleep disorders, but I guess we have to accept it as a sleep disorder because it consistently occurs (can be induced by travel?), can last for days/weeks, interrupts the individual's functioning and may result in distress. That's probably a little bit more serious than a sleep disturbance (e.g. just a bad's night sleep from being too hot).

Thank you - that helped so much (As per usual! ;))
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Olivia.kelson on August 01, 2018, 09:24:17 pm
Why can sleep be described as both a circadian and an ultradian rhythm?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on August 02, 2018, 06:28:49 am
Why can sleep be described as both a circadian and an ultradian rhythm?

Your sleep wake cycle is constrained to 24 hours,  which makes it a circadian cycle.

Changing between REM and NREM occurs in a cycle that takes less than 24 hours,  therefore it's ultraradian
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on August 07, 2018, 04:09:52 pm
Hey everyone..

When talking about the adolescent sleep-wake cycle (delayed sleep phase syndrome), the Jac textbook says "during adolescence, there is a hormonally induced shift of the sleep-wake cycle forward by about 1 to 2 hours."

When talking about advanced sleep phase syndrome, the textbook says "older people tend to become sleepier in the early evening and wake earlier in the morning" so "the sleep-wake cycle is shifted forward...."

Now I thought that doesn't really make sense, because they are opposite in nature so how can both be described as shifting forward?

Then when talking about bright light therapy to treat circadian rhythm phase disorders, the textbook then says to treat delayed sleep phase disorder, "light exposure takes place during early morning" to "shift the phase forward." This makes sense if the initial movement was backwards, further into the night - but as I wrote above, the textbook says the initial movement was forward.  And for advanced sleep phase disorder, it says "light exposure takes place early at night" to "shift the phase backward.

Basically, I am just confused as to which direction the adolescent sleep-wake cycle shifts: forward or backward? And advanced sleep phase syndrome? Help would be appreciated!


Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on August 07, 2018, 04:17:19 pm
Hey everyone..

When talking about the adolescent sleep-wake cycle (delayed sleep phase syndrome), the Jac textbook says "during adolescence, there is a hormonally induced shift of the sleep-wake cycle forward by about 1 to 2 hours."

When talking about advanced sleep phase syndrome, the textbook says "older people tend to become sleepier in the early evening and wake earlier in the morning" so "the sleep-wake cycle is shifted forward...."

Now I thought that doesn't really make sense, because they are opposite in nature so how can both be described as shifting forward?

Then when talking about bright light therapy to treat circadian rhythm phase disorders, the textbook then says to treat delayed sleep phase disorder, "light exposure takes place during early morning" to "shift the phase forward." This makes sense if the initial movement was backwards, further into the night - but as I wrote above, the textbook says the initial movement was forward.  And for advanced sleep phase disorder, it says "light exposure takes place early at night" to "shift the phase backward.

Basically, I am just confused as to which direction the adolescent sleep-wake cycle shifts: forward or backward? And advanced sleep phase syndrome? Help would be appreciated!




Adolescents tend to have delayed sleep onset, and go to sleep later

Elderly people tend to have earlier sleep onset (and also sleep less)


In advanced sleep phase syndrome there is advanced sleep onset, that is, sleep onset occurs earlier


Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on August 07, 2018, 04:26:30 pm

Hope this helps :)

Thanks for the fast reply! I understand the concept, but I just wanted to get a grasp on the terminology. So adolescents get sleepier later, and wake up later so their sleep-wake cycle is shifted backward (further into the night)? And elderly people get sleepier earlier, so their sleep-wake cycle is shifted forward (earlier into the night)?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on August 07, 2018, 04:43:57 pm
Thanks for the fast reply! I understand the concept, but I just wanted to get a grasp on the terminology. So adolescents get sleepier later, and wake up later so their sleep-wake cycle is shifted backward (further into the night)? And elderly people get sleepier earlier, so their sleep-wake cycle is shifted forward (earlier into the night)?

Yes :)

Also I wouldn't stress tooo much about using the backward/forward notation if that stresses you out, I imagine later/earlier would be sufficient. 
(no where in the2017 examination report was forward/backward terminology used even though sleep disruption was significantly assessed)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on August 07, 2018, 09:21:42 pm
Yes :)

Great, thanks heaps!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on August 12, 2018, 01:55:07 pm
Can you get the adequate quantity of sleep required, but still be deprived of sleep quality?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on August 12, 2018, 03:41:38 pm
Can you get the adequate quantity of sleep required, but still be deprived of sleep quality?

Yes. Night shift workers, for instance, can get the recommended 8 hours but their sleep isn't the best due to it usually being outside the hours where the sleep-wake cycle is biologically designed to work in.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on August 12, 2018, 05:12:57 pm
Yes. Night shift workers, for instance, can get the recommended 8 hours but their sleep isn't the best due to it usually being outside the hours where the sleep-wake cycle is biologically designed to work in.

Thank you for your (accurate,  factual AND with an example) response sdfg :)

I also want to add that sleep deprivation (& the associated symptoms) apply for low quality of sleep as well as low quantity

Edit: typo
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on August 14, 2018, 12:35:52 pm
Hey  :)

My question is: to what extent does CBT for insomnia reflect the biopsychosocial model?

Would you say that the cognitive aspect addresses psychological factors such as negative thoughts/feelings? I'm unsure as to what other aspects of the biopsychosocial model it reflects...
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: fruitbowl34 on August 14, 2018, 02:49:48 pm
How is sleep classified as a circadian and ultradian rhythm? I know that the sleep-wake cycle could be a circadian, but what for the ultradian?

Edit: Sorry!! I didn't realise this question had been asked already! So just ignore my question! :)

Mod edit: merged subsequent post. If you need to add extra information or respond to your own post it is best to do this by modifying the original post rather than posting twice in a row. (You're not in trouble or anything,  just take this on board for the future)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on August 14, 2018, 06:15:35 pm
Hey  :)

My question is: to what extent does CBT for insomnia reflect the biopsychosocial model?

Would you say that the cognitive aspect addresses psychological factors such as negative thoughts/feelings? I'm unsure as to what other aspects of the biopsychosocial model it reflects...

In CBT the bio and social aspects are considered to result from the person's psychology and thus are targeted through that


Sorry!! I didn't realise this question had been asked already! So just ignore my question! :)

That's ok,  thank you for letting us know once you realised
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lilyt19 on August 17, 2018, 09:42:58 am
Hi there! I'm currently in year 9 going into year 10 next year at a new school. And next year I'm going to be doing early advancement for VCE Psychology. You probably know what that is, but if you don't, it's where I'll do units 1 and 2 in year 10 and units 3 and 4 in year 11. I obviously don't know much at all about VCE so any overall advice/tips would be great. I really want to do well and get an ATAR of 93 to get into the course I want.

So regarding psych, I'm wondering what you found the hardest topics to be? And also in the exam, I've heard section C is really tricky so maybe a bit of advice on that?

Also, did you like pysch? I think it sounds super interesting and doesn't seem too hard.

I'd really appreciate your answers, thanks so much!! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on August 17, 2018, 12:41:14 pm
Hi there! I'm currently in year 9 going into year 10 next year at a new school. And next year I'm going to be doing early advancement for VCE Psychology. You probably know what that is, but if you don't, it's where I'll do units 1 and 2 in year 10 and units 3 and 4 in year 11. I obviously don't know much at all about VCE so any overall advice/tips would be great. I really want to do well and get an ATAR of 93 to get into the course I want.

So regarding psych, I'm wondering what you found the hardest topics to be? And also in the exam, I've heard section C is really tricky so maybe a bit of advice on that?

Also, did you like pysch? I think it sounds super interesting and doesn't seem too hard.

I'd really appreciate your answers, thanks so much!! :)

Hi Lily,

Hmm.. the transactional model of stress and coping was probably what I found most difficult.
what this model is
The model describes how we psychologically evaluate and cope with stress. This is split into different components,  such as when we first appraise the stressor,  and  evaluation of resources we can use to deal with it. It's not super complicated,  but the bane confused me a bit because I was unsure on why this was a "transaction between the person and their environment" , hence being called the transactional model. 

Lots of people did struggle with section C, but that's not really in the exam anymore.  Instead,  research based questions are spread throughout the exam and there's a 10 mark question requiring detailed response. There's a thread where I have posted up research related questions for people to practice with, and you're certainly welcome to read through that and have a go at any of the questions.  I'd say that there are 3 components to doing well at these questions: 1) memory: knowing the terminology, common examples etc. 2) Conceptual understanding. Last year's exam had a few of these that hit students really hard because they had never been taught how to respond, but students who really understood the topics could adapt to it and respond appropriately 3) Linking to the scenario.  Psychology places a strong emphasis on responding to the context (eg. If asked a question about a dog learning something,  refer to the dog in your answer)

Psychology wasn't originally part of my VCE plan but I'm glad I studied it. Unit 1 is a bit less interesting for lots of people,  but especially later on,  the topics you cover are really applicable to the " real world".

I didn't know anything about VCE when I started it doing early advancement for biology (btw I hadn't heard that term before,  so thank you for explaining what you meant), so definitely don't feel that you're behind or disadvantaged for that.

There are some great guides in the Victorian Technical Score Discussion section of the forums, but also be aware that they have a high level of detail which many students never learn. 

Basically (this is an oversimplification using rough numbers),  for each VCE subject you are graded on a bell curve,  with scores ranging from zero to fifty.  Being graded on a bell curve means that the score you get is based on how well you do compared to the other students in the state studing that subject.  Eg. If you perform better than most students you'll get a 30+ study score,  if you are in the top ten percent you'll get a 40+ study score. 

Once you have completed enough VCE subjects (at the end of year 12) your study scores are added together to form an aggregate. If your aggregate is higher than 90% of the state, you'll get a 90+ ATAR. It might sound daunting to think that you need to score higher than 93% of the state to achieve your goal,  and it WILL require hard work,  but remember that this figure also includes students who don't want to go to uni etc.

Out of interest,  what course do you want to get into?

I hope that this helps,  and feel free to ask more questions :)

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on August 27, 2018, 07:19:44 pm
In regards to memory bias, there are two cub-categories - change bias and consistency bias. I understand that consistency bias is reconstructing  an original memory to fit in with what is presently believed, like imagining an experience with a spider a few years ago as it being a much larger or faster spider than it actually was.  Could someone clarify what change bias is, using an example? Thank you!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ardria on August 29, 2018, 10:43:53 pm
Question:
As the level of alertness increases and attention intensifies when awake, _________________ brain waves become more rapid.
Answer:
alpha

Why would it be alpha? Wouldn't it be beta as those are the waves that reflect concentration during NWC?

--
2)

Question:
You want to observe theta waves as they actually occur in an adult during normal waking consciousness. What mental and/or physical activity should the person perform to increase the likelihood of theta wave activity?

Answer:
Activities may include a task that:
- involves creativity/creative expression
- promotes dream-like visual imagery e.g. imagining a particular event/scenario)
- promotes excitement
Award 1 mark for an appropriate task. Note that a period of drowsiness, sleep onset or awakening (when delta waves are prominent) is not considered NWC.

I don't understand at all why the answer is what it is. 

--

Very confused, would really appreciate help :(
[/list]
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on August 30, 2018, 01:19:36 am
In regards to memory bias, there are two cub-categories - change bias and consistency bias. I understand that consistency bias is reconstructing  an original memory to fit in with what is presently believed, like imagining an experience with a spider a few years ago as it being a much larger or faster spider than it actually was.  Could someone clarify what change bias is, using an example? Thank you!!

Change bias is when we perceive that past events/memories must be either far worse or far better than (i.e. can't be the same as) our current situation. In other words, something must have (significantly - cause our brain tends to exaggerate things when we're not sure) changed since our past experiences. An example of this could be learning a new skill; we often assume that we're way better than when we started after some time practicing even though this might not necessarily be the case.

    Hi guys,

    Two questions from the Jacaranda textbook that I don't understand:

    --

    1)

Question:
As the level of alertness increases and attention intensifies when awake, _________________ brain waves become more rapid.
Answer:
alpha

Why would it be alpha? Wouldn't it be beta as those are the waves that reflect concentration during NWC?

--
2)

Question:
You want to observe theta waves as they actually occur in an adult during normal waking consciousness. What mental and/or physical activity should the person perform to increase the likelihood of theta wave activity?

Answer:
Activities may include a task that:
- involves creativity/creative expression
- promotes dream-like visual imagery e.g. imagining a particular event/scenario)
- promotes excitement
Award 1 mark for an appropriate task. Note that a period of drowsiness, sleep onset or awakening (when delta waves are prominent) is not considered NWC.

I don't understand at all why the answer is what it is. 

--

Very confused, would really appreciate help :(
[/list]

Question 1 has some tricky wording that you have to look out for. The keywords "increases" and "intensifies" imply that the question isn't concerned about the highest level of awareness; beta is as such not correct, as that's what betas waves are associated with, and so therefore alpha must be the answer.

For Question 2, essentially, those activities are associated with increased level of theta waves. Doing something creative? Increased theta waves. Daydreaming? Increased theta waves. Basically things you can zone out with. Don't know why "a task that promotes excitement" is there though; would more so associate that with beta waves.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ardria on August 30, 2018, 05:59:18 pm
Thanks for the answer :)!

Is it a crucial part of exam prep to memorise definitions for the many many key terms across Unit 3 and 4? There are so many it seems overwhelming to remember them all.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on August 30, 2018, 07:00:25 pm
Thanks for the answer :)!

Is it a crucial part of exam prep to memorise definitions for the many many key terms across Unit 3 and 4? There are so many it seems overwhelming to remember them all.

No,  but you should understand the terms and be able to use them in your writing.

The exception to this is you must use the Detect Amplifies and Records Electrical activity of the...  description for EEGs, EMGs & EOGs  (use DARE to remember this)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ardria on August 30, 2018, 11:59:41 pm
No,  but you should understand the terms and be able to use them in your writing.

What about when asked a SA question such as, for example, 'what is recognition'? Even though I know what it is and would be able to correctly answer MC questions about it, I feel that I'd struggle to improvise a definition for it off the top of my head.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on August 31, 2018, 07:27:56 am
What about when asked a SA question such as, for example, 'what is recognition'? Even though I know what it is and would be able to correctly answer MC questions about it, I feel that I'd struggle to improvise a definition for it off the top of my head.
Just give an explanation of it, starting with what easiest for you to remember about it. If it helps you think of what it is, write down an example (in working space) and ask yourself what seperates that from things that are examples of recall or relearning.

Eg. Recognition is one of the ways that learning can be demonstrated. It occurs when a person is able to select the right answer from a group of alternatives (distractors).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on August 31, 2018, 07:08:14 pm
When talking about how systematic desensitisation applies CC principles, can I say that it aims to replace a conditioned fear response to a phobic stimulus with a conditioned relaxation response?

Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 03, 2018, 02:03:52 pm
When talking about how systematic desensitisation applies CC principles, can I say that it aims to replace a conditioned fear response to a phobic stimulus with a conditioned relaxation response?

Thanks!

I like the first part of it, "it aims to replace a conditioned fear response to a phobic stimulus ", but I'm not sure about referring to the relaxation response as conditioned. I'm not saying that the relaxation response isn't conditioned, but I'm slightly hesitant about your wording due to the fact that in the absence of the original phobic conditioning the person should be neutral/relaxed in the presence of the stimulus.

Interested to hear others' thoughts on this as well
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on September 03, 2018, 03:48:20 pm
I like the first part of it, "it aims to replace a conditioned fear response to a phobic stimulus ", but I'm not sure about referring to the relaxation response as conditioned. I'm not saying that the relaxation response isn't conditioned, but I'm slightly hesitant about your wording due to the fact that in the absence of the original phobic conditioning the person should be neutral/relaxed in the presence of the stimulus.

Interested to hear others' thoughts on this as well

Yeah I see...
Maybe I'll just take the wording from the textbook - systematic desensitisation applies CC principles as it involves "unlearning the connection between anxiety and a specific object or situation and over time, re-associating feelings of relaxation with that object or situation."
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on September 06, 2018, 09:21:40 pm
can someone please help me with this?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on September 07, 2018, 09:40:26 am
can someone please help me with this?

I'm not 100% sure, but here is my attempt:

Anxiety disorders are mental disorders characterised by chronic feelings of distress, nervousness and apprehension. Therefore, specific phobia is a type of anxiety disorder, since it is characterised by significant and excessive fear and anxiety produced when exposed to a certain object or situation, or even just anticipating exposure, which can then interfere with everyday functioning.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on September 15, 2018, 02:50:17 pm
Hey guys  ;D

When a q asks to evaluate the validity of the experimental results and is 2 marks only, is that referring to:
- the extent to which the procedures used actually accurately measure what the research intended to measure
- if the results are actually due to the IV and not because of other variables (internal validity)
- the extent to which the results can be generalised to the population (external validity)

I'm just a little confused since validity can refer to so many things...
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 15, 2018, 06:25:15 pm
Hey guys  ;D

When a q asks to evaluate the validity of the experimental results and is 2 marks only, is that referring to:
- the extent to which the procedures used actually accurately measure what the research intended to measure
- if the results are actually due to the IV and not because of other variables (internal validity)
- the extent to which the results can be generalised to the population (external validity)

I'm just a little confused since validity can refer to so many things...

I'd have the first two descriptions foremost in my mind :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on September 25, 2018, 01:58:07 pm
Hey guys, this is a question 6a from the VCAA 2011 exam 1:

A researcher wanted to investigate whether chronic sleep deprivation causes obesity. In particular, she planned to test
whether reduced sleep would result in a significant increase in body weight at the end of 12 months.The researcher planned to select 100 healthy participants between the ages of 18 and 40 and record their Body Mass Index. She decided she would allocate them equally to either the experimental group or to the control group.The experimental group would have their sleep time reduced to five hours per night while the control group would maintain a sleep time of 7–10 hours per night.

a. State a possible research hypothesis for this study

Would this be correct:
'That healthy 18-40 year old people who have reduced total sleep time each night over a prolonged period of time will experience an increase in body weight compared to healthy 18-40 year old people who do not have reduced total sleep time.'

Just wondering because VCAA's answer was this: 'People between the ages of 18 and 40 who sleep fewer than 6.5 hours per night will have a larger Body Mass Index after twelve months than those who sleep more than 6.5 hours per night.' <-- does this answer have operationalised terms though? Because isn't specifying the way the body weight will be measured (using BMI) and the time period operationalising it?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 25, 2018, 02:40:22 pm
Hey guys, this is a question 6a from the VCAA 2011 exam 1:

A researcher wanted to investigate whether chronic sleep deprivation causes obesity. In particular, she planned to test
whether reduced sleep would result in a significant increase in body weight at the end of 12 months.The researcher planned to select 100 healthy participants between the ages of 18 and 40 and record their Body Mass Index. She decided she would allocate them equally to either the experimental group or to the control group.The experimental group would have their sleep time reduced to five hours per night while the control group would maintain a sleep time of 7–10 hours per night.

a. State a possible research hypothesis for this study

Would this be correct:
'That healthy 18-40 year old people who have reduced total sleep time each night over a prolonged period of time will experience an increase in body weight compared to healthy 18-40 year old people who do not have reduced total sleep time.'

Just wondering because VCAA's answer was this: 'People between the ages of 18 and 40 who sleep fewer than 6.5 hours per night will have a larger Body Mass Index after twelve months than those who sleep more than 6.5 hours per night.' <-- does this answer have operationalised terms though? Because isn't specifying the way the body weight will be measured (using BMI) and the time period operationalising it?


I wouldn't worry about operationalising or not,  as the different types of hypothesis aren't tested in our study design. 

So yes,  they did operationalise - but that doesn't really matter (it can just be a waste of time sometimes)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on September 25, 2018, 08:34:56 pm
Do we need to know about the HPA axis?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 25, 2018, 09:26:38 pm
Do we need to know about the HPA axis?

The HPA axis isn't directly in the study design nor is it in the examiners report for last years exam; however, it *may* be relevant in regards to the role of the cortisol.

I would regard the HPA axis as "nice to know" rather than "need to know"
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on September 26, 2018, 11:27:15 am
The HPA axis isn't directly in the study design nor is it in the examiners report for last years exam; however, it *may* be relevant in regards to the role of the cortisol.

I would regard the HPA axis as "nice to know" rather than "need to know"

Alright, great. Thank you!! is the HPA axis involved in both biological models --or is it more involved in the GAS than the f-f-f model ?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on September 26, 2018, 11:40:07 am
I have a question regarding the effect of individual participant related differences. Whats the best way to discuss their effect?

For example a researcher used an all female sample, for the study of the memory ability of the population: students.
Do you say: 'The use of an all-female sample is considered an extraneous (and potential confounding) variable because the results of the participants are unrepresentative of the characteristics of the population (students), this therefore compromises the external validity of the experiment as the findings cannot be accurately generalised to the population of research interest. ' or do you say: 'Having an all-female sample can be considered an extraneous (and potential confounding) variable because this characteristic may influence the results, as the cause of change in the dependent variable (memory abilities of the participants), may be due to the fact that they are female, and not due to the effect of the independent variable, this therefore reduces the internal validity of the experiment, as this characteristic could potentially have had an effect on the dependent variable.'
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on September 26, 2018, 12:00:30 pm
I have a question regarding the effect of individual participant related differences. Whats the best way to discuss their effect?

For example a researcher used an all female sample, for the study of the memory ability of the population: students.
Do you say: 'The use of an all-female sample is considered an extraneous (and potential confounding) variable because the results of the participants are unrepresentative of the characteristics of the population (students), this therefore compromises the external validity of the experiment as the findings cannot be accurately generalised to the population of research interest. ' or do you say: 'Having an all-female sample can be considered an extraneous (and potential confounding) variable because this characteristic may influence the results, as the cause of change in the dependent variable (memory abilities of the participants), may be due to the fact that they are female, and not due to the effect of the independent variable, this therefore reduces the internal validity of the experiment, as this characteristic could potentially have had an effect on the dependent variable.'

I don't think that it necessarily acts as an extraneous/confounding variable if you're just observing the population's memory size. So really, the female sample would only reduce the external validity because the sample is not representative of the population, due to no males being part of the study.

It would only be a confounding/extraneous variable if you say had two groups, one female and one male group. The male group would be a control for memory ability and the female group would be experimental (e.g. take caffiene to see its memory effects. This would likely affect results since you're changing both sex and condition between the groups.

I tended to understand individual participant differences as in just the variation within a population. For example, some people are naturally faster runners than other people, or some people just tend to have better memory than others. The only real way to fix it is to get a larger sample size/matched participants study design

Hope that made sense :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 26, 2018, 12:08:55 pm
Alright, great. Thank you!! is the HPA axis involved in both biological models --or is it more involved in the GAS than the f-f-f model ?

Consider HPA and FFF separately, and make sure you know how cortisol is involved in each stage of the GAS

I have a question regarding the effect of individual participant related differences. Whats the best way to discuss their effect?

For example a researcher used an all female sample, for the study of the memory ability of the population: students.
Do you say: 'The use of an all-female sample is considered an extraneous (and potential confounding) variable because the results of the participants are unrepresentative of the characteristics of the population (students), this therefore compromises the external validity of the experiment as the findings cannot be accurately generalised to the population of research interest. ' or do you say: 'Having an all-female sample can be considered an extraneous (and potential confounding) variable because this characteristic may influence the results, as the cause of change in the dependent variable (memory abilities of the participants), may be due to the fact that they are female, and not due to the effect of the independent variable, this therefore reduces the internal validity of the experiment, as this characteristic could potentially have had an effect on the dependent variable.'

I would say "the sample being all-female means that findings cannot be generalised to the general population, due to the sample being unrepresentative in regards to gender/sex. If participants who were not female were included in the sample, they may have responded differently to the independent variable (    ) and therefore different results for the dependent variable (memory abilities of the patients) may have been observed. Therefore, the external validity of the experiment has been compromised in relation to the sample of interest."

Well, I probably wouldn't say quite that much unless there were at least 3 marks up for grabs. I get your point in regards to your second option, but refferring to the gender as being an extraneous variable is a bit iffy in this case.
Definitely go with external validity when you're talking about generalisation
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on September 27, 2018, 11:28:15 am
1. Which branch of the autonomic nervous system is dominant when an individual is adapting to a stressor, according to the General adaptation syndrome?
-I said:
Initially, the sympathetic nervous system is dominant during the countershock substage of the first stage of the model,  alarm reaction, as during countershock an individual's resistance rises above normal levels due to the increased release of adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol caused by the dominance of the sympathetic nervous system. In the second stage, resistance, whereby the individual's resistance to a stressor is above normal levels, however their level of arousal is lower (relative to countershock) thus, the sympathetic nervous system is nevertheless involved in the continued release of excess cortisol, however arousal is not as high, due to lowered levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline. If an individual manages to adapt to and meet the demands of the stressor, then the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, and an individual's internal activity levels return back to homeostatic, balanced functioning.  However, if the stressor is not overcome, then the individual will enter the third stage, exhaustion, whereby the prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the presence of cortisol causes the depletion of the body's internal resources, the sympathetic nervous system can no longer function effectively, and it will take the body a long time to return to homeostasis due to the likely reduction in health status.


tbh idk how to answer this so I just wrote a lot. It’s not really clear in my textbook which NS is activated, which is why I practically just inferred everything. I don't have an answer for this question, but I googled it online and found this:

1: Alarm
Upon perceiving a stressor, the body reacts with a “fight-or-flight” response and the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated as the body’s resources are mobilized to meet the threat or danger.

2: Resistance
The body resists and compensates as the parasympathetic nervous system attempts to return many physiological functions to normal levels while body focuses resources against the stressor and remains on alert.

3: Exhaustion
If the stressor or stressors continue beyond the body’s capacity, the resources become exhausted and the body is susceptible to disease and death.


Is it true that the parasympathetic nervous system is active during resistance? Or are they both active, and parasymp is just dominant?

... Also are we allowed to use extra paper in the exam? (other than the paper they give us) writing too much (useless information)  is a MAJOR problem for me.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on September 27, 2018, 11:34:05 am
Thanks btw to miniturtle and peter.g15 for the answers!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 27, 2018, 11:36:57 am


 There are extra pages in the back,  from memory I used two of them (1 for 10 marker & 1 for other questions) and there was still extra space.  You can also request a second book.  Do not bring in your own paper to write on.

How many marks are you answering that question for?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on September 27, 2018, 11:40:40 am
There are extra pages in the back,  from memory I used two of them (1 for 10 marker & 1 for other questions) and there was still extra space.  You can also request a second book.  Do not bring in your own paper to write on.

How many marks are you answering that question for?

It's just a text book question, so It does not have any mark allocation or an answer lol. I think realistically, it would be a three mark question (1 for each stage maybe - but I really don't know). Also thanks for the response! I probably wont need it but I don't want to be in situation where I waste all my space in the exam, because i tend to do so in SACs.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on September 27, 2018, 11:49:32 am
1. Which branch of the autonomic nervous system is dominant when an individual is adapting to a stressor, according to the General adaptation syndrome?
-I said:
Initially, the sympathetic nervous system is dominant during the countershock substage of the first stage of the model,  alarm reaction, as during countershock an individual's resistance rises above normal levels due to the increased release of adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol caused by the dominance of the sympathetic nervous system. In the second stage, resistance, whereby the individual's resistance to a stressor is above normal levels, however their level of arousal is lower (relative to countershock) thus, the sympathetic nervous system is nevertheless involved in the continued release of excess cortisol, however arousal is not as high, due to lowered levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline. If an individual manages to adapt to and meet the demands of the stressor, then the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, and an individual's internal activity levels return back to homeostatic, balanced functioning.  However, if the stressor is not overcome, then the individual will enter the third stage, exhaustion, whereby the prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the presence of cortisol causes the depletion of the body's internal resources, the sympathetic nervous system can no longer function effectively, and it will take the body a long time to return to homeostasis due to the likely reduction in health status.


tbh idk how to answer this so I just wrote a lot. It’s not really clear in my textbook which NS is activated, which is why I practically just inferred everything. I don't have an answer for this question, but I googled it online and found this:

1: Alarm
Upon perceiving a stressor, the body reacts with a “fight-or-flight” response and the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated as the body’s resources are mobilized to meet the threat or danger.

2: Resistance
The body resists and compensates as the parasympathetic nervous system attempts to return many physiological functions to normal levels while body focuses resources against the stressor and remains on alert.

3: Exhaustion
If the stressor or stressors continue beyond the body’s capacity, the resources become exhausted and the body is susceptible to disease and death.


Is it true that the parasympathetic nervous system is active during resistance? Or are they both active, and parasymp is just dominant?

... Also are we allowed to use extra paper in the exam? (other than the paper they give us) writing too much (useless information)  is a MAJOR problem for me.

Hey studyingg,
- Is there a mark allocation for that question? That should guide how much you need to write in order to get full marks.
- Try and reread the question - there's a keyword in there that I think you might've missed. What you have is fine but I don't think it'd get full marks because you haven't really answered the question. Hint:
(https://i.imgur.com/IVqbHxL.png)
- Yep, both branches of the autonomic system are always activated - it's just a matter of one being dominant/more activated than the other at times.
- And yeah, you can ask for more paper but ideally you should try and improve on the overwriting part cause this is an exam and you don't want to waste your time on stuff you won't get marks for.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on September 27, 2018, 11:58:03 am
Hey studyingg,
- Is there a mark allocation for that question? That should guide how much you need to write in order to get full marks.
- Try and reread the question - there's a keyword in there that I think you might've missed. What you have is fine but I don't think it'd get full marks because you haven't really answered the question. Hint:
(https://i.imgur.com/IVqbHxL.png)
- Both branches of the autonomic system are always activated - it's just a matter of one being dominant/more activated than the other at times.
- Yep, you can ask for more paper but ideally you should try and improve on the overwriting part cause this is an exam and you do time limits.

Dominant? Hahaha whoops.
How about this:
1. Alarm reaction: the parasympathetic nervous system is initially dominant in the first substage (shock), however the sympathetic nervous system subsequently dominates during the second substage (counter shock)

2. Resistance: Although the sympathetic nervous system is more active than normal (as it is causing an increase in cortisol levels), the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant, as moderate levels of arousal are necessary for optimal resistance.

3. Exhaustion:  The functioning of the sympathetic nervous system is compromised, and its activity levels decrease, therefore the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant, as the body attempts to return to normal functioning, despite a reduction in health status.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on September 27, 2018, 12:07:30 pm
Dominant? Hahaha whoops.
How about this:
1. Alarm reaction: the parasympathetic nervous system is initially dominant in the first substage (shock), however the sympathetic nervous system subsequently dominates, during the second substage (counter shock)

2. Resistance: Although the sympathetic nervous system is more active than normal (as it is causing an increase in cortisol levels), the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant, as moderate levels of arousal are necessary for optimal resistance.

3. Exhaustion:  The functioning of the sympathetic nervous system is compromised, and its activity levels decrease, therefore the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant, as the body attempts to return to normal functioning, despite a reduction in health status.

That's better in terms of being to the point and without the fluff, but I still don't think you've fully answered the question yet. The question is concerned about which system is dominant when individuals are adapting to a stressor (i.e. when their resistance to the stressor increases) so the only stages that you should include in your answer are the counter shock and resistance stages. The other stages individual resistance decreases so they're not adapting to the stressor and you therefore wouldn't mention them.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on September 27, 2018, 12:21:13 pm
That's better in terms of being to the point and without the fluff, but I still don't think you've fully answered the question yet. The question is concerned about which system is dominant when individuals are adapting to a stressor (i.e. when their resistance to the stressor increases) so the only stages that you should include in your answer are the counter shock and resistance stages. The other stages individual resistance decreases so they're not adapting to the stressor and you therefore wouldn't mention them.


Ohhhhh woah really? I assumed that adaptation  is referring to what Selye considered 'adaptation'  was, which states that:  it is a sequence of non-specific physiological responses and reactions to any stressor, which can be expressed as resistance over time. And that each stage of the General adaptation syndrome is considered part of the process of adaptation, according to this model.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 27, 2018, 12:26:53 pm
great convo between the both of you :)

Dominant? Hahaha whoops.
How about this:
1. Alarm reaction: the parasympathetic nervous system is initially dominant in the first substage (shock), however the sympathetic nervous system subsequently dominates during the second substage (counter shock)

2. Resistance: Although the sympathetic nervous system is more active than normal (as it is causing an increase in cortisol levels), the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant, as moderate levels of arousal are necessary for optimal resistance.

3. Exhaustion:  The functioning of the sympathetic nervous system is compromised, and its activity levels decrease, therefore the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant, as the body attempts to return to normal functioning, despite a reduction in health status


I'd carefully consider your response to 2. (The parasympathetic nervous system is not dominant here - arousal is higher than normal and functions such as digestion are lower than normal)


That's better in terms of being to the point and without the fluff, but I still don't think you've fully answered the question yet. The question is concerned about which system is dominant when individuals are adapting to a stressor (i.e. when their resistance to the stressor increases) so the only stages that you should include in your answer are the counter shock and resistance stages. The other stages individual resistance decreases so they're not adapting to the stressor and you therefore wouldn't mention them.


Interesting idea, but I'd say it's much safer to address all 3 components
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on September 27, 2018, 12:36:16 pm
Ohhhhh woah really? I assumed that adaptation  is referring to what Selye considered 'adaptation'  was, which states that:  it is a sequence of non-specific physiological responses and reactions to any stressor, which can be expressed as resistance over time. And that each stage of the General adaptation syndrome is considered part of the process of adaptation, according to this model.

From my understanding, all stages are part of the adaption process in that you need all stages for adaption to occur, but only during the stages where resistance increases does actual adapting occur (which is the focus of the question). The fact that the question is also worded in a way that it only asks for one branch of the autonomic system inclines me to think this. (And I have feeling that the question is specifically looking for the understanding that GAS has adaptive and maladaptive parts, and requires you to a respond accordingly fairly and squarely)

But I could be totally misinterpreting the question though. Could be totally off and overthinking things so yeah, please take my answer as you will. :P
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on September 27, 2018, 12:41:45 pm
From my understanding, all stages are part of the adaption process in that you need all stages for adaption to occur, but only during the stages where resistance increases does actual adapting occur (which is the focus of the question). The fact that the question also only asks for one branch of the autonomic system inclines me to think this.

But I could be totally misinterpreting the question though. Could be totally off and overthinking things so yeah, please take my answer as you will. :P

Nahh it makes sense, perhaps its too ambiguous to know for sure, thanks for the great responses though!! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 27, 2018, 12:49:15 pm
From my understanding, all stages are part of the adaption process in that you need all stages for adaption to occur, but only during the stages where resistance increases does actual adapting occur (which is the focus of the question). The fact that the question is also worded in a way that it only asks for one branch of the autonomic system inclines me to think this.

But I could be totally misinterpreting the question though. Could be totally off and overthinking things so yeah, please take my answer as you will. :P

Yeah, I'd consider the first two stages to be adaptive (and the third to be maladaptive) but it's usually safer to give what could be extra/unneeded info than to leave it out.

Can't see any issues with your thought process here, but I'd hate either of you to miss out on marks because you're thinking too deeply/specifically about a word in the prompt
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on September 29, 2018, 11:01:57 am
'Stefano is very overweight. As his new year's resolution, Stefano decides to get fit and begin eating more fruits and vegetables. Stefano has weighed up the pros and cons of certain diets and plans to begin his diet in the next few weeks. Identify and explain what stage of the trans-theoretical model that Stefano is most likely to be in.'

Why is the answer contemplation and not preparation?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on September 29, 2018, 11:12:32 am
'Stefano is very overweight. As his new year's resolution, Stefano decides to get fit and begin eating more fruits and vegetables. Stefano has weighed up the pros and cons of certain diets and plans to begin his diet in the next few weeks. Identify and explain what stage of the trans-theoretical model that Stefano is most likely to be in.'

Why is the answer contemplation and not preparation?

Answer's incorrect in my opinion. Contemplation would be if he's just realised that being overweight and unfit is a problem and is evaluating the benefit and detriment of continuing or discontinuing his unhealthy behaviours. No efforts are also taken to address the problem at this stage but he has clearly done that by planning to eat more fruit and vegetables, and begin his new diet next week.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on September 29, 2018, 01:01:03 pm
Answer's incorrect in my opinion. Contemplation would be if he's just realised that being overweight and unfit is a problem and is evaluating the benefit and detriment of continuing or discontinuing his unhealthy behaviours. No efforts are also taken to address the problem at this stage but he has clearly done that by planning to eat more fruit and vegetables, and begin his new diet next week.

I thought the same thing! Thank you.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 29, 2018, 01:33:56 pm
'Stefano is very overweight. As his new year's resolution, Stefano decides to get fit and begin eating more fruits and vegetables. Stefano has weighed up the pros and cons of certain diets and plans to begin his diet in the next few weeks. Identify and explain what stage of the trans-theoretical model that Stefano is most likely to be in.'

Why is the answer contemplation and not preparation?
Answer's incorrect in my opinion. Contemplation would be if he's just realised that being overweight and unfit is a problem and is evaluating the benefit and detriment of continuing or discontinuing his unhealthy behaviours. No efforts are also taken to address the problem at this stage but he has clearly done that by planning to eat more fruit and vegetables, and begin his new diet next week.

In addition to what sdfg said,  action is planned within the next 30 days & they have a plan. (having a plan isn't necessary, but it is a characteristic of preperation )

(The main thing to look for is that they have decided but not taken action, but the timeframe is also something to consider. If it was "next few months" I'd understand why the answers said contemplation)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on September 29, 2018, 02:30:50 pm
If a neurohormone is defined as a chemical substance that is synthesised and released from the axon terminals of a neuron into the bloodstream... how is adrenaline considered a neurohormone? I realise that adrenaline can act as both a hormone and a neurotransmitter (noradrenaline), however this not how neurohormone is defined in my book (or any other book for that matter). If a question like: what is a similarity and a difference between a neurohormone and a neurotransmitter... would it be correct to say that a similarity is that both are chemical messengers synthesised and released from the axon terminals of a neuron, and a difference is that a neurotransmitter is released into the synaptic gap between two neurons and onto the dendrites of the post synaptic neuron whereas a neurohormone is released into the bloodstream towards distant target cells. This is right according to my definitions, however it seems as if the study design is implying something else (as I'm getting the idea that adrenaline is released from the adrenal glands --- stimulates adrenoreceptors near the brain--- leading to the release of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline in the brain)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on September 29, 2018, 03:03:15 pm
If a neurohormone is defined as a chemical substance that is synthesised and released from the axon terminals of a neuron into the bloodstream... how is adrenaline considered a neurohormone? I realise that adrenaline can act as both a hormone and a neurotransmitter (noradrenaline), however this not how neurohormone is defined in my book (or any other book for that matter). If a question like: what is a similarity and a difference between a neurohormone and a neurotransmitter... would it be correct to say that a similarity is that both are chemical messengers synthesised and released from the axon terminals of a neuron, and a difference is that a neurotransmitter is released into the synaptic gap between two neurons and onto the dendrites of the post synaptic neuron whereas a neurohormone is released into the bloodstream towards distant target cells. This is right according to my definitions, however it seems as if the study design is implying something else (as I'm getting the idea that adrenaline is released from the adrenal glands --- stimulates adrenoreceptors near the brain--- leading to the release of the neurotransmitter noradrenaline in the brain)


Based on what the textbooks say, your proposed answer is correct.
I would also definitely consider adrenaline to be a neurohormone.

Adrenal is released from adrenal glands and is a neurohormone
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 01, 2018, 11:22:51 am
Hello,  I have a question about drawing graphs on the exam. In the case that they ask us to draw a graph, (for example changes to the proportions of NREM-REM over the lifespan), would It be a bad idea to use coloured highlighters and a key indicating which section of the graph is NREM and which is REM, because I just realised that they'll probably photo-copy our exams for marking, and the examiner may not be able to tell I used a coloured key... this is a pretty stupid question... but like are we allowed to use colours?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 01, 2018, 11:30:19 am
Based on what the textbooks say, your proposed answer is correct.
I would also definitely consider adrenaline to be a neurohormone.

Adrenal is released from adrenal glands and is a neurohormone
Okay, so If I was ever describing the biological pathway that occurs during the formation of an emotionally aousing memory would it be best to describe the stimulation of the amygdala occurring like this:
perception of a threat-- hypothalamus (signals to the adrenal gland)-- neurons in the adrenal gland release adrenaline into the blood stream---adrenaline stimulates adrenoreceptors (such as the vagus nerve near the brain) which leads to the release of noradrenaline within the brain--- noradrenaline  activates the amygdala--- the amygdala works with the hippocampus to consolidate the episodic emotionally arousing memory, with an implicit emotional component attached.
 (obviously I'll use proper sentences)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on October 01, 2018, 11:58:06 am
Hello,  I have a question about drawing graphs on the exam. In the case that they ask us to draw a graph, (for example changes to the proportions of NREM-REM over the lifespan), would It be a bad idea to use coloured highlighters and a key indicating which section of the graph is NREM and which is REM, because I just realised that they'll probably photo-copy our exams for marking, and the examiner may not be able to tell I used a coloured key... this is a pretty stupid question... but like are we allowed to use colours?

Yeah, they scan the exam papers so I wouldn't use coloured highlighters to draw graphs cause they might not pick up (maybe a pen that's a dark colour instead?). Whether or not you're allowed to use colour ... well technically no cause you're only meant to be writing in blue and black, but my examiner-teacher last year said that they didn't care as long as it's a dark, legible colour (I wrote in purple in last year's exam cause it was the only pen that helped with my writer's callus, and nothing happened). But maybe just to err on the side of caution (that the colours don't pick up), use dotted and dashed lines instead? 

Okay, so If I was ever describing the biological pathway that occurs during the formation of an emotionally aousing memory would it be best to describe the stimulation of the amygdala occurring like this:
perception of a threat-- hypothalamus (signals to the adrenal gland)-- neurons in the adrenal gland release adrenaline into the blood stream---adrenaline stimulates adrenoreceptors (such as the vagus nerve near the brain) which leads to the release of noradrenaline within the brain--- noradrenaline  activates the amygdala--- the amygdala works with the hippocampus to consolidate the episodic emotionally arousing memory, with an implicit emotional component attached.
 (obviously I'll use proper sentences)


Not miniturtle but I would just say "adrenal gland releases..." cause technically neurons don't release neurohormones (specialised neurons called neurosecretory cells do - beyond scope of VCE though), which adrenaline is in this case because it's long-distance communication. Other thing I would fix is the last part cause it's a bit vague ( works w/ H to consolidate by how does it work w/ H to consolidate (amygdala attaches emotional signficance...)?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 01, 2018, 12:28:39 pm
Yeah, they scan the exam papers so I wouldn't use coloured highlighters to draw graphs cause they might not pick up (maybe a pen that's a dark colour instead?). Whether or not you're allowed to use colour ... well technically no cause you're only meant to be writing in blue and black, but my examiner-teacher last year said that they didn't care as long as it's a dark, legible colour (I wrote in purple in last year's exam cause it was the only pen that helped with my writer's callus, and nothing happened). But maybe just to err on the side of caution (that the colours don't pick up), use dotted and dashed lines instead? 

Not miniturtle but I would just say "adrenal gland releases..." cause technically neurons don't release neurohormones (specialised neurons called neurosecretory cells do - beyond scope of VCE though), which adrenaline is in this case because it's long-distance communication. Other thing I would fix is the last part cause it's a bit vague ( works w/ H to consolidate by how does it work w/ H to consolidate?

Thank you so much for the responses, i'll probably use a pattern or something for the graph. Do you think I should I say specialised neurons (because I want the examiner to know that I know that adrenaline is a neurohormone and not just an ordinary hormone). And thanks for the advice about the last part, i'll make sure to explain how the consolidation occurs using at least a sentence or two. Thanks again :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 01, 2018, 12:38:43 pm
Hello,  I have a question about drawing graphs on the exam. In the case that they ask us to draw a graph, (for example changes to the proportions of NREM-REM over the lifespan), would It be a bad idea to use coloured highlighters and a key indicating which section of the graph is NREM and which is REM, because I just realised that they'll probably photo-copy our exams for marking, and the examiner may not be able to tell I used a coloured key... this is a pretty stupid question... but like are we allowed to use colours?

To be safe, I would code by either having 1 in blue pen & another in black,  use a dotted/dashed line versus a solid line, or just labelling this on the graph. If you are presented with a series of data and are plotting that, you could also use different shapes to form a legend (circles, triangles, squares... as the dots)



Okay, so If I was ever describing the biological pathway that occurs during the formation of an emotionally aousing memory would it be best to describe the stimulation of the amygdala occurring like this:
perception of a threat-- hypothalamus (signals to the adrenal gland)-- neurons in the adrenal gland release adrenaline into the blood stream---adrenaline stimulates adrenoreceptors (such as the vagus nerve near the brain) which leads to the release of noradrenaline within the brain--- noradrenaline  activates the amygdala--- the amygdala works with the hippocampus to consolidate the episodic emotionally arousing memory, with an implicit emotional component attached.
 (obviously I'll use proper sentences)



I'd say that your response is more detailed than required but it looks great :)


2017 examiners report relevant quote(answer)
"Students gained one mark for correctly identifying adrenaline (epinephrine) as the neurohormone, and another for stating its role in activating the fight/flight, or arousal, response. Alternatively, students could state that adrenaline stimulates the release of noradrenaline (norepinephrine), which activates the amygdala. Two further marks were allocated for identifying the amygdala as the relevant brain region, with its role being the consolidation of emotional memories. Students could include reference to the hippocampus working with the amygdala, but it needed to be clear that it is the amygdala that is responsible for processing/consolidating/‘involved in storing’ emotional memories, not the hippocampus on its own. "
(The question indirectly asked about the role of adrenaline)
[/quote]



Thank you so much for the responses, i'll probably use a pattern or something for the graph. Do you think I should I say specialised neurons (because I want the examiner to know that I know that adrenaline is a neurohormone and not just an ordinary hormone). And thanks for the advice about the last part, i'll make sure to explain how the consolidation occurs using at least a sentence or two. Thanks again :)

I'd only bother if your response was part of a 10 marker.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 01, 2018, 12:45:48 pm
Thanks for the help miniturtle :) :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 02, 2018, 12:59:23 pm
I just want to clarify something about the long term effects of total sleep deprivation. This is a question from the VCAA exam 1 2008 psych exam (and I'm particularly interested in part c). The answer for this question was 'none', but I was wondering, if someone goes for like a week without getting any sleep, would there still be no long term effects? The reason I ask is because if you look the case study of Peter Tripp, he did suffer irreversible consequences as a result of long-term sleep deprivation, whereas Randy Gardener did not experience any long term negative consequences.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 03, 2018, 11:45:43 am
Does 'discussing implications' of research mean suggesting possible further hypothesis that can be developed based on the findings of research... or does it mean how the results of the experiment can be implied to a real world context? Also, if it is the latter... does a result have to be valid/reliable in order for an implication to be drawn?

For example in the case of a study investigating the effect of positive reinforcement of learning found that students who were positively reinforced learnt better than students who received no consequence. But due to the fact that findings of the study being confounded by uncontrolled variables, and the use of an unrepresentative sample, neither a conclusion or generalisation could have been inferred. Is it still possible to suggest how the findings relate to a real -world context and say, possible implications from this study could be the use of positive reinforcement by teachers (such as a token economy) in the classroom in order to improve students academic performance.

I did a similar thing in my aos 3 investigation into recall vs recognition, as in I could not draw a conclusion or generalisation, but I did evaluate my results in terms of a real-world context because we were required to. But I was wondering is this correct in terms of the conventions of scientific writing?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on October 03, 2018, 12:01:02 pm
Say I conduct an experiment, hypothesising that VCE students who drink orange juice before exams will score better than people who don't (sorry couldn't think of another example  :P). If I use random sampling, random allocation, large sample size, no extraneous variables etc. but the results are not statistically significant, can that 'non-significance' still be generalised to the wider population? Could I generalise that drinking orange juice will not mean you score better?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 03, 2018, 01:02:40 pm
Say I conduct an experiment, hypothesising that VCE students who drink orange juice before exams will score better than people who don't (sorry couldn't think of another example  :P). If I use random sampling, random allocation, large sample size, no extraneous variables etc. but the results are not statistically significant, can that 'non-significance' still be generalised to the wider population? Could I generalise that drinking orange juice will not mean you score better?

Yes, because it means that there is no evidence to suggest a causal relationship between drinking orange juice before exams, and exam performance. If there were confounding variables/non-random allocation/ small sample size, then you would say a valid conclusion cannot be drawn. However because your experiment meets the requirements to draw inferencess you can say that the results of the experiment indicate that there is no evidence to suggest that drinking orange juice will cause you to score better.

But you have to make the marker know that you are drawing an inference based on whether or not drinking orange juice will cause higher exam scores. Because it is possible that someone who drinks orange juice does get a high exam score... but this correlation would not be that of cause and effect but rather a coincidence.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 03, 2018, 05:10:37 pm
Why isn't the answer alpha for question 41? The person is still 'awake', I thought theta waves would be associated with someone who is asleep,  also the symptoms the person is exhibiting seem to be indicative of an alcohol induced state and alcohol usually leads to the display of alpha waves?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on October 03, 2018, 06:39:48 pm
Why isn't the answer alpha for question 41? The person is still 'awake', I thought theta waves would be associated with someone who is asleep,  also the symptoms the person is exhibiting seem to be indicative of an alcohol induced state and alcohol usually leads to the display of alpha waves?

Because alpha waves are associated with higher states of consciousness than what the patient is currently at (think alpha = awake but mentally and physically relaxed). Theta waves on the other hand involves reduced consciousness and being awake but not entirely there (think deep meditation, doing something creative like painting) - this better fits with the patient's symptoms. Also, theta waves = low frequency and slowed processing, which could explain the uncoordinated movement and slowed speech.

*Also, just a side point but alcohol is a depressant so it reduces CNS activity and by extension brain activity and also high frequency brain waves like beta and alpha.

Does 'discussing implications' of research mean suggesting possible further hypothesis that can be developed based on the findings of research... or does it mean how the results of the experiment can be implied to a real world context? Also, if it is the latter... does a result have to be valid/reliable in order for an implication to be drawn?

For example in the case of a study investigating the effect of positive reinforcement of learning found that students who were positively reinforced learnt better than students who received no consequence. But due to the fact that findings of the study being confounded by uncontrolled variables, and the use of an unrepresentative sample, neither a conclusion or generalisation could have been inferred. Is it still possible to suggest how the findings relate to a real -world context and say, possible implications from this study could be the use of positive reinforcement by teachers (such as a token economy) in the classroom in order to improve students academic performance.

I did a similar thing in my aos 3 investigation into recall vs recognition, as in I could not draw a conclusion or generalisation, but I did evaluate my results in terms of a real-world context because we were required to. But I was wondering is this correct in terms of the conventions of scientific writing?

AFAIK, 'implications' in the context of scientific research refer to the consequences of your findings to things such as current theories, polices based off research, certain practices and even future research. For instance, if a discovery was made about the reconstruction of memory, an implication of the research could be changes to how witnesses are dealt with in legal proceedings. And another example, you've just discovered something and the implication would be, based off your finds, what would you research next to get a better understanding of the topic.

Can't imagine VCAA would ask a question that required something like that though cause it requires knowledge out of the scope of VCE. 

I just want to clarify something about the long term effects of total sleep deprivation. This is a question from the VCAA exam 1 2008 psych exam (and I'm particularly interested in part c). The answer for this question was 'none', but I was wondering, if someone goes for like a week without getting any sleep, would there still be no long term effects? The reason I ask is because if you look the case study of Peter Tripp, he did suffer irreversible consequences as a result of long-term sleep deprivation, whereas Randy Gardener did not experience any long term negative consequences.

There's no real definite answer to that question because there hasn't been enough research into sleep deprivation of that length to have a conclusion that you could generalise (and probably never will be because sleep deprivation studies that long will never research ethics approval today). There are case studies, but they're just case studies that aren't applicable to a wider population. Also, everyone needs a different amount of sleep so everyone's affected by sleep deprivation differently.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ardria on October 04, 2018, 02:18:01 am
Hi guys,

Does anyone know what Psych exam score is needed for a raw 50 (assuming rank 1-2)? I can't seem to find this info anywhere.

Thank you :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 04, 2018, 10:17:50 am
Hi guys,

Does anyone know what Psych exam score is needed for a raw 50 (assuming rank 1-2)? I can't seem to find this info anywhere.

Thank you :)

I went to a lecture and the lecturer said one of his students who got a 50 last year got  116/120.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on October 04, 2018, 12:36:25 pm
Hey guys this is from VCAA exam 2 2002

Why is the answer C? I feel as though its really obvious but I've been staring at this question for a really long time and now my brain can't understand  :P

Question 25
Joe’s parents also want him to keep his room tidy but are using a different method of encouragement. Whenever
his room is untidy, Joe is not permitted to watch television until he tidies it.
Joe’s parent are using ______________________ to modify his behaviour.
A. positive reinforcement
B. modelling
C. negative reinforcement
D. shaping

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on October 04, 2018, 12:48:39 pm
Hey guys this is from VCAA exam 2 2002

Why is the answer C? I feel as though its really obvious but I've been staring at this question for a really long time and now my brain can't understand  :P

Question 25
Joe’s parents also want him to keep his room tidy but are using a different method of encouragement. Whenever
his room is untidy, Joe is not permitted to watch television until he tidies it.
Joe’s parent are using ______________________ to modify his behaviour.
A. positive reinforcement
B. modelling
C. negative reinforcement
D. shaping

- Negative reinforcement = taking away a negative stimulus to increase the desired behaviour.
- Reinforcement = Joe's parents want to increase the likelihood of Joe cleaning his room (the desired behaviour).
- Negative = threat of taking away Joe's TV privileges (the negative stimulus) is removed when he cleans his room.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 04, 2018, 02:44:11 pm
- Negative reinforcement = taking away a positive stimulus to increase the desired behaviour.
- Reinforcement = Joe's parents want to increase the likelihood of Joe cleaning his room (the desired behaviour).
- Negative = to do ^, they're taking away his privilege to watch TV (something that's positive to Joe - positive stimulus).


Isn't negative reinforcement removal, reduction or prevention of an unpleasant circumstance to increase desired behaviour?

so wouldn't the 'negative' part of this be if Joe does clean his room then he will prevent the consequence of his parents taking away his T.V which thus creates a pleasant circumstance for him, strengthening his behavioral response? 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on October 04, 2018, 03:15:37 pm

Isn't negative reinforcement removal, reduction or prevention of an unpleasant circumstance to increase desired behaviour?

so wouldn't the 'negative' part of this be if Joe does clean his room then he will prevent the consequence of his parents taking away his T.V which thus creates a pleasant circumstance for him, strengthening his behavioral response?

Oh oops you're right, my bad. Thanks for correcting me - edited answer above.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on October 04, 2018, 07:46:34 pm
Oh oops you're right, my bad. Thanks for correcting me - edited answer above.

Thanks guys!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 05, 2018, 12:58:50 pm
I wanted to ask about this research methods question.
If the aim of the experimenter is to determine the effect of viewing a documentary about schizophrenia on stigma shouldn't the experimental group only be the group who watched the documentary on schizophrenia (and not the other documentaries)

also, how could a conclusion based on the results be drawn? because they seem quite contradictory... although the group that watched the schizophrenia film indicate that they are less stigmatizing based off the fact that they believed that they believed that people with schizophrenia are not entirely responsible for their actions (more so than the other groups). They also believe that people with schizophrenia are less likely to change (more so than the others)

(I've attched the question and solutions)



edit: I can't attatch the solutions but here they are

(d) Identify the experimental and control conditions. 2 marks
Experimental: Three groups/conditionsWatch video about polar bears, watch videoabout obesity, watch video about schizophrenia
Control conditionDo not watch any video

(e) What conclusion can be drawn on the basis of the results obtained?

 1 mark Relative to participants who viewed films about polar bears, obesity or no film at all, viewing a documentary about schizophrenia resulted in attributions that ascribed less blame and responsibility to individuals for their disorder a view of schizophrenia as being more likely to change over time.This suggests that watching a short documentary film depicting people with schizophrenia may be of benefit in reducing stigma-related judgements.Award 1 mark for a valid conclusion.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Duelmaster22 on October 05, 2018, 02:44:52 pm
Hey guys, does anyone know the answer to this question? Tossing up between recognition and serial recall.
In another hypothetical scenario, say if I got given a list of all the Prime Ministers of Australia, and had to put them in chronological order, what type of retrieval methods would that be?
Cheers
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 05, 2018, 05:29:33 pm
Hey guys, does anyone know the answer to this question? Tossing up between recognition and serial recall.
In another hypothetical scenario, say if I got given a list of all the Prime Ministers of Australia, and had to put them in chronological order, what type of retrieval methods would that be?
Cheers

The answer according to the NEAP solutions is D, the reason is that he recalled the digits in order with minimal cues for assistance, he didn't really use recognition because he 'imagined' using his keyboard and a key feature of recognition is identifying information from alternatives, so recall would be the better answer.

For your hypothetical scenario... i'm not sure tbh
I think cued recall would be a good answer. (due to the use of cues it can't be serial)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on October 05, 2018, 06:21:53 pm
I wanted to ask about this research methods question.
If the aim of the experimenter is to determine the effect of viewing a documentary about schizophrenia on stigma shouldn't the experimental group only be the group who watched the documentary on schizophrenia (and not the other documentaries)

also, how could a conclusion based on the results be drawn? because they seem quite contradictory... although the group that watched the schizophrenia film indicate that they are less stigmatizing based off the fact that they believed that they believed that people with schizophrenia are not entirely responsible for their actions (more so than the other groups). They also believe that people with schizophrenia are less likely to change (more so than the others)
...


Yup, the aim is to determine the effect of watching a schizophrenia documentary on stigma surrounding the disease, but that doesn't necessarily mean watching a schizophrenia documentary has to be the only experimental condition. The other two conditions are used to ensure that specifically watching a schizophrenia documentary is what causes the result, rather than something else like 'the act of watching a documentary about a disease' or simply just 'the act of watching a documentary'. Don't know if that made sense - more than happy to clarify if you have questions.

With the conclusion, the schizophrenia documentary group is less stigmatising because they see schizophrenia more as a disease rather than a moral failing that it's commonly stigmatised to be. Less responsible for actions --> yes, people with schizophrenia don't have control over their actions, their disease pretty much takes over all of their agency; less likely to change --> yes, people can't just make the disease lessen or worsen at will, and treatment is often long and hard.

Hey guys, does anyone know the answer to this question? Tossing up between recognition and serial recall.
In another hypothetical scenario, say if I got given a list of all the Prime Ministers of Australia, and had to put them in chronological order, what type of retrieval methods would that be?
Cheers

I'd say serial recall. Recognition would be if had to choose from alternatives that could potentially be his correct password (e.g if he wrote all potential password combinations down and recognised his password out of the alternatives).

With your hypothetical, I'd say it depends. If you use the list to help jog your memory, it'd be cued recall because you're using the list as a cue. If you already know the PMs in chronological order and don't use the list as a cue, it'll be serial recall because you'll most likely be recalling things in order (specifically chronological order) as that's the easiest way. If you don't already know the PMs in the chronological order and don't use the list as a cue, you'd use free recall to recall different bits and pieces of information to piece together the chronological list (e.g "John Howard was the 25th PM, so he goes here ... Gough Whitlam, he was the 21st? So let's put him here ...").


Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 05, 2018, 06:36:06 pm
Yup, the aim is to determine the effect of watching a schizophrenia documentary on stigma surrounding the disease, but that doesn't necessarily mean watching a schizophrenia documentary has to be the only experimental condition. The other two conditions are used to ensure that specifically watching a schizophrenia documentary is what causes the result, rather than something else like 'the act of watching a documentary about a disease' or simply just 'the act of watching a documentary'. Don't know that made sense - more than happy to clarify if you have questions.

With the conclusion, the schizophrenia documentary group is less stigmatising because they see schizophrenia more as a disease rather than a moral failing that it's commonly stigmatised to be. Less responsible for actions --> yes, people with schizophrenia don't have control over their actions, their disease pretty much takes over all of their agency; less likely to change --> yes, people can't just make the disease lessen or worsen at will, and treatment is often long and hard.

I'd say serial recall. Recognition would be if had to choose from alternatives that could potentially be his correct password (e.g if he wrote all potential password combinations down and recognised his password out of the alternatives).

With your hypothetical, I'd say it depends. If you already know the PMs in chronological order, it'll be serial recall because you'll most likely be recalling things in order (specifically chronological order) because that's the easiest way. If you don't, you'd use free recall to recall different bits and pieces of information to piece together the chronological list (e.g "John Howard was the 25th PM, so he goes here ... Gough Whitlam, he was the 21st? So let's put him here ...").


Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! (it's quite long question :P so your help is much appreciated)

The reason I ask about the identification of the experimental condition is because isn't the definition of the experimental group that it is the group exposed to the independent variable (and that the schizophrenia film is the variable the researchers are interested in its effect on the DV ). The reason they include the other groups is in order to ensure that it is the schizophrenia film that caused the change in the DV and not simply watching a 'film', so dosen't that mean that these conditions were put in place in order to control this particular extraneous variable?  Wouldn't that mean that they are control groups, as the only purpose they serve is to act as comparisions for the effect of the IV?  Because the researchers aren't interested in their effect on the DV, they merely want to compare their effect to the variable that they are indeed interested in. Thats why i'm still sorta confused.

And thanks for the clarification about the other part -- makes sense, because one source of stigma is that people believe that a mentally ill individual is in control of their condition/are putting on an act. I guess the solutions got it wrong, because they misinterpreted the data.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on October 05, 2018, 06:44:48 pm

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond! (it's quite long question :P so your help is much appreciated)

The reason I ask about the identification of the experimental condition is because isn't the definition of the experimental group that it is the group exposed to the independent variable (and that the schizophrenia film is the variable the researchers are interested in its effect on the DV ). The reason they include the other groups is in order to ensure that it is the schizophrenia film that caused the change in the DV and not simply watching a 'film', so dosen't that mean that these conditions were put in place in order to control this particular extraneous variable?  Wouldn't that mean that they are control groups, as the only purpose they serve is to act as comparisions for the effect of the IV?  Because the researchers aren't interested in their effect on the DV, they merely want to compare their effect to the variable that they are indeed interested in. Thats why i'm still sorta confused.

And thanks for the clarification about the other part -- makes sense, because one source of stigma is that people believe that a mentally ill individual is in control of their condition/are putting on an act. I guess the solutions got it wrong, because they misinterpreted the data.

I think you've misinterpreted what the IV is here - it's not whether or not the participants watched the schizophrenia documentary, but rather which type of documentary they've watched (polar bear, obesity or sczhiophrenia). This is what the experimenters are manipulating and in the group where they aren't is the control group (i.e. no documentary group).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on October 06, 2018, 12:17:03 pm
Hey guys  :),

If anyone has done the 2017 VCAA sample exam, what did they get for Q7e.i?

I personally wrote down independent-groups for my answer. The marking sheet I'm using aren't official answers, but they specified repeated-measures design only as the answer.

"Amelia would use a repeated measures experimental design.
The reason it has to be a repeated measures design is that Amelia has explicitly chosen to use ”the words in List 2” (the non-rhyming words from the original experiment) as well as “the same participants”. Hence, there cannot be two groups. The only “extension of her investigation” is the use of visual images to link with each of the nine words in the second (experimental) condition."

What does that mean?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 06, 2018, 01:14:28 pm
Hey guys  :),

If anyone has done the 2017 VCAA sample exam, what did they get for Q7e.i?

I personally wrote down independent-groups for my answer. The marking sheet I'm using aren't official answers, but they specified repeated-measures design only as the answer.
 
"Amelia would use a repeated measures experimental design.
The reason it has to be a repeated measures design is that Amelia has explicitly chosen to use ”the words in List 2” (the non-rhyming words from the original experiment) as well as “the same participants”. Hence, there cannot be two groups. The only “extension of her investigation” is the use of visual images to link with each of the nine words in the second (experimental) condition."

What does that mean?


I'm pretty sure I got stumpped on this question as well but basically, the best way to understand it is look at the data-collection table she used (it's how I got it haha). If she were to carry out the third part of the experiment, she would compare the new results from the extention to the results she's already got from list 2 alone, and because she initially used all the participants while obtaining these results, it is only logical that she uses the same participants in the extention in order to compare the effect of pictures.
basically the extention becomes the experimental condition
the original results from list 2 become the 'control' condition (did not use pictures which is the new IV)

Idk if its the only acceptable answer tho

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: fl982 on October 14, 2018, 10:23:51 am
Hey guys,

The psych study design specifically doesnt include negative punishment.
It says "...and punishment (including response cost)"
Does this mean we only need to know about positive punishment and response cost?
Also im unsure if negative punishment and response cost are the same thing
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 14, 2018, 10:35:45 am
Hey guys,

The psych study design specifically doesnt include negative punishment.
It says "...and punishment (including response cost)"
Does this mean we only need to know about positive punishment and response cost?
Also im unsure if negative punishment and response cost are the same thing

Response cost and negative punishment are the same thing, but in your explanations, please use the term 'response cost' rather than negative punishment, as It's better to use terminology from the study design.   :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 14, 2018, 10:40:33 am
Hey guys,

The psych study design specifically doesnt include negative punishment.
It says "...and punishment (including response cost)"
Does this mean we only need to know about positive punishment and response cost?
Also im unsure if negative punishment and response cost are the same thing

Reinforcement: increase chance the behaviour will be repeated
Punishment: decrease chance the behaviour will be repeated
Positive: by applying a stimulus
Negative: by not applying a stimulus/ removing a stimulus


In response cost, a positive stimulus is removed, decreasing the chance the behaviour will be repeated.
So response cost is the same thing as negative punishment


As I hope this makes clear, negative punishment is a sub-category of punishment and therefore is included in the study design. It's also specifically included under the name of response cost :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 14, 2018, 04:08:08 pm
Sup people!

Minor question but just can't find a proper answer to it  :P

In the GAS model, when is cortisol first released?  Counter-shock or resistance?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 14, 2018, 04:16:17 pm
Sup people!

Minor question but just can't find a proper answer to it  :P

In the GAS model, when is cortisol first released?  Counter-shock or resistance?

I would say countershock, because there is always a level of cortisol in the bloodstream, it just increases when resistance increases, and resistance first increases during countershock. Luckily, this was in the 2017 exam last year, and it is adressed in the exmination report, where basically, it is implied that cortisol levels first increase during countershock, however the answer of resistance was also accepted.

 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 14, 2018, 04:20:00 pm
dope!

Now I remember going over that question during the year XD
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on October 16, 2018, 08:37:30 am
Bill was very happy when his son was born. A few weeks after the birth, Bill lost his job and became worried about providing for his family in the future, especially since his wife did not have paid work.

Question 50
When the baby was born, Bill immediately experienced
A. distress.
B. eustress - answer
C. allostasis.
D. the fight-flight response.

Question 51
In terms of Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, Bill’s immediate appraisal of becoming a father was most likely to have been
A. a threat.
B. stressful.
C. irrelevant.
D. benign/positive. - answer

This is from VCAA 2013. I'm just wondering why question 51 has D as the answer? Because Bill experienced eustress when the baby was born, doesn't this mean he appraised it as a challenge, meaning it's stressful?
Or am i overthinking things  :P
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 16, 2018, 08:41:47 am
Question 51
In terms of Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, Bill’s immediate appraisal of becoming a father was most likely to have been
A. a threat.
B. stressful.
C. irrelevant.
D. benign/positive. - answer

This is from VCAA 2013. I'm just wondering why question 51 has D as the answer? Because Bill experienced eustress when the baby was born, doesn't this mean he appraised it as a challenge, meaning it's stressful?
Or am i overthinking things  :P


I think you're overthinking it, I think they just want you to go "very happy" --> positive
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 16, 2018, 10:48:18 pm
yoooo is the biopsychosocial model (In conjuncton with 4P factor model) that we learn in mental disorders (Unit 4) applicable to questions on stress. What I mean is that content applicable to questions asking us about stress (Unit 3). I am confused  :P
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 16, 2018, 11:52:15 pm
yoooo is the biopsychosocial model (In conjuncton with 4P factor model) that we learn in mental disorders (Unit 4) applicable to questions on stress. What I mean is that content applicable to questions asking us about stress (Unit 3). I am confused  :P

biopsychosocial model is applicable to everything in psych
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 17, 2018, 04:22:50 pm
Yeah sorry I haven't explained myself very well. Are like the treatments for mental disorders (e.g bio=exercise, psycho=CBT, social, psychoeducation) applicable to managing stress too
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: SameManSame123 on October 17, 2018, 05:26:49 pm
Hey everyone. Hope y'all exam preparation is going well. So I have completed my course notes not long ago for this subject. However, looking back at it, I realise that some parts of it are too detailed and unnecessary for the exam. So I am wondering what the best method of cutting parts of notes is. As in if there is a secret method to success XD. Though I highly doubt there is any method other than going through everything, I look forward to some useful tips!. THANKS and good luck for your exam! 15 days left .-. . But hey, we're all in this together.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 17, 2018, 08:05:33 pm
Yeah sorry I haven't explained myself very well. Are like the treatments for mental disorders (e.g bio=exercise, psycho=CBT, social, psychoeducation) applicable to managing stress too

Exercise is applicable to stress and you could frame psychoeducation through the lens of improving coping flexibility to turn that into a yes as well.

 CBT can be used in managing maladaptive stress responses in mental health problems (eg specific phobia) but I wouldn't say "CBT is a psychological intervention for stress" or anything like that.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 17, 2018, 08:35:44 pm
thanyouuu miniturtle!

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 17, 2018, 08:45:16 pm
Hey everyone. Hope y'all exam preparation is going well. So I have completed my course notes not long ago for this subject. However, looking back at it, I realise that some parts of it are too detailed and unnecessary for the exam. So I am wondering what the best method of cutting parts of notes is. As in if there is a secret method to success XD. Though I highly doubt there is any method other than going through everything, I look forward to some useful tips!. THANKS and good luck for your exam! 15 days left .-. . But hey, we're all in this together.

I personally didn't find notes that useful and instead spent a lot of time on practice exam questions and a fair amount of time on teaching others. 


Good luck with your exam preperation!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: SameManSame123 on October 17, 2018, 08:59:19 pm
I personally didn't find notes that useful and instead spent a lot of time on practice exam questions and a fair amount of time on teaching others. 


Good luck with your exam preperation!

thanks miniturtle!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on October 18, 2018, 05:34:28 pm
Do we need to know about flashbulb memories?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 18, 2018, 07:10:04 pm
Do we need to know about flashbulb memories?

It isn't explicitly mentioned in study design but I'm fairly sure all we would need to know is that it is a vivid and highly detailed memory of an event in which someone first learns of a significant or emotionally arousing event. Also the amygdala contributes to the formation of a flashbulb memory
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: fl982 on October 18, 2018, 11:32:25 pm
hey guys (for the question attached below)

I distinguished the evaluation of primary appraisal for both Stella and Audrey. However, since it was for 4 marks I talked decided to add weight, and say Stella was experiencing distress as opposed to Audrey who is experiencing eustress. The examiners report provides details regarding only primary appraisal, so would I lose marks here ( -2 marks?) or obtain the full 4 marks given I clearly explained by answer in response to the scenario.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 19, 2018, 07:15:35 am
hey guys (for the question attached below)

I distinguished the evaluation of primary appraisal for both Stella and Audrey. However, since it was for 4 marks I talked decided to add weight, and say Stella was experiencing distress as opposed to Audrey who is experiencing eustress. The examiners report provides details regarding only primary appraisal, so would I lose marks here ( -2 marks?) or obtain the full 4 marks given I clearly explained by answer in response to the scenario.

You probably wouldn't lose marks since there's nothing to indicate you're wrong.

To get the four marks you should have:
- what is Stella experiencing
- what is Audrey experiencing
- why/how (Stella)
-why/how (Audrey)
Since its 4 marks I would also include
- primary appraisal bring the first step in L&F transactional model
- primary appraisal being subjective and varying depending on factors unique to the individual


Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 19, 2018, 09:55:14 am
Hi guys, hope everyone's exam prep is going well :) I was doing this trial, and kind of got confused for question 49, as to why the answer is A. From my understanding, GABA dysfunction is a predisposing risk factor, whereby an individual is more susceptible to developing an anxiety disorder due to an inherent neurological imbalance. Did not know that it was possible that a phobia can lead to a reduction of GABA in the nervous system.

My question is... do phobias lead to GABA dysfunction which in turn, perpetuates the phobic symptoms?  Or should I just stick to my original understanding?




hi its me again

what is another limitation of the mental health continuum, other than the fact that the boundries between each category on the continuum are indistinct?

Mod Edit: merged double post, in future please edit your original post rather than posting twice in a row :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on October 19, 2018, 01:28:22 pm
My question is... do phobias lead to GABA dysfunction which in turn, perpetuates the phobic symptoms?  Or should I just stick to my original understanding?

I agree with you that GABA is predisposing - but I think the question is worded weird. I don't think it's saying "what has happened to GABA levels because of her phobia" but that it's saying "If GABA dysfunction is part of the reason why Gia developed the phobia, does that mean she has low levels, is more sensitive etc?" Like what does GABA dysfunction mean? So it's A.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sdfg on October 20, 2018, 12:04:41 pm
Hey everyone. Hope y'all exam preparation is going well. So I have completed my course notes not long ago for this subject. However, looking back at it, I realise that some parts of it are too detailed and unnecessary for the exam. So I am wondering what the best method of cutting parts of notes is. As in if there is a secret method to success XD. Though I highly doubt there is any method other than going through everything, I look forward to some useful tips!. THANKS and good luck for your exam! 15 days left .-. . But hey, we're all in this together.

Seconding miniturtle's advice on this, especially the teaching bit. Teaching the content to friends and myself in the mirror was where most of my memorisation took place and it also helped me with my understanding of the material (if I couldn't teach it, I knew I didn't understand it well enough so I'd revise until I could teach it).

But if you're concerned about whether or not you need to know something for the exam, check out the study design key knowledge dot points under the cross-study specification, unit 3 and unit 4. That's all the content you need to know cause that's the only content VCAA can test you on.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 20, 2018, 01:59:30 pm
Sup  :P

I've got a question about standard deviations with respect to the E.R

Suppose in the exam that the E.R involves an experiment and with the results they provide a standard deviation. Are the only judgements we can make based upon the standard deviation related to how widely spread the data is. Or should we take it a step further and say whether or not this demonstrates relationship (e.g massive standard deviation- this shows that their is a very tentative relationship between IV and DV if not one at all)

TL;DR how should we discuss standard deviations if presented with one in the E.R
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 20, 2018, 03:51:02 pm
Sup  :P

I've got a question about standard deviations with respect to the E.R

Suppose in the exam that the E.R involves an experiment and with the results they provide a standard deviation. Are the only judgements we can make based upon the standard deviation related to how widely spread the data is. Or should we take it a step further and say whether or not this demonstrates relationship (e.g massive standard deviation- this shows that their is a very tentative relationship between IV and DV if not one at all)

TL;DR how should we discuss standard deviations if presented with one in the E.R

I'd talk about the spread of data (definitely) and that high standard deviation reduces ability to draw conclusions
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 20, 2018, 05:32:21 pm
ok cool!  ;D Too easy

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rinner on October 20, 2018, 08:51:13 pm
Hey guys, I wonder if anyone had a detailed but succint? answer for how a phobia is acquired though classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning. Also for the mechanism of the lock and key model, because I don't really know how to word it nicely. Cheers
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on October 21, 2018, 12:18:40 pm
Hey guys, I wonder if anyone had a detailed but succint? answer for how a phobia is acquired though classical conditioning and maintained through operant conditioning. Also for the mechanism of the lock and key model, because I don't really know how to word it nicely. Cheers

Classical conditioning can precipitate a phobia - you can then go on to explain the three stages with the UCS, UCR, NS, CS and CR.
E.g. Before conditioning, the UCS of pain from a needle evoked the UCR of fear of pain from a needle. The NS, approach of nurse, produced no particular response. During conditioning, the UCS and NS were paired together, evoking the UCR. Etc, etc.

Operant conditioning can perpetuate a phobia through negative reinforcement. This is because the removal of the anxiety/fear (aversive stimulus) when avoiding the phobic stimulus (behaviour) increases the likelihood that the avoidance behaviour will occur again. Therefore, their fear is maintained.

As for the lock and key model:
Neurotransmitter is the 'key' - has a distinctive shape
Receptor site is the 'lock' - has a matching shape
The key opens the lock so that the neurotransmitter can have either an excitatory or inhibitory effect.

Hope that helped :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on October 21, 2018, 12:30:51 pm
Hey guys!

In the freeze response, BP drops, heart rate decreases and the body is immobile. Is this similar to what happens in the 'shock' phase of the GAS? Can you describe it as the body acting as if it is injured? I'm asking because I was doing a NEAP paper that said ' the body acts injured (or dead) as it cannot deal with the threat/the threat is too overwhelming.'
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 21, 2018, 02:05:23 pm
Yep u would expect to see the same physiological changes in the freeze response as you see in the shock phase of GAS. (GAS model details physiological changes which occur due to a stressor which is present over a prolonged period of time whereas FFF response is in terms of an immediate threat)

It makes sense that the freeze response can be described as the body acting injured/dead as animals in the wild display the freeze response  when e.g antelope in the jaws of a cheetah pretends to be dead so that the cheetah will search for more prey and release the antelope.
HOWEVER, I don't think this would be the best description/explanation of the freeze response. I am interested to see what others say about this

 ;)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on October 21, 2018, 04:29:35 pm
HOWEVER, I don't think this would be the best description/explanation of the freeze response. I am interested to see what others say about this

Yeah I think I'll just stick with a safe answer like 'the freeze response results in an immobile state and is activated when the threat is too overwhelming.'
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 21, 2018, 04:55:51 pm
Yeah I think I'll just stick with a safe answer like 'the freeze response results in an immobile state and is activated when the threat is too overwhelming.'

You could also include adrenaline being released into the bloodstream and functions which aren't essential in the short term being inhibited (eg digestion)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 21, 2018, 06:12:23 pm
Lol got another question on this topic

Since the first stage of GAS produces the same physiological response as the freeze response (despite GAS being to a prolonged period of stress and freeze response to an immediate threat) How are we meant to distinguish the two if something like this comes up in a MCQ?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 22, 2018, 09:51:47 am
Lol got another question on this topic

Since the first stage of GAS produces the same physiological response as the freeze response (despite GAS being to a prolonged period of stress and freeze response to an immediate threat) How are we meant to distinguish the two if something like this comes up in a MCQ?

The GAS is a biological model of stress not just a long term model of stress.  FFF and GAS aren't mutually exclusive :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on October 22, 2018, 02:56:49 pm
"Benjy the beagle works at Hobart Airport as a sniffer dog. When he notes the scent of a restricted substance he sits down beside its source, e.g. a bag. Each time he does this he receives a treat from his handler.

It is most likely Benjy's behaviour was acquired through:
A. Classical conditioning only
B. operant conditioning only
C. observational learning only
D. both classical and operant conditioning

Why is the answer D and not B?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 22, 2018, 05:39:30 pm
The GAS is a biological model of stress not just a long term model of stress.  FFF and GAS aren't mutually exclusive :)

Thankyou for clearing that up!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ebaade4 on October 22, 2018, 05:59:51 pm
I've been doing some previous VCAA exams and have come across questions regarding descriptive and inferential statistics, but I don't recall learning it throughout the year. Is this still relevant to the current SD? If so, what is the difference between the two? Thanks  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 22, 2018, 07:06:35 pm
"Benjy the beagle works at Hobart Airport as a sniffer dog. When he notes the scent of a restricted substance he sits down beside its source, e.g. a bag. Each time he does this he receives a treat from his handler.

It is most likely Benjy's behaviour was acquired through:
A. Classical conditioning only
B. operant conditioning only
C. observational learning only
D. both classical and operant conditioning

Why is the answer D and not B?

because classical conditioning did occur due to the repeated association between the NS (the scent) and UCS (receiving a treat)
during conditioning:
 the scent of the substance (NS)  + Receiving a treat (UCS) ------ salvation in response to the treat (UCR)

after conditioning:

the scent of the substance (cs) ----- salvation in response to the scent (cr)


-ps idk if the cs/ns would include sitting down after smelling the substance- but I don't think so.

so the most correct response would be D, simply due to the fact that the reinforcement used repeatedly is also a UCS and thus CC did occur

A lot of the times with classical conditioning, operant conditioning also occurs, for example an important thing to know is that the principle of opperant conditioning can be can be applied to the Little Albert experiment as some of his responses to the white rat ( antecedent) such as crawling away (behavior) lead to the consequence of negative reinforcement.





Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 22, 2018, 07:17:55 pm
I've been doing some previous VCAA exams and have come across questions regarding descriptive and inferential statistics, but I don't recall learning it throughout the year. Is this still relevant to the current SD? If so, what is the difference between the two? Thanks  :)
They are  in the study design, so I suggest you revise them haha :)
basically

Descriptive statistics are data used to analyse, summarise, and visually represent raw data to make it easily understood. for example, the mean and standard deviation, bar charts and other graphs are descriptive statistics. This type of data only describes trends and patterns seen in results, therefore it cannot be used to draw conclusions and generalisations. However, you may be asked to draw a conclusion 'based on the results', which would entail drawing a conclusion based on descriptive statistics. These statistics 'represent the sample'

Inferential statistics on the other hand are data used to objectively make conclusions and generalisations (inferences), and interpret whether or not there is a causal link between the IV and DV. If data is considered 'statistically significant', inferential statistics were likely used to determine this, and it basically means that the difference between the experimental and control group is significant enough to infer that the IV caused a change in the DV. P-values are an example of an inferential statistic, however they are out of the study design. So we will probably get questions about reliability and have to use descriptive statistics to make a judgement on whether or not the data will/won't be statistically significant.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: matthewzz on October 22, 2018, 08:23:19 pm
Hi there! I just had a question regarding reliability and validity in the research methods section. I'm not too sure on how these can be applied in a question or research scenario, let alone what they even are! If anyone can explain this to be that would be amazing.

Also, in terms of long-term potentiation, how are we supposed to answer in a question on the role of glutamate? Is it just that it is excitatory and therefore helps strengthen the connection? Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ebaade4 on October 22, 2018, 08:34:53 pm
They are  in the study design, so I suggest you revise them haha :)
basically

Descriptive statistics are data used to analyse, summarise, and visually represent raw data to make it easily understood. for example, the mean and standard deviation, bar charts and other graphs are descriptive statistics. This type of data only describes trends and patterns seen in results, therefore it cannot be used to draw conclusions and generalisations. However, you may be asked to draw a conclusion 'based on the results', which would entail drawing a conclusion based on descriptive statistics. These statistics 'represent the sample'

Inferential statistics on the other hand are data used to objectively make conclusions and generalisations (inferences), and interpret whether or not there is a causal link between the IV and DV. If data is considered 'statistically significant', inferential statistics were likely used to determine this, and it basically means that the difference between the experimental and control group is significant enough to infer that the IV caused a change in the DV. P-values are an example of an inferential statistic, however they are out of the study design. So we will probably get questions about reliability and have to use descriptive statistics to make a judgement on whether or not the data will/won't be statistically significant.


thanks !!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on October 22, 2018, 09:41:34 pm
-ps idk if the cs/ns would include sitting down after smelling the substance- but I don't think so.


Oh I see! Thanks.

I don't think the CS could be sitting down because that's not a reflexive response - that was what i was trying so hard to look for haha
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 23, 2018, 02:32:29 pm
Hi there! I just had a question regarding reliability and validity in the research methods section. I'm not too sure on how these can be applied in a question or research scenario, let alone what they even are! If anyone can explain this to be that would be amazing.

Also, in terms of long-term potentiation, how are we supposed to answer in a question on the role of glutamate? Is it just that it is excitatory and therefore helps strengthen the connection? Thanks!

Validity: is whether the variables in a research actually/acurately represent the variables that they are said to measure.
for example: measuring cortisol levels in the blood stream is a valid measure of stress, however measuring IQ results to represent memory would be invalid.

in psych, everything we study is a psychological construct (it can't be directly measures), so we need valid measures of the effects of this construct.

to go into more detail validity can be categorized as internal or external validity.

Internal valditity is whether there is a causal relationship between the IV and DV, that is whether the iV actually caused the change in the DV. So if you want to discuss validity in research scenario always discuss the effects of exraneous/confounding variables, as they cast doubt on whether the IV caused the change in the DV and thus whether the research is internally valid. internal validity also impacts whether you can draw a conclusion (for e.g/ a valid conclusion cannot be drawn due to the presence of X confounding variable)

external validity is whether the results can be generalised to an external setting or wider population. For this you'll have to discuss whether the sample is representitive and whether the opperationalisation of the variables is valid. For example, an experiment that takes place in a sleep lab is not externally valid, because of the dissonance between natrual settings and those in the experiment. Moreover, If i'm measuring memory through IQ scores, I can't generalise my findings to suggest that my IV can be used to improve students memories in the classroom.

reliability is the liklihood that replicating the experiment will provide simillar/same results. If something is reliable the findings can be generalised to the wider population due to their consistency. In the exam, you can discuss reliability if you are given a standard deviation, if the s.dev is high the experiment is likely unreliable due to the variability between participants. There is an overlap between reliability and external validity. Moreover if something is more objective its more likely to be reliable than a subjective measure.

It is possible to have an experiment that is invalid but reliable, but not vice versa.


Also,

Glutamate plays an important role in synaptic plasticity:
synaptic plasticity is the ability of connections between neurons to change in strength. Synaptic plasticity plays a fundamental role in learning and memory because this feature of the nervous system enables the learning of new memories. Two key processes that occur as a result of synaptic plasticity are LTP and LTD. They take place throughout the brain, but to a greater extent in the cerebral cortext and the hippocampus, at glutamageric synapses. Glutamageric synapses are synaptic connections whereby glutamate is released and glutamate receptors uptake this neurotransmitter. Therefore glutamate plays a role in LTP and LTD by modulating the excitability properties of neurons. LTP is when the same group of neurons fire together simultaneously, glutamate is released, and its excitatory effect enables information to travel along these neural pathways, as a result neurons along such pathways become more sensitive to glutamate, due to the increased sensitivity and number of glutamate receptors. Thus glutamate makes neurons along this pathway more excitable, and thus enhances their efficiency in transmitting info. (obviously LTD is the opposite)

hope this helped :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: matthewzz on October 23, 2018, 05:36:11 pm
Validity: is whether the variables in a research actually/acurately represent the variables that they are said to measure.
for example: measuring cortisol levels in the blood stream is a valid measure of stress, however measuring IQ results to represent memory would be invalid.

in psych, everything we study is a psychological construct (it can't be directly measures), so we need valid measures of the effects of this construct.

to go into more detail validity can be categorized as internal or external validity.

Internal valditity is whether there is a causal relationship between the IV and DV, that is whether the iV actually caused the change in the DV. So if you want to discuss validity in research scenario always discuss the effects of exraneous/confounding variables, as they cast doubt on whether the IV caused the change in the DV and thus whether the research is internally valid. internal validity also impacts whether you can draw a conclusion (for e.g/ a valid conclusion cannot be drawn due to the presence of X confounding variable)

external validity is whether the results can be generalised to an external setting or wider population. For this you'll have to discuss whether the sample is representitive and whether the opperationalisation of the variables is valid. For example, an experiment that takes place in a sleep lab is not externally valid, because of the dissonance between natrual settings and those in the experiment. Moreover, If i'm measuring memory through IQ scores, I can't generalise my findings to suggest that my IV can be used to improve students memories in the classroom.

reliability is the liklihood that replicating the experiment will provide simillar/same results. If something is reliable the findings can be generalised to the wider population due to their consistency. In the exam, you can discuss reliability if you are given a standard deviation, if the s.dev is high the experiment is likely unreliable due to the variability between participants. There is an overlap between reliability and external validity. Moreover if something is more objective its more likely to be reliable than a subjective measure.

It is possible to have an experiment that is invalid but reliable, but not vice versa.


Also,

Glutamate plays an important role in synaptic plasticity:
synaptic plasticity is the ability of connections between neurons to change in strength. Synaptic plasticity plays a fundamental role in learning and memory because this feature of the nervous system enables the learning of new memories. Two key processes that occur as a result of synaptic plasticity are LTP and LTD. They take place throughout the brain, but to a greater extent in the cerebral cortext and the hippocampus, at glutamageric synapses. Glutamageric synapses are synaptic connections whereby glutamate is released and glutamate receptors uptake this neurotransmitter. Therefore glutamate plays a role in LTP and LTD by modulating the excitability properties of neurons. LTP is when the same group of neurons fire together simultaneously, glutamate is released, and its excitatory effect enables information to travel along these neural pathways, as a result neurons along such pathways become more sensitive to glutamate, due to the increased sensitivity and number of glutamate receptors. Thus glutamate makes neurons along this pathway more excitable, and thus enhances their efficiency in transmitting info. (obviously LTD is the opposite)

hope this helped :)

Amazing! thanks so much
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anon101 on October 23, 2018, 07:23:51 pm
Hey guys, I'm new to the forum so I'm not sure if I should post a long list of questions, but anyway I'd be extremely appreciative if anyone could help me out here to explain to me whether for these Checkpoints questions I would get some marks or not in these scenarios. Thanks a load for any guidance you people provide!!!

66. Briefly describe how the sympathetic nervous system generates the fight-flight-freeze response. In your answer you must refer to any neurotransmitters involved.
My Answer:
•   Basically, just described the SAM system (isn’t this what causes the physiological stress response?)
Their Answer:
The SA system releases two substances noradrenaline (1 mark) and adrenaline (1 mark) when the organism senses a threat (1 mark). These substances prime the body for a brief burst of physical activity (1 mark) by directing blood and energy (glucose) from the tissues (1 mark) to the heart, lungs, muscles and brain (1 mark).

67. Distinguish between a stressor and a stress response.
My Answer:
•   Stressors are any stimuli which can cause stress
•   Stress is a physiological and psychological state of arousal
Their Answer:
•   Stressor – a change in the immediate environment that affects an organism
•   Stress response – a change in the organism in response to the stressor

75. List two strengths and two limitations of Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome.
My Answer:
•   Strengths: Explains physiological aspect of stress
•   Disadvantage: Doesn’t account for psychological aspect of stress, used rats in their experimentation (so results can’t be generalised)
Their Answer:
•   Strengths:
o   That the stress response occurs in states
o   That resistance to a stressor occurs in the short term
o   That prolonged or severe stressor leads to the organism no longer adapting and becoming exhausted
•   Limitations:
o   Different stressors do not lead to non-specific responses
o   Different disorders are associated with high stress levels
o   The adrenal cortex and cortisol (as deemed primarily important as claimed by Selye) are only one aspect of the stress response with the HPA and SAM systems interacting to regulate each other to supress the stress response

76. Cortisol is a substance secreted in response to a stressful event.
a. How long does it take for the effects of cortisol to be felt in the face of stress compared to the other stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenalin?
My Answer:
Cortisol is a slow acting stress response, however lasts for longer (unlike adrenalin and noradrenalin) (is this enough to gain marks?)
Their Answer:
•   It takes some minutes (rather than seconds) (1 mark) for a person to feel the effects of cortisol in the face of stress
•   Adrenaline and noradrenaline effects are felt immediately (within fractions of seconds) of the stressful event (1 mark)

77.
a. Briefly explain what is meant by approach and avoidance strategies as coping mechanisms for stress
My Answer:
•   Approach strategies attempt to directly deal with a stressor, whereas avoidance indirectly by dealing with the emotions (thiis is what my teacher said, so is this still acceptable?)
Their Answer:
Approach and avoidance are terms used to describe cognitive and emotional activity (1 mark) directed either towards (approach) or away (avoidance) from a threat (1 mark)

b. List one potential benefit and one potential cost associated with each of the approach and avoidance strategies in coping with stress
My Answer:
•   Can lead to the stressor’s removal
•   Can cause further stress though
Their Answer:
•   Approach benefits:
o   Appropriate action is taken to deal with the stress
o   Allows venting of emotion and frustration
o   Acceptance, assimilation and resolution of a traumatic situation
•   Approach costs:
o   Increased distress by confronting the situation
o   Non-productive worry or emotional distress
•   Avoidance Benefits:
o   Immediate stress reduction (at least in the short term)
o   Allows for dosing (i.e. dealing with the stress progressively to avoid being overwhelmed)
o   Increased hope and courage to achieve some control over the threat
•   Avoidance Costs:
o   Interference with appropriate actions
o   Emotional numbness
o   Intrusion of threatening (stressful) material
o   Disruptive avoidance behaviours

79.
b. Name and describe two different types of coping strategies that can be adopted according to the transactional model of stress and coping.
My Answer:
•   Problem based – dealing with trying to solve the issue (deal with stressor) (aren't problem and approach strategies the exact same?)
•   Emotion based – deal with one’s emotions (aren't emotional and avoidance strategies the exact same?)
Their Answer:
•   Problem focused (1 mark) – seeks to address the practical aspects of the stressor, or reduce it or adapt to its impact (1 mark)
•   Emotion focused (1 mark) – addresses the emotion associated with the stressor, by avoidance, denial, or though drugs and alcohol to overcome the anxiety or via psychological defence mechanisms but not addressing the stressor (1 mark)

80. Identify two strengths and two limitations of Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping.
My Answer:
•   Advantages:
o   Explains psychological aspect of stress (is this just irrelavent? Or is it actually worth a mark?)
o   Accounts for people’s differences in how they interpret stress
•   Disadvantages:
o   Doesn’t account for the physiological stress response (same question as for the psychological aspect just above in advantages)
o   In reality primary and secondary appraisal have to happen simultaneously
Their Answer:
•   Strengths:
o   Focuses on psychological determinants of the stress response (not just involuntary physiological changes) which are potentially controllable
o   Acknowledges the personal nature and individuality of the stress response
o   Views stress as an interaction between the individual and the environment in which the individual plays an active, not passive, role
o   Emphasises the individual’s role in interpreting the situation from their perspective which explains variability in the stress response
o   Explains why different individuals responds in different ways to the same types of stressors
o   Explains how stressors and their circumstances can change over time through the process of re-appraisal
o   Proposes various methods for managing psychological responses to stressors
o   Provides greater understanding of the importance of different stress management strategies and programs
•   Limitations:
o   Difficulty to test experimentally due to the subjective nature, variability and complexity of individuals’ response to stressors
o   Primary and secondary appraisals can interact and/or occur simultaneously rather than follow a linear sequence, as per the model
o   There is some doubt as to whether (conscious) appraisal is actually required for a person to experience stress
o   Some individuals may be unable to cognitively label (or appraise) the factors actually causing stress for them

81. Dean had a stressful job as a police officer. He found that going on a daily 5 km jog greatly reduced his stress levels. Identify two effects of exercise on the autonomic nervous system and state how each may reduce Dean’s experience of stress.
My Answer:
Exercise may use up Deans stress hormones like cortisol. And make him more used to the stress response (this second part wasn’t part of their answer, would it be acceptable)

84.
a. Define what is meant by the term ‘acculturative stress’.
My Answer:
The stress of adapting to a new culture
Their Answer:
A reduction in health status of the individuals (1 mark) who have to struggle to adapt to a new culture psychologically or socially (1 mark)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: waldo on October 23, 2018, 07:58:23 pm
"the interactions between specific regions of the brain (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and cerebellum) in the storage of long-term memories, including implicit and explicit memories"
can someone please provide me with an explanation of this dot point? i cant seem to understand it no matter how much i try :'(
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on October 23, 2018, 08:10:46 pm

66. Briefly describe how the sympathetic nervous system generates the fight-flight-freeze response. In your answer you must refer to any neurotransmitters involved.
My Answer:
•   Basically, just described the SAM system (isn’t this what causes the physiological stress response?)
Their Answer:
The SA system releases two substances noradrenaline (1 mark) and adrenaline (1 mark) when the organism senses a threat (1 mark). These substances prime the body for a brief burst of physical activity (1 mark) by directing blood and energy (glucose) from the tissues (1 mark) to the heart, lungs, muscles and brain (1 mark).

I just had a quick look at your questions - I can't answer all them  :P but I'll start the thread off.
IMO, the marks would be allocated as such:
- The fight-fight-freeze response is activated by the sympathetic nervous system to help an organism deal with a stressful or threatening situation.
- It does this by releasing substances adrenaline and noradrenaline, which energise the body.
- For example, heart rate and breathing rate increases and non-essential functions like digestion are suppressed in order to direct energy towards the muscles.

Although the SAM pathway initiates the fight-flight reaction, it doesn't initiate the freeze reaction.

About your other questions, I think with the strengths and limitations of the GAS and transactional model, try and be more specific.
E.g. Even though it is a strength that the L+F model explain psychological response to stress, why is that good?
---> Because it accounts for...
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: matthewzz on October 24, 2018, 04:17:36 pm
Hello! Back again for another few questions if anyone can assist  :)

I'm aware of the continuum for mental health, but what are the specific characteristics to classify someone as having a mental health disorder, in comparison to a mental health problem (the ones I am aware of are length of time that symptoms have been present and atypical behaviours). Also, on the topic of mental health also, what are the problems around research with participants that have mental disorders (placebo and/or informed consent)?

Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 25, 2018, 11:13:32 am


67. I think you'd get the marks


75. You wouldn't get full marks for your response.
Your limitations seem alright, but when two strengths are asked for two need to be provided

76. I wouldn't have expeced knowing the exact timing to be required

77a Your wording is a little strange, but the idea you're trying to get at seems good. To be safe, I'd use the provided answer
b) your weakness of an approach strategy isn't explained clearly enough.        You would also need to provide a benefit and a cost for avoidance strategies.

79. Probably a good idea to havve more descriptive descriptions than what you've provided (elaborate)

80. I'd say it's a bit iffy about whether or not your first advantage would be accepted. I'd write it down if you can't think of anything else, but otherwise it would be good to use a different one

81. I doubt that the second one would be accepted (maybe if it was explained differently it could be?)

84. It's a two mark question and you've provided one (relevant) point, so you'd get one mark.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lexellcomet on October 25, 2018, 04:59:27 pm
Hi!
Does anyone know if demonstrating a phobic response is an implicit memory?
Also, if the term "unconscious response" refers to spinal reflexes, autonomic nervous system responses, or to both?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 25, 2018, 05:06:11 pm
"the interactions between specific regions of the brain (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and cerebellum) in the storage of long-term memories, including implicit and explicit memories"
can someone please provide me with an explanation of this dot point? i cant seem to understand it no matter how much i try :'(

Hello! Back again for another few questions if anyone can assist  :)

I'm aware of the continuum for mental health, but what are the specific characteristics to classify someone as having a mental health disorder, in comparison to a mental health problem (the ones I am aware of are length of time that symptoms have been present and atypical behaviours). Also, on the topic of mental health also, what are the problems around research with participants that have mental disorders (placebo and/or informed consent)?

Thanks!

I'm uploading docs I've made to this post which I hope can help :)


Hi!
Does anyone know if demonstrating a phobic response is an implicit memory?
Also, if the term "unconscious response" refers to spinal reflexes, autonomic nervous system responses, or to both?

The demonstration of it would not be a memory, however there are conditioned memories associated with phobias.

Both are unconscious responses
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: fruitbowl34 on October 25, 2018, 06:14:41 pm
Would the 10-mark question ever be like a research methods question? (eg. write a hypothesis, design an experiment, interpret tables/graphs) also does anyone have any predictions on what the 10-mark question could be? Could it possibly be on sleep again, since last year's exam was on sleep? Thanks! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 25, 2018, 06:39:23 pm
Would the 10-mark question ever be like a research methods question? (eg. write a hypothesis, design an experiment, interpret tables/graphs) also does anyone have any predictions on what the 10-mark question could be? Could it possibly be on sleep again, since last year's exam was on sleep? Thanks! :)

Since we have a very limited sample size of 2 10 markers (if you count the sample exam) we cannot draw conclusions about this years 10 marker.

My guess is that it might be about mental health but there's no way to know for sure & I wouldn't recommend study plans being influenced by  that :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lexellcomet on October 26, 2018, 12:19:36 pm
Hi guys,
According to a trial made by Lisachem, recency effect is stronger than primacy effect. Is this true or is there an error in the answers?
Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on October 26, 2018, 12:20:32 pm
In the exam, you can discuss reliability if you are given a standard deviation, if the s.dev is high the experiment is likely unreliable due to the variability between participants. There is an overlap between reliability and external validity. Moreover if something is more objective its more likely to be reliable than a subjective measure.

Hey, could someone expand on this more? How is standard deviation and reliability linked?

Also, I came across a question that asked to evaluate the reliability of the results. It said "Reliability is shown due to the large sample and pre-testing of students (controls potential confounding variable) – it is representative of the university students." Isn't that external validity?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 26, 2018, 01:31:52 pm
Hey, could someone expand on this more? How is standard deviation and reliability linked?



Standard deviation refers to how spread the data is around the central value (Mean). Therefore if you have a large standard deviation this means you have a large range of variability in the results. This reduces reliability because it decreases likelihood that if experiment were to be repeated again similar results would be produced.
Furthermore, a large sd could suggest there is not a relationship between the two variables
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 26, 2018, 04:10:18 pm
Hey, could someone expand on this more? How is standard deviation and reliability linked?

Also, I came across a question that asked to evaluate the reliability of the results. It said "Reliability is shown due to the large sample and pre-testing of students (controls potential confounding variable) – it is representative of the university students." Isn't that external validity?

I think KiNSKi01 adressed the first part of your question really well, but I just wanted to add something to your second question. If you have a look at the key science skills there is a dot point that says something like 'explain the merit of replicating procedures and the effect of sample sizes in obtaining reliable data' So I think while sample size is related to external validitity the SD wants us to focus on large samples in relation to reliability. Furthermore, the two are related, as in something cannot be externally valid without being reliable. And controlling confounding variables (which is what a large sample size does - or attempts to do) is an important part of both validity and reliability.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 26, 2018, 04:19:53 pm
Hi guys,
According to a trial made by Lisachem, recency effect is stronger than primacy effect. Is this true or is there an error in the answers?
Thanks!
This is from last year's exam:

For responses that interpreted the question to be about the serial position curve, one mark was
awarded for noting that recall would be high/near perfect for the first words on the list (primacy
effect), providing evidence that these words had been transferred to long-term memory, and the
second mark was given for noting that recall would be high/near perfect for the last words in the list
(recency effect), consistent with the model’s proposal that these words would still be
active/rehearsed in short-term (and sensory) memory.

 
If we had to indicate that we knew the recency effect was stronger, i'm sure it would have been mentioned here... so don't worry too much about knowing this or including it in your responses.

but when you think about it, it probably would be stronger...i'm not sure if your teacher did the SPE with you guys in class but when we did it, most of us depicted the recency effect to a greater extent than the primacy effect. 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 26, 2018, 04:32:18 pm
I'm uploading docs I've made to this post which I hope can help :)


The demonstration of it would not be a memory, however there are conditioned memories associated with phobias.

Both are unconscious responses

ur notes are amazing miniturtle!! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on October 26, 2018, 05:11:05 pm
Standard deviation refers to how spread the data is around the central value (Mean). Therefore if you have a large standard deviation this means you have a large range of variability in the results. This reduces reliability because it decreases likelihood that if experiment were to be repeated again similar results would be produced.
Furthermore, a large sd could suggest there is not a relationship between the two variables

I think KiNSKi01 adressed the first part of your question really well, but I just wanted to add something to your second question. If you have a look at the key science skills there is a dot point that says something like 'explain the merit of replicating procedures and the effect of sample sizes in obtaining reliable data' So I think while sample size is related to external validitity the SD wants us to focus on large samples in relation to reliability. Furthermore, the two are related, as in something cannot be externally valid without being reliable. And controlling confounding variables (which is what a large sample size does - or attempts to do) is an important part of both validity and reliability.

Thanks guys!!  :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 26, 2018, 05:44:37 pm
"the interactions between specific regions of the brain (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and cerebellum) in the storage of long-term memories, including implicit and explicit memories"
can someone please provide me with an explanation of this dot point? i cant seem to understand it no matter how much i try :'(

I think the text books all did a really bad job at explaining this dotpoint :( so i'll try to help give you a summary of only the stuff you need!

1/ Long term memory can be subcategorized into two types of memory
-implcit memories: which are  long term memories that are unconsciously retrieved, and involve all of the behaviours, habbits and responses, skills that can usually only be expressed as actions.
implicit memories include procedural memories:  memories that enable us to carry out tasks without conscious effort
they can also include classically conditioned responses, and implicit emotional responses

-explicit memories are long term memories of facts, knowledge of information that is consciously and intentionally retrieved
- can be semantic: explicit  memories that are impersonal
-episodic: memories that are personally significant and considered 'auto biographical'

2/ interactions between brain regions:

formation of explicit memories
The hippocampus (located in the medial temporal lobe) consolidates explicit semantic and episodic memories, by transferring this information from short term memory to long term memory. The hippocampus interacts with the cerebral cortex as it transfers explicit long term memories to this brain region. The cerebral cortext is therefore involved in the long term storage of explicit episodic and semantic memories.

formation of implicit memories
the cerebellum is involved in the consolidation and long term storage of implicit memories such as procedural memories as well as classically conditioned memories. This brain region interacts with the basal ganglia- the striatum in particular, in order to consolidate and store implicit memories.

formation of emotionally arousing memories (which have an implicit emotional component as well as an explicit episodic component)

When released into the brain following an emotionally arousing experience, noradrenaline activates the amygdala. The amygdala registers the experience as significant, activating the nearby hippocampus, as the two brain structures interact and work together to consolidate the emotionally arousing memory- however none are particularly a site of storage. The amygdala consolidates the implicit emotional component of the memory, while the hippocampus will consolidate the explicit episodic component of the event, the hippocampus will then interact with the cerebral cortex, so that the cerebral cortex permanently stores the episodic component of the emotionally arousing memory.

evidence for the existence of different types of LTMs and the fact that different brain regions have different memory functions stems from research into case studies of individuals who have sustained damage to a particular region of the brain.


Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: fl982 on October 26, 2018, 06:14:18 pm
Hey guys,

I know declarative memories are consolidated in the hippocampus, and transferred over to the cerebral cortex for long-term storage. Is this also the same for implicit memories, in that they are consolidated in the cerebellum then transferred for storage in the cerebral cortex or are they also stored in the cerebellum?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 26, 2018, 06:39:48 pm
Hey guys,

I know declarative memories are consolidated in the hippocampus, and transferred over to the cerebral cortex for long-term storage. Is this also the same for implicit memories, in that they are consolidated in the cerebellum then transferred for storage in the cerebral cortex or are they also stored in the cerebellum?

also stored in the cerebellum, check last years exam question no. 27 which asks this question.

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 27, 2018, 08:21:57 am
guys if this were to include a column about observational learning, im kind of stuck for the third one...

acquisition:  The response is learnt by observing the actions and consequences of the behaviour of a model
nature of the response:  volountary, intentional (involving cns)
timing of stimulis and response: ????
spontaneous recovery: does not apply to observational learning (?)

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 27, 2018, 12:53:17 pm
guys if this were to include a column about observational learning, im kind of stuck for the third one...

acquisition:  The response is learnt by observing the actions and consequences of the behaviour of a model
nature of the response:  volountary, intentional (involving cns)
timing of stimulis and response: ????
spontaneous recovery: does not apply to observational learning (?)



I'm a wary about using "involving CNS" to define being intentional since the CNS is also involved in classical conditioning (ie CC memories as a subset of implicit memory).

In observational learning the timing of the stimulus and response can vary.

I see no reason why you couldn't have spontaneous recovery for a vicariously conditioned response acquired through observational learning


Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 27, 2018, 01:42:05 pm
I'm a wary about using "involving CNS" to define being intentional since the CNS is also involved in classical conditioning (ie CC memories as a subset of implicit memory).

In observational learning the timing of the stimulus and response can vary.

I see no reason why you couldn't have spontaneous recovery for a vicariously conditioned response acquired through observational learning


Hope this helps :)

yeah tbh, I wouldn't usually include it but it's in the table from the VCAA question, i'm not sure how accurate it is to this study design though honestly.
just to expand on the 'vary' thing, for Observational learning, do we consider the stimulis as the behaviour of the model? And could you say something like, the timing can vary, because it is possible for a response to occur at any time after observing the model, given the opportunity to demonstrate the behaviour, additionally, according to this learning theory it is possible that the response would potentially never be demonstrated?

Thank you for the clarifications :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 27, 2018, 03:31:27 pm
yeah tbh, I wouldn't usually include it but it's in the table from the VCAA question, i'm not sure how accurate it is to this study design though honestly.
just to expand on the 'vary' thing, for Observational learning, do we consider the stimulis as the behaviour of the model? And could you say something like, the timing can vary, because it is possible for a response to occur at any time after observing the model, given the opportunity to demonstrate the behaviour, additionally, according to this learning theory it is possible that the response would potentially never be demonstrated?

Thank you for the clarifications :)

No problem at all!

Your understanding of behaviour expression in OL is good, but I think that here the stimulus would be the environmental prompt which triggers response. Eg. if the model was a tennis player the stimulus might be being given a tennis racket (in this context presentation of the stimulus occurs after retention and before reproduction).

(Still relevant that the mental representation of the model's behaviour will never be converted into action)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 27, 2018, 03:55:23 pm
No problem at all!

Your understanding of behaviour expression in OL is good, but I think that here the stimulus would be the environmental prompt which triggers response. Eg. if the model was a tennis player the stimulus might be being given a tennis racket (in this context presentation of the stimulus occurs after retention and before reproduction).

(Still relevant that the mental representation of the model's behaviour will never be converted into action)

Ohhhh I see, that makes sense! Thanks again!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: fl982 on October 27, 2018, 10:42:08 pm
Hey guys,
What are some examples on the effects of partial sleep deprivation on behavioural and cognitive function?
Im struggling to think of a examples for each

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 28, 2018, 12:01:48 am
Behavioural= reduced coordination, reduced balance, microsleep

Cognitive= Impaired memory, impaired decision making, impaired problem solving
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Balfe on October 28, 2018, 09:01:04 am
Hi,
I was just wondering where clasically conditioned memories are formed and stored? Is it the cerebellum because they are a form of implicit memory?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 28, 2018, 10:16:13 am
Hi,
I was just wondering where clasically conditioned memories are formed and stored? Is it the cerebellum because they are a form of implicit memory?

Yep, you're right, in the cerebellum, there is an exception for classically conditioned fear responses which are formed as a result of the function of the amygdala
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 28, 2018, 05:05:49 pm
heeyyyy

I know that relearning is the most sensitive measure of retention however I only have a vague idea on what sensitive refers to.

can someone please give me some clarity on what sensitivity means in relation to measure of retention. What key things should I say?

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on October 28, 2018, 05:45:13 pm
heeyyyy

I know that relearning is the most sensitive measure of retention however I only have a vague idea on what sensitive refers to.

can someone please give me some clarity on what sensitivity means in relation to measure of retention. What key things should I say?

I believe relearning is the most sensitive because it detects the presence of a memory even if there is only a small amount of it.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 28, 2018, 06:40:22 pm
Sorry I think you misunderstood me  :P

What does sensitivity mean in relation to measure of retention
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 28, 2018, 06:43:02 pm
As RaniB said, sensitivity is about demonstrating the presence of the memory.
Higher sensitivity = able to demonstrate memory more strongly/often.

If you test something through free recall, it might demonstrate the presence of the memory 3/10 times, maybe cued recall would bring it to 5/10 and relearning might bring it to 8/10 (made up numbers). In this case, you would say that relearning is a more sensitive measure of retention than cued recall which is more sensitive than free recall


Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 28, 2018, 06:52:19 pm
ok cheers

makes more sense now
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 29, 2018, 10:46:25 am
Hey everyone,
I just wanted to make sure that my understanding of ethics is accurate. So in my book it says, 'it is legally permissible in Victoria to conduct medical research with patients in the mental health care system who have not given informed consent'. So even if it is legal is it still considered a breach of the ethical principle of informed consent? I think it is, but I’m not 100% sure tbh.

thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Balfe on October 29, 2018, 11:48:05 am
Hey everyone,
I just wanted to make sure that my understanding of ethics is accurate. So in my book it says, 'it is legally permissible in Victoria to conduct medical research with patients in the mental health care system who have not given informed consent'. So even if it is legal is it still considered a breach of the ethical principle of informed consent? I think it is, but I’m not 100% sure tbh.

thanks :)

This is certainly an interesting point! For the purposes of VCE Psychology this would be an ethical breach assuming that the guardian did not provide informed consent. In order for such a study to be ethical, informed consent must be gained from the guardian of the mentally ill patient and attempts must be made to the best effort of the experimenter to explain the nature, purpose, risks and benefits of the study to the patient (although they do not necessarily have to consent themselves following this).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 29, 2018, 11:57:53 am
This is certainly an interesting point! For the purposes of VCE Psychology this would be an ethical breach assuming that the guardian did not provide informed consent. In order for such a study to be ethical, informed consent must be gained from the guardian of the mentally ill patient and attempts must be made to the best effort of the experimenter to explain the nature, purpose, risks and benefits of the study to the patient (although they do not necessarily have to consent themselves following this).
Great, thanks for the clarification! :) (i'm sure you definitely know ur 'law-stuff' based off your profile pic :P)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anon101 on October 29, 2018, 01:56:14 pm
I'm really confused about approach vs avoidance strategies and emotion vs problem-focused strategies. Can anyone define these terms and state the differences and similarities between them (because my teacher said).
Thanks a load
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: fl982 on October 29, 2018, 04:29:40 pm
Hey guys,
In the VCAA exams are we allowed to write under the lines provided (in the blank white areas)  but within the border given of the exam, or do we have to go to the back of the exam and continue our responses there?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 29, 2018, 04:42:17 pm
I'm really confused about approach vs avoidance strategies and emotion vs problem-focused strategies. Can anyone define these terms and state the differences and similarities between them (because my teacher said).
Thanks a load
In an approach strategy you approach the source of your stress and confront it. Eg. If your stressed about English, you might write a practice essay and ask your teacher for feedback
In an avoidance strategy you avoid the stressor. Eg. If you're stressed about English, you might procrastinate your English work so you don't have to deal with it.

Problem solving: Tackles the stressor directly Eg. if you're worried about your performance in something, practice your performance
Emotion based: Tackles the emotions involved in the stressor Eg.  if you're worried about your performance in something, vent to a supportive friend

Similarities: all can be adaptive, all can be maladaptive, all are used to cope with stress and/or its impacts


Hope this helps :)
Hey guys,
In the VCAA exams are we allowed to write under the lines provided (in the blank white areas)  but within the border given of the exam, or do we have to go to the back of the exam and continue our responses there?

You can write (or even draw diagrams) there - just make sure your writing is legible and within the borders :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anon101 on October 29, 2018, 08:15:23 pm
So, how can I answer this question best:
Why is LTD a necessary feature of synaptic change along with LTP?

Thanks so much for helping me!!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 29, 2018, 08:31:06 pm
So, how can I answer this question best:
Why is LTD a necessary feature of synaptic change along with LTP?

Thanks so much for helping me!!!

For this question I'm going to try and explain the answer to you rather than telling it to you (cause I think that'll be more helpful & help you remember rather than just memorising) so probably best not to directly copy this into your exam booklet:

Sometimes we learn things that are untrue, or that were true but no longer are. Or we have a destructive habit, belief or behaviour. Changing these will require unlearning associations & require LTD.

When we do learn something new, it might not fit in with our previous patterns/beliefs - so we might have to modify them. In this case, LTP and LTD are working together - LTP gives us the new pattern/association and LTD removes the old (potentially maladaptive) one.

And sometimes the pattern we had isn't bad, isn't being replaced by something new, and we get rid of it anyway. It's like cancelling an old subscription sure, the ting I'm paying for might not be bad, but if I'm not using it why continue to waste resources on it? By decreasing the synaptic strength of that old connection we also improve the efficiency of the system.



Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anon101 on October 29, 2018, 08:53:22 pm
So, correct me if I'm wrong here. But do you think that my response below would be worth full marks?
Btw, I understand what you're saying, however, I'm struggling to put it into words (and it's a 2 mark question)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 29, 2018, 09:12:58 pm
So, correct me if I'm wrong here. But do you think that my response below would be worth full marks?
Btw, I understand what you're saying, however, I'm struggling to put it into words (and it's a 2 mark question)
  • LTD allows for the decrease in unnecessary, unwanted and thus largely unused synaptic connections strength
  • Prevents LTP from continuously strengthening synaptic connections, and thus using the nervous system's limited resources for something no longer needed

It doesn't prevent LTP, it just has the opposite biological effect - so I'd be very wary of the wording you've used

I'd probably be more direct in your first point about LTD actually does too.

Given that it's for two marks, my answer might look something like this:
- LTD reduces the strength of rarely used synaptic connections which allows removal of maladaptive and/or unnecessary pathways
- This increases the efficiency of neural networks and reduces the amount of  resources wasted on unnecessary connections

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anon101 on October 29, 2018, 09:46:28 pm
I'm a bit confused about where the marks come from. Since their response is as follows:
From what I understand, the first point they make just means that it allows important synaptic connections to be strenghtened. And second means it prevents the nervous system from running out of resources, correct?
So how would I know to write those two exact points from the question?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 29, 2018, 10:24:20 pm
I'm a bit confused about where the marks come from. Since their response is as follows:
  • Constructively counteracts the synaptic strengthening caused by LTP
  • Stops synapses hitting a ceiling level of efficiency (due to LTP)
From what I understand, the first point they make just means that it allows important synaptic connections to be strenghtened. And second means it prevents the nervous system from running out of resources, correct?
So how would I know to write those two exact points from the question?

The first point is not that it allows synapses to be strengthened; its that it allows them to be weakened.


You wouldn't know to answer those exact points, but you would know a) what LTD does and b) that this improves efficiency  and should be able to apply that to the question. You don't need to 100% match what the report says to get the marks - it's a guide. If your response validly applies to the question in specific enough detail without misinformation you should get the marks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anon101 on October 30, 2018, 08:35:57 am
Thanks dude,
I have some more questions if you're able (I know there's a lot here, but quite a few should just need one liners):
Bill was very happy when his baby was born. A few weeks after the birth, Bill lost his job and became worried about providing for his family in the future, especially since his wife did not have paid work.
When the baby was born, Bill immediately experienced:

Why does the parasympathetic nervous system first activate during countershock? Wouldn’t the first sympathetic nervous system activate then?

Briefly describe how the sympathetic nervous system generates the fight-flight-freeze response. In your answer you must refer to any neurotransmitters involved.
Doesn’t this ask for the HPA axis? I thought so, but Checkpoints answers doesn’t reflect this (and it’s a 6 marker!)

Is graduated expose something on the old study design which isn’t applicable to me any more (because there’s a Checkpoints question which has it as its answer)

Jane’s mother decides that she will also try to change John’s bad behavious. Each time she catches John trying to frighten Jane, she takes one dollar from his pocket money. John then stops frightening his sister.
Which best describes John’s experience:

Vicki found it annoying that Misha salivated whenever she saw her. To aboid Misha salivating, Vicki should have trained Misha to sit by:
Is Thorndike’s law of effect something from the old study design, as in Checkpoints this earns the last mark for one question about conditioning

Why would a lack of REM sleep cause heightened sensitivity to pain?

If anyone can help me, I'd greatly appreciate it!!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Balfe on October 30, 2018, 09:11:11 am
Bill was very happy when his baby was born. A few weeks after the birth, Bill lost his job and became worried about providing for his family in the future, especially since his wife did not have paid work.
When the baby was born, Bill immediately experienced:
  • Distress – Checkpoints answer
    Eustress – what I thought
You're definiteley right here, Bill would be experiencing eustress.

Why does the parasympathetic nervous system first activate during countershock? Wouldn’t the first sympathetic nervous system activate then?
Theoretically the parasympathetic nervous system could activate in countershock, assuming that the individual is eliciting the 'freeze' response whereby there would be a heightened arousal of both the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system. Otherwise, just the sympathetic.

Briefly describe how the sympathetic nervous system generates the fight-flight-freeze response. In your answer you must refer to any neurotransmitters involved.
Doesn’t this ask for the HPA axis? I thought so, but Checkpoints answers doesn’t reflect this (and it’s a 6 marker!)
I'd be interested to see what Checkpoints suggested here. Keep in mind that if it isn't a past VCAA question the checkpoints can be quite odd!

Is graduated expose something on the old study design which isn’t applicable to me any more (because there’s a Checkpoints question which has it as its answer)
Graduated exposure is basically systematic desensitisation, but no, the term is no longer in the study design.

Jane’s mother decides that she will also try to change John’s bad behavious. Each time she catches John trying to frighten Jane, she takes one dollar from his pocket money. John then stops frightening his sister.
Which best describes John’s experience:
  • Punishment – what I thought was the answer
    Response cost – their answer
That would be a response cost because he is losing a positive stimulus (money) each time he performs the behaviour. Thus, weakening it. There is an important distinction here! Imagine, a fine, that would be a response cost!

Vicki found it annoying that Misha salivated whenever she saw her. To aboid Misha salivating, Vicki should have trained Misha to sit by:
  • Using a command word other than the word ‘sit’ – their answer (how will changing the word affect this?)
    Giving Misha a pat but not a biscuit whenever she sat on command – my answer
Both answers were appropriate in this question.

Is Thorndike’s law of effect something from the old study design, as in Checkpoints this earns the last mark for one question about conditioning
Never heard of this so must be an old study design.

Why would a lack of REM sleep cause heightened sensitivity to pain?
A lack of REM sleep would lead to partial sleep deprivation, which in turn leads to the physiological symptom of a heightened sensitivity to pain if that's what you mean? Specific REM deprivation may lead to hallucinations and impaired motor movements + REM rebound.

Hope this helps!
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Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 30, 2018, 09:24:04 am
Thanks Balfe for your contributions :)

Also anon101, there was a discussion about that 6 marker a few pages back  that might be useful :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rinner on October 30, 2018, 02:30:14 pm
Hey,
I just did the 2017 VCAA exam and I felt like did alright except for the last question. There is just so much information that I've literally never learnt, such as zeitgeibers, the suprachiesmatic nucleus (SCN), hypothamulus, pineal gland. Can anyone please explain what they are because my teacher told us to specifically not learn this stuff so I'm feeling kind of stressed.
Thanks!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 30, 2018, 02:59:49 pm
Hey,
I just did the 2017 VCAA exam and I felt like did alright except for the last question. There is just so much information that I've literally never learnt, such as zeitgeibers, the suprachiesmatic nucleus (SCN), hypothamulus, pineal gland. Can anyone please explain what they are because my teacher told us to specifically not learn this stuff so I'm feeling kind of stressed.
Thanks!!
No need to stress, this stuff is quite easy to learn so i'll try break it down for you :)

this is from the key knowledge: sleep as a regular and naturally occurring altered state of consciousness that follows a circadian rhythm and
involves the ultradian rhythms of REM and NREM Stages 1–4 sleep


Circadian rhythms are biological rhythms that follow a 24 hour cycle. sleep can be considered as part of a circadian rhythm, due to the sleep wake cycle, which involves the alternation between periods of sleep and periods of wakefulness over a 24 hour period.

Circadian rhythms are influenced by internal and external factors. These factors are known as endogenous factors and zeitgebers.
-endogenous factors: are factors that are intrinsic to an individual, and are associated with their physiological functioning that can influence their circadian rhythms, with regards to sleep, the primary endogenous factors include the interaction between the superchiasmic nucleus and the pineal gland in regulating the secretion of melatonin and inducing physiological changes that are associated with sleep or wakefulness.

-zeitgebers: (are German for 'time givers') and they are external/extrinsic factors that originate within the environment that can influence circadian rhythms, with regards to sleep, the zeitgeber involved is light from the external environment, which is involved in influencing the sleep wake cycle.

these two factors interact to regulate a person's sleep-wake cycle
Light from the external environment acts as a zeitgeber ---- it is detected by the eyes ---  it travels to the superchiasmic nucleus through neural connections between the hypothalamus and the optic chiasma--- the superchiasmic nucleus is a cluster of neurons located in the hypothalamus that contains neural links to the pineal gland and the optic chiasma and is involved in influencing the sleep wake cycle (it is also known as the body's biological clock {u probably vaguely remember this from unit 1} ) ----- if the SCN detects an intense quantity of external light (indicative of day time) ---- it will send signals to the pineal gland in the brain to cease the release of the hormone melatonin into the bloodstream, complementary to this are secondary signals will promote an increase in the hormone cortisol in the blood stream --- this will influence one to remain awake and alert during the day. ----- if the SCN detects low quantities of external light  (indicative of darkness/nigh time)---- it will signal to the pineal gland to increase the release of melatonin into the bloodstream, melatonin is responsible for introducing feelings of drowsiness and sleepiness influencing one to feel tired and fall asleep at night time.

other stuff you can know:
- endogenous factors are more influential than zeitgebers on the sleep-wake cycle (that is the SCN will function as stated above in the absence of any light) this is from a study on the influence of light on the circadian rhythms of rats, where it was found that their sleep-wake cycles functioned as normal in the absence of light

- The sleep wake cycle is actually longer than 24 hours, which is why travelling west (and hence having to delay your sleep wake cycle) is easier done than travelling east

-in the adolescent sleep wake shift the functioning of the SCN (interaction with pineal gland) is delayed by 1-2 hours

- in bright light therapy the light from the light box is a zeitgeber and it manipulates the SCN (which is why it is effective in treating circadian phase disorders)


if my attempt at making a flow chart doesn't make sense just let me know and i'll scan my notes. Don't stress though, it's good you found this gap in your knowledge now... but don't let this make you paranoid and doubt yourslef on the exam :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ebaade4 on October 30, 2018, 03:13:29 pm
Hey guys i have a few questions regarding the exam rules
 - Are we are allowed to write outside the lines provided but still inside the boxed area?
 - When we write in the extra space at the back do we just write ''continued on back" in another colour or something?
 - Is it okay to use dot points and underlining for short answer questions to make our answers clearer?
 - One other thing, should i avoid try write small to avoid using the extra space? or maybe write two lines in each gap? I was thinking maybe examiners wouldn't like constantly flicking to the back to read answer
These might seem like stupid questions, but I just don't want to lose marks because of silly things. thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 30, 2018, 03:35:30 pm
Hey guys i have a few questions regarding the exam rules
 - Are we are allowed to write outside the lines provided but still inside the boxed area?
 - When we write in the extra space at the back do we just write ''continued on back" in another colour or something?
 - Is it okay to use dot points and underlining for short answer questions to make our answers clearer?
 - One other thing, should i avoid try write small to avoid using the extra space? or maybe write two lines in each gap? I was thinking maybe examiners wouldn't like constantly flicking to the back to read answer
These might seem like stupid questions, but I just don't want to lose marks because of silly things. thanks :)

- yes
- In my exam I wrote "see extra space at back" or something similar, I don't know if you have to but I think it's a good idea
- Yep, that's definitely ok.     You can also use subheadings (can be good for the 10 marker) if you want
- They don't get the actual book, it's scanned. My first focus would be on making sure your answer is legible - if they can't read it they can't give you marks & there's space at the back for a reason :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anon101 on October 30, 2018, 03:42:15 pm
Thanks a load, Balfe, you've answer majority of my questions!!!

For this one though, him losing money would be the response cost, but his actual experience would be negative punishment, right?
    That would be a response cost because he is losing a positive stimulus (money) each time he performs the behaviour. Thus, weakening it. There is an important distinction here! Imagine, a fine, that would be a response cost!

Also, how many marks (out of 3) would I get for my response to the question I've just written below?
Explain how CBT could be used to treat Alex's (I've just ignored the scenario to keep this short here) sleep disturbances:

I'm really confused about how I should go about these CBT questions because in the practise exams I've done there've been several similar questions which seem to have a couple of different distributions of marks.

Also, if someone has "ongoing sleep deprivation", how can that be a precipitating risk factor? Wouldn't that be perpetuating? (from the VCAA sample exam)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Balfe on October 30, 2018, 04:42:39 pm
Thanks a load, Balfe, you've answer majority of my questions!!!
:)
For this one though, him losing money would be the response cost, but his actual experience would be negative punishment, right?
Response cost is negative punishment, just the fancy name for it. That's why you can also just say 'punishment' rather than 'positive punishment' due to this distinction.

Also, how many marks (out of 3) would I get for my response to the question I've just written below?
Explain how CBT could be used to treat Alex's (I've just ignored the scenario to keep this short here) sleep disturbances:
  • CBT's cognitive and behavioural components can help to identify and correct maladaptive thought patterns, beliefs and behaviours
  • The cognitive aspect can get him to focus on his own personal development (instead of what's causing him stress and anxiety)
  • The behavioural aspect can help to implement sleep hygiene (e.g. no phone's before bed)
Sometimes these 3 markers can throw you off as some state 1 mark for cognitive, 1 for behavioural and then EITHER 1 mark for an overall statement of how they interact OR 1 mark for what you have given (i.e. the general describtion of CBT). I would potentially mention both just to assure you get the marks. So, 'The combination of these behavioural and cognitive approaches will help to relieve.... the stress.. or whatever is relevant.

Also, if someone has "ongoing sleep deprivation", how can that be a precipitating risk factor? Wouldn't that be perpetuating? (from the VCAA sample exam)
Poor sleep in and of itself can precipitate mental illness and mental health problems. This is because the lack of sleep can lead us onto feeling worse and having severe cognitive functioning impairment. So, according to the study design it is a biological precipitating risk factor. On the other hand, the biological perpetuating factor would be a poor response to medication due to genetic factors and potentially sleep (it will really just depend upon whether he already has the issue before the sleep issues begin) - perhaps our seasoned expert miniturtle can provide some guidance here!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 30, 2018, 04:53:22 pm
Poor sleep in and of itself can precipitate mental illness and mental health problems. This is because the lack of sleep can lead us onto feeling worse and having severe cognitive functioning impairment. So, according to the study design it is a biological precipitating risk factor. On the other hand, the biological perpetuating factor would be a poor response to medication due to genetic factors and potentially sleep (it will really just depend upon whether he already has the issue before the sleep issues begin) - perhaps our seasoned expert miniturtle can provide some guidance here!
Thanks Balfe!


If it was perpetuating rather than precipitating it wouldn't increase the chance of developing the mental health disorder. However, if you're regularly experiencing symptoms of sleep deprivation such as lower self control, difficulty regulating your emotions, easily irritated etc. we would expect that to increase someone's chance of developing a MHD.
Precipitating risk factors also contribute the occurrence of the disorder (they're kind of like predisposing and perpetuating all in one), which makes sense given that you (correctly) do expect symptoms of sleep deprivation to inhibit recovery.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anon101 on October 30, 2018, 04:59:39 pm
If it was perpetuating rather than precipitating it wouldn't increase the chance of developing the mental health disorder. However, if you're regularly experiencing symptoms of sleep deprivation such as lower self control, difficulty regulating your emotions, easily irritated etc. we would expect that to increase someone's chance of developing a MHD.
Precipitating risk factors also contribute the occurrence of the disorder (they're kind of like predisposing and perpetuating all in one), which makes sense given that you (correctly) do expect symptoms of sleep deprivation to inhibit recovery.

Don't precipitating factors just do two things increase someone's vulnerability to a MHD and contribute to its onset?
So are you saying perpetuating factors can't contribute to the onset of someone's MHD? Because I thought that they still increase vulnerability

For that CBT question. Were the other two points I made correct? Can you give me an example of how you think the best way to tackle those questions are? Because they're one of a handful that I never seem to be getting marks for
When do I know to define a key term in my responses, since I seem to lose a lot of marks on the VCAA sample exam for not defining in the questions (which my teacher told me not to do unless the question asks for it, but I can't seem to figure out where it asks for the definitions).
Lastly, can you list some of the effects of ASC's and sleep deprivation (since they should be identical for all questions)?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rinner on October 30, 2018, 05:09:03 pm
thanks studyingg, I think I understand it now!
I made a diagram including some of your notes and the ones in the vcaa exam answer and attached it here. Hope it can help other people (although it's a bit messy)

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 30, 2018, 05:17:07 pm
thanks studyingg, I think I understand it now!
I made a diagram including some of your notes and the ones in the vcaa exam answer and attached it here. Hope it can help other people (although it's a bit messy)

your diagram is so cute!!! wowie your drawings are so pretty! I think you definitely got it! :) I love making my notes aesthetically pleasing so yours are very inspirational :))
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 30, 2018, 05:30:40 pm
Don't precipitating factors just do two things increase someone's vulnerability to a MHD and contribute to its onset?
So are you saying perpetuating factors can't contribute to the onset of someone's MHD? Because I thought that they still increase vulnerability

Also, for that CBT question. Were the other two points I made correct? Can you give me an example of how you think the best way to tackle those questions are? Because they're one of a handful that I never seem to be getting marks for
Lastly, when do I know to define a key term in my responses, since I seem to lose a lot of marks on the VCAA sample exam for not defining in the questions (which my teacher told me not to do unless the question asks for it, but I can't seem to figure out where it asks for the definitions)

Precipitating factors contribute to vulnerability and occurence. I'll edit my above post to improve clarity but hopefully this also helps:

Precipitating risk factors often show up before the MHD and they increase vulnerability, like predisposing risk factors.
However, unlike predisposing risk factor and like perpetuating risk factors, their role isn't just before the development of the MHD but also during (since precipitating risk factors contribute to occurence)

Risk factors can also have multiple roles, for example, stigma is a perpetuating risk factor, but if it reduces someone's ability to build resilience to MHD then it's also acting as a predisposing risk factor. However, I wouldn't say that perpetuating risk factors increase susceptibility to MHD in general. Hope this makes sense?

Similarly, sleep deprivation is a perpetuating risk factor, and it can also have a role in inhibiting recovery. I'd argue that most if not all, precipitating risk factors are also perpetuating risk factors           (this next point I don't know how much vcaa agrees with) and that this is within the scope of the definition.



I'll hunt down an examiners reports with CBT answers so you can have confidence in it
Edit: that was more difficult than I anticipated. Even looking back pre-2010 I wasn't able to find much. The most applicable ER I found was in 2017 about the 10 marker
Spoiler
For CBT, high-scoring responses noted that:  • Night shift workers should work with a psychologist to establish effective sleep hygiene routines and to develop other behavioural methods to protect against the negative psychological impacts of chronic partial sleep deprivation (e.g. reducing stressors, strategies for managing moods, etc.)

This suggests that the main components of a CBT response are:
- that the person works with a psychologist to develop effective behavioural strategies
- that these strategies protect against negative psychological impacts


I would add to your CBT response that the "protect against negative psychological impacts bit" and then you should be all good :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 30, 2018, 05:56:04 pm
Yoo that would be great miniturtle

Also if I can contribute here:

Although this doesn't necessarily reflect the definition of perpetuating risk factors BUT I have found that generally in scenarios if risk factors are mentioned after the diagnosis of a mental health problem they are usually perpetuating risk factors. (similar to what miniturtle said about precipitating risk factors commonly showing up before MHD)

HOWEVER, this is more like a last resort if you have no idea what kind of risk factors are being presented

EDIT: Also this may offer some help: https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Pages/vce/adviceforteachers/psychology/examples_of_models_for_analysing_mental_health.aspx#

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anon101 on October 30, 2018, 06:27:09 pm
I'll hunt down an examiners reports with CBT answers so you can have confidence in it
Edit: that was more difficult than I anticipated. Even looking back pre-2010 I wasn't able to find much. The most applicable ER I found was in 2017 about the 10 marker
Spoiler
For CBT, high-scoring responses noted that:  • Night shift workers should work with a psychologist to establish effective sleep hygiene routines and to develop other behavioural methods to protect against the negative psychological impacts of chronic partial sleep deprivation (e.g. reducing stressors, strategies for managing moods, etc.)

This suggests that the main components of a CBT response are:
- that the person works with a psychologist to develop effective behavioural strategies
- that these strategies protect against negative psychological impacts

I would add to your CBT response that the "protect against negative psychological impacts bit" and then you should be all good :)

So I have rewritten my response to the short-answer 3-4 mark CBT question like this:
Cognitive aspect: aims to correct maladaptive thoughts and behaviours
-Is this enough to replace saying "identify the causes, dysfunctional attitudes and triggers of insomnia"/"substitute unwanted thoughts that inhibit sleep with desirable ones" (and Checkpoints has another considerably different way to answer this question)
Behavioural aspect: aims to correct maladaptive behavioural patterns:
-So, for example, to prevent people from using phones before bed
Then there's a third mark here which I'm confused how to attain (some answers seem to reference the cognitive component in two parts, others seem to just give a brief generalized summation of the C and B in CBT) or is this where I say that protecting against negative physiological and psychological impacts bit?

I'm just worried about this because this question's appeared several times in Checkpoints and in every single practise exam I've done (haven't done 2017 exam yet though, so I'll find out whether it's there tomorrow!)

Thanks a load for your help!!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 30, 2018, 06:57:33 pm
So I have rewritten my response to the short-answer 3-4 mark CBT question like this:
Cognitive aspect: aims to correct maladaptive thoughts and behaviours
-Is this enough to replace saying "identify the causes, dysfunctional attitudes and triggers of insomnia"/"substitute unwanted thoughts that inhibit sleep with desirable ones" (and Checkpoints has another considerably different way to answer this question)
Behavioural aspect: aims to correct maladaptive behavioural patterns:
-So, for example, to prevent people from using phones before bed
Then there's a third mark here which I'm confused how to attain (some answers seem to reference the cognitive component in two parts, others seem to just give a brief generalized summation of the C and B in CBT) or is this where I say that protecting against negative physiological and psychological impacts bit?

I'm just worried about this because this question's appeared several times in Checkpoints and in every single practise exam I've done (haven't done 2017 exam yet though, so I'll find out whether it's there tomorrow!)

Thanks a load for your help!!!

- I wouldn't say *prevent*. Remember that CBT is about he psychologist and patient working together to help the patient adopt healthy thoughts & behaviours
- definitely adapt your response to the scenario, so if it's about insomnia then talk about sleep hygiene etc.

What you could consider doing if you're highly stressed about this is answering the question both ways eg. answer it one way, then if you have time at the end add onto your answer so it covers the other type of assessment report you've seen (especially if you're not struggling with time management).

My approach would be:
- In CBT the person would work with a psychologist to develop effective behavioural strategies (apply to scenario, eg "that target their [MHD]")
- by replacing maladaptive thoughts and behaviours (if easy to do with scenario can give an example) with adaptive ones (such as …)
- these strategies protect against negative psychological impacts (apply to scenario, eg "such as ____")

but that's just my best guess - no one can know for certain, really
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ebaade4 on October 30, 2018, 07:14:54 pm
Hey guys was wondering if someone could help with this question
(The person is in REM sleep)
The TTSM answer says A, which i understand because beta waves occur in REM sleep, but what is muscle cataplexy as opposed to muscle paralysis? I thought muscle paralysis occurs during REM sleep?
If someone could help would be great, thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 30, 2018, 07:23:21 pm
Hey guys was wondering if someone could help with this question
(The person is in REM sleep)
The TTSM answer says A, which i understand because beta waves occur in REM sleep, but what is muscle cataplexy as opposed to muscle paralysis? I thought muscle paralysis occurs during REM sleep?
If someone could help would be great, thanks :)

In cataplexy the muscles are very weak

It's not part of the study design since VCAA removed narcolepsy and sleep apnoea halfway through last year so don't worry :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rinner on October 30, 2018, 09:09:27 pm
can anyone explain exactly why death of neurons in substantia nigra cause muscle tremors in parkinson's disease?
thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 30, 2018, 09:15:51 pm
can anyone explain exactly why death of neurons in substantia nigra cause muscle tremors in parkinson's disease?
thanks!
As far as the study design is concerned everything about PK is because
these neurons produce dopamine, so after these neurons die there's less dopamine available.

Dopamine is an excitory neurotransmitter which is involved in motor co-ordination (among other things)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Balfe on October 30, 2018, 09:49:30 pm
can anyone explain exactly why death of neurons in substantia nigra cause muscle tremors in parkinson's disease?
thanks!
Just adding to the previous reply. Dopamine usually carries information regarding motor movements from the substantia nigra to the basal ganglia and motor cortex. Considering dopamine levels are diminished, these regions receive slower, fewer and more irregular messages so motor movements can no longer be initiated and executed in the same smooth and coordinated manner as previously.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anon101 on October 31, 2018, 08:15:45 am
Would anyone be able to give me a list of Psychological and Physiological effects of ASC's and sleep deprivation (also is sleep deprivation an ASC)? Because the only one I can think of is time distortions (psychological), impaired memory (psychological but not sure whether it just to ASC's or sleep deprivation), and slowed down movement (physiological).
Thanks a load for your help guys!!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 31, 2018, 09:15:27 am
Would anyone be able to give me a list of Psychological and Physiological effects of ASC's and sleep deprivation (also is sleep deprivation an ASC)? Because the only one I can think of is time distortions (psychological), impaired memory (psychological but not sure whether it just to ASC's or sleep deprivation), and slowed down movement (physiological).
Thanks a load for your help guys!!!

I'm pretty sure sleep deprivation is an ASC,
The psychological indicators of ASCs are:
-changes to levels of awareness
-changes to the ability to perform controlledand automatic processes
-changes to content limitations
-cognitive distortions
-perceptual distortions
-changes to emotional awareness
-changes to self control
-changes to the perception of time orrientation
the reason I say 'changes', is because you are required to contrast an ASC to NWC with reference to these psychological indicators. I'm not really sure if i'm interpreting your question correctly, but this is how you would apply these factors to sleep deprivation:

- Levels of awareness: Awareness is the extent to which a person is conscious of their internal and external enviornment, in comparison to NWC, Sleep deprivation is likely to result in lower levels of awareness, whereby people are less conscious of the internal and external enviornment in this state.

-controlled and automatic processes: During NWC, a person is capable of performing controlled processes which require selective attention and the ability to direct awareness towards one action and ignore other stimuli, additionally, in NWC a person is also capable of performing automatic processes which do not require high levels of mental effort, it is possible to therefore divide attention for these by simultaneously directing awareness to multiple stimuli. In a sleep deprived state, a person is less able to perform both types of processes, however, performance on autmatic processes declines to a greater extent to performance on controlled processes. Because sleep deprived individuals have lower levels of awareness they cannot moderate their attention by selecting or dividing their attention, this difference is indicative that this state is an ASC.

-content limitations: NWC is characterised by high content limitations, whereby thoughts are more controlled and restricted to reality. However, it sleep deprivation likely results in fewer content limitations, due to the low levels of awareness that characterize this state, sleep deprived individuals have less control over their thoughts, and it is likey that the content of their consciousness is unsequential or random in comparison to NWC

- cogntive distortions: NWC is characterised by logical, clear organised cognitive abilities, whereas studies indicate that sleep deprivation is likely to have a negative effect on cognitive ability whereby sleep deprived individuals experience a reduction in problem solving ability, sustained attention, language comprehension and working memory. These differences to NWC are indicative that this state is an ASC.

-perceptual distortions: NWC consciousness is characterised by acurate perceptions, however sleep deprivation is likely to result in perceptual distortions, whereby one's sensory threshold may increase or decrease and their perceptions of external stimuli may be inacurate to reality. For example they may perceive the prick of a needle as more or less painful than they would in NWC.

-emotional awarenss: NWC is characterised by appropriate regulation, display and perception of emotions.However sleep deprivation is likely to result in an increase in negative moods, irritability, mood swings, and amplified affective responses.

-self control: In NWC a person is in control of their volountary movements and decisions. This decreases in a sleep deprived state, where an individual may experience behavioral effects such as difficulty walking in a straight line, increase in microsleeps and clumsiness. Additionally they may engage in risk taking behaviour.

-time orrientation: Time may be perceived as moving faster or slower in a sleep deprived state, whereby perception of the passage of time is disorriented in comparison to a sleep deprived state.

I guess for physiological indicators the main one would be brain waves (and talking about changes to the amplitude and frequency of a wave relative to NWC)

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 31, 2018, 09:28:53 am
Guys I have two questions from the VCAA 2010 exam, if any one could help that would be awesome:
for question 37: the answer is D, which I chose because it seemed 'most correct', however, i'm a bit confused as to why it indicates re-entering into NREM stage 1 before REM, I thought that you only enter NREM1 at the start of a sleep episode... the reason i'm a bit worried, is if this were a short answer, would I lose marks if I didn't write NREM 1 before REM...

also
for question 5, d (section B), when it asks about the 'role' of the sympathetic nervous system in stage 3... I wasn't sure how to respond, I wrote that, during

stage 3, the body's internal resources, such as stress hormones required for adaptation are depleted, due to the prolonged activity of the sympathetic nervous system, this therefore results in decrease in Tasha's resistance to a stressor, as she will begin to experience the maladaptive effects of prolonged arousal caused by the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, as the prolonged high levels of stress  hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline will have a negative effect on her body.
as you can see... I did not really adress the question... but this was the response:

The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) releases stress hormones as long as the stress is present. The SNS attempts to
maintain high arousal throughout this stage.


-so is its role still the same throughout the stages of the GAS? Also, I thought stress hormone were depleted during this stage (a person will experience adrenal fatigue)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on October 31, 2018, 09:48:32 am
Guys I have two questions from the VCAA 2010 exam, if any one could help that would be awesome:
for question 37: the answer is D, which I chose because it seemed 'most correct', however, i'm a bit confused as to why it indicates re-entering into NREM stage 1 before REM, I thought that you only enter NREM1 at the start of a sleep episode... the reason i'm a bit worried, is if this were a short answer, would I lose marks if I didn't write NREM 1 before REM...

 It's multiple choice so you're right, you just choose what's most correct. I think you're right as you don't tend to enter Stage 1 again before REM, but I guess for older people this could occur. Also, no other option has the correct sequence of going deeper into the NREM stages and then going back up so the answer has to be D. I'm sure if it was a short answer and you didn't write stage 1 you would still get the marks.

for question 5, d (section B), when it asks about the 'role' of the sympathetic nervous system in stage 3... I wasn't sure how to respond, I wrote that, during
stage 3, the body's internal resources, such as stress hormones required for adaptation are depleted, due to the prolonged activity of the sympathetic nervous system, this therefore results in decrease in Tasha's resistance to a stressor, as she will begin to experience the maladaptive effects of prolonged arousal caused by the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, as the prolonged high levels of stress  hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline will have a negative effect on her body.
as you can see... I did not really adress the question... but this was the response:

The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) releases stress hormones as long as the stress is present. The SNS attempts to maintain high arousal throughout this stage.

-so is its role still the same throughout the stages of the GAS? Also, I thought stress hormone were depleted during this stage (a person will experience adrenal fatigue)

 I guess they're not really asking what happens to the body during this stage - they're asking the role of the sympathetic nervous system. Even though resources are depleted, the stressor hasn't gone away so your sympathetic nervous system is trying to continue to help you. It's just really difficult since you're so exhausted and burnt out.

Hope that helped  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ebaade4 on October 31, 2018, 09:53:41 am
Hey guys
When we get questions regarding voluntary movement such as picking up a glass and putting it down, do we have to mention the specific brain areas (eg. motor cortex, somatosensory cortex) that initiated the movement / processed the sensory info?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 31, 2018, 10:08:30 am
It's multiple choice so you're right, you just choose what's most correct. I think you're right as you don't tend to enter Stage 1 again before REM, but I guess for older people this could occur. Also, no other option has the correct sequence of going deeper into the NREM stages and then going back up so the answer has to be D. I'm sure if it was a short answer and you didn't write stage 1 you would still get the marks.

 I guess they're not really asking what happens to the body during this stage - they're asking the role of the sympathetic nervous system. Even though resources are depleted, the stressor hasn't gone away so your sympathetic nervous system is trying to continue to help you. It's just really difficult since you're so exhausted and burnt out.

Hope that helped  :)

thanks :))
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 31, 2018, 10:13:22 am
Hey guys
When we get questions regarding voluntary movement such as picking up a glass and putting it down, do we have to mention the specific brain areas (eg. motor cortex, somatosensory cortex) that initiated the movement / processed the sensory info?

nope, they're not in the study design
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ebaade4 on October 31, 2018, 11:01:23 am
nope, they're not in the study design
Ok, thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: harold17 on October 31, 2018, 11:53:49 am
Hi, I have a question regarding biological stress response (excluding GAS)
Is the sympathetic adreno - medullary system or the HPA axis relevant to the current SD? Are they different or relatively the same thing? I keep getting confused between the two
Also, is cortisol part of the flight-fight-freeze response?
Thanks


For the secondary appraisal stage of Lazarus and Folkmans;
Do we need to know the diff. types of coping strategies? Internal, external. (Basically, in a question regarding Laz and Folk will we need toa address these?

Mod edit: Merged double post. In future, if you have extra information you want to add or more question you want to ask, please modify your original post instead of posting twice in a row :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 31, 2018, 12:51:14 pm
Hi, I have a question regarding biological stress response (excluding GAS)
Is the sympathetic adreno - medullary system or the HPA axis relevant to the current SD? Are they different or relatively the same thing? I keep getting confused between the two
Also, is cortisol part of the flight-fight-freeze response?
Thanks


For the secondary appraisal stage of Lazarus and Folkmans;
Do we need to know the diff. types of coping strategies? Internal, external. (Basically, in a question regarding Laz and Folk will we need toa address these?

Mod edit: Merged double post. In future, if you have extra information you want to add or more question you want to ask, please modify your original post instead of posting twice in a row :)

HPA stands for hypothalamic pituitary adrenal  and the HPA axis results in the release of cortisol
SAM stands for sympathetic adreno medullarly  and the SAM pathway results in FFF

neither are explicitly mentioned in the study design and I doubt they are examinable. However, they are connected to knowledge that's in the study design so if relevant to a 10-marker question I would bring it up to demonstrate your depth of knowledge.

FFF is basically instant whereas cortisol takes seconds to minutes to activate and is used for longer-term stressors.
eg. if someone jumps out at you and you get a fright but very quickly realise it's your friend, FFF will be activated but cortisol won't be


It really depends on what the question is. Not all L&F questions require it but some do


I hope that this helps, and welcome to AN! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ramya63 on October 31, 2018, 01:35:00 pm
Can anyone explain why the answer is A and not C? Thank you!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 31, 2018, 01:38:55 pm
Can anyone explain why the answer is A and not C? Thank you!

What exam is this from??

They probably answered that way because he is already trying to cut back on his phone use, but I think it's not a very good question
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anon101 on October 31, 2018, 01:42:11 pm
Can anyone explain why the answer is A and not C? Thank you!
That question was in my SAC and I thought the same thing as you (so yes, I got it wrong), but my teacher when I asked said something along the lines of him already deciding he wants to stop using his phone in the morning, so he's not contemplating it (because during contemplation you way up the pros and cons, but he has already done that)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ramya63 on October 31, 2018, 01:44:02 pm
What exam is this from??

They probably answered that way because he is already trying to cut back on his phone use, but I think it's not a very good question

This is from the VCAA Sample Exam from last year

That question was in my SAC and I thought the same thing as you (so yes, I got it wrong), but my teacher when I asked said something along the lines of him already deciding he wants to stop using his phone in the morning, so he's not contemplating it (because during contemplation you way up the pros and cons, but he has already done that)

That makes sense, thank you!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 31, 2018, 01:47:51 pm
This is from the VCAA Sample Exam from last year

Thankyou!

Yeah, I'd just take in on board that even if unsuccessful, if they're trying the won't be in contemplation or pre-contemplation.
There's insufficient evidence to definitively say what stage they're in imo, but process of elimination gets you the right answer
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ramya63 on October 31, 2018, 01:55:16 pm
Also, does anyone happen to have solutions to the SAQ of last year's sample exam?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 31, 2018, 02:14:41 pm
Also, does anyone happen to have solutions to the SAQ of last year's sample exam?

epsych produced a guide for what they thought the answers would be. Just google "2017 sample exam VCE psychology epsych"
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ramya63 on October 31, 2018, 02:31:30 pm
epsych produced a guide for what they thought the answers would be. Just google "2017 sample exam VCE psychology epsych"

Thank you!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anon101 on October 31, 2018, 03:11:02 pm
Hey guys, I've just done the VCAA 2017 exam. Would anyone be able to give me feedback on my extended response?
Here: https://mega.nz/#!p19nQApZ!tUbLrYJnsHUsCVwG6K0eycST5EYqXnuJK8OWkTxNE8k
Btw, I've used a link and not attached it directly because the file's too big
Thanks for any feedback/advice!!! ;)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 31, 2018, 03:36:47 pm
Hey guys, I've just done the VCAA 2017 exam. Would anyone be able to give me feedback on my extended response?
Here: https://mega.nz/#!p19nQApZ!tUbLrYJnsHUsCVwG6K0eycST5EYqXnuJK8OWkTxNE8k
Btw, I've used a link and not attached it directly because the file's too big
Thanks for any feedback/advice!!! ;)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GOvxMkLT5EBjA1vBYEiPU4-nqEnvw_PP/view?usp=sharing

Hopefully this link works for you:)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anon101 on October 31, 2018, 03:57:45 pm
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GOvxMkLT5EBjA1vBYEiPU4-nqEnvw_PP/view?usp=sharing

Hopefully this link works for you:)
Thanks so much, Miniturtle.
Don't you have to minimise the amount you write for these extended responses though (that's what my teacher said (that otherwise they won't even bother to read past like 1 page))? And what do you think I would get for that, like 5-7 marks? How much should I write, because I know a lot about most of the topics and stuff (more so for sleep, less for ), but for like the interventions, I struggle a little more there. Also, how many examples should I have (did I do enough?) and what should I focus on most for these extended responses (since there isn't much time till the exam!!!)?

Also, for question 6c of the exam. Would psychoeducation be a correct response?
And for question 6d, would you say there could be a stigma around losing a job?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 31, 2018, 04:09:55 pm

Don't you have to minimise the amount you write for these extended responses though (that's what my teacher said (that otherwise they won't even bother to read past like 1 page))?'

woahhhh is that true? :(((((((
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 31, 2018, 04:12:59 pm
Thanks so much, Miniturtle.
Don't you have to minimise the amount you write for these extended responses though (that's what my teacher said (that otherwise they won't even bother to read past like 1 page))? And what do you think I would get for that, like 5-7 marks? How much should I write, because I know a lot about most of the topics and stuff (more so for sleep, less for ), but for like the interventions, I struggle a little more there. Also, how many examples should I have (did I do enough?) and what should I focus on most for these extended responses (since there isn't much time till the exam!!!)?

Hmmm... I don't know where your teacher is getting that from. My teacher was an examiner and I always went over a page, which they didn't see as negative at all.(In the 2017 exam I used the full space PLUS an extra page.) Especially since you organised yours into subheadings it's reader-friendly and not just a slab of text which makes it easy for them to read lots and not get lost or frustrated

I definitely think going into more info for sleep (particularly circadian rhythms) would be a good idea for that question. If you have relevant information I recommend you write it rather than focusing on using little space, just make sure if they give a direction of x number of ____ that you give them that many.

I understand that asking for a number can be comforting but imo getting a number back is counterproductive as even a good number fuels stress. I think you did fairly well; I also think there's some room for improvement.

it's past 4pm so if it was me I wouldn't be doing anymore papers. Unless you're very stressed by a topic and want to go over that, I'd recommend taking time aside to make sure you have nutritious food ready for tomorrow, drink plenty of water today and do things to help you destress (maybe go outside, do yoga or w/e ). Given the level that you're at, I think the best thing you can do is take care of your wellbeing so you can bring your best self into the exam tomorrow :) 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 31, 2018, 05:46:11 pm
Can someone please explain why in an ASC we perform better in complex tasks than simple tasks?

Probably non essential but still it would be great if someone could offer an explanation
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 31, 2018, 05:54:22 pm
Can someone please explain why in an ASC we perform better in complex tasks than simple tasks?

Probably non essential but still it would be great if someone could offer an explanation

Both complex and simple repetitive tasks suffer, but the simple ones suffer more.

Picture these two situations:
 - You have to write a proposal for a social activity at your school (complex)
 - You have to handwrite everyones names onto the invitations you've printed out (simple)

When you're writing the proposal you know you have to focus, and your actively thinking about it. In comparison, when your writing everyones names you probably fall into a rhythm and start getting distracted but other things. Since the task is easy, you don't worry so much about the fact that you're distracted and don't force yourself to focus

hope this helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: fruitbowl34 on October 31, 2018, 06:32:19 pm
During NREM sleep, what would it show when measured by a EOG and EMG? Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: KiNSKi01 on October 31, 2018, 06:40:18 pm
cheers miniturtle

During NREM sleep, what would it show when measured by a EOG and EMG? Thanks!

Depends which stage of NREM sleep but generally speaking

EOG= Low levels of activity
EMG= Low levels of activity (decreases from NREM 1 to NREM 4)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: dee1213 on October 31, 2018, 06:55:12 pm
During NREM sleep, what would it show when measured by a EOG and EMG? Thanks!

-When measured by an EOG in NREM sleep it would show very low electrical activities in the muscles that control eye movements, however our eyes DO NOT show any movements in stage3 of NREM.

-When measured by an EMG in NREM sleep it would show that the body does make some limited movements whilst sleep.

Hope this helps:)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Duelmaster22 on October 31, 2018, 07:49:02 pm
Hey guys, where would you say classically conditioned fear responses are stored in the brain? Finding it really hard to find a straight answer. Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 31, 2018, 07:59:21 pm
Hey guys, where would you say classically conditioned fear responses are stored in the brain? Finding it really hard to find a straight answer. Thanks!

This is something I also find quite ambiguous. It is definitely not the amygdala, as indicated by 2016 and 2017 examination reports. I don't think that there is a specific site of storage for such a memory (but rather different brain structures interact)... then again, if there is a particular site, it's not in the study design so don't worry about it! I'd say just focus on the process of consolidating the emotional fear response (rather than storage)

good luck!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: studyingg on October 31, 2018, 08:03:10 pm
guys! One quick question
is difficulty performing simple monotonous tasks a behavioural or cognitive symptom of partial sleep deprivation (I thought it was behavioural) but QATs 2018 indicates it is cognitive, and I just picked up on this ;///
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 31, 2018, 08:09:57 pm
Hey guys, where would you say classically conditioned fear responses are stored in the brain? Finding it really hard to find a straight answer. Thanks!

As this is a classically conditioned & therefore implicit memory I'd answer the cerebellum.
(Disclaimer: There is some debate about this)


If you want to look at a scientific article outside the scope of the study design on this topic … here


guys! One quick question
is difficulty performing simple monotonous tasks a behavioural or cognitive symptom of partial sleep deprivation (I thought it was behavioural) but QATs 2018 indicates it is cognitive, and I just picked up on this ;///

From 2017 ER: "The psychological consequences of partial sleep deprivation included (but were not limited to): …. increased error rates on tasks requiring attention to detail " (bolding mine)

Based on this, I'd go with cognitive
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: anon101 on October 31, 2018, 08:23:20 pm
is difficulty performing simple monotonous tasks a behavioural or cognitive symptom of partial sleep deprivation (I thought it was behavioural) but QATs 2018 indicates it is cognitive, and I just picked up on this ;///

If we think of the reason why we make more errors on the simpler tasks, it is because they are automatic process's taking very little of our attention spectrum (unlike controlled processes).
Thus, although we can clearly see that ASC's illicit a behavioural effect on simple tasks, the actual reason it happens is cognitive in nature.
But that's just how I think about it, maybe someone else can say if what I'm saying makes sense or not
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: gary123 on October 31, 2018, 08:29:56 pm
Last min q :P
How do you define acquisition and extinction in operant conditioning? I initially thought acquistion it only involved reinforcing a behaviour with reinforcement but teacher said it was association of behaviour with consequence (reinforcement AS WELL AS punishment) and same idea for extinction but I don't get how punishment relates to both of these principles because punishment REDUCES the likelihood of a behaviour so how do you acquire it with that
Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: racheljanee on October 31, 2018, 08:32:42 pm
As I've seen lots of debate on this topic tonight and it's confused the heck outta me..
Are these correct explanations of brain regions associated with memory?

Hippocampus: has a role in the consolidation of explicit memories, and those associated with fear responses but DOES NOT store them
Amygdala: has a role in the consolidation of memories associated with fear responses but DOES NOT store them
Cerebral cortex: stores explicit memories
Cerebellum: stores procedural memories
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 31, 2018, 08:40:43 pm
Last min q :P
How do you define acquisition and extinction in operant conditioning? I initially thought acquistion it only involved reinforcing a behaviour with reinforcement but teacher said it was association of behaviour with consequence (reinforcement AS WELL AS punishment) and same idea for extinction but I don't get how punishment relates to both of these principles because punishment REDUCES the likelihood of a behaviour so how do you acquire it with that
Thanks

If the unwanted behaviour no longer occurs when presented with the antecedent, then we would say that acquisition has occurred.

After a while the behaviour might reappear again (extinction). After a duration where they have had the behaviour when the antecedant has been presented, if  it is presented and the behaviour doesn't occur, I'd say that's spontaneous recovery.


Hope this helps :)

Edit:

yes, racheljanee, those are accurate descriptions. Might want to include more info on how the amygdala does that if it comes up in an exam q
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: study. on October 31, 2018, 09:32:45 pm
hey all,

I was wondering how the role of a stress response is a biological preciptating risk factor for phobia?

Thanks  ;D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 31, 2018, 09:36:43 pm
hey all,

I was wondering how the role of a stress response is a biological preciptating risk factor for phobia?

Thanks  ;D

A good example of this is specific phobia. In that, the stress is directly responsible for triggering the mental health disorder. However, as a risk factor it is also worth noting that stress can be healthy and doesn't always lead to that outcome.
Given that stress in general is both physiological/biological and psychological, it makes sense that stress is a biological risk factor

hope this helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: fruitbowl34 on October 31, 2018, 09:40:35 pm
How does systematic desensitization apply classical conditioning??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: study. on October 31, 2018, 09:41:34 pm
A good example of this is specific phobia. In that, the stress is directly responsible for triggering the mental health disorder. However, as a risk factor it is also worth noting that stress can be healthy and doesn't always lead to that outcome.
Given that stress in general is both physiological/biological and psychological, it makes sense that stress is a biological risk factor

hope this helps :)

Thank you so much!!  :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 31, 2018, 09:45:34 pm
How does systematic desensitization apply classical conditioning??

At the start you have:
phobic stimulus -> phobic response
Each time they encounter the stimulus this response could be reinforced due to the panic they are feeling and sense of loss of control and danger

Then you teach relaxation tecchniques and start with the less overming stimulus so that the phobic stimulus is associated with relaxation
and eventually you don't get the phobic response anymore
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: andreag on January 21, 2019, 06:48:42 pm
Does anyone know how to go about studying for sacs? At the moment I can only think of practise questions the teacher assigns to the class but i dont know how useful that is.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on January 21, 2019, 07:21:40 pm
Does anyone know how to go about studying for sacs? At the moment I can only think of practise questions the teacher assigns to the class but i dont know how useful that is.

There are many techniques you could use to study for SACs, including practice questions which can be invaluable when you can learn from them. This article with ways to study is a great starting point. You could try using flashcards (great for definitions), acronyms, writing notes about a topic without your notes to see how much you remember, recording yourself reading your notes and listening to it a bunch of times... find out what works for you! Also, structuring your revision according to the key knowledge dot points found on the psychology study design can help you get a grasp on what you should be revising. :)
It's crucial to make sure that you understand the content before attempting practice questions. Your teacher, asking and answering psych questions on ATAR Notes or just from classmates in general and YouTube videos can help with understanding and/or consolidating material. There are plenty of guides on here that you may find useful!

I'd recommend using specific to-do lists with not too many things so that you know exactly what you have to do when you hit the books.


Hope this helps you out a bit! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on January 21, 2019, 07:29:08 pm
Does anyone know how to go about studying for sacs? At the moment I can only think of practise questions the teacher assigns to the class but i dont know how useful that is.

First step: understand the content. Do this through notes, mindmaps, flowcharts - whatever method works for you. A good understanding is key.
Then, when it comes to studying, that's when you start doing practice questions. I personally used Checkpoints + Atarnotes Topic tests before each sac!
One more thing: your teacher's questions (that they've written for a practice sac) are actually really important because most likely they will mimic the style of how they write questions and how they want the answers laid out.

 :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: andreag on January 21, 2019, 08:31:19 pm
There are many techniques you could use to study for SACs, including practice questions which can be invaluable when you can learn from them. This article with ways to study is a great starting point. You could try using flashcards (great for definitions), acronyms, writing notes about a topic without your notes to see how much you remember, recording yourself reading your notes and listening to it a bunch of times... find out what works for you! Also, structuring your revision according to the key knowledge dot points found on the psychology study design can help you get a grasp on what you should be revising. :)
It's crucial to make sure that you understand the content before attempting practice questions. Your teacher, asking and answering psych questions on ATAR Notes or just from classmates in general and YouTube videos can help with understanding and/or consolidating material. There are plenty of guides on here that you may find useful!

I'd recommend using specific to-do lists with not too many things so that you know exactly what you have to do when you hit the books.


Hope this helps you out a bit! :)

Thank you!! This is very helpful!  ;D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: andreag on January 21, 2019, 08:33:21 pm
First step: understand the content. Do this through notes, mindmaps, flowcharts - whatever method works for you. A good understanding is key.
Then, when it comes to studying, that's when you start doing practice questions. I personally used Checkpoints + Atarnotes Topic tests before each sac!
One more thing: your teacher's questions (that they've written for a practice sac) are actually really important because most likely they will mimic the style of how they write questions and how they want the answers laid out.

 :)

Thank you soo much!  ;D Also just wondering which one is better: Checkpoints or the Atarnotes Topic Test
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rani_b on January 21, 2019, 09:43:59 pm
Thank you soo much!  ;D Also just wondering which one is better: Checkpoints or the Atarnotes Topic Test

Personally I really liked the topic tests for practice before sacs. The checkpoints were good because they use a mixture of VCAA questions and their own, which gets you in the habit of answering VCAA style questions early on. If I had to choose one, though, I’d probably pick the topic tests since you can always access VCAA exams online.  :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on February 16, 2019, 08:26:11 pm
Hey guys!
I have a question about Key Knowledge Dot Point 1:
"The roles of different divisions of the nervous system (central and peripheral nervous systems and their associated sub-divisions) in responding to, and integrating and coordinating with, sensory stimuli received by the body".

So, the 'responding to' part is about how the different divisions of the NS respond to sensory stimuli, right? eg. The CNS receives info from the body's internal and external environments, processes this information and activates appropriate responses. So that's how the CNS responds to sensory stimuli, and I need to know how each of the different divisions does this. Is that right?

Also, even though I think I understand the responding part, I don't get what it means by 'integrating and coordinating with sensory stimuli'. How do the different divisions integrate and coordinate with sensory stimuli?

Help would be much appreciated!! Thank you!  :)
-Chloe
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on February 16, 2019, 08:39:07 pm
Hey guys!
I have a question about Key Knowledge Dot Point 1:
"The roles of different divisions of the nervous system (central and peripheral nervous systems and their associated sub-divisions) in responding to, and integrating and coordinating with, sensory stimuli received by the body".

So, the 'responding to' part is about how the different divisions of the NS respond to sensory stimuli, right? eg. The CNS receives info from the body's internal and external environments, processes this information and activates appropriate responses. So that's how the CNS responds to sensory stimuli, and I need to know how each of the different divisions does this. Is that right?

Also, even though I think I understand the responding part, I don't get what it means by 'integrating and coordinating with sensory stimuli'. How do the different divisions integrate and coordinate with sensory stimuli?

Help would be much appreciated!! Thank you!  :)
-Chloe

In terms of integrating information, this is something the CNS does. Eg, the brain may receive a bunch of visual, tactile, and auditory information that tells you there's a purring cat next to you. The brain will then be responsible for co-ordinating a response - maybe the cat's a threat so the sympathetic nervous system should be made dominant, and at the same time the somatic NS should get you to walk away.


Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on February 17, 2019, 07:06:45 pm
In terms of integrating information, this is something the CNS does. Eg, the brain may receive a bunch of visual, tactile, and auditory information that tells you there's a purring cat next to you. The brain will then be responsible for co-ordinating a response - maybe the cat's a threat so the sympathetic nervous system should be made dominant, and at the same time the somatic NS should get you to walk away.


Hope this helps :)

Ok I get it! So integrating means making sense of the information? So the CNS integrates lots of different sensory information (which it receives from the PNS) in order to make sense of what the information means. Then, the brain co-ordinates a response to that information, and that neural message is sent to motor neurons to initiate a response. Is that right?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on February 17, 2019, 08:13:04 pm
Ok I get it! So integrating means making sense of the information? So the CNS integrates lots of different sensory information (which it receives from the PNS) in order to make sense of what the information means. Then, the brain co-ordinates a response to that information, and that neural message is sent to motor neurons to initiate a response. Is that right?

Correct!

So you can take the example of picking up a cup. Your eyes will send information about where the cup is and where your hand is to your brain. Your sensory neurons will also send information from your hand (to know when you're touching it). The brain (CNS) then combines all this information together to send messages through your motor neurons so that you can properly grip and lift the cup. Hope that helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on February 17, 2019, 08:24:07 pm
Correct!

So you can take the example of picking up a cup. Your eyes will send information about where the cup is and where your hand is to your brain. Your sensory neurons will also send information from your hand (to know when you're touching it). The brain (CNS) then combines all this information together to send messages through your motor neurons so that you can properly grip and lift the cup. Hope that helps :)

Got it! So, to sum up:
The PNS carries afferent information to the CNS, where it is processed. This afferent information may include a variety of visual, tactile, auditory, etc., information, so the CNS has to integrate, or make sense of, the information. For example, the brain may receive an abundance of visual, tactile, and auditory information that tells you there's an angry, barking dog near you. The brain will then be responsible for co-ordinating a response to the stimulus, such as activating the sympathetic nervous system if the dog is perceived as a threat.

Is this all good?

Thank you for the help!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on February 17, 2019, 08:40:43 pm
Got it! So, to sum up:
The PNS carries afferent information to the CNS, where it is processed. This afferent information may include a variety of visual, tactile, auditory, etc., information, so the CNS has to integrate, or make sense of, the information. For example, the brain may receive an abundance of visual, tactile, and auditory information that tells you there's an angry, barking dog near you. The brain will then be responsible for co-ordinating a response to the stimulus, such as activating the sympathetic nervous system if the dog is perceived as a threat.

Is this all good?

Thank you for the help!

Yep, that's a great summary! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StaticZ1011 on February 18, 2019, 08:37:19 pm
What primarily determines whether or not a neurotransmitter will have an excitatory or inhibitory effects?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: peter.g15 on February 18, 2019, 10:20:36 pm
What primarily determines whether or not a neurotransmitter will have an excitatory or inhibitory effects?

Hi!

I don't believe you are required to know why certain neurotransmitters are excitatory or inhibitory - that's more related to the biochemistry of human physiology (outside of the scope of the course). The main thing that you need to know is the glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter and GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on February 25, 2019, 09:54:49 pm
Some questions:
- Can every type of stressor be cateogorised into the different sources of stress? Like for example, would the time someone waits before going on a rollercoaster for the first time be a daily pressure?

Can every difference source of stress be acute, chronic, internal, external, physical and psychological? For example, what is an example of a chronic daily pressure? Or an internal catastrophe/major event?

When your heart beats faster, is that controlled by stress hormones? (so neurotransmitters have nothing to do with that?)

If you choose to fight or flight (run away) after freezing, isn't that counted as a voluntary decision? Because you assess the situation then choose which one to do, however in the textbook it says it occurs after freeze response as part of the fight-flight-freeze response.

Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on February 27, 2019, 10:36:34 am
Some questions:
- Can every type of stressor be cateogorised into the different sources of stress? Like for example, would the time someone waits before going on a rollercoaster for the first time be a daily pressure?

Can every difference source of stress be acute, chronic, internal, external, physical and psychological? For example, what is an example of a chronic daily pressure? Or an internal catastrophe/major event?

When your heart beats faster, is that controlled by stress hormones? (so neurotransmitters have nothing to do with that?)

If you choose to fight or flight (run away) after freezing, isn't that counted as a voluntary decision? Because you assess the situation then choose which one to do, however in the textbook it says it occurs after freeze response as part of the fight-flight-freeze response.

Thanks :)
I would say that daily pressure is the most appropriate descriptor for the source of stress when waiting for a rollercoaster (albeit a relatively rare when compared to something like losing your keys).

It wouldn't be categorised as a life event, as there isn't the long-term adjustment required after, it would only be classified as acculturative if the question specifically linked this to change in culture (eg finding it difficult to read rules for sign about ride due to not being fluent in English causing stress about the ride), and it's not really of high enough magnitude/impact to be a major stressor. I can't think of any examples that can't be grouped into one of these categories, but I'll look it up and see what I find


The accumulation of daily hassles contributes to chronic stress, but I can't think of how a catastrophe could be internal since catastrophes affect many people at once and are out of their control.

When your heart beats faster, this is related to the sympathetic nervous system being dominant and does involve neurotransmitters. Stress hormones do play a role in this too, but they aren't working independently.

In FFF, the body preparing for the possibility of fight-or-flight is involuntary, and in freeze there's involuntary immobility, however the actual actions of running or fighting would be voluntary -  the mechanisms which prepare you for that aren't, which might be what the textbook is reffering too.

It's also worth noting that fight or flight can occur without freezing

Hope this clears things up :)


Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on February 27, 2019, 11:39:25 am
I would say that daily pressure is the most appropriate descriptor for the source of stress when waiting for a rollercoaster (albeit a relatively rare when compared to something like losing your keys).

It wouldn't be categorised as a life event, as there isn't the long-term adjustment required after, it would only be classified as acculturative if the question specifically linked this to change in culture (eg finding it difficult to read rules for sign about ride due to not being fluent in English causing stress about the ride), and it's not really of high enough magnitude/impact to be a major stressor. I can't think of any examples that can't be grouped into one of these categories, but I'll look it up and see what I find


The accumulation of daily hassles contributes to chronic stress, but I can't think of how a catastrophe could be internal since catastrophes affect many people at once and are out of their control.

When your heart beats faster, this is related to the sympathetic nervous system being dominant and does involve neurotransmitters. Stress hormones do play a role in this too, but they aren't working independently.

In FFF, the body preparing for the possibility of fight-or-flight is involuntary, and in freeze there's involuntary immobility, however the actual actions of running or fighting would be voluntary -  the mechanisms which prepare you for that aren't, which might be what the textbook is reffering too.

It's also worth noting that fight or flight can occur without freezing

Hope this clears things up :)

Thanks so much!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: InnocentKid on February 27, 2019, 07:27:54 pm
hey can u guys and girls help me with this question

" Distinguish between a stressor and stress with reference to an example"

thanks ;D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on February 27, 2019, 07:38:28 pm
hey can u guys and girls help me with this question

" Distinguish between a stressor and stress with reference to an example"

thanks ;D
Stress is the state of psychobiological arousal as a result of exposure to a stressor.

So the stressor is a stimulus (a thing/event/situation) and stress is a response to a stressor

You might want to use an example such as seeing a snake, where the snake is the stressor and the sudden alertness and increased heart rate are features of the stress response due to that stressor.

Hope this helps
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: InnocentKid on February 27, 2019, 07:46:04 pm
Stress is the state of psychobiological arousal as a result of exposure to a stressor.

So the stressor is a stimulus (a thing/event/situation) and stress is a response to a stressor

You might want to use an example such as seeing a snake, where the snake is the stressor and the sudden alertness and increased heart rate are features of the stress response due to that stressor.

Hope this helps

 ;D thanks  ;D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: InnocentKid on February 27, 2019, 08:00:43 pm
could I use this example


"for example when an individual  see's  a large dog which is the stressor, this  may cause the certain individual to go through a state of physiological or psychological tension,  this is the form of stress. This concludes in  the individual's heart rate and breathing to increase as a result of the stress'

as that good....feel free too reword or restructure the sentence...thanks  ;)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on February 27, 2019, 08:09:23 pm
could I use this example


"for example when an individual  see's  a large dog which is the stressor, this  may cause the certain individual to go through a state of physiological or psychological tension,  this is the form of stress. This concludes in  the individual's heart rate and breathing to increase as a result of the stress'

as that good....feel free too reword or restructure the sentence...thanks  ;)

I'm assuming you'd need something like this to get full marks for this question:
A stressor is a stimulus that causes or produces stress and challenges coping ability, whereas stress is the state of physiological and psychological arousal produced by internal or external stressors that are perceived by the individual as challenging or exceeding their ability or resources to cope. For example, when an individual sees large dog running towards them, they perceive this dog as the stressor, as it is the stimulus that causes the individual to feel stress. The individual may perceive the dog as being scary and that the dog could potentially harm them - this perception is the stress. The stress response in this situation is increased heart rate and respiration rate, and divertion of energy to systems that are required for immediate survival, caused by activation of the sympathetic nervous system. (alteratively, you could mention the fight-flight-freeze response as the stress response too)

edit; corrected a silly mistake (parasympathetic to sympathetic)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: InnocentKid on February 27, 2019, 08:19:44 pm
I'm assuming you'd need something like this to get full marks for this question:
A stressor is a stimulus that causes or produces stress and challenges coping ability, whereas stress is the state of physiological and psychological arousal produced by internal or external stressors that are perceived by the individual as challenging or exceeding their ability or resources to cope. For example, when an individual sees large dog running towards them, they perceive this dog as the stressor, as it is the stimulus that causes the individual to feel stress. The individual may perceive the dog as being scary and that the dog could potentially harm them - this perception is the stress. The stress response in this situation is increased heart rate and respiration rate, and divertion of energy to systems that are required for immediate survival, caused by activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. (alteratively, you could mention the fight-flight-freeze response as the stress response too)

aye what an amazing answer
that's an exam response right there!!!
thanks for all the help and good luck with psych

also how do I give u respect...u deserve it
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on February 27, 2019, 08:35:45 pm
I'm assuming you'd need something like this to get full marks for this question:
A stressor is a stimulus that causes or produces stress and challenges coping ability, whereas stress is the state of physiological and psychological arousal produced by internal or external stressors that are perceived by the individual as challenging or exceeding their ability or resources to cope. For example, when an individual sees large dog running towards them, they perceive this dog as the stressor, as it is the stimulus that causes the individual to feel stress. The individual may perceive the dog as being scary and that the dog could potentially harm them - this perception is the stress. The stress response in this situation is increased heart rate and respiration rate, and divertion of energy to systems that are required for immediate survival, caused by activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. (alteratively, you could mention the fight-flight-freeze response as the stress response too)
Just a small correction.
These stress responses you mention are a result of the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, not the parasympathetic.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on February 27, 2019, 08:56:54 pm
Just a small correction.
These stress responses you mention are a result of the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, not the parasympathetic.

I’m glad you noticed!! Ugh these silly mistakes will be the main reason I lose marks in sacs lol
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on March 03, 2019, 09:53:28 am
Hi guys.
This is Psycholgy Unit 1 stuff.
But I was wondering is fmri and PET  have info on structure and function or only function, like both of them?

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on March 03, 2019, 10:39:07 am
Hi guys.
This is Psycholgy Unit 1 stuff.
But I was wondering is fmri and PET  have info on structure and function or only function, like both of them?

Hey Evolio,

Both PET and fMRI show information about brain structure and function. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on March 03, 2019, 10:51:20 am
Ok, cool.
Thank you!
 :) :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on March 03, 2019, 11:52:01 am
Hi guys.
This is Psycholgy Unit 1 stuff.
But I was wondering is fmri and PET  have info on structure and function or only function, like both of them?



Hey! The fMRI and PET both produce images showing brain structure and function.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HonoraryStudent on March 06, 2019, 02:55:33 pm
hey has anyone done the psych sac

how'd it go

anyone sections that are particularly important ?

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on March 06, 2019, 06:38:14 pm
hey has anyone done the psych sac

how'd it go

anyone sections that are particularly important ?
You might have to be more specific.
Psych SACs of what topic?
Also note that the SACs your school do will not be the same as the SACs that other schools do.  :)

I have done 2 psych SACs so far (one on stress and another on the nervous system). Both of them have gone pretty well. ;D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HonoraryStudent on March 06, 2019, 06:53:48 pm
You might have to be more specific.
Psych SACs of what topic?
Also note that the SACs your school do will not be the same as the SACs that other schools do.  :)

I have done 2 psych SACs so far (one on stress and another on the nervous system). Both of them have gone pretty well. ;D


ahh ok
sorry I though every one learns the same thing at around the same time
anyways our schools doing the nervous system and stress combined in one sac
I'm pretty confident in the nervous system just gotta brush up on some 'spinal reflex " revision and stress is also zzz just gotta know the biological and psychological components of stress. Other than that how did u revise for your sacs :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on March 06, 2019, 07:02:01 pm

ahh ok
sorry I though every one learns the same thing at around the same time
anyways our schools doing the nervous system and stress combined in one sac
I'm pretty confident in the nervous system just gotta brush up on some 'spinal reflex " revision and stress is also zzz just gotta know the biological and psychological components of stress. Other than that how did u revise for your sacs :D
No, you're right. Everyone (mostly) learns the same content at the same time, it's just that SACs can be very different with some teachers creating a SAC for each topic while others roll many topics under one larger SAC.

Re study: Our teacher made 2 practice SACs based on each SAC that we were going to do. So after learning all the content and doing the textbook questions assigned for homework, I found that doing those practice SACs and marking them were sufficient preparation.

Our SACs have been pretty easy with mostly general questions which you can essential just wrote-learn with very few actual difficult applications of content. That means we are getting pretty high scores which seem good, but I'm not too sure how well it's preparing up for the difficulty of the exam.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on March 06, 2019, 09:11:42 pm
I had my sac today on stress and the nervous system. I didn't find it hard, but I guess that was because I actually studied for it. If you know the content well and you can apply it, then you have nothing to worry about :)
As for difficulty, that varies a lot. My teacher's sacs are on the hard side (VCAA assessor, so she wants to make them hard to prep for the exam), but essentially a 'harder' sac just means more application, because they expect you to know the knowledge. You'll be fine, and don't stress too much over it. I did, and I regretted spending so much time studying for it and neglecting my other tests. Good luck!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HonoraryStudent on March 11, 2019, 12:11:02 pm
explain the role of the Sympathetic nervous system in stage 3 of GAS

hey can anyone help me with this
Thank ;) ;)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on March 11, 2019, 12:21:39 pm
explain the role of the Sympathetic nervous system in stage 3 of GAS

hey can anyone help me with this
Thank ;) ;)

The sympathetic nervous system continues to attempt to arouse the body, even in the exhaustion stage. This means that it is still active in stage 3 of GAS.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HonoraryStudent on March 11, 2019, 12:28:37 pm
The sympathetic nervous system continues to attempt to arouse the body, even in the exhaustion stage. This means that it is still active in stage 3 of GAS.

hey thanks...but how does it continue to arouse in the exhaustion stage.....like what symptoms are shown ?

idk im a bit confused about this bit
thnx
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on March 11, 2019, 12:35:27 pm
explain the role of the Sympathetic nervous system in stage 3 of GAS

hey can anyone help me with this
Thank ;) ;)

Stage 3 of the GAS is exhaustion. Signs of alarm reaction may reappear, but the effects of the stressor can no longer be dealt with. The body's resources are severely depleted, and the individual is more vulnerable to physical and mental disorders. My understanding of the role of the sympathetic nervous system in exhaustion is that it is very minimal. This is because by this time, the body has already gone through the resistance stage, where HPA axis activation would have occurred. Therefore, the sympathetic nervous system may still be dominant and trying to reduce the effects of the stressor along with the effects of cortisol, however its role in stimulating the secretion of adrenalin and noradrenalin is almost useless as at this stage, as things like increased heartrate and dilated pupils aren't needed by this stage. These two signs are examples of the 'signs of alarm reaction that may reappear', as I stated before. The body is basically unable to deal with the stressor by this stage, and the role of the sympathetic nervous system is minimal as it does not provide a meaningful way to resist the effects of the stressor and only brings back some signs of alarm reaction. The body is severely weakened and depleted of physiological resources anyway, so the physiological coping resources the body has aren't that useful anymore, by this time.

Keep in mind this is just my understanding, please do correct me if I'm wrong :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HonoraryStudent on March 11, 2019, 12:48:11 pm
Stage 3 of the GAS is exhaustion. Signs of alarm reaction may reappear, but the effects of the stressor can no longer be dealt with. The body's resources are severely depleted, and the individual is more vulnerable to physical and mental disorders. My understanding of the role of the sympathetic nervous system in exhaustion is that it is very minimal. This is because by this time, the body has already gone through the resistance stage, where HPA axis activation would have occurred. Therefore, the sympathetic nervous system may still be dominant and trying to reduce the effects of the stressor along with the effects of cortisol, however its role in stimulating the secretion of adrenalin and noradrenalin is almost useless as at this stage, as things like increased heartrate and dilated pupils aren't needed by this stage. These two signs are examples of the 'signs of alarm reaction that may reappear', as I stated before. The body is basically unable to deal with the stressor by this stage, and the role of the sympathetic nervous system is minimal as it does not provide a meaningful way to resist the effects of the stressor and only brings back some signs of alarm reaction. The body is severely weakened and depleted of physiological resources anyway, so the physiological coping resources the body has aren't that useful anymore, by this time.

Keep in mind this is just my understanding, please do correct me if I'm wrong :)

I don't think a person like me has the authority to correct u since ur never wrong ;)

also I did some research on the trusty internet  ::) and found thiss

"The sympathetic nervous system would continue to release stress hormones as long as the individual is still experiencing the stressor, sustaining high arousal levels"
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on March 11, 2019, 01:30:10 pm
I don't think a person like me has the authority to correct u since ur never wrong ;)

also I did some research on the trusty internet  ::) and found thiss

"The sympathetic nervous system would continue to release stress hormones as long as the individual is still experiencing the stressor, sustaining high arousal levels"
Agreed
The sustained arousal of the sympathetic nervous system would continue to release cortisol through the exhaustion stage (as whys stated, not so much adrenaline and noradrenaline of the SAM response). These sustained elevated cortisol levels causes many maladaptive symptoms by the exhaustion stage. One important one is the effect of cortisol to suppress the immune system leading to the individuals increase vulnerability to infection.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on March 11, 2019, 02:28:35 pm
Agreed
The sustained arousal of the sympathetic nervous system would continue to release cortisol through the exhaustion stage (as whys stated, not so much adrenaline and noradrenaline of the SAM response). These sustained elevated cortisol levels causes many maladaptive symptoms by the exhaustion stage. One important one is the effect of cortisol to suppress the immune system leading to the individuals increase vulnerability to infection.

Yep this is good! The sympathetic continues to release the stress hormone cortisol through the exhaustion stage in order to sustain high arousal levels. However, prolonged periods of high cortisol levels decrease the efficiency of the immune system, thereby making the individual more susceptible to illness. In the exhaustion stage, the resources to deal with the stressor have been severely depleted, and therefore the effects of the sympathetic nervous system arousal are minimal.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HonoraryStudent on March 12, 2019, 12:01:35 pm
how ironic is this
just did my psych sac on the nervous system and stress.
I was sorta running out of time near the end ( finished on time though  ;)
and my hand started shaking ...rapidly
pretty sure that's a sympathetic nervous system response to stress....correct me if I'm wrong ;D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on March 13, 2019, 10:12:54 am
Explain whether any learning or memory would be possible without neural plasticity ?
how would u answer that
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on March 13, 2019, 11:35:03 am
Explain whether any learning or memory would be possible without neural plasticity ?
how would u answer that

This links to the neural basis of learning topic - think about LTP and LTD
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on March 13, 2019, 12:17:01 pm
Explain whether any learning or memory would be possible without neural plasticity ?
how would u answer that

To be able to learn something, you have to be able to recall it. To recall information, there must be synaptic changes occuring to accomodate new info by forming a neural representation of the info. So, learning and memory requires LTP and LTD to occur, which is when the structure of the synapse is changed. This is done through bushier dendrites, the release of more neurotransmitter from the presynaptic neuron, and more receptor sites on the postsynaptic neuron through the release of more neurotransmitter and bushier dendrites. This is an example of LTP (and occurs when the presynaptic and postsynaptic neuron fires simultaneously). Another example of learning and memory occuring is LTD, where unused synapses are pruned. These changes can only occur through neural plasticity. Neural plasticity is the ability of neurons to change their structure in response to experience. Under this, there is synpatic plasticity, which is the ability of the synapse to change structure in response to experience/newly learned information. Therefore, if there is no neural plasticity, then LTP and LTD cannot occur, which then means learning and memory cannot occur.

I think I repeated myself in my answer a lot, oops  :) Correct me if I'm wrong!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: danielapapaa on March 14, 2019, 07:47:33 pm
Hi guys!
I'm in yr 11 doing 3/4 psychology and was just wanting some tips on how to not forget things that you learned at the start of the year for the final exam

Thankyou!!  :D :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on March 14, 2019, 11:34:21 pm
Hi guys!
I'm in yr 11 doing 3/4 psychology and was just wanting some tips on how to not forget things that you learned at the start of the year for the final exam

Thankyou!!  :D :D
You might want to try to continue to do practice questions throughout the year. There are many ways to go about doing this and I would recommend finding a way that suits your study style, but one thing you could do is get something like the ATAR notes topic tests and set aside even just an hour per week to do a few questions from topics you've already gone over. This way, you'll constantly be recalling that knowledge which will hopefully make it much easier to remember by the time exam roll around.
Also, good luck in psych and have fun!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on March 15, 2019, 07:30:35 am
Hi guys!
I'm in yr 11 doing 3/4 psychology and was just wanting some tips on how to not forget things that you learned at the start of the year for the final exam

Thankyou!!  :D :D

hey Same!!!
You might want to try to continue to do practice questions throughout the year. There are many ways to go about doing this and I would recommend finding a way that suits your study style, but one thing you could do is get something like the ATAR notes topic tests and set aside even just an hour per week to do a few questions from topics you've already gone over. This way, you'll constantly be recalling that knowledge which will hopefully make it much easier to remember by the time exam roll around.
Also, good luck in psych and have fun!
100% agree...ATAR notes topic tests are pretty good, I'm using it to prepare for my SACS throughout the year.
You could also purchase books by Kirsty Kendall ( she has really good books) relating to Psychology, I also high recommend getting Cambridge Checkpoints.
Also rewatch Edrolo videos throughout the year....if you're school has Edrolo.
Anyways that's all the things im doing to hopefully secure a raw 40  ;)
You should also check out this https://atarnotes.com/forum/index.php?topic=170600.0 her guide is really useful  ;D
hope this helps :P
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on March 17, 2019, 08:22:56 pm
yo I got a question relating the 1st SAC we did this year in unit 3/4
how many marks was it out of ....is it different for every school?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on March 18, 2019, 07:23:13 am
yo I got a question relating the 1st SAC we did this year in unit 3/4
how many marks was it out of ....is it different for every school?

The number of marks is different for different schools, but the percentage contribution an outcome makes to your study score is the same
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: danielapapaa on March 18, 2019, 05:27:19 pm
You might want to try to continue to do practice questions throughout the year. There are many ways to go about doing this and I would recommend finding a way that suits your study style, but one thing you could do is get something like the ATAR notes topic tests and set aside even just an hour per week to do a few questions from topics you've already gone over. This way, you'll constantly be recalling that knowledge which will hopefully make it much easier to remember by the time exam roll around.
Also, good luck in psych and have fun!

Thank you so much for your help!  :D :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: danielapapaa on March 18, 2019, 05:28:42 pm
hey Same!!!100% agree...ATAR notes topic tests are pretty good, I'm using it to prepare for my SACS throughout the year.
You could also purchase books by Kirsty Kendall ( she has really good books) relating to Psychology, I also high recommend getting Cambridge Checkpoints.
Also rewatch Edrolo videos throughout the year....if you're school has Edrolo.
Anyways that's all the things im doing to hopefully secure a raw 40  ;)
You should also check out this https://atarnotes.com/forum/index.php?topic=170600.0 her guide is really useful  ;D
hope this helps :P

Thankyou!!  :D :D Good luck with psych!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on March 20, 2019, 02:55:00 pm
hey  :)

can some one just confirm what I've written is correct

A person under treatment for a gambling addiction often feels an urge to play the pokies whenever he again encounter cues such as driving past a gaming venue where he experienced a huge 'buzz' after hitting a jackpot and hearing about someone else beg win on the machines

UCS: Hearing someone hitting a jackpot
NS: Driving past a gaming venue
UCR: Buzz

therefor
CS: Driving past a gaming venue where he hears someone hitting a jackpot
CR: Buxx

thnx ;D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MB_ on March 20, 2019, 03:39:09 pm
hey  :)

can some one just confirm what I've written is correct

A person under treatment for a gambling addiction often feels an urge to play the pokies whenever he again encounter cues such as driving past a gaming venue where he experienced a huge 'buzz' after hitting a jackpot and hearing about someone else beg win on the machines

UCS: Hearing someone hitting a jackpot
NS: Driving past a gaming venue
UCR: Buzz

therefor
CS: Driving past a gaming venue where he hears someone hitting a jackpot
CR: Buxx

thnx ;D
You've got the right idea but I'm a bit confused by your example. Instead, take this example - ''David experienced a buzz after hitting the jackpot whilst gambling. Now, whenever David sees flashing coloured lights he experiences this buzz again". In this example, the UCS is hitting the jackpot the NS/CS is the flashing coloured lights (often associated with hitting the jackpot) and the UCR/CR is the buzz experienced (which could lead to an urge to play again). I hope it's clear as to how the associations in my example were reached. I'm confused by your example as feeling a buzz from hearing someone else hit the jackpot would seem to be conditioning in itself so it looks like there could be two lots of CC going on.

Hopefully I haven't confused you too much but if you need clarification let me know.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on March 20, 2019, 05:20:28 pm
You've got the right idea but I'm a bit confused by your example. Instead, take this example - ''David experienced a buzz after hitting the jackpot whilst gambling. Now, whenever David sees flashing coloured lights he experiences this buzz again". In this example, the UCS is hitting the jackpot the NS/CS is the flashing coloured lights (often associated with hitting the jackpot) and the UCR/CR is the buzz experienced (which could lead to an urge to play again). I hope it's clear as to how the associations in my example were reached. I'm confused by your example as feeling a buzz from hearing someone else hit the jackpot would seem to be conditioning in itself so it looks like there could be two lots of CC going on.

Hopefully I haven't confused you too much but if you need clarification let me know.

no your example makes perfect sense and I understand it  :)
I was confused by this question as well and got a bit stumped by it when I saw it in my text book
hence me posting a query.
Thanks for the help ;D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MB_ on March 20, 2019, 05:34:29 pm
no your example makes perfect sense and I understand it  :)
I was confused by this question as well and got a bit stumped by it when I saw it in my text book
hence me posting a query.
Thanks for the help ;D
I thought about it a bit more and think that it works if the venue is the NS/CS (with winning the jackpot/hearing other people win is the UCS and the UCR/CR is the buzz experienced). As the venue is the NS/CS then driving past it would lead to a buzz (due to the conditioning) that would give the urge to gamble. I don't think driving past the venue can be the NS/CS as the conditioning occurs when the person is experiencing the buzz while being at the venue.

Hopefully that clears things up a bit!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: persistent_insomniac on March 23, 2019, 01:33:55 pm
Qs on operant conditioning:
Say for example you are grounded for doing something. Is the consequence positive punishment b/c your getting something unpleasant to decrease the negative behaviour OR is it negaitve punishement b/c your taken away something pleasant (freedom)?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on March 23, 2019, 04:22:22 pm
Hey guys,
I've got two questions.

Firstly, how does neural plasticity enable learning and memory?

Secondly, explain whether any learning or memory would be possible without neural plasticity.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on March 23, 2019, 06:01:51 pm
Hey guys,
I've got two questions.

Firstly, how does neural plasticity enable learning and memory?

Secondly, explain whether any learning or memory would be possible without neural plasticity.

You might find the responses to this useful :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MB_ on March 23, 2019, 11:20:41 pm
Qs on operant conditioning:
Say for example you are grounded for doing something. Is the consequence positive punishment b/c your getting something unpleasant to decrease the negative behaviour OR is it negaitve punishement b/c your taken away something pleasant (freedom)?
I don't think you'd get a question like this without any other context as I think it can go both ways. For example, if your phone was confiscated, then it would be negative punishment as something has been taken away. If the grounding was accompanied by some form of disapproval such as a scolding then it would be positive punishment as you're getting something unpleasant.
 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on March 24, 2019, 10:37:05 am
A question I forgot to ask my teacher when we were learning this topic (oops):
- Does the parasympathetic nervous system first begin to assert dominance in the resistance stage of the GAS? (and is this why resistance to the stressor begins to decrease?)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MB_ on March 24, 2019, 04:02:49 pm
A question I forgot to ask my teacher when we were learning this topic (oops):
- Does the parasympathetic nervous system first begin to assert dominance in the resistance stage of the GAS? (and is this why resistance to the stressor begins to decrease?)
I'm not completely sure but I think it makes sense for the PNS to do that during the resistance stage. If you look at the GAS graph, it flattens out before decreasing and I would suggest that's largely due to the PNS becoming dominant (as it reduces heart rate etc). And yes, I think that's why resistance to the stressor begins to decrease.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on March 24, 2019, 04:14:11 pm
Hey guys!
I've got a question from my textbook that I'm stuck on:

How may reconsolidation be manipulated to change someone’s memory of an event?

Thanks! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on March 25, 2019, 09:33:37 pm
Hey guys!
I've got a question from my textbook that I'm stuck on:

How may reconsolidation be manipulated to change someone’s memory of an event?

Thanks! :)

Reconsolidation is the process in which a memory is retrieved and is open to further consolidation and has to be re-stabilised. The reconsolidation process is believed to repeat itself each time a memory is retrieved and placed back in storage, which is why memories can change over time. A memory can then be intentionally changed or manipulated during the reconsolidation process, and will be stored according to what is placed back in long-term storage. For example, when you are a (young) child, you may learn through experience that kicking a ball makes it move forward. However, through experience, you then learn that kicking a ball can also make it go backwards if you kick it a different way. When this occurs, the memory of kicking a ball is retrieved and is then changed to say that kicking a ball can also make it go backwards, not just forwards. The memory has now changed due to reconsolidation. (Sorry for the poor example, I can't think of anything else right now).

In this way, reconsolidation can be maniuplated to change someone's memory of an event. For example, if you remember the inflatable pool in the backyard to be yellow, but then your dad tells you it was green, the memory is retrieved and then changed to state that the inflatable pool is actually green. However, when your mum takes the inflatable pool out in summer, you realise it's actually purple, so the memory is retrieved and changed to state that the inflatable pool is purple. Another form of manipulation could be in eye-witnesses. If a witness remembers seeing a man wearing a black jacket, but then they see CCTV footage and realise the man is actually wearing a white jacket, then their memory of this could be changed through reconsolidation. The CCTV footage could be manipulated to show the man wearing a different coloured jacket to make the eye-witness change their memory by retrieving it and making the according changes.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on March 26, 2019, 08:18:14 am
Reconsolidation is the process in which a memory is retrieved and is open to further consolidation and has to be re-stabilised. The reconsolidation process is believed to repeat itself each time a memory is retrieved and placed back in storage, which is why memories can change over time. A memory can then be intentionally changed or manipulated during the reconsolidation process, and will be stored according to what is placed back in long-term storage. For example, when you are a (young) child, you may learn through experience that kicking a ball makes it move forward. However, through experience, you then learn that kicking a ball can also make it go backwards if you kick it a different way. When this occurs, the memory of kicking a ball is retrieved and is then changed to say that kicking a ball can also make it go backwards, not just forwards. The memory has now changed due to reconsolidation. (Sorry for the poor example, I can't think of anything else right now).

In this way, reconsolidation can be maniuplated to change someone's memory of an event. For example, if you remember the inflatable pool in the backyard to be yellow, but then your dad tells you it was green, the memory is retrieved and then changed to state that the inflatable pool is actually green. However, when your mum takes the inflatable pool out in summer, you realise it's actually purple, so the memory is retrieved and changed to state that the inflatable pool is purple. Another form of manipulation could be in eye-witnesses. If a witness remembers seeing a man wearing a black jacket, but then they see CCTV footage and realise the man is actually wearing a white jacket, then their memory of this could be changed through reconsolidation. The CCTV footage could be manipulated to show the man wearing a different coloured jacket to make the eye-witness change their memory by retrieving it and making the according changes.

Wow thanks for the great answer! Super helpful - I totally get it now  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on March 26, 2019, 11:51:57 am
Hey, I'm back with another confusing  question ( at least for me )

Explain the role of long term potentiation in the development if Albert's conditioned fear response to the white rat.

Thanks
 :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on March 31, 2019, 12:38:17 pm
Hey, I'm back with another confusing  question ( at least for me )

Explain the role of long term potentiation in the development if Albert's conditioned fear response to the white rat.

Thanks
 :)
I'm not the greatest to give advice, but since noone else has, I'll give it a crack.

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is the enduring (long-term) strengething/enhancement of glutamere synapses as resulting from repeated stimulation and release of glutamate. As albert is conditioned to associate a fear response with the white rat, synapses that carry that association message are stimulated. As this occurs overtime, this repeated stiumation  illicits these enduring enhancements to those synapses of the synapses attributring to the association of fear and the rat. As a result, this LTP means albert to learn (or be conditioned) to experience a fear response when exposed to the rat.

This is probably not perfect, but I hope it will point you in the right direction. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on March 31, 2019, 01:39:34 pm
I'm not the greatest to give advice, but since noone else has, I'll give it a crack.

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is the enduring (long-term) strengething/enhancement of glutamere synapses as resulting from repeated stimulation and release of glutamate. As albert is conditioned to associate a fear response with the white rat, synapses that carry that association message are stimulated. As this occurs overtime, this repeated stiumation  illicits these enduring enhancements to those synapses of the synapses attributring to the association of fear and the rat. As a result, this LTP means albert to learn (or be conditioned) to experience a fear response when exposed to the rat.

This is probably not perfect, but I hope it will point you in the right direction. :)

Even though glutamate is important to LTP I wouldn't define LTP in terms of glutamate, but your thought process around the question is good.

As you've identified, increase in strength of connections between synaptic pathways links to association - and that's a key point to address in this question + linking it specifically to Little Albert scenario 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on March 31, 2019, 06:49:15 pm
Hey, I'm back with another confusing  question ( at least for me )

Explain the role of long term potentiation in the development if Albert's conditioned fear response to the white rat.

Thanks
 :)

Long term potentiation (LTP) enables long-lasting strengthening of synaptic connections involved in Albert's conditioned fear response to the white rat. LTP enhances storage of the conditioned response through repeated activation of the pathway, which is done through the repeated pairings of the neutral stimulus (white rat) and the unconditioned stimulus (loud noise).

Hope this is okay! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on April 10, 2019, 03:26:13 pm
hello
this question may seem silly to some, but I just need to desperately clear my doubts.
What is the difference between the axon terminals and terminal buttons. I know terminal buttons secrete neurotransmitters but what else do they do . . . and what's even the role of axon terminals?
Thanks  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on April 10, 2019, 04:06:22 pm
hello
this question may seem silly to some, but I just need to desperately clear my doubts.
What is the difference between the axon terminals and terminal buttons. I know terminal buttons secrete neurotransmitters but what else do they do . . . and what's even the role of axon terminals?
Thanks  :)

Hi Ionic Doc,

To my understanding, axon terminals are extensions of the axon where information is transmitted to other neurons whereas axon terminal buttons are located at the ends of axon terminals and secrete neurotransmitters once the action potential reaches them. Besides being a key component of neurotransmission through the synapse, the axon terminal buttons are also involved in synaptogenesis (the creation of new synapses).

As I don't do biology atm, I only have a VCE psych understanding of the difference between the two structures. If there were to be a more technical explanation, it would probably be beyond the study design.

Hope this helps :)

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on April 12, 2019, 04:56:56 pm
When a year 12 Psychology teacher was taught her lessons in the first half of the year, she wrote nites on the board for her class to copy. She was disappointed in the results obtained by her class in the mid-year exam, and wanted to investigate whether presenting her notes in a different way would impact on her students results in the end of year exam. In the second half of the year, rather than writing her notes on the board, she presented her notes in Powerpoint format and added lots of visual cues.


so just wondering if you guys think this could be classified as an Operational Hypothesis
It is hypothesised that year 12 students studying psychology will obtain better results in the end of year exam than their mid year exams when there teacher  presents them with notes in the format of powerpoint and visuals during the 2nd semester  rather than with the notes she  displayed on a whiteboard during the 1st semester.

- Thanks Ionic Doc
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on April 12, 2019, 05:30:22 pm
@ionic doc

It's clear you understand the components which should be included and the if-when-then structure is a valid way of presenting a hypothesis.  I'd suggest that you operationalise "better results" and add some punctuation to make your sentence clearer since its so long :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on April 12, 2019, 07:20:24 pm
@ionic doc

It's clear you understand the components which should be included and the if-when-then structure is a valid way of presenting a hypothesis.  I'd suggest that you operationalise "better results" and add some punctuation to make your sentence clearer since its so long :)
@Bri MT thanks
if you wouldn't mind ( not urgent or anything) but could you please provide me with an example of what you mean . . .
thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on April 12, 2019, 08:43:31 pm
@Bri MT thanks
if you wouldn't mind ( not urgent or anything) but could you please provide me with an example of what you mean . . .
thanks

Was it an example of operationalisation you wanted?

Eg.
"Participants will eat more chocolate"
->
"Participants will eat more squares of chocolate on average"

"Students will be less stressed"
->
"Students will report an average of lower stress on a likert scale"

Rather than "better", state the measurable change you're expecting to see :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on May 01, 2019, 07:24:53 pm
ok another one

A) Which type of learning requires the least amount of participation by the learner? Why?
    B) Which type of learning requires the most participation by the learner? Why?


Answer

The type of learning that requires the least amount of participation by the learner is classical conditioning. The reason for this is that during classical conditioning the learner unintentionally associates and conditions and unconditioned stimuli with a neutral stimulus to elicit an unconditioned response , this is involuntary and occurs after repeated association of two or more stimuli. Where as in operant conditioning the learner performs voluntary responses to receive a consequence (reinforcement) or avoid a consequence (punishment). Finally observational learning requires the most participation by the learner as they must actively pay attention, retain what they have observed, reproduce what they have retained and finally have some form of motivation to produce the behaviour in the first place, receiving reinforcement or observing someone receive reinforcement (vicarious reinforcement)  also aims to help motivate and reproduce  that behaviour  being observed or performed.


Marks - 3 marks for A  and 3 marks for B

Not really sure if I explained it in depth, also have no idea how the marks are broken down if someone could explain.
I also underlined observational learning as I'm skeptical that it's not  the right answer.

Thanks  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: NomotivationF on May 01, 2019, 08:05:13 pm
ok another one

A) Which type of learning requires the least amount of participation by the learner? Why?
    B) Which type of learning requires the most participation by the learner? Why?


Answer

The type of learning that requires the least amount of participation by the learner is classical conditioning. The reason for this is that during classical conditioning the learner unintentionally associates and conditions and unconditioned stimuli with a neutral stimulus to elicit an unconditioned response , this is involuntary and occurs after repeated association of two or more stimuli. Where as in operant conditioning the learner performs voluntary responses to receive a consequence (reinforcement) or avoid a consequence (punishment). Finally observational learning requires the most participation by the learner as they must actively pay attention, retain what they have observed, reproduce what they have retained and finally have some form of motivation to produce the behaviour in the first place, receiving reinforcement or observing someone receive reinforcement (vicarious reinforcement)  also aims to help motivate and reproduce  that behaviour  being observed or performed.


Marks - 3 marks for A  and 3 marks for B

Not really sure if I explained it in depth, also have no idea how the marks are broken down if someone could explain.
I also underlined observational learning as I'm skeptical that it's not  the right answer.

Thanks  :)

Hey man :), take this with a grain of salt since i'm obviously not an expert, but I have completed my sac on this topic already. Your answers seem to be correct but i'd include more information just to be safe. I'd also make sure to mention the atleast 4 out of the 5 stages of observational learning, Attention, retention, reproduction, motivation and reinforcement. I use the acronym ARRMR (say it as armour) to help me remember this. Here's how I would add/modify your answer;

A) Which type of learning requires the least amount of participation by the learner? Why?
The type of learning that requires the least amount of participation by the learner is classical conditioning. The reason for this is that during classical conditioning is a type of involuntary/unconscious learning. Before conditioning, the neutral stimulus would elicit no response, however the unconditioned stimulus would elicit the unconditioned response. During conditioning, the neutral stimulus is repeatedly paired immediately before the unconditioned stimulus in order to elicit the unconditioned response. After conditioning as occurred, the conditioned stimulus (previously the neutral stimulus) now elicits a conditioned response (previously the unconditioned response). This entire process of conditioning is involuntary and occurs without any input/choice from the learner. Where as in operant conditioning the learner performs voluntary responses to receive a consequence (reinforcement) or avoid a consequence (punishment) I don't think you need to include this as it's not asking for a comparison with other types of learning, it's only asking you to justify why you think CC is the type of learning that requires the least participation.

B) Which type of learning requires the most participation by the learner? Why?
Observational learning requires the most participation by the learner as they must follow the stages of observational learning; Attention (actively watch the model's behaviour and the consequences to the behaviour.) Retention - Create and store a mental representation of the model's behaviour. Reproduction - Have the mental and physical capability to reproduce the model's behaviour, and finally, Motivation - The learner must have a want/feel the desire to reproduce the behaviour. Receiving reinforcement for successfully performing the behaviour will also make the learner more likely to reproduce the behaviour in the future.
Underlined bit probably not needed
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: NomotivationF on May 01, 2019, 08:08:23 pm
Was it an example of operationalisation you wanted?

Eg.
"Participants will eat more chocolate"
->
"Participants will eat more squares of chocolate on average"

"Students will be less stressed"
->
"Students will report an average of lower stress on a likert scale"

Rather than "better", state the measurable change you're expecting to see :)

I'm don't think you're supposed to operationalise the DV or IV in the hypothesis (for VCE psychology).

Edit - NVM i'm wrong sorry. I looked through last year's exam and you can do either. In class we were taught to not operationalise in the hypothesis
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on May 03, 2019, 06:40:17 pm
Hey man :), take this with a grain of salt since i'm obviously not an expert, but I have completed my sac on this topic already. Your answers seem to be correct but i'd include more information just to be safe. I'd also make sure to mention the atleast 4 out of the 5 stages of observational learning, Attention, retention, reproduction, motivation and reinforcement. I use the acronym ARRMR (say it as armour) to help me remember this. Here's how I would add/modify your answer;

A) Which type of learning requires the least amount of participation by the learner? Why?
The type of learning that requires the least amount of participation by the learner is classical conditioning. The reason for this is that during classical conditioning is a type of involuntary/unconscious learning. Before conditioning, the neutral stimulus would elicit no response, however the unconditioned stimulus would elicit the unconditioned response. During conditioning, the neutral stimulus is repeatedly paired immediately before the unconditioned stimulus in order to elicit the unconditioned response. After conditioning as occurred, the conditioned stimulus (previously the neutral stimulus) now elicits a conditioned response (previously the unconditioned response). This entire process of conditioning is involuntary and occurs without any input/choice from the learner. Where as in operant conditioning the learner performs voluntary responses to receive a consequence (reinforcement) or avoid a consequence (punishment) I don't think you need to include this as it's not asking for a comparison with other types of learning, it's only asking you to justify why you think CC is the type of learning that requires the least participation.

B) Which type of learning requires the most participation by the learner? Why?
Observational learning requires the most participation by the learner as they must follow the stages of observational learning; Attention (actively watch the model's behaviour and the consequences to the behaviour.) Retention - Create and store a mental representation of the model's behaviour. Reproduction - Have the mental and physical capability to reproduce the model's behaviour, and finally, Motivation - The learner must have a want/feel the desire to reproduce the behaviour. Receiving reinforcement for successfully performing the behaviour will also make the learner more likely to reproduce the behaviour in the future.
Underlined bit probably not needed

hey thanks for reviewing this . . . .

and cutting out all the nonsense info

appreciated  :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on May 03, 2019, 08:36:35 pm
I'm don't think you're supposed to operationalise the DV or IV in the hypothesis (for VCE psychology).

Edit - NVM i'm wrong sorry. I looked through last year's exam and you can do either. In class we were taught to not operationalise in the hypothesis

I only suggested operationalising because of the type of hypothesis it was - I don't recommend operationalising in general as it can be a time-waster :)

If your teachers preference is that you never operationalise stick with that as they're the one marking your work, and as you've seen they don't mind in the exam
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on May 07, 2019, 08:27:34 pm
yep it's me again  8)

Research studies have found that adolescents are more likely to begin smoking cigarettes, if their parents, siblings and friends smoke. Explain this finding in terms of the observational learning method.

1. Attention - The individual must pay close attention to parents/friends/siblings who smoke cigarettes
2. Retention -  The individual must store a mental representation of the behaviour they have observed in their memory from seeing friends and family smoke cigarettes.
3. Reproduction - The individual must have the physical and mental capabilities to reproduce the mental representation of what they have retained, in this scenario, the individual must be of legal age to smoke and have hands.
4. Motivation - The individual must have some form of motivation to learn this behaviour in the first place, whether this be intrinsic or extrinsic.
5. Reinforcement - After successfully reproducing the observed behaviour the individual is more likely to repeat the behaviour if he receives some form of reinforcement, whether this be a sense of accomplishment ( self -reinforcement ), receiving praise from friends ( external reinforcement) or vicarious reinforcement.


not 100% what vicarious  reinforcement actually is 
Is my wording correct or have I completely answered the question wrong?
Thanks  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: eeshazkhan on May 08, 2019, 06:24:17 am
Hey everyone

I just did my 3/4 Psych sac on learning and there was this one question on it that tripped me over a bit. The question described a classical conditioning prac that we did in a classroom (salivation to a ring tone) and it asked the best process that describes a students salivation AFTER school when their phone rang.

Would that be spontaneous recovery of the CR (salivation) because extinction had already taken place at the end of the classroom activity? Because when we did this prac in class, the teacher extinguished our CR's at the end of the activity. OR would it be stimulus generalisation because the students ring tone might have been a different one to the NS/CS in the conditioning activity?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on May 08, 2019, 07:07:51 am
@ionic doc. You could probably be more succinct but you've got the right general idea. I would say that you haven't explained the findings enough.  Eg for reproduction they could smoke (even illegally under 18) if they have access to cigarettes and a lighter - which they're more likely to have if family members smoke.

Vicarious reinforcement is when someone else being reinforced influences your behaviour.  Eg. If they see their siblings being positively reinforced by smoking they're more likely to smoke.



Welcome to atarnotes! :)

If there were no hints that the ring tones were different the answer would be spontaneous recovery.

If there were hints that the ringtones were different it would be stimulus generalisation.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: NomotivationF on May 08, 2019, 10:58:52 am
yep it's me again  8)

Research studies have found that adolescents are more likely to begin smoking cigarettes, if their parents, siblings and friends smoke. Explain this finding in terms of the observational learning method.

1. Attention - The individual must pay close attention to parents/friends/siblings who smoke cigarettes
2. Retention -  The individual must store a mental representation of the behaviour they have observed in their memory from seeing friends and family smoke cigarettes.
3. Reproduction - The individual must have the physical and mental capabilities to reproduce the mental representation of what they have retained, in this scenario, the individual must be of legal age to smoke and have hands.
4. Motivation - The individual must have some form of motivation to learn this behaviour in the first place, whether this be intrinsic or extrinsic.
5. Reinforcement - After successfully reproducing the observed behaviour the individual is more likely to repeat the behaviour if he receives some form of reinforcement, whether this be a sense of accomplishment ( self -reinforcement ), receiving praise from friends ( external reinforcement) or vicarious reinforcement.


not 100% what vicarious  reinforcement actually is 
Is my wording correct or have I completely answered the question wrong?
Thanks  :)

Hey Doc, just building on what Bri said I've underlined some ways I would improve your answer. Make sure to apply the question into your answer and avoid using what you are describing in your answer for the explanation of the description.

1. Attention - The individual must actively watch pay close attention their  parents/friends/siblings smoking cigarettes
2. Retention -  The individual must successfully store a mental representation of their parents/sibling/friends smoking cigarettesthe behaviour they have observed in their memory from seeing friends and family smoke cigarettes.
3. Reproduction - The individual must have the physical and mental capabilities to reproduce the mental representation of what they have retained, in this scenario, the individual must be of legal age to smoke (being of legal age isn't a mental of physical capability. A better example would be --->) the adolescent must have the motor skills to put the cigarette to his mouth and have hands.
4. Motivation - The individual must have the desire/want have some form of motivation to learn this behaviour (the motivation is to recreate the behaviour not learn it) smoke cigarettes in the first place, whether this be intrinsic or extrinsic.
5. Reinforcement - After successfully reproducing the observed behaviour smoking a cigarette, the individual adolescent is more likely to repeat the behaviour if he receives some form of reinforcement, whether this be a sense of accomplishment ( self -reinforcement ) an example of which may be receiving praise from friends ( external reinforcement) or observing his friends/parents/siblings feel a sense of relief after smoking a cigarette (vicarious reinforcement).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on May 12, 2019, 03:26:42 pm
Hey guys!

Does anyone have a good example for explaining elaborative rehearsal?

I know that elaborative rehearsal involves linking new information in some meaningful way to information already stored in long-term memory, but I can't think of an example to use in questions that require it.

Is 'linking newly learnt names of people to names of people you already know' an alright example?

Thanks!
-Chloe :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Rom_Dog on May 12, 2019, 04:14:21 pm
Hey guys!

Does anyone have a good example for explaining elaborative rehearsal?

I know that elaborative rehearsal involves linking new information in some meaningful way to information already stored in long-term memory, but I can't think of an example to use in questions that require it.

Is 'linking newly learnt names of people to names of people you already know' an alright example?

Thanks!
-Chloe :)

Hello! You're right in saying that through elaborative rehearsal newly-learnt information is linked to information already kept in long term memory. Your example works fine but as psychology is fairly subjective in nature, a range of well explained thought processes could get you full marks on a question regarding this topic. You could even link the names of new people to objects in your home by thinking of something that starts with the first letter of their name!

I hope this helps  :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: NomotivationF on May 12, 2019, 04:24:25 pm
Hey guys!

Does anyone have a good example for explaining elaborative rehearsal?

I know that elaborative rehearsal involves linking new information in some meaningful way to information already stored in long-term memory, but I can't think of an example to use in questions that require it.

Is 'linking newly learnt names of people to names of people you already know' an alright example?

Thanks!
-Chloe :)

Hey Chloe,

Elaborative rehearsal can be defined as the process of linking new information in a meaningful way with other new information or information already stored in LTM to aid in its storage and future retrieval from LTM. An example of elaborative rehearsal may be Self-referencing/salience = Linking new info to the self or to personal experiences, which may increase the likelihood of remembering
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: briv01 on May 13, 2019, 07:15:24 pm
Just a quick question regarding the serial position affect,

I understand the primacy and recency affect. However, is it wrong to write that this effect is influenced by the type of information ( eg can be emotionally arousing info ), the amount of info ( eg if info was chunked or not ) as well as extraneous variables such as distractions in the environment where the info was attended to and participant variables such as memory?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: NomotivationF on May 13, 2019, 07:26:47 pm
Just a quick question regarding the serial position affect,

I understand the primacy and recency affect. However, is it wrong to write that this effect is influenced by the type of information ( eg can be emotionally arousing info ), the amount of info ( eg if info was chunked or not ) as well as extraneous variables such as distractions in the environment where the info was attended to and participant variables such as memory?

Hey briv,

I think you're correct in saying that the serial positioning effect is affected by the type and amount of info, and there would definitely be EV's at play when investigating this phenomenon. However, in terms of the study design I don't think this is relevant and I'm quite confident the only effect on SPE you need to know about is that if recall is delayed OR if participants are asked to recall words in the correct order, no recency effect occurs.

Also sorry for being pedantic but it's 'effect' not 'affect'   
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: briv01 on May 13, 2019, 07:42:13 pm
Great, thanks so much
And haha sorry 😂 I’ll use effect next time

The reason I asked was I actually wrote that in my poster report sac in the theory section about the serial position effect, I did mention the other important aspects of the effect
Do you think that’s fine even though it’s not part of the study design?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: NomotivationF on May 13, 2019, 07:49:07 pm
Great, thanks so much
And haha sorry 😂 I’ll use effect next time

The reason I asked was I actually wrote that in my poster report sac in the theory section about the serial position effect, I did mention the other important aspects of the effect
Do you think that’s fine even though it’s not part of the study design?

I'm sure it's fine as long as you explained it correctly. I'm assuming this is Psych 1/2, so a little extra information / knowledge can only do you good :). However for 3/4 I'd suggest always asking your teacher questions and avoid including information that isn't relevant to the study design.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: briv01 on May 13, 2019, 07:51:59 pm
Uh oh lol
It’s 3/4 psych,
Hopefully it’s okay, fingers crossed
Thanks though
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on May 13, 2019, 07:56:36 pm
Uh oh lol
It’s 3/4 psych,
Hopefully it’s okay, fingers crossed
Thanks though

I would be very surprised if they took marks off you for including this assuming you've integrated it into the report correctly.

It could even help you gain marks if it helps you display understanding of the scientific method and EVs :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: briv01 on May 13, 2019, 08:00:05 pm
I hope so,
I wrote it as part of my introduction where I discussed the serial position effect
I included it after I talked about the main theory of the effect

Thanks guys
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: NomotivationF on May 21, 2019, 09:51:57 am
Hey guys,

How would you compare and contrast implicit and explicit memories? I know something to contrast would be explicit requires conscious retrieval whereas implicit doesn't. What are some similarities or some more differences?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on May 22, 2019, 02:16:09 pm
Hey guys,

How would you compare and contrast implicit and explicit memories? I know something to contrast would be explicit requires conscious retrieval whereas implicit doesn't. What are some similarities or some more differences?

Implicit memory doesn't require conscious or intentional retrieval, whereas in explicit memory information is intentionally or consciously retrieved and stated.

This is the most basic answer that would probably give you 2 marks. If the question says to include an example, then do so. You can also include the types of implicit and explicit memories (e.g. classically conditioned, procedural for implicit and episodic, semantic for explicit). In psych, usually you only need to put the two definitions together and add a comparison word in between when it asks you to compare two things. You don't need to actually find specific differences or similarities unless the question is worded like that.

However, if you aren't answering an actual question and you're looking at how they're different/same, these apply:
- where they are stored in the brain
- how they are affected by brain damage, and what types of brain damage
- which one is likely to be forgotten quicker (with age)
- how they can be tested (e.g. explicit memories can be tested through recall and recognition)

^my understanding of what our teacher has taught us.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on June 04, 2019, 07:31:00 pm
Ok so doing an experiment on recall.

Basically where gonna get participants to memorise a list of 10 words in silence for a minute. After a minute we will take away the page of words and ask them to write as many of the  10 words they can remember  on a piece of paper. After they have done that we will give them another list of 10 random words ( different to the first list) except while they are memorising these words, classical music is playing. After a minute we will again take away the sheet of paper and stop the music and ask them to write down as many of the words they can remember from the list.

My questions

The aim of this experiment is

To investigate the effect of music on retrieval of information

or

To investigate the effect of music during learning on retrieval of information

Which option is the best, and is their a better aim you guys can think of.

Cheers
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: NomotivationF on June 04, 2019, 07:50:50 pm
Ok so doing an experiment on recall.

Basically where gonna get participants to memorise a list of 10 words in silence for a minute. After a minute we will take away the page of words and ask them to write as many of the  10 words they can remember  on a piece of paper. After they have done that we will give them another list of 10 random words ( different to the first list) except while they are memorising these words, classical music is playing. After a minute we will again take away the sheet of paper and stop the music and ask them to write down as many of the words they can remember from the list.

My questions

The aim of this experiment is

To investigate the effect of music on retrieval of information

or

To investigate the effect of music during learning on retrieval of information

Which option is the best, and is their a better aim you guys can think of.

Cheers

Hey Doc,

So your experiment seems like you're using music as a context dependant cue to trigger recall. I would try to add that into your aim and say something as follows;

The aim was to investigate the effect of music as a context dependant on the retrieval of information.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on June 04, 2019, 09:38:25 pm
Hey Doc,

So your experiment seems like you're using music as a context dependant cue to trigger recall. I would try to add that into your aim and say something as follows;

The aim was to investigate the effect of music as a context dependant on the retrieval of information.

Hey

Am I experimenting context dependant cue when the music isn't playing. Like they're listening to music while trying to memorise a list of words. Than I turn of the music and they write down as many words as they can recall .

Correct me if I'm wrong but I though context dependant cues were things in the environment that trigger a memory.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on June 05, 2019, 09:40:31 am
Yeah music isn't a contextual cue because the music isn't playing while they write.

Your second aim is better than the 1st. Personally,  I'd be more specific (ie free recall rather than retrieval, "hearing music" rather than just "music") but stick to your experiences of how your teacher prefers aims to be presented.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ktbrianne on June 06, 2019, 02:49:41 pm
Okay, I'm in year 11 doing year 12 psychology. We are currently doing our scientific poster and the school that I did unit 1&2 at, I didn't do a scientific poster. I'm not sure how exactly i should go about this, I've been given an outline of the information I need but I don't actually know how to do it. I sound really dumb for asking this but I am just unsure of what to do, I know how to write an aim, hypothesis, etc. I just don't know how to create the actual poster.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on June 06, 2019, 03:42:55 pm
Okay, I'm in year 11 doing year 12 psychology. We are currently doing our scientific poster and the school that I did unit 1&2 at, I didn't do a scientific poster. I'm not sure how exactly i should go about this, I've been given an outline of the information I need but I don't actually know how to do it. I sound really dumb for asking this but I am just unsure of what to do, I know how to write an aim, hypothesis, etc. I just don't know how to create the actual poster.
I personally just write a normal report and then simply rearrange it into a poster format after writing it. I use Microsoft publisher (you could use anything really) and divide a landscape page into three verticle columns and try to make the general formatting look appealing to the eye.

I don't write anything differently for the poster than I would a normal report. Others may do it differently, but hopefully this offers some help and direction.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on June 06, 2019, 04:39:54 pm
Okay, I'm in year 11 doing year 12 psychology. We are currently doing our scientific poster and the school that I did unit 1&2 at, I didn't do a scientific poster. I'm not sure how exactly i should go about this, I've been given an outline of the information I need but I don't actually know how to do it. I sound really dumb for asking this but I am just unsure of what to do, I know how to write an aim, hypothesis, etc. I just don't know how to create the actual poster.

Hey, I'd recommend talking to your teacher about what format it's required in and what you're allowed/expected to do outside of class time. In some schools you need to handwrite it under specific conditions whereas at others you can complete it digitally etc. Once you have that info it will give you and us a better idea of what you should be doing :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Julianna Garcia on July 02, 2019, 02:14:16 pm
Hi team - does anyone have the PowerPoint from the Unit 3 Headstart lecture in Jan 2019? I have the PDF but would love the actual PowerPoint?
Cheers
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on July 04, 2019, 12:04:55 pm
Hi team - does anyone have the PowerPoint from the Unit 3 Headstart lecture in Jan 2019? I have the PDF but would love the actual PowerPoint?
Cheers

You can find the og version here. The only way to download it is as a pdf, not a powerpoint though. Pretty sure if you right-click the file after downloading, you can click 'open in powerpoint' or something remotely similar if you would like it in powerpoint form. Hope this helps!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: afnan900 on July 10, 2019, 10:01:44 am
Hi guys,
What are some tips on how to answer questions in psych 3&4? I haven't grasped this as of yet and have struggled a lot due to it. I typically start with defining a key term (only because I'm so used to it in other subjects and I don't know how else to start).
Also, I've been using flashcards to study for psychology however I feel as if it isn't enough, & I'm not sure what to do.
Any advice would be so appreciated.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: JR_StudyEd on July 10, 2019, 09:15:55 pm
Hi guys,
What are some tips on how to answer questions in psych 3&4? I haven't grasped this as of yet and have struggled a lot due to it. I typically start with defining a key term (only because I'm so used to it in other subjects and I don't know how else to start).
Also, I've been using flashcards to study for psychology however I feel as if it isn't enough, & I'm not sure what to do.
Any advice would be so appreciated.
Hi afnan900!
How you answer a question heavily depends on what type of question it is. Is it multiple-choice, short-answer, or a 10 mark question? Regardless, since you haven't specified this, I'll give you my advice for answering all types of questions.

Multiple-choice: Eliminate options, especially ones that say always or never. This is a science, remember. There is a 0.01% chance of anything being certain. Also, when you're doing practice exams in the multiple-choice section, try your best to justify why the wrong options are wrong, the correct option is correct. It will help your understanding.  :)
Short-answer: If a question is worth 3 marks, 3 distinct points must be brought up in your response. If a question is worth 5 marks, 5 distinct points must be brought up. You get the idea.

As tedious as it sounds, I mostly studied for Psych using past exam questions. You might want to have a look at past VCAA exams and see if you can complete any questions in them. Make sure you check your answers! I also tried to relate the content being taught to everyday situations.

I really, truly hope this helped you out!
- JR
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: gary123 on July 10, 2019, 10:19:31 pm
Hi guys,
What are some tips on how to answer questions in psych 3&4? I haven't grasped this as of yet and have struggled a lot due to it. I typically start with defining a key term (only because I'm so used to it in other subjects and I don't know how else to start).
Also, I've been using flashcards to study for psychology however I feel as if it isn't enough, & I'm not sure what to do.
Any advice would be so appreciated.
I did psych 3/4 in year 11 and I found doing lots of practice questions and marking them rigorously to the extent my expression had to be almost identical to the marking criteria to really pay off especially since my teacher was a nitpicky vcaa examiner. The more 'errors' you find as you mark, the more opportunities for you to learn and fix them - don't be lenient when you're self correcting.

When your reading a question it helps to think about what concepts are being tested. Questions are always geared towards one concept usually. Command words such as distinguish, describe, compare and identify are good starting points for constructing your response. Compare and distinguish are different in the sense you have to explain differences between two concepts for BOTH of them. e.g distinguish 2 differences operant and classical - operant is voluntary, learner is passive WHILST classical is involuntary, learner is active. You cannot just talk about operant on its own because thats not comparing.
If you're having trouble with a question with what its specifically asking for, as long as you know what concept its testing just regurgitate what you know about it and include as many buzzwords/phrases (e.g presynaptic to post synaptic) in your response.
Starting a response with a mere definition for every question should be avoided. Often you will be given a scenario and so not only will you be tested on your knowledge, but also on your ability to apply it - this is where practice comes in - to prepare you for these questions. You won't get a mark for writing out textbook definition as part of your response in application questions which is pretty much the case 9/10 questions, it's just a waste of time. When you're given a scenario always use the name of the person and always always always refer to the scenario - you want to show examiners you can apply your knowledge to the scenario given. I'm still making the same mistake this year in bio unfortunately and it costs me getting full marks every time.

Additionally, you can look at how many marks a question is worth and have a gist of how in depth you need to be. Each mark is allocated to something different so theres no point waffling on the same point and just rephrasing it in 3 different ways hoping to get 3 marks. A new buzzword or explicit statement needs to be mentioned to get each consecutive mark. With this in mind during a sac you may realise that you've already made your point and something else may be needed for that last mark which you can spend time thinking about as opposed to wasting time waffling on.
i kinda rushed this so it might not make sense. you seem like you're working hard for this subject so hopefully you get something out of this. good luck!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: afnan900 on July 11, 2019, 05:57:05 pm
Hi afnan900!
How you answer a question heavily depends on what type of question it is. Is it multiple-choice, short-answer, or a 10 mark question? Regardless, since you haven't specified this, I'll give you my advice for answering all types of questions.

Multiple-choice: Eliminate options, especially ones that say always or never. This is a science, remember. There is a 0.01% chance of anything being certain. Also, when you're doing practice exams in the multiple-choice section, try your best to justify why the wrong options are wrong, the correct option is correct. It will help your understanding.  :)
Short-answer: If a question is worth 3 marks, 3 distinct points must be brought up in your response. If a question is worth 5 marks, 5 distinct points must be brought up. You get the idea.

As tedious as it sounds, I mostly studied for Psych using past exam questions. You might want to have a look at past VCAA exams and see if you can complete any questions in them. Make sure you check your answers! I also tried to relate the content being taught to everyday situations.

I really, truly hope this helped you out!
- JR

Thank you so much; this was very helpful! Particularly the mcq tip you gave. I did forget to mention that I was specifically struggling with short answer questions however you summed it up well. Thank you once again.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: afnan900 on July 11, 2019, 06:03:32 pm
I did psych 3/4 in year 11 and I found doing lots of practice questions and marking them rigorously to the extent my expression had to be almost identical to the marking criteria to really pay off especially since my teacher was a nitpicky vcaa examiner. The more 'errors' you find as you mark, the more opportunities for you to learn and fix them - don't be lenient when you're self correcting.

When your reading a question it helps to think about what concepts are being tested. Questions are always geared towards one concept usually. Command words such as distinguish, describe, compare and identify are good starting points for constructing your response. Compare and distinguish are different in the sense you have to explain differences between two concepts for BOTH of them. e.g distinguish 2 differences operant and classical - operant is voluntary, learner is passive WHILST classical is involuntary, learner is active. You cannot just talk about operant on its own because thats not comparing.
If you're having trouble with a question with what its specifically asking for, as long as you know what concept its testing just regurgitate what you know about it and include as many buzzwords/phrases (e.g presynaptic to post synaptic) in your response.
Starting a response with a mere definition for every question should be avoided. Often you will be given a scenario and so not only will you be tested on your knowledge, but also on your ability to apply it - this is where practice comes in - to prepare you for these questions. You won't get a mark for writing out textbook definition as part of your response in application questions which is pretty much the case 9/10 questions, it's just a waste of time. When you're given a scenario always use the name of the person and always always always refer to the scenario - you want to show examiners you can apply your knowledge to the scenario given. I'm still making the same mistake this year in bio unfortunately and it costs me getting full marks every time.

Additionally, you can look at how many marks a question is worth and have a gist of how in depth you need to be. Each mark is allocated to something different so theres no point waffling on the same point and just rephrasing it in 3 different ways hoping to get 3 marks. A new buzzword or explicit statement needs to be mentioned to get each consecutive mark. With this in mind during a sac you may realise that you've already made your point and something else may be needed for that last mark which you can spend time thinking about as opposed to wasting time waffling on.
i kinda rushed this so it might not make sense. you seem like you're working hard for this subject so hopefully you get something out of this. good luck!

Wow, this was incredibly helpful. I see that you achieved a 50 in psych last year which is so so so impressive, well done!! & thank you so much for taking the time out to provide advice, it means a lot. Can I ask though, besides practise questions, was there a specific way which you studied? Did you make summaries to help you study or?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on July 17, 2019, 09:22:57 am
Hey

Could someone please help me out with this question?

State two variables that can directly influence the specific effects of a depressant or stimulant drug on consciousness.


thanks in advance
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sat0004 on July 17, 2019, 10:13:40 am
What is the difference between compare and distinguish in PYSCH questions?
What does compare want me to do and what does distinguish want me to do in regards to answering the question?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: caffinatedloz on July 17, 2019, 06:04:38 pm
What is the difference between compare and distinguish in PYSCH questions?
What does compare want me to do and what does distinguish want me to do in regards to answering the question?

Would not be 100% sure, but to me, distinguish would be more about discussing how two things are different while compare would be looking at both similarities and differences.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on July 18, 2019, 05:41:33 pm
Hey

Could someone please help me out with this question?

State two variables that can directly influence the specific effects of a depressant or stimulant drug on consciousness.


thanks in advance

Okay, think about this in a practical sense and imagine someone taking a stimulant/depressant. Doing this helps me think of answers. Try brainstorming a couple of ideas if you're hardstuck on a question - this usually helps me out and I end up figuring out the answer.

If someone takes a stimulant or depressant in large amounts, then they are more likely to enter an altered state of consciousness. In this regard, the amount you take is a variable that can influence the specific effects of a stimulant/depressant on consciousness. Another variable could be something like tolerance to the stimulant/depressant. If an individual takes a stimulant such as cocaine, the more they use this drug, the more their body will tolerate this drug. This means the individual has to take a higher dosage to achieve the same effect after a certain period of time that the individual has been taking the drug often. This would then mean the individual would have to take more of the drug to reach an ASC. In this way, drug tolerance can affect consciousness. Another variable could potentially be how you take the stimulant/depressant, however this would have less of an impact than the other variables I mentioned. Other food the individual has consumed also affects the influence of a stimulant or depressant on consciousness. For example, if an individual is consuming caffeine, a stimulant, the effect this has on consciousness could depend on whether the person has eaten yet or not, what they ate and how much they ate. Another, more simpler variable could be the type of stimulant/depressant one takes.

I hope this helped!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on July 25, 2019, 08:54:35 am
What is the difference between compare and distinguish in PYSCH questions?
What does compare want me to do and what does distinguish want me to do in regards to answering the question?

By my understanding, compare wants to write about both similarities and differences between the two concepts. However, distinguish specifically wants you to tell the difference between the two concepts. Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on July 28, 2019, 06:50:30 pm
Hey guys!
I have a few questions:

1. Why does deep sleep decrease throughout the life span?
2. Why do older people tend to have more fragmented sleep (i.e. why do older people have more awakenings during the night?)
3. Why do older people tend to take longer to fall asleep?

-Chloe :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on July 29, 2019, 06:11:36 pm
Hey guys!
I have a few questions:

1. Why does deep sleep decrease throughout the life span?
2. Why do older people tend to have more fragmented sleep (i.e. why do older people have more awakenings during the night?)
3. Why do older people tend to take longer to fall asleep?

-Chloe :)

1. Deep sleep = NREM stages 3 and 4. Linking back to the restorative theory, NREM sleep is responsible for restoring the body physiologically. Older people don't require this sleep as much as infants and younger children, as they are constantly growing. Therefore, the need for restoring the body physiologically decreases across the lifespan because it's not needed as much as one's earlier years.

2. If older people have less deep sleep, that means the majority of their NREM sleep is in stages 1 and 2. NREM stages 1 and 2 have low arousal thresholds. This means they are easier to wake up than someone in NREM stages 3 and 4. So, older people are more likely to wake up in response to sensory stimuli that they detect because they spend most of their time in NREM stages 1 and 2 than NREM stages 3 and 4.

3. The only reason I can think of is insomnia. I'm not really sure why older people take longer to fall asleep - I'll have to ask my teacher! I couldn't find anything in my textbook about this, sorry about that!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on July 29, 2019, 07:12:18 pm
1. Deep sleep = NREM stages 3 and 4. Linking back to the restorative theory, NREM sleep is responsible for restoring the body physiologically. Older people don't require this sleep as much as infants and younger children, as they are constantly growing. Therefore, the need for restoring the body physiologically decreases across the lifespan because it's not needed as much as one's earlier years.

2. If older people have less deep sleep, that means the majority of their NREM sleep is in stages 1 and 2. NREM stages 1 and 2 have low arousal thresholds. This means they are easier to wake up than someone in NREM stages 3 and 4. So, older people are more likely to wake up in response to sensory stimuli that they detect because they spend most of their time in NREM stages 1 and 2 than NREM stages 3 and 4.

3. The only reason I can think of is insomnia. I'm not really sure why older people take longer to fall asleep - I'll have to ask my teacher! I couldn't find anything in my textbook about this, sorry about that!

Hi!
Thanks so much for the help! I checked with my teacher today about these questions, and she reasoned that older people take longer to fall asleep as they are not as active during the day and thus haven't expended enough energy to fall asleep quickly. Also, the prevalence of sleep disorders also tends to increase with age, so that could have something to do with them taking longer to fall asleep? I'm still not 100% sure about this though...
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on July 29, 2019, 07:33:36 pm
As you've both hinted at there ae a range of reasons why sleep onset can be delayed in elderly people - there's a pretty good list here
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on July 29, 2019, 07:40:27 pm
As you've both hinted at there ae a range of reasons why sleep onset can be delayed in elderly people - there's a pretty good list here
Wow thanks so much! This is super helpful! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on July 30, 2019, 11:51:58 am
Hey! So I checked with my teacher and she said it's because the elderly have decreased levels of melatonin.
Thought you'd want to know what she had to say too. I guess you could combine all these factors into a concise answer if you were ever asked why older people take longer to sleep.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on July 30, 2019, 11:54:51 am
Hey! So I checked with my teacher and she said it's because the elderly have decreased levels of melatonin.
Thought you'd want to know what she had to say too. I guess you could combine all these factors into a concise answer if you were ever asked why older people take longer to sleep.

Thanks for this additional information! All of this information can definitely be combined into a strong concise answer :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on July 30, 2019, 12:29:21 pm
If the 10 marker is anything to do with elderly people and sleep I'm going to be very happy for you
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on July 31, 2019, 07:27:01 am
If the 10 marker is anything to do with elderly people and sleep I'm going to be very happy for you

Wouldn't that just be the best luck! You can only hope!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: StaticZ1011 on August 21, 2019, 11:47:37 am
What is the difference between predisposing and precipitating factors --> they seem to be similar and i cant seem to distinguish them
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: yourfriendlyneighbourhoodghost on August 21, 2019, 12:12:42 pm
What is the difference between predisposing and precipitating factors --> they seem to be similar and i cant seem to distinguish them
Predisposing are the factors which give the individual a more likely chance to develop the mental disorder. So genetics for example.

Precipitating however, is the factor that TRIGGERS these predisposing factors, and therefore contribute and increase the likelihood of developing a disorder. So, if the person takes drugs (precipitating factor) it TRIGGERS the genetic makeup (predisposing) and a disorder is more likely to occur,

Hope this helps.  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: NomotivationF on August 21, 2019, 05:50:27 pm
What is the difference between predisposing and precipitating factors --> they seem to be similar and i cant seem to distinguish them

The best way to think of it is;

Predisposing increases vulnerability/susceptibility to a metal disorder, whereas a precipitating increases vulnerability/separability and mayb trigger the onset of a mental disorder.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: akihaki on August 29, 2019, 12:33:00 pm
Hi! First post
  :D
Could I get some help on this question?

Phil is a forklift driver at a warehouse and is married with two children. Phil has been worried about finances since his wife told him that she was pregnant with their third child three months ago. Phil is concerned because he feels that money is already tight, and at times he feels that he struggles to adequately provide for his current 2 children. Phil has been having difficulty sleeping since his wife told him about the pregnancy, and has been waking up two or three times a night. The lack of sleep has been affecting Phil's job performance, and two weeks ago he was suspended from work after repeated warnings from his boss about clumsy forklift driving that was endangering others in the warehouse. This is adding to Phil's money worries. Phil recently saw his doctor, who diagnosed him with a generalised anxiety disorder. Phil remembers when he was a child that his father was also constantly worried about money, and often had trouble sleeping too. Phil has been working at the warehouse for a long time and is well-liked. His friends from the warehouse have been stopping by on their way home to share a couple of beers with him and give him updates about what has been happening at work. He is also still attending his weekly poker game with these friends each Wednesday.

Using a biopsychosocial model, explain how Phil has developed a generalised anxiety disorder, and how it may be treated.
Hints: consider all areas of the biopsychosocial model for how it was developed AND how it might be treated.

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: NomotivationF on August 29, 2019, 10:58:27 pm
Hi! First post
  :D
Could I get some help on this question?

Phil is a forklift driver at a warehouse and is married with two children. Phil has been worried about finances since his wife told him that she was pregnant with their third child three months ago. Phil is concerned because he feels that money is already tight, and at times he feels that he struggles to adequately provide for his current 2 children. Phil has been having difficulty sleeping since his wife told him about the pregnancy, and has been waking up two or three times a night. The lack of sleep has been affecting Phil's job performance, and two weeks ago he was suspended from work after repeated warnings from his boss about clumsy forklift driving that was endangering others in the warehouse. This is adding to Phil's money worries. Phil recently saw his doctor, who diagnosed him with a generalised anxiety disorder. Phil remembers when he was a child that his father was also constantly worried about money, and often had trouble sleeping too. Phil has been working at the warehouse for a long time and is well-liked. His friends from the warehouse have been stopping by on their way home to share a couple of beers with him and give him updates about what has been happening at work. He is also still attending his weekly poker game with these friends each Wednesday.

Using a biopsychosocial model, explain how Phil has developed a generalised anxiety disorder, and how it may be treated.
Hints: consider all areas of the biopsychosocial model for how it was developed AND how it might be treated.



Hey akihaki, i'm not sure how many marks this questions is but i'm gonna attempt it on the basis that it's 5-6 marks.

Phil has developed a generalised anxiety disorders due to the culmination of risk to his mental health from the combined effects of multiple biological, psychological and social risk factors. Phil's dad 'constantly worried about money, and often had trouble sleeping,' suggesting that Phil had a genetic vulnerability (biological risk factor), making him move vulnerable/susceptible to developing generalised anxiety disorder. In addition, the combination of stress from his financial stability as well as his difficulty sleeping (psychological risk factor) may also increase his vulnerability towards developing generalised anxiety disorder and may in fact have triggered the onset of the disorder. In addition, Phil's poor sleep (biological risk factor) may be increasing his irritability and worsening his experience of stress, which may be prolonging and worsening his mental state. However, the fact that Phil is still attending his weekly poker games with his friends each Wednesday displays that he is receiving support from his friends, which is a protective social factor. In addition, Phil could also try to gain adequate sleep (biological protective factor), which would help to promote more positive moods and increase his ability to deal with daily life stress. If his mental health progressively deteriorates, Phil could also try cognitive-behavioural therapy (psychological protective factor), in which a therapist may help replace his unhealthy/mal-adaptive thoughts/behaviours with more healthy and helpful ones, in order to ease his symptoms of his mental disorder.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: mckeng on September 15, 2019, 07:55:52 pm
What is the difference between a 'specific environment trigger' and being classically conditioned? for e.g. a person being chased and bitten by a large dog, and after this experience having a phobia of dogs. This is a specific environmental trigger but is it not technically classically conditioning them to associate the dog with fear. Just wondering about the distinction between the two. idk.
Thanks !
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on September 15, 2019, 08:04:56 pm
What is the difference between a 'specific environment trigger' and being classically conditioned? for e.g. a person being chased and bitten by a large dog, and after this experience having a phobia of dogs. This is a specific environmental trigger but is it not technically classically conditioning them to associate the dog with fear. Just wondering about the distinction between the two. idk.
Thanks !
The specific environmental trigger is the situation (i.e. being chased by a dog) that precipitates the specific phobia.
Classical conditioning is the psychological process which occurs by which the specific environmental trigger precipitates the specific phobia.
They are both closely related but are not the same thing.
You could say that the specific environmental trigger is the situation in which classical conditioning precipitates the specific phobia.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on September 15, 2019, 08:20:25 pm
What is the difference between a 'specific environment trigger' and being classically conditioned? for e.g. a person being chased and bitten by a large dog, and after this experience having a phobia of dogs. This is a specific environmental trigger but is it not technically classically conditioning them to associate the dog with fear. Just wondering about the distinction between the two. idk.
Thanks !

Quoted from the textbook: "Often, an initial fear response to a specific environmental trigger becomes a conditioned fear response through classical conditioning processes and is produced whenever the stimulus (or a generalised version) is subsequently encountered."

Classical conditioning is the term used to describe the learning that occurs through multiple associations of the phobic stimulus and another fear-inducing stimulus to produce fear (or just one association if the experience is traumatic enough). Specific environmental triggers refer to the actual stimuli that cause a fear response, whereas classical conditioning is the process through which the phobia is precipitated.

In your example, the traumatic experience with the dog could be the specific environmental trigger. However, associating dogs with this fear-inducing experience is classical conditioning.

Classical conditioning - originally, the NS produces no or irrelevant response. Only with learning does the NS become the CS and produce the fear response. If we were to relate this to classical conditioning, the specific environmental trigger would be akin to the UCS. I hope this made sense! Here is the drawn-out version:

Before conditioning
NS (dogs) ---> no or irrelevant response
UCS (being chased and bitten by a dog) ---> UCR (fear response due to being chased and bitten by a dog)

During conditioning
NS + UCS ---> UCR
Repeated associations between the NS and UCS produce the UCR (fear response due to being chased and bitten by a dog)

After conditioning
CS (dogs) ---> CR (fear response due to dogs)

The specific environmental trigger in this case would be being chased and bitten by a dog.

Another quote from the textbook: "For example, a single experience of being bitten by a dog might be sufficient to produce and maintain a dog phobia even if the person is never bitten again, whereas barking might not lead to a dog phobia until after a number of subsequent exposures to a barking dog. People who develop a phobia after a single traumatic encounter with a phobic stimulus (i.e. a specific environmental trigger) are usually able to identify that particular traumatic event as causing their phobia."

In a sac or exam question, there will be explicit hints as to whether they want you to talk about specific environmental triggers or classical conditioning in your answer. If they mention something like 'the process that precipitated x's phobia' they are hinting at classical conditioning. If it's more like 'identify the factor that contributed to x's phobia' it would be hinting at specific environmental triggers. Keep in mind classical conditioning is a psychological risk factor, whereas specific environmental triggers are a social risk factor, while both are precipitating.

EDIT: Looks like Erutepa bet me to it ;)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on October 03, 2019, 12:23:38 pm
Hey guys!

I've been going over research methods and feel that I still don't have a great grasp of conclusions and generalisations. My question is: what are some factors that prevent a conclusion or generalisation being drawn?

What I know so far when drawing a generalisation:
-No ethical guidelines must have been breached
-There should be no major extraneous variables in the experiment
-Convenience sampling must not have been used
-A very small sample size shouldn't have been used

What I know so far when drawing a conclusion:
-Results must be statistically significant

Can anyone please provide some insight? Thank you! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Matthew_Whelan on October 03, 2019, 12:41:32 pm
Hey guys!

I've been going over research methods and feel that I still don't have a great grasp of conclusions and generalisations. My question is: what are some factors that prevent a conclusion or generalisation being drawn?

What I know so far when drawing a generalisation:
-No ethical guidelines must have been breached
-There should be no major extraneous variables in the experiment
-Convenience sampling must not have been used
-A very small sample size shouldn't have been used

What I know so far when drawing a conclusion:
-Results must be statistically significant

Can anyone please provide some insight? Thank you! :)

Just a few things.

The experiment must be valid for the conclusion to be valid, therefore, a significant relationship between the independent and dependent variable is demonstrated.
The results need to be reproducible, this accounts for systematic errors and incorrect experimental design, if the results can be produced by other researchers then the results are considered reliable. Factors that compromise the reliability of the results include; inaccuracy of measurement, precision, methods of selection (double blind procedure for example) and extraneous variables that are not accounted for.

Hence, a conclusion can be drawn from the results if the experiment meets these requirements. If there is a confounding variable (a variable other than the IV/DV that changes during the experiment) then the conclusion cannot be drawn.
A generalisation can usually be made if the sample used is representative of the population, this includes the size of and sampling method of the sample.
Also, a breach in ethical guidelines does not necessarily compromise the conclusion drawn, but it does affect the credibility of the experiment as it would not be reproducible.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on October 03, 2019, 12:50:46 pm
Just a few things.

The experiment must be valid for the conclusion to be valid, therefore, a significant relationship between the independent and dependent variable is demonstrated.
The results need to be reproducible, this accounts for systematic errors and incorrect experimental design, if the results can be produced by other researchers then the results are considered reliable. Factors that compromise the reliability of the results include; inaccuracy of measurement, precision, methods of selection (double blind procedure for example) and extraneous variables that are not accounted for.

Hence, a conclusion can be drawn from the results if the experiment meets these requirements. If there is a confounding variable (a variable other than the IV/DV that changes during the experiment) then the conclusion cannot be drawn.
A generalisation can usually be made if the sample used is representative of the population, this includes the size of and sampling method of the sample.
Also, a breach in ethical guidelines does not necessarily compromise the conclusion drawn, but it does affect the credibility of the experiment as it would not be reproducible.

Thanks so much! This is super helpful :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on October 04, 2019, 01:30:13 pm
Hey everyone,
Another question from me!

I was doing a practice exam and came across this question:
For an upcoming 20-year school reunion, Georgia was trying to remember the twenty-three other students that were in her Year 12 homeroom. She was initially surprised that she could only remember the names of five students. She then looked at a photo of the year level and was able to recall the names of eighteen students.

In terms of methods of retrieval, explain why Georgia can remember more names when looking at the photo of the year level.


I looked at the answers and it says that Georgia can remember more names because she's using recognition which is a more sensitive measure of retention than recall. However, I thought in this case Georgia was using cued recall. From my understanding, recognition involves identifying the correct information from a set of alternatives. Recognition would be like Georgia looking at a photo of the whole year and circling those in her homeroom. I thought in this case she was using cued recall because the photo acts as a retrieval aid.

Am I correct?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on October 04, 2019, 01:40:34 pm
Hey everyone,
Another question from me!

I was doing a practice exam and came across this question:
For an upcoming 20-year school reunion, Georgia was trying to remember the twenty-three other students that were in her Year 12 homeroom. She was initially surprised that she could only remember the names of five students. She then looked at a photo of the year level and was able to recall the names of eighteen students.

In terms of methods of retrieval, explain why Georgia can remember more names when looking at the photo of the year level.


I looked at the answers and it says that Georgia can remember more names because she's using recognition which is a more sensitive measure of retention than recall. However, I thought in this case Georgia was using cued recall. From my understanding, recognition involves identifying the correct information from a set of alternatives. Recognition would be like Georgia looking at a photo of the whole year and circling those in her homeroom. I thought in this case she was using cued recall because the photo acts as a retrieval aid.

Am I correct?

At first glance, I also thought you were correct. But remember that this reunion is just with her year 12 homeroom, not her whole year level. She was given a picture of the whole year level, so when she looked at the picture of her whole year level, she was able to identify who was in her homeroom. Just a sneaky wording of the question, I guess.

EDIT; the answer guide for the practice exam is correct, as she used recognition the second time.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on October 04, 2019, 01:44:58 pm
At first glance, I also thought you were correct. But remember that this reunion is just with her year 12 homeroom, not her whole year level. She was given a picture of the whole year level, so when she looked at the picture of her whole year level, she was able to identify who was in her homeroom. Just a sneaky wording of the question, I guess.

EDIT; the answer guide for the practice exam is correct, as she used recognition the second time.

Ah ok I see that I misread the question! Thanks for bringing that to my attention :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: pahm on October 07, 2019, 08:53:19 pm
can anyone give an indication of what exam score to aim for for a 35 study score? I'm in a weak cohort (~250 in the state) and ranked above average. thanks!! xx
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on October 08, 2019, 08:48:38 am
Hey

https://twmpublications.com/statistics

Use that website, be mindful it doesn't include SAC rankings and scores.

Last year you needed around 75% for a 35 study score
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cfalzon on October 11, 2019, 03:17:50 pm
Hey everyone!
Can someone please help me out by explaining the concept of 'reconstruction' in the below dot point:

Reliability of memory
•methods to retrieve information from memory or demonstrate the existence of information in memory, including
recall, recognition, relearning and reconstruction

Edrolo says it's 'rearranging the parts of an original task into sequence or order', but every other resource describes it in terms of filling in gaps in a memory based on past experience, etc. to form a complete memory.

Help please! :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on October 11, 2019, 03:36:15 pm
Hey everyone!
Can someone please help me out by explaining the concept of 'reconstruction' in the below dot point:

Reliability of memory
•methods to retrieve information from memory or demonstrate the existence of information in memory, including
recall, recognition, relearning and reconstruction

Edrolo says it's 'rearranging the parts of an original task into sequence or order', but every other resource describes it in terms of filling in gaps in a memory based on past experience, etc. to form a complete memory.

Help please! :)
I would say what edrolo has said is more part of the process, but not a definition as such whereas what the other sources have said better summarises the process of memory reconstruction.
In order to reconstruct a memory it needs to be first pieced together from elements of that memory stored throughout the brain. This seems to be what you've said edrolo is saying, but the real process of memory reconstruction is the filling in of the incomplete memory as influenced by personal experience and expectations and what not.
You will mostly be asked this within the context of memories of events being altered over time or within the context of leading questions on memory.
Hopefully this clarifies things.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on October 11, 2019, 06:41:17 pm
Hey everyone!
Can someone please help me out by explaining the concept of 'reconstruction' in the below dot point:

Reliability of memory
•methods to retrieve information from memory or demonstrate the existence of information in memory, including
recall, recognition, relearning and reconstruction

Edrolo says it's 'rearranging the parts of an original task into sequence or order', but every other resource describes it in terms of filling in gaps in a memory based on past experience, etc. to form a complete memory.

Help please! :)

I'd like to add what I think onto this too! There are two definitions, or explanations, of reconstruction.
1. method to retrieve information
2. as described by Loftus.

The first definition, which is referred to in the study design dot point above that you've pasted, involves breaking up the original task and rearranging the parts into sequence or order. For example, if I break apart a doll into its head, body, arms and legs, reconstruction would involve you putting the pieces back together to form what you think the doll originally looked like. This is what edrolo is referring to.
From my memory, there hasn't been any questions that have required you to have knowledge of the above definition (for VCAA), however as it is mentioned in the study design, it is good to know. I personally haven't learnt this in class, although my psych teacher is a literal god, so it probably means it's near irrelevant but it is good to know anyways. It's better to be safe than sorry on the exam.

The second definition is as described by Elizabeth Loftus, who did work into the reconstruction of memory, as you've probably already learnt. This is highlighted in this dot point in the study design:

"The reconstruction of memories as evidence for the fallibility of memory, with reference to Loftus’ research into the effect of leading questions on eye-witness testimonies."

So, as you can see, the study design refers to reconstruction in two different parts of the study design. VCAA loves to test students on Loftus' reconstruction. Reconstruction involves combining stored information with other available information to form what is believed to be a more coherent or accurate memory.

If you aren't sure which type of reconstruction to use to answer the question, I would almost always go for the second one because this is most commonly tested. However, it won't be difficult to discern which one to use. If the question references Loftus' research or refers to eyewitness testimony, reconstructive nature of memory, etc, then you'd use the second one. I have yet to come across a question that wants you to use the first definition of reconstruction.

This is what I think, and I hope it helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on October 11, 2019, 07:12:24 pm
I'd like to add what I think onto this too! There are two definitions, or explanations, of reconstruction.
1. method to retrieve information
2. as described by Loftus.

The first definition, which is referred to in the study design dot point above that you've pasted, involves breaking up the original task and rearranging the parts into sequence or order. For example, if I break apart a doll into its head, body, arms and legs, reconstruction would involve you putting the pieces back together to form what you think the doll originally looked like. This is what edrolo is referring to.
From my memory, there hasn't been any questions that have required you to have knowledge of the above definition (for VCAA), however as it is mentioned in the study design, it is good to know. I personally haven't learnt this in class, although my psych teacher is a literal god, so it probably means it's near irrelevant but it is good to know anyways. It's better to be safe than sorry on the exam.

The second definition is as described by Elizabeth Loftus, who did work into the reconstruction of memory, as you've probably already learnt. This is highlighted in this dot point in the study design:

"The reconstruction of memories as evidence for the fallibility of memory, with reference to Loftus’ research into the effect of leading questions on eye-witness testimonies."

So, as you can see, the study design refers to reconstruction in two different parts of the study design. VCAA loves to test students on Loftus' reconstruction. Reconstruction involves combining stored information with other available information to form what is believed to be a more coherent or accurate memory.

If you aren't sure which type of reconstruction to use to answer the question, I would almost always go for the second one because this is most commonly tested. However, it won't be difficult to discern which one to use. If the question references Loftus' research or refers to eyewitness testimony, reconstructive nature of memory, etc, then you'd use the second one. I have yet to come across a question that wants you to use the first definition of reconstruction.

This is what I think, and I hope it helps :)
While I may be wrong, I do think it best not to think about Elizabeth Loftus' findings of memory reconstruction as different to 'normal' memory reconstruction.
How I think you should think about it (and how I interpret the study design) is the memory reconstruction is the process by which memory is retrieved and pieced together with any 'gaps' in memory being 'filled in' based off the individual's expectation of how the memory should be. Often this works effectively to reconstruct (mostly) accurate memories, however, Elizabeth Loftus' research shows us that this can sometimes be influenced by factors that render the reconstructed memory false. Specifically, she found that leading questions shaped peoples expectations of what the memory should be, ultimately shaping the reconstructed memory.

Hopefully, my point is understandable. I mean to say that memory reconstruction should be considered as one concept, where Elizabeth loftus' findings fit within this theory and explain how the memory reconstructive process leads to false memories. Also, note for those reading this that what I have said here is a general overview of what I think you should know and by no means all that you should know - I recommend reading a bit more in-depth for that - but hopefully this can help sort out the ideas in your head.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on October 11, 2019, 07:16:53 pm
While I may be wrong, I do think it best not to think about Elizabeth Loftus' findings of memory reconstruction as different to 'normal' memory reconstruction.
How I think you should think about it (and how I interpret the study design) is the memory reconstruction is the process by which memory is retrieved and pieced together with any 'gaps' in memory being 'filled in' based off the individual's expectation of how the memory should be. Often this works effectively to reconstruct (mostly) accurate memories, however, Elizabeth Loftus' research shows us that this can sometimes be influenced by factors that render the reconstructed memory false. Specifically, she found that leading questions shaped peoples expectations of what the memory should be, ultimately shaping the reconstructed memory.

Hopefully, my point is understandable. I mean to say that memory reconstruction should be considered as one concept, where Elizabeth loftus' findings fit within this theory and explain how the memory reconstructive process leads to false memories. Also, note for those reading this that what I have said here is a general overview of what I think you should know and by no means all that you should know - I recommend reading a bit more in-depth for that - but hopefully this can help sort out the ideas in your head.

Ahhh I see I see...
So Loftus' findings prove that memory is reconstructive and further add to the original idea of it.
How would I explain reconstruction as a method of retrieval? And how sensitive of a measure is it compared to recall, recognition and relearning??

Alsooo I have a question: which one is more sensitive: free or serial recall, and why? I've known free recall to have the least sensitivity out of all the types of recall, however I've never known why serial recall has better sensitivity.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on October 11, 2019, 07:43:50 pm
Ahhh I see I see...
So Loftus' findings prove that memory is reconstructive and further add to the original idea of it.
How would I explain reconstruction as a method of retrieval? And how sensitive of a measure is it compared to recall, recognition and relearning??

Alsooo I have a question: which one is more sensitive: free or serial recall, and why? I've known free recall to have the least sensitivity out of all the types of recall, however I've never known why serial recall has better sensitivity.
I think the way you've put it is perfect!
while the study design dot points are separate, its important to link ideas together because (as I have heard from teachers and lectures time and time again) questions are becoming more holistic in the sense that they are wanting you to combine the knowledge.

While the study design does call it a "method of retrieval" I have never seen it talked about with reference to sensitivity. It is certainly a process by which we retrieve information, but it isn't talked about in the same way that recall, recognition and relearning are and the questions from exams (that I've seen at least) reflect this. You won't be asked how sensitive reconstruction is, pretty much all questions just want to describe how a memory may be reconstructed (and usually) falsely.

In regards to the sensitivity of different recall methods, I always thought that you just needed to know that recall was the least sensitive, followed by recognition with relearning as the most sensitive. I am not sure about the sensitivity of serial recall vs. free recall - I did a quick search and found a few times this same question was asked and there are conflicting opinions.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: NomotivationF on October 11, 2019, 09:07:01 pm
Ahhh I see I see...
So Loftus' findings prove that memory is reconstructive and further add to the original idea of it.
How would I explain reconstruction as a method of retrieval? And how sensitive of a measure is it compared to recall, recognition and relearning??

Alsooo I have a question: which one is more sensitive: free or serial recall, and why? I've known free recall to have the least sensitivity out of all the types of recall, however I've never known why serial recall has better sensitivity.

Free recall is more sensitive than serial recall. In most cases it is harder to retrieve things in order. I like to think of it in terms of stations on a train line; you would likely be able to recall more names of train stations on the train line, rather than recall them in order.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 11, 2019, 09:58:32 pm
Free recall is more sensitive than serial recall. In most cases it is harder to retrieve things in order. I like to think of it in terms of stations on a train line; you would likely be able to recall more names of train stations on the train line, rather than recall them in order.

Exactly! It goes:
Least to most sensitive: Serial recall -> Free recall -> Cued recall
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on October 11, 2019, 10:09:58 pm
Free recall is more sensitive than serial recall. In most cases it is harder to retrieve things in order. I like to think of it in terms of stations on a train line; you would likely be able to recall more names of train stations on the train line, rather than recall them in order.

Thank you everyone! That’s a really good example haha if there’s ever a question on the exam relating to this I’ll remember this :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: mckeng on October 23, 2019, 12:18:24 pm
Is there a difference between negative punishment and response cost or can they be used interchangeably??
Thank you !
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on October 23, 2019, 12:40:10 pm
Is there a difference between negative punishment and response cost or can they be used interchangeably??
Thank you !

Response cost occurs when something valuable is taken away to weaken the likelihood a behaviour will occur in the future.
I had a similar question, however negative punishment is not in the study design and therefore I doubt you will need to know about it.
However, if you're curious, they (response cost and negative punishment) can be used interchangeably and mean the same thing. However, refer to the notion as response cost in your exam as that is what the study design explicitly states to use.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on October 25, 2019, 06:24:40 pm
Are we allowed to write underneath the provided lines in the exam? Like I know there is a space at the end of the exam provided for extra writing, however when you only have a line, or a few words more to write, is it okay to write it underneath the lines? I almost always have at least a few words extra to write for each question, and flipping to the back of the exam booklet proves to be both tedious and time-consuming when done for each question, especially when I don't have a whole extra paragraph to write and I could just write the answer underneath. I'm worried the examiners won't mark anything that is not written on the lines.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 25, 2019, 06:48:50 pm
Are we allowed to write underneath the provided lines in the exam? Like I know there is a space at the end of the exam provided for extra writing, however when you only have a line, or a few words more to write, is it okay to write it underneath the lines? I almost always have at least a few words extra to write for each question, and flipping to the back of the exam booklet proves to be both tedious and time-consuming when done for each question, especially when I don't have a whole extra paragraph to write and I could just write the answer underneath. I'm worried the examiners won't mark anything that is not written on the lines.

Yeah that's fine,  just don't write in the do not write space.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: yourfriendlyneighbourhoodghost on October 28, 2019, 10:01:56 am
Hi everyone,

This is from the 2015 VCAA exam.

Task 1- naming triangle that starts with I
Task 2 - name another type of triangle
Task 3 - choose out of three options

I chose

3,1,2 to be from most to least sensitive yet the answer is 213



I know relearning is the most sensitive, but it is not in that list. Further, recognition is the second sensitive so how is it B?

Thanks (:
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on October 28, 2019, 11:16:42 am
Hi everyone,

This is from the 2015 VCAA exam.

Task 1- naming triangle that starts with I
Task 2 - name another type of triangle
Task 3 - choose out of three options

I chose

3,1,2 to be from most to least sensitive yet the answer is 213



I know relearning is the most sensitive, but it is not in that list. Further, recognition is the second sensitive so how is it B?

Thanks (:

The question asks for least to most sensitive, not most to least sensitive. You've answered it the other way round.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: caitlin.a on October 28, 2019, 01:46:48 pm
Hey guys!
Is relapse considered a stage in the transtheoretical model of behaviour change or is it just an event that can occur in either the action stage or maintenance stage? Because I came across this MCQ basically describing a scenario where the individual relapses and asks which stage of the model it occurred in. I chose maintenance but the answer was relapse. Please answer if you can and thanks in advance :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: yourfriendlyneighbourhoodghost on October 28, 2019, 02:40:40 pm
The question asks for least to most sensitive, not most to least sensitive. You've answered it the other way round.

Wow, I can't believe I read it so incorrectly. Thanks (:
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: NomotivationF on October 28, 2019, 03:06:16 pm
Hey guys!
Is relapse considered a stage in the transtheoretical model of behaviour change or is it just an event that can occur in either the action stage or maintenance stage? Because I came across this MCQ basically describing a scenario where the individual relapses and asks which stage of the model it occurred in. I chose maintenance but the answer was relapse. Please answer if you can and thanks in advance :)

I would recheck this with your teacher but as far as I know relapse is NOT considered a stage in the model, however it can occur duing any stage of the model, and it can set you back into any stage of the model.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on October 28, 2019, 03:06:37 pm
Hey guys!
Is relapse considered a stage in the transtheoretical model of behaviour change or is it just an event that can occur in either the action stage or maintenance stage? Because I came across this MCQ basically describing a scenario where the individual relapses and asks which stage of the model it occurred in. I chose maintenance but the answer was relapse. Please answer if you can and thanks in advance :)

So the transtheoretical model of behaviour change consists of 5 stages
1. Pre - Contemplation
2. Contemplation
3. Preparation
4. Action
5. Maintenance

- From my understanding, the individual can enter and exit from any stage of the model.
- Going through all my notes and other resources it doesn't seem that 'relapse' is a stage of the model, but rather a part of it which can occur at any stage.

However, browsing the web, in the new version of the model there is a 6th stage consisting of termination/relapse.

So I guess that may be why relapse was the answer.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: persistent_insomniac on October 28, 2019, 03:50:37 pm
Hi!
I don't know if this has already been asked but how many pages should we aim to write for the extended response question approximately (especially if you want 7+)? Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on October 28, 2019, 04:09:36 pm
Hi!
I don't know if this has already been asked but how many pages should we aim to write for the extended response question approximately (especially if you want 7+)? Thanks

There isn't really a set number of pages that you need to write to achieve a certain mark.
More about what you discuss.

Although the best-extended response answers are usually quite long and detailed (more than a page) so as long as you talk about relevant topics and go into thorough detail, you should be fine.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: yourfriendlyneighbourhoodghost on October 29, 2019, 08:52:29 am
So the transtheoretical model of behaviour change consists of 5 stages
1. Pre - Contemplation
2. Contemplation
3. Preparation
4. Action
5. Maintenance

- From my understanding, the individual can enter and exit from any stage of the model.
- Going through all my notes and other resources it doesn't seem that 'relapse' is a stage of the model, but rather a part of it which can occur at any stage.

However, browsing the web, in the new version of the model there is a 6th stage consisting of termination/relapse.

So I guess that may be why relapse was the answer.

For relapse though, can't you only relapse if you are in the action or maintenance stage? Because you haven't really done anything in the other stages which means you can't relapse.

(: thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on October 29, 2019, 09:00:04 am
For relapse though, can't you only relapse if you are in the action or maintenance stage? Because you haven't really done anything in the other stages which means you can't relapse.

(: thanks

Yes, relapse is common in the action and maintenance stages.

Relapse can be described as a sixth stage, like the study design stating 'maintenance/relapse', however it involves resuming old behaviours. One must start over the transtheoretical model in one of the stages determined by the scenario. Maintenance occurs when the behaviour has been occurring for 6 months or more without relapse. Lapses may occur and the individual may still be considered to be in the maintenance stage.

Personally I do not refer to relapse as a sixth stage, just an episode most possibly occurring in action/maintenance.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: kaylayol on October 29, 2019, 10:56:49 pm
Hi everyone,
I am currently a year 11 doing 3/4 psych and the exam is almost a day away now but I was just wondering if anyone can tell me if for the exam, we have to write long answers all in extra writing space or can we continue the question (using small handwriting) underneath the last line that is on the question. So will the examiners still read (obv not writing on the no writing space) (sorry for the silly question)

also my teacher kept telling us that we will have blank sheets of paper to make notes on (that's not marked) so that we can use to plan our answers or do little scribbles etc. Is this true?

Lastly, is there any advice for doing well on the exam, I am aiming for 40+ and my SAC scores havent been top  (averaging around 86%) (apparently my school is really harsh on sacs in general) what percentage should i be aiming for in my practise exams to get 40+?? (i have been averaging around 83% so far)

Thanks!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on October 30, 2019, 10:59:22 am
Hi everyone,
I am currently a year 11 doing 3/4 psych and the exam is almost a day away now but I was just wondering if anyone can tell me if for the exam, we have to write long answers all in extra writing space or can we continue the question (using small handwriting) underneath the last line that is on the question. So will the examiners still read (obv not writing on the no writing space) (sorry for the silly question)

also my teacher kept telling us that we will have blank sheets of paper to make notes on (that's not marked) so that we can use to plan our answers or do little scribbles etc. Is this true?

Lastly, is there any advice for doing well on the exam, I am aiming for 40+ and my SAC scores havent been top  (averaging around 86%) (apparently my school is really harsh on sacs in general) what percentage should i be aiming for in my practise exams to get 40+?? (i have been averaging around 83% so far)

Thanks!!

Hi

You can write underneath the lines, however, my teacher has told us to refrain from writing on the sides of the page as sometimes when they scan the exams, the writing gets cut off. Also don't write to small, as the examiners need to be able to easily read what you write.

I'm not sure if we get blank sheets of paper to plan out stuff, but you can always use the extra writing space at the back of the exam i guess.

and lastly, all you can focus now is on your exams, so to be hitting the 40+ mark you would need to be getting hitting  83% and above.
( according to https://twmpublications.com/statistics

good luck
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 30, 2019, 11:41:11 am
In my exams we didn't get blank pieces of paper and I'd be surprised if you did, but you can use the extra space at the back and/or request additional booklets if needed
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: persistent_insomniac on October 30, 2019, 03:11:20 pm
Just to confirm - is breathing slow and shallow during a phobic anxiety response which activates then causes the SNS to be activated to increase breathing rate or is it fast (which is caused by SNS being activated)?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: NomotivationF on October 30, 2019, 03:22:17 pm
Just to confirm - is breathing slow and shallow during a phobic anxiety response which activates then causes the SNS to be activated to increase breathing rate or is it fast (which is caused by SNS being activated)?

When a phobia sufferer encounters their specific phobic stimulus they will display a phobic (fear/anxiety) response, which usually results in the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. When this occurs the individual may hyper-ventilate causing an offset in the balance of oxygen and carbon-dioxide in the body, which is one of the reasons breathing re-training is usuful in treating people with phobia's 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: NomotivationF on October 30, 2019, 03:24:22 pm
Just to confirm - is breathing slow and shallow during a phobic anxiety response which activates then causes the SNS to be activated to increase breathing rate or is it fast (which is caused by SNS being activated)?

sorry just adding onto that, a phobic response results in FAST and shallow breathing, not slow and shallow
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on October 30, 2019, 08:42:41 pm
WO0OO0OO0OO

Hyped for TomoOrow

Good Luck everyone!!!!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: LachlanBarr8 on October 31, 2019, 02:07:40 pm
Howd we go
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: afnan900 on October 31, 2019, 03:15:27 pm
Howd we go
Not good at all unfortunately :/
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: thunderie on October 31, 2019, 04:38:51 pm
Howd we go

ran out of time , couldn't finish it T--T,,,i found it quite harder than the 2018 one tbh (i did a practise on it), spent a bit too long on multiple choice :/
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on October 31, 2019, 04:56:34 pm
A note to try and keep psych exam discussion here, good luck for any remaining exams :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarah15 on December 18, 2019, 05:59:22 pm
Hi! How could student satisfaction be operationalised as an IV? I was thinking of self report but I don't know how to add more detail  :-\
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on December 18, 2019, 06:41:49 pm
Hi! How could student satisfaction be operationalised as an IV? I was thinking of self report but I don't know how to add more detail  :-\

When operationalising, think of how, how much, and what.

If you’d like to go along the lines of a self report, you can add details such as: the level of satisfaction of students as measured by a 5-point Likert scale relating to their happiness through self-reported data regarding ______ (depends on the scenario as to what you could add here)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on December 18, 2019, 10:11:48 pm
Hi! How could student satisfaction be operationalised as an IV? I was thinking of self report but I don't know how to add more detail  :-\
Whys is right about how to operationalise student satisfaction, however I would like to add that it doesn't really make sense to have student satisfaction as an IV.
Rember that the IV is what the experimenter manipulates, while the DV is the variable that chanhes as a consequence of the changes in IV.
As such it makes more sense for student satisfaction to serve as the DV.
I'm not sure if 'IV' was a typo, but incase you got confused with the terms (a really common mistake) I thought I would point out the difference.

Good luck with your psych study over the holidays!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: sarah15 on December 31, 2019, 05:26:07 pm
Sorry for the late reply but the question says IV which I thought was strange as well. I have attached an image of the question.

Also, I am unsure how to answer this question: Which is more important in maintaining our survival without conscious awareness or effort: the autonomic nervous system or the central nervous system? Explain with reference to an example.

I was thinking the answer would be the ANS because it is involved with involuntary actions which occur without 'conscious awareness or effort'. But we don't voluntarily control the actions of the CNS either. And the ANS has the fight-flight response which maintains our survival.

Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on December 31, 2019, 06:32:28 pm


Also, I am unsure how to answer this question: Which is more important in maintaining our survival without conscious awareness or effort: the autonomic nervous system or the central nervous system? Explain with reference to an example.

I was thinking the answer would be the ANS because it is involved with involuntary actions which occur without 'conscious awareness or effort'. But we don't voluntarily control the actions of the CNS either. And the ANS has the fight-flight response which maintains our survival.

Thanks!

Yes, it is the autonomic nervous system.
This is because the ANS main functions are to self regulate the bodies organs, visceral muscles and glands, without any conscious effort or awareness. In a way, this constantly maintains our survival, because if we had to put effort into breathing or digestion everytime then we wouldn't be able to really survive.

Furthermore, the ANS is comprised of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
The sympathetic nervous system is activated involuntarily when we are faced with a fearful stimulus or in a threatening situation, to enhance our survival.

The parasympathetic nervous system also is crucial for survival as it maintains a state of homeostasis in the body. If it weren't for the parasympathetic nervous system returning the body to a calm state than an individual could be at risk to seizures and hyperventilating, all things that don't enhance our survival.

Also, the questions asks which is more important in maintaining survival. The CNS is also important but its role is to more process information and provide an appropriate response.

Side note: For me, the keywords were ' without conscious awareness and effort', this sort of straightaway directs me to look at the ANS.

I hope this sort of answers your question. I can't think of an example of the top of my head as well ...  sorry.

(Anyone feel free to correct me anywhere if I'm wrong, thnx)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: K.Smithy on December 31, 2019, 08:27:26 pm
Yes, it is the autonomic nervous system.
This is because the ANS main functions are to self regulate the bodies organs, visceral muscles and glands, without any conscious effort or awareness. In a way, this constantly maintains our survival, because if we had to put effort into breathing or digestion everytime then we wouldn't be able to really survive.

Furthermore, the ANS is comprised of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
The sympathetic nervous system is activated involuntarily when we are faced with a fear of stimulus or threatening situations, to enhance our survival.

The parasympathetic nervous system also is crucial for survival as it maintains a state of homeostasis in the body. If it weren't for the parasympathetic nervous system returning the body to a calm state than an individual could be at risk to seizures and hyperventilating, all things that don't enhance our survival.

Also, the questions asks which is more important in maintaining survival. The CNS is also important but its role is to more process information and provide an appropriate response.

Side note: For me, the keywords were ' without conscious awareness and effort', this sort of straightaway directs me to look at the ANS.

I hope this sort of answers your question. I can't think of an example of the top of my head as well ...  sorry.

(Anyone feel free to correct me anywhere if I'm wrong, thnx)

Ionic Doc has done an excellent job at explaining and I have to agree - ANS sounds like the correct answer to the question at hand. The ANS is vital for regulating a state of homeostasis - you have the parasympathetic and sympathetic divisions of the ANS which perform different but complementary tasks. Because it regulates the internal conditions of our bodies unconsciously it allows for us to have the cognitive resources to focus on other tasks.

An example could be heart rate. I’m on my phone Rn so it is hard for me to type this out. But this website explains it really well: https://health.ucdavis.edu/sportsmedicine/resources/heart_rate_description.html

Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Vanshikav03 on January 21, 2020, 05:47:16 pm
hey, I have a question regarding the study design for AOS 1.

study design dot point:
the roles of different divisions of the nervous system (central and peripheral NS and their associated sub-divisions) in responding to, and integrating and coordinating with, sensor stimuli received by the body.

How much in detail should I look into the structures of the brain? Is it ok if I just memorise the name of each structure or should I also study the functions of each? eg. forebrain, midbrain
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: NomotivationF on January 21, 2020, 06:21:57 pm
hey, I have a question regarding the study design for AOS 1.

study design dot point:
the roles of different divisions of the nervous system (central and peripheral NS and their associated sub-divisions) in responding to, and integrating and coordinating with, sensor stimuli received by the body.

How much in detail should I look into the structures of the brain? Is it ok if I just memorise the name of each structure or should I also study the functions of each? eg. forebrain, midbrain

AFAIK 3/4 psychology does not require you do be able to differentiate between the forebrain and the midbrain ect eventhough this is something learnt in 1/2 psych. The required parts of the brain you are required to know about are the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum and amygdala. (You may need to mention/know about the midbrain when you study Parkinson’s disease however).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on February 01, 2020, 05:42:23 pm
Hello guys! I hope you're all well!

I was stuck on doing one of the questions from checkpoints(it was on the VCE 2011 exam 2):

Stella is 17 years old and undertaking her VCE. Stella is feeling overwhelmed by what Year 12 involves and has had difficulty sleeping during the school term. Her friend Audrey, however, is enjoying Year 12 and is finding the SACs
challenging but manageable.
a. In terms of primary appraisal in Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, explain why
Stella and Audrey have evaluated their situations differently.


The answer talked about harm/loss, threat and challenge but I was wondering if we could also talk about benign-positive, stressful and irrelevant? As in Stella has interpreted it as stressful while Audrey interpreted it as benign-positive?This is the part I'm confused about when doing primary appraisal questions.

Also, relating to coping with stress, for a benefit of approach strategies, can we say that they are more effective than avoidance strategies?

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on February 01, 2020, 06:05:32 pm
Hello guys! I hope you're all well!

I was stuck on doing one of the questions from checkpoints(it was on the VCE 2011 exam 2):

Stella is 17 years old and undertaking her VCE. Stella is feeling overwhelmed by what Year 12 involves and has had difficulty sleeping during the school term. Her friend Audrey, however, is enjoying Year 12 and is finding the SACs
challenging but manageable.
a. In terms of primary appraisal in Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, explain why
Stella and Audrey have evaluated their situations differently.


The answer talked about harm/loss, threat and challenge but I was wondering if we could also talk about benign-positive, stressful and irrelevant? As in Stella has interpreted it as stressful while Audrey interpreted it as benign-positive?This is the part I'm confused about when doing primary appraisal questions.

Also, relating to coping with stress, for a benefit of approach strategies, can we say that they are more effective than avoidance strategies?
I think you are confused with the Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping itself. Primary appraisal involves making a decision about if it is stressful, benign positive or irrelevant. If it is classified as stressful, you go on to the second part of primary appraisal. In this part of appraisal, you determine if it is a harm/loss, threat or challenge. if the event is benign positive or irrelevant, then you stop there as there is no stress experienced. A question that asks you in terms of primary appraisal wants you to say it is stressful, then go on to say if it is a harm/loss, threat or challenge. If it isn't stressful, you just say it was benign positive or irrelevant. You have to justify why in all cases.

In the question it says that Audrey finds the sacs 'challenging', thus indicating she is feeling stressed and so you cannot write benign positive. You must say that she is experiencing stress then appraise that as being harm/loss, threat or challenge (in Audrey's case it is a challenge). You must use clues from the question to determine whether or not an individual is experiencing stress. In this question, the simple use of the word 'challenging' indicates stress. Most questions will make it more obvious if the person is feeling stressed or not, but in this case, you had to figure it out from that one word unfortunately.

Regarding your second question, that may be insufficient and not specific enough. I would say approach strategies are more effective in the long-term as they directly address the stressor causing stress, whereas avoidance strategies are less effective in the long-term as they don't directly address the stressor causing stress.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on February 01, 2020, 06:25:51 pm
Ohhh, ok.
Thank you, whys!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MoonChild1234 on February 01, 2020, 10:27:24 pm
hi guys! i'm not even really sure how to approach this question as i am not really sure what it means.

High levels of which neurohormone enhance the emotionality of an autobiographical memory?
A. adrenaline
B. GABA
C. dopamine
D. glutamate
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: NomotivationF on February 01, 2020, 11:50:16 pm
hi guys! i'm not even really sure how to approach this question as i am not really sure what it means.

High levels of which neurohormone enhance the emotionality of an autobiographical memory?
A. adrenaline
B. GABA
C. dopamine
D. glutamate

The answer is adrenaline. The question is basically asking what neurohormone adds an emotional part to the memory. If you haven't learnt about this yet you soon will. When your sympathetic nervous system is activated, the fight-flight-freeze response is triggered, followed by adrenaline being released, triggering the release of nor-adrenaline. This activates a part of the brain called the amygdala which is involved in the consolidation of emotional memories
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Azila2004 on February 06, 2020, 07:43:31 am
Hello,

In VCAA exam 2017, I was a little puzzled about Question 18. The following question is:

Which of the following physiological responses may have been experienced by both Sam and Marcus when they first heard the shark alarm?
A. relaxed bladders and dilated pupils
B. stimulated digestion and relaxed bladders
C. decreased adrenaline levels and stimulated digestion
D. decreased muscle tension and increased perspiration


I learnt that when the body first experiences fear or stress, it first undergoes ‘Shock’. The body acts as if it were injured and blood pressure drops momentarily, and other factors of the parasympathetic system. However, the right answer (A) includes dilated pupils and relaxed bladder — both of which are part of the sympathetic nervous system.

I would like some help please, as your answer may clear up some misconceptions or any confusion I may have. Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Balfe on February 06, 2020, 08:00:10 am
Hello,

In VCAA exam 2017, I was a little puzzled about Question 18. The following question is:

Which of the following physiological responses may have been experienced by both Sam and Marcus when they first heard the shark alarm?
A. relaxed bladders and dilated pupils
B. stimulated digestion and relaxed bladders
C. decreased adrenaline levels and stimulated digestion
D. decreased muscle tension and increased perspiration


I learnt that when the body first experiences fear or stress, it first undergoes ‘Shock’. The body acts as if it were injured and blood pressure drops momentarily, and other factors of the parasympathetic system. However, the right answer (A) includes dilated pupils and relaxed bladder — both of which are part of the sympathetic nervous system.

I would like some help please, as your answer may clear up some misconceptions or any confusion I may have. Thanks!

Hey Azila,

It looks like the concept you’re referring to is from Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome. This theory suggests indeed that we have a shock stage that occurs immediately after the stressor is presented. As such, going off this theory, you’d be correct.

However, for a question like this: we need to take the broader approach. If we encounter a stressor then the fight, flight, freeze response occurs and the sympathetic nervous system activates. This is why dilated pupils and relaxed bladder are the correct answer. In reality, the shock stage would last maybe a fraction of a second before these responses kicked in. Selye’s theory is only one way of looking at stress and indeed the VCE study design also looks at Lazarus and Folkman’s theory!

Hope this helps somewhat!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on February 09, 2020, 06:22:50 pm
Is hair colour subjective data or objective data. I thought it was objective but since it’s qualitative data does that mean it has to be subjective?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on February 09, 2020, 06:33:13 pm
Hey there :)

Qualitative data can be subjective or objective.

Hair colour is qualitative data, meaning it is not numerical. It is a trait that is not influenced by personal feelings or opinions (generally), therefore it is objective.


Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on February 09, 2020, 06:36:45 pm
Is hair colour subjective data or objective data. I thought it was objective but since it’s qualitative data does that mean it has to be subjective?

Hair colour can be objective data (99% will see jet black hair and say it's black, not much subjectivity here). Hair colour can however have some subjectivity to it (some may think it's light brown, others may say dark blonde). There is no requirement for qualitative data to be subjective, although it usually is due to its nature. You will not be likely to come across qualitative data that isn't subjective, simply because you cannot state an observation without being biased about it. I would come to the conclusion that hair colour can be subjective data.

EDIT: Im21074 bet me to it, still posting in case it helps!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on February 09, 2020, 06:47:48 pm
Does the placebo effect specifically eliminate or just minimise placebo effect? I thought it minimised as most extraneous variables can only be minimised (I.e counterbalancing can minimise but not completely eliminate order effect). But the answers said eliminates.

I’m new to psych at 3/4....and in year 12 yikes!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on February 09, 2020, 07:41:50 pm
Does the placebo effect specifically eliminate or just minimise placebo effect? I thought it minimised as most extraneous variables can only be minimised (I.e counterbalancing can minimise but not completely eliminate order effect). But the answers said eliminates.

I’m new to psych at 3/4....and in year 12 yikes!
I would use language like 'placebos control for the placebo effect' or 'placebos minimise the placebo effect'. You may lose marks if you use assurance through the use of words like 'eliminate'. Which answers said eliminate? You can say that use of a placebo helps remove/eliminate differences in expectations of participants, however when referring to it in terms of the placebo effect, use words such as minimise.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on February 10, 2020, 09:15:44 am
Hair colour can be objective data (99% will see jet black hair and say it's black, not much subjectivity here). Hair colour can however have some subjectivity to it (some may think it's light brown, others may say dark blonde). There is no requirement for qualitative data to be subjective, although it usually is due to its nature. You will not be likely to come across qualitative data that isn't subjective, simply because you cannot state an observation without being biased about it. I would come to the conclusion that hair colour can be subjective data.

EDIT: Im21074 bet me to it, still posting in case it helps!

To make hair colour objective you would want to know the wavelengths of light involved - leaving no room for interpretation. Definitely agree that hair colour is subjective qualitative data and you also made some good comments about qualitative data generally

Does the placebo effect specifically eliminate or just minimise placebo effect? I thought it minimised as most extraneous variables can only be minimised (I.e counterbalancing can minimise but not completely eliminate order effect). But the answers said eliminates.

I’m new to psych at 3/4....and in year 12 yikes!

Hey,

What you've written here is that the placebo effect has ... impact on the placebo effect. I assume you mean that the placebo has ... impact on how the placebo effect influences experimental results?

The use of a placebo that is perceptually indistinguishable from the experimental condition provides a baseline for comparison with the experimental condition identical to what would be expected for if the experimental condition has no impact. Therefore, the impact of the placebo effect as an extraneous variable affecting comparison between experimental and control condition would be eliminated. However, as whys has stated very rarely in psych should you use absolute terms like "eliminate".

I'm actually not a fan of "placebos minimise the placebo effect" as this is not true. Placebos minimise the impact of the placebo effect on the experiment but do not minimise the placebo effect itself. The reason a placebo is used, is because in the experimental condition you have the placebo effect, so rather than trying to get rid of it, you add a placebo to the control condition so that both sides have the placebo effect acting, making it a fair comparison. Adding in another placebo effect doesn't sound like minimising or eliminating the placebo effect to me.

Instead, I would say that the use of a placebo controls for the placebo effect.


Similarly, I wouldn't write that counterbalancing minimises the order effect but instead that it minimises the impact of the order effect or that it controls for the order effect.

Best of luck!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: TyranT on February 12, 2020, 05:02:47 pm
Hey, I was wondering whether Emotion focused coping/problem focused coping is under the study design?
I am doubting my teacher which I feel bad about, but he said that this year they were getting rid of it because the head of VCAA got pissed at how many students keep getting confused by them and decided to eradicate it all together. This information was given to us by another Psychology teacher, who is a VCAA examiner for psych.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on February 12, 2020, 05:21:37 pm
Hey, I was wondering whether Emotion focused coping/problem focused coping is under the study design?
I am doubting my teacher which I feel bad about, but he said that this year they were getting rid of it because the head of VCAA got pissed at how many students keep getting confused by them and decided to eradicate it all together. This information was given to us by another Psychology teacher, who is a VCAA examiner for psych.
It isn't explicitly stated, but it is implied under Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional Model of Stress. Many teachers probably didn't teach emotion/problem-focused coping strategies because it wasn't explicitly stated so assumed it wouldn't be tested. I don't think it was mentioned in the textbook either. My teacher briefly stated what they were and said you probably wouldn't need to know them, but I went out of my way to learn what they were and examples for each. It's better to be as prepared as you can for the exam. If I were you, I would learn them despite what the examiner said about it being removed. VCAA can change their minds whenever they want and they may as well include it again since everyone did bad on it until everyone does good on it. I can't remember which exam, but an exam from this study design had a multiple choice question on problem/emotion-focused coping. It won't hurt to learn it - it's a very small thing to remember and won't hinder your ability to remember all the other content.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cherryblossoms on February 14, 2020, 09:59:11 pm
I'm not sure how to make this research hypothesis more specific for the topic "Lack of attention causes forgetting."

I've written:
It is hypothesised that students who do not pay attention in class will forget what they had learnt during class than people who do pay attention in class.

Also how would I write an operationalised hypothesis for the same topic?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on February 14, 2020, 10:06:01 pm
I'm not sure how to make this research hypothesis more specific for the topic "Lack of attention causes forgetting."

I've written:
It is hypothesised that students who do not pay attention in class will forget what they had learnt during class than people who do pay attention in class.

Also how would I write an operationalised hypothesis for the same topic?
I always say that when thinking of operationalising, think of how. Attention - how are you measuring this? The amount of time the students' eyes are watching the teacher/board? Forgetting - how are you measuring this? The number of questions answered incorrectly on a 50 question mcq test? If we use the examples I have provided, the hypothesis would look something like this:

VCE Psychology students who spend more than 30 minutes with their eyes focused on the whiteboard in a 60-minute lesson on mathematics will be able to answer more questions correctly on a 50-question multiple-choice test on the topic learnt in class than students who spend less than 30 minutes with their eyes focused on the whiteboard.

You must remember to be specific - this is very important!

I encourage you to think of your own operationalised IV and DV for this and write your own hypothesis. Brainstorming on how you will measure them is a good start!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MoonChild1234 on February 18, 2020, 10:46:49 pm
Hi, how can I improve my responses to these questions?

why is a spinal reflex considered to have an adaptive or survival role?

The spinal reflex has an adaptive and survival role in our body as it protects the body from harm and negates the need for conscious thought. It is faster, as the brain is bypassed, and therefore responds to potentially dangerous or harmful stimulus even before our brain forms a conscious perception of it.

Give an example of when you may respond to an external stimulus before you know that you have responded.
Formulate a definition for a reflex.


A reflex is an involuntary, unconscious and automatically occurring response to certain stimuli, without involvement of the brain. An example of when one may respond to an external stimulus before they know they have responded is the spinal reflex. In the spinal reflex, sensory receptors detect sensory stimuli and send a message along the afferent neuron to the spinal cord, where it synapses either directly to the efferent neuron, or through an interneuron to the effector muscle, causing a reflex. We only know we have responded after it has occurred due to the speed of the reflex being faster than the message being relayed to the brain via collaterals from the interneuron.

6. Sam is using a wet knife to remove a broken piece of toasted bread that is jammed in the toaster. She experiences an electric shock and spontaneously releases the knife and pulls her hand away from the stimulus.
a) Will Sam experience pain? Explain your answer.

Sam will experience pain after she has withdrawn her hand. The sensory receptors in her fingers sensed the sensory stimulus of the electric shock, and relayed a message down the afferent neuron to the spinal cord, where it synapsed to an interneuron. The interneuron synapsed to the efferent neuron, which relayed the message to her effector muscle, which caused her to withdraw her hand. The interneuron also, via collaterals, simultaneously carry the message to the brain for processing of pain and learning. However, the reflex is faster, explaining why Sam feels pain after she has withdrawn her hand.

b) list in their correct order, the steps that enabled Sam’s spinal reflex

The sensory receptors in her fingers sensed the sensory stimulus of the electric shock, and relayed a message down the afferent neuron to the spinal cord, where it synapsed to an interneuron. The interneuron synapsed to the efferent neuron, which relayed the message to her effector muscle, which caused her to withdraw her hand.

thank you!

im also not sure about this one, thanks everyone!

How might damage to the interneurons affect the spinal reflex?

Damage to the interneurons may cause messages sent along the afferent neuron to be unable to be relayed to the efferent neuron via the interneuron. The interneuron may also fail to make the right connections between the afferent neuron and the efferent neuron, resulting in an inappropriate reflex or none at all, risking potential harm to the person

Mod Edit: Merged double post
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: vehura on February 26, 2020, 10:15:22 pm
Hi, with acculturation as a source of stress, both Edrolo and my teacher (because of Edrolo) have said that not only does it occur when changing cultures due to moving to an area where there is a significantly different cultural background to your own, it also can occur simply as a result of moving schools or workplaces, as that apparently can be a change of culture.

As the textbook doesn't mention this example of moving schools as an example of acculturative stress, I'm confused as to whether it constitutes in this case. Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on February 27, 2020, 03:17:36 pm
Hi, with acculturation as a source of stress, both Edrolo and my teacher (because of Edrolo) have said that not only does it occur when changing cultures due to moving to an area where there is a significantly different cultural background to your own, it also can occur simply as a result of moving schools or workplaces, as that apparently can be a change of culture.

As the textbook doesn't mention this example of moving schools as an example of acculturative stress, I'm confused as to whether it constitutes in this case. Thanks!

You have just given examples of life events.

Acculturative stress is the stress experienced when trying to adapt to a new culture when living in it for a considerable amount of time. The greater the difference in the old and new cultures, the more stress is experienced. The problem with the 'moving schools' example is it may not be specific enough and technically, according to VCAA, would not be categorised as acculturative stress. When moving schools, you are very unlikely to experience social isolation (usually due to language difficulties), separation (being away from family, your home and past culture) or experiencing racial or ethnic discrimination, which are characteristics of acculturative stress. To an extent, moving schools/workplaces can be acculturative stress, but not according to VCAA. My advice is to use more obvious examples if asked in a question to provide an example of acculturative stress, such as moving overseas from Australia to France. This is a very clear example of acculturative stress as France is a French-speaking country, so there is likely to be language barriers and difficulty accustoming to the culture and tradition of France. Essentially, refrain from using the above examples you have provided. They refer to life events, which involve change that forces an individual to adapt to new circumstances and have immediate consequences, but require long-term adjustments. You are very likely to lose marks in the exam if you say moving schools/workplaces is acculturative stress.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on February 27, 2020, 03:43:39 pm
Hi, with acculturation as a source of stress, both Edrolo and my teacher (because of Edrolo) have said that not only does it occur when changing cultures due to moving to an area where there is a significantly different cultural background to your own, it also can occur simply as a result of moving schools or workplaces, as that apparently can be a change of culture.

As the textbook doesn't mention this example of moving schools as an example of acculturative stress, I'm confused as to whether it constitutes in this case. Thanks!

The "can"s I've bolded in your quote are important. If you are given information that points to major cultural differences in those environments acculturative stress may apply, but if asked to provide an example you should go for one that most clearly fits the criteria for acculturative stress.

Cultural differences can occur in many more ways than just lines on a map but as whys has indicated changing countries is a significantly more safe option for you to use as an example than changing schools.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on February 27, 2020, 08:31:38 pm
Can someone please explain why both the somatic and sympathetic nervous system control unconscious movement? Like why isn’t the spinal reflex parasympathetic? I know it’s because it is sensory stimuli and that’s somatic BUT isn’t the threat which activated fight or flight in sympathetic ns also technically stimuli of some sort? And if it’s visual (I.e watching tv) is that still somatic? Im so so confused!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on February 27, 2020, 08:39:20 pm
Can someone please explain why both the somatic and sympathetic nervous system control unconscious movement? Like why isn’t the spinal reflex parasympathetic? I know it’s because it is sensory stimuli and that’s somatic BUT isn’t the threat which activated fight or flight in sympathetic ns also technically stimuli of some sort? And if it’s visual (I.e watching tv) is that still somatic? Im so so confused!

Hey,

K.Smithy has a more detailed explanation than you need to know explanation of the nervous system here which may help :)

If anything is still unclear definitely please do feel free to ask :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on February 27, 2020, 08:46:00 pm
Can someone please explain why both the somatic and sympathetic nervous system control unconscious movement? Like why isn’t the spinal reflex parasympathetic? I know it’s because it is sensory stimuli and that’s somatic BUT isn’t the threat which activated fight or flight in sympathetic ns also technically stimuli of some sort? And if it’s visual (I.e watching tv) is that still somatic? Im so so confused!
Hello!
The somatic nervous system involves the sensory neurons detecting and receiving sensory information which is later sent to the brain. This is evident in the spinal reflex for example, which is an unconscious response.
The sympathetic nervous system produces physiological responses such as accelerated heart rate and pupil dilation which do not involve conscious awareness, thus it is an unconscious response. You do not make your heart beat faster. It just does.
When defining 'unconscious responses', they do not involve awareness.

The spinal reflex is not parasympathetic because parasympathetic is associated with your body's normal state of functioning while spinal reflex is just an automatically occurring response to a stimulus .

Yes, it is sensory stimuli which is detected by the eyes, for example, hence it is sensory information being received. However, when dealing with threats, we usually associate it with the sympathetic nervous system because that system is usually the focus when answering questions about these topics. Watching tv is also somatic because it involves sensory information being detected.

I hope this helps and please correct me if I'm wrong about anything!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on February 27, 2020, 10:02:24 pm
So neurotransmitters go to the receptor sites of the post synaptic neuron by the lock and key process. So my question is , where does the excitatory/inhibitory process start from, does it start at the lock and key process (the neurontransmitters make the decision to fire from one neuron to the other then) or does it start after it is attached to a receptor site and then decides whether to fire or not.

Mod Edit: removed the quote of the first post and added in the question posted on your proflie
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on February 28, 2020, 03:15:15 pm
Hey!
Inhibitory neurotransmitters and excitatory neurotransmitters both diffuse across the synapse and bind to the receptor site.
This means that whether an excitatory effect or inhibitory effect is produced is decided at the post synaptic neuron after the binding has occurred as the binding triggers the neuron to either fire or not to fire.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on February 28, 2020, 03:32:55 pm
So neurotransmitters go to the receptor sites of the post synaptic neuron by the lock and key process. So my question is , where does the excitatory/inhibitory process start from, does it start at the lock and key process (the neurontransmitters make the decision to fire from one neuron to the other then) or does it start after it is attached to a receptor site and then decides whether to fire or not.

Mod Edit: removed the quote of the first post and added in the question posted on your profile

I'm adding in an explanation outside the scope of VCE in case that helps your understanding:

-> The neurotransmitters diffuse across the synaptic cleft and fit with the receptors like keys in locks
-> This fit occurring then triggers further reactions which influence the flow of ions across the post-synaptic membrane.
-> Since ions are charged, this changes the voltage across the membrane
-> If a certain threshold of charge is reached, the neuron will fire
-> Since ions can be positive or negative, they can make the neuron more or less likely to reach that threshold
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on March 01, 2020, 09:13:51 am
I’m looking at the answers for a question and it says “....the release of stress hormones leads to physiological changes that activate fight or flight system”

I thought the release of hormones activated the fight or flight system which is the physiological changes that enable an organism to either fight or flee?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on March 03, 2020, 08:39:08 pm
I’m looking at the answers for a question and it says “....the release of stress hormones leads to physiological changes that activate fight or flight system”

I thought the release of hormones activated the fight or flight system which is the physiological changes that enable an organism to either fight or flee?

Hi. This might be a bit more detail than you are expected to know, but here is what happens:

➜ Amygdala sends a signal to hypothalamus.
➜ Hypothalamus responds to the stressor by activating the sympathetic nervous system in 1/20th of a second.
➜ The sympathetic nervous system then stimulates the adrenal medulla (inner part of adrenal gland).
➜ It secretes adrenalin and noradrenalin into the bloodstream and activate organs. They also occur as neurotransmitters; can be released to have an excitatory effect.
➜ Once stressor is removed, parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant and restores body to pre-threat state.

This is known as the sympathetic adreno-medullary system (SAM), which is the brain-body pathway that activates the fight or flight responses. The fight or flight responses are initiated by the dominance of the sympathetic nervous system when confronted by a perceived stressor/threat. So, the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline are released as a result of the activation of the fight-flight response. This then causes the physiological changes (e.g. dilated pupils, relaxed bladder, etc) as a result of the body diverting energy to the body systems that need it most and the effect of the stress hormones.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on March 07, 2020, 10:13:01 pm
Can someone help me with this question please

Scenario: Tobias and Elizabeth are both stressed out about an upcoming Psychology SAC. Tobias copes with his stress by staying up late studying his psychology notes for the week before the exam. Elizabeth copes with his stress by calling her best friend and chatting about how she is feeling. Have Tobias and elizabeth used either problem or emotion focused coping strategies and why are they likely to use these types of coping strategies?


So i just don't know what to write for the why part
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on March 08, 2020, 06:11:56 pm
Hey I just wanted some tips on how to tackle your first ever unit 3 sac. I have it next week so just some advice on how to tackle it. My teacher gave us last years sac to practice and I also did edrolo practice questions and marked them so that it refreshes my understanding of the content . And I’ll probably do cue cards of my notes that I already wrote. What else is key ?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on March 08, 2020, 06:34:32 pm
Hey I just wanted some tips on how to tackle your first ever unit 3 sac. I have it next week so just some advice on how to tackle it. My teacher gave us last years sac to practice and I also did edrolo practice questions and marked them so that it refreshes my understanding of the content . And I’ll probably do cue cards of my notes that I already wrote. What else is key ?
Hey!
I think it would also be highly useful to do Checkpoints questions as they do have questions in there that are likely to come up on SACs and those questions really challenge your understanding in that they make you think deeper about the content and apply the content to real life scenarios. I also did the 2019 SAC of my school's and I marked myself harshly and tried to analyse where I lost the marks and why? Why didn't I get full marks on this question? Was it the wrong answer or did I have a not-detailed-enough answer that addressed all parts of the question?

Quote
Can someone help me with this question please
Scenario: Tobias and Elizabeth are both stressed out about an upcoming Psychology SAC. Tobias copes with his stress by staying up late studying his psychology notes for the week before the exam. Elizabeth copes with his stress by calling her best friend and chatting about how she is feeling. Have Tobias and elizabeth used either problem or emotion focused coping strategies and why are they likely to use these types of coping strategies?
So i just don't know what to write for the why part
Hey, just a heads up that my teachers have said that emotion-focused and problem-focused coping strategies aren't on the study design, so we don't have to know it for the exam. BUT, you may need to know this for your SACs if your teachers have said that they'll test this.
However, in addressing the why component, I would talk about how emotion-focused coping strategies focus on dealing with your emotions which is what Elizabeth is doing as she is chatting to her best friend about how she is feeling about the exam. Tobias is using problem-focused as he is directly trying to solve the problem of the stressor of the upcoming exam, by studying his psychology notes, thus making him feel more prepared for the exam.

All the best for your first ever unit 3 sac!   :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Katherinet123 on March 09, 2020, 07:20:27 pm
Could someone tell me if a spinal reflex is considered to be under the somatic or autonomic nervous system? I originally thought autonomic but then had a teacher tell me it was somatic even though it was an involuntary  unconscious response.
Thanks in advance :) :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on March 09, 2020, 07:25:32 pm
Could someone tell me if a spinal reflex is considered to be under the somatic or autonomic nervous system? I originally thought autonomic but then had a teacher tell me it was somatic even though it was an involuntary  unconscious response.
Thanks in advance :) :)

It is most definitely the autonomic nervous system. The somatic nervous system is responsible for coordinating voluntary skeletal muscle movement by receiving information from sensory receptors, so it cannot control any type of reflex.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: pahm on March 09, 2020, 10:59:24 pm
Could someone tell me if a spinal reflex is considered to be under the somatic or autonomic nervous system? I originally thought autonomic but then had a teacher tell me it was somatic even though it was an involuntary  unconscious response.
Thanks in advance :) :)
Yeah I agree with you and whys, I believe it's autonomic too - you should ask your teacher to clarify next time, maybe it was a misunderstanding or something.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on March 15, 2020, 10:23:34 pm
Hi, how can I improve my responses to these questions?

Give an example of when you may respond to an external stimulus before you know that you have responded.
Formulate a definition for a reflex.


A reflex is an involuntary, unconscious and automatically occurring response to certain stimuli, without involvement of the brain. An example of when one may respond to an external stimulus before they know they have responded is the spinal reflex. In the spinal reflex, sensory receptors detect sensory stimuli and send a message along the afferent neuron to the spinal cord, where it synapses either directly to the efferent neuron, or through an interneuron to the effector muscle, causing a reflex. We only know we have responded after it has occurred due to the speed of the reflex being faster than the message being relayed to the brain via collaterals from the interneuron.

Hi there, sorry for not getting back to you! I think your responses to other questions were great, but I quoted this one because the example you have provided is not specific enough. When a question asks for an example, it requires a specific scenario, not just a description. You say spinal reflex, but don't mention the exact scenario. An answer with full marks would explicitly state a scenario, such as a person touching a very hot stove and immediately retracting their hand, which is the spinal reflex, and would feel pain later due to the message being sent to the brain taking longer than the entirety of the spinal reflex. Your explanations were thorough and accurately worded though, it just lacked a specific example to go with it! :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MoonChild1234 on March 15, 2020, 10:41:28 pm
Hi there, sorry for not getting back to you! I think your responses to other questions were great, but I quoted this one because the example you have provided is not specific enough. When a question asks for an example, it requires a specific scenario, not just a description. You say spinal reflex, but don't mention the exact scenario. An answer with full marks would explicitly state a scenario, such as a person touching a very hot stove and immediately retracting their hand, which is the spinal reflex, and would feel pain later due to the message being sent to the brain taking longer than the entirety of the spinal reflex. Your explanations were thorough and accurately worded though, it just lacked a specific example to go with it! :D

thank you so much! ill keep that in mind :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on March 22, 2020, 12:25:35 am
So I’m really having trouble understanding neural basis of learning so I’m wondering if thsi “basic” understanding I have is correct:

So rerouting:
-occurs during injury
- neurons are stimulated to reroute around damaged cells to connect with other active cells.

Axon sprouting:
Injury
?????? They make new connections

Dendritic branching
Learning
Stimulated by excitatory NT, glutamate


Yeah could somebody please explain this to me in detail. All three of them. I’m really sorry :(
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on March 22, 2020, 11:02:35 am
Could someone tell me if a spinal reflex is considered to be under the somatic or autonomic nervous system? I originally thought autonomic but then had a teacher tell me it was somatic even though it was an involuntary  unconscious response.
Thanks in advance :) :)

So I'm only just seeing this but I agree with your teacher. The somatic nervous system has control of your skeletal muscles (the ones used in voluntary movement) which are also the ones used in the spinal reflex. Reflexes occur in both the somatic and autonomic nervous system. Look up "somatic reflexes" if you want to read a few sources on this
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on March 26, 2020, 04:14:51 pm
hey guys , about classical conditioning is this an accurate definition of what it is.

Classical Conditioning: A simple form of learning which occurs through repeated association of two different stimuli to produce a naturally occurring response.

i however feels that the last part (producing a naturally occurring response is wrong) cause a natural occurring response would be caused by a unconditioned/ neutral stimulus as the response is innate, but a conditioned stimulus will produce a conditioned response. so can someone please help me out with this please. Also since i said this does this mean if two different stimuli is being repeated, it does not produce a naturally occurring response right cause that only happens in a unconditioned/neutral stimulus.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on March 26, 2020, 04:23:03 pm
hey guys , about classical conditioning is this an accurate definition of what it is.

Classical Conditioning: A simple form of learning which occurs through repeated association of two different stimuli to produce a naturally occurring response.

i however feels that the last part (producing a naturally occurring response is wrong) cause a natural occurring response would be caused by a unconditioned/ neutral stimulus as the response is innate, but a conditioned stimulus will produce a conditioned response. so can someone please help me out with this please. Also since i said this does this mean if two different stimuli is being repeated, it does not produce a naturally occurring response right cause that only happens in a unconditioned/neutral stimulus.

You don't need a definition of classical conditioning, fyi. Questions will ask you to apply your knowledge.

You are right that classical conditioning does not produce a 'naturally' occurring response. The unconditioned stimulus produces the 'naturally' occurring response, or response that has already been learnt. I think the word you're looking for here is involuntary/unconscious. I would define classical conditioning as a type of associative learning in which the unconditioned stimulus (which produces the unconditioned response) is repeatedly paired with the neutral stimulus to later become the conditioned stimulus, which produces an unconscious, involuntary response known as the conditioned response. You wouldn't really be required to write this down as an answer to a question, though.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on March 27, 2020, 08:45:33 pm
hey guys

basically i just wanted feedback on my extended response scenario i did on nervous system functioning so would be appreciated if feedback was given: I wrote the scenario + the question + my response . In terms of feedback i'm looking for mostly these things.

- what i did well
- what areas i need to improve in
- sentence structure (if i am writing in the correct format and using the write terms in my response)
- and also since this is out of 10 can you tell me how much would i get out of 10 please thank you.

And also feel free to add anything else that i may have missed

Scenario: Max has just turned 5 and for his birthday his parents gave him a spiderman bike. As soon as he unwraps it he pleads with his father to take him for a ride. It is very windy outside, but eventually his father agrees. While Max is riding, a big gust of wind blows up and Max shuts his eyes to try to prevent the dust getting in them. Unfortunately, this causes him to swerve out onto the road. His father sees this all happening and runs to grab Max off the road and out of harm’s way.

Outline at least 4 different nervous systems that are active in this scenario. Ensure you acknowledge the interactive nature of these nervous systems. (10 Marks)

My Response

In this scenario, different nervous systems were activated to cause different responses. In this example, while Max is riding his bike, his somatic nervous system has been activated. This leads to him being able to move his skeletal muscles to ride his bike and he does this voluntarily. While Max was riding his bike, a gust of wind being blown causes Max to shut his eyes so that dust does not go into them. This activated the autonomic nervous system as Max was not in control of this response. When Max swerves out of the road and his father sees that happening his body goes into the fight- flight-freeze mode which happens when the sympathetic nervous system is activated. The information he processes of the situation goes to the Central    Nervous System (CNS) and then forms a decision. Then he chooses to fight the situation which leads to information being sent to the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) which led the father to grab Max off the road. These nervous systems are all interactive with each other as one system triggers another system based on the situation you are being faced with. The Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) would always be connected to any response as their roles is to convey information to the brain and back to the body (PNS). In every situation different nervous systems can activate but it depends on what response/ feeling you associate with that situation thus leaving different nervous systems to operate and some of them might not activate because they are not needed in that situation.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on March 27, 2020, 08:48:11 pm
hey guys

basically i just wanted feedback on my extended response scenario i did on the GAS Model so would be appreciated if feedback was given: I wrote the scenario + the question + my response . In terms of feedback i'm looking for mostly these things.

- what i did well
- what areas i need to improve in
- sentence structure (if i am writing in the correct format and using the write terms in my response)
- and also since this is out of 10 can you tell me how much would i get out of 10 please thank you.

And also feel free to add anything else that i may have missed

What are the three stages (including sub-stages) of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)? Explain what happens in each stage when an individual confronts a stressful situation. Justify within your answer why this is a biological explanation of the stress response. (10 Marks)


My Response

The General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) consists of 3 stages. The first stage is the alarm-reaction stage. In this stage there are 2 substages (shock and countershock). When an individual enters the shock stage of the GAS model, they feel overwhelmed and they do not have that much resistance or strength within us to help deal with the stressor thus our body temperature and blood pressure levels drop.Once we have processed the situation our body goes into fight-flight-freeze mode which basically makes our body more mobilised and able to fight with the stressor. Having said that this leads to the sympathetic nervous system being activated as you're in a higher state of arousal and this state allows your fight-flight and freeze response to be activated. If the stressor still continues that individual will move onto the second stage of the GAS model which is the resistance stage. In this stage the body is fighting with the stressor and the stress hormone cortisol is increased to energise the body to help deal with the stressor. However this leaves the individual’s immune system to be left unguarded as the body is too busy fighting the stressor so the person can catch a mild flu and cough during this stage. The third and final stage is the exhaustion stage. In this stage the individual’s body has been depleted and the body has run out of resources to help deal with the stressor. The individual is not able to cope with the stressor at that point since their body has been constantly fighting the stressor for a long period of time making the body system have been left unguarded for a prolonged period of time. This is a biological explanation of stress response as everyone goes through this process and it is a similar response is occured in each individual when they are dealing with a stressor.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on March 27, 2020, 09:01:51 pm
hey guys

basically i just wanted feedback on my extended response scenario i did on stress so would be appreciated if feedback was given: I wrote the scenario + the question + my response . In terms of feedback i'm looking for mostly these things.

- what i did well
- what areas i need to improve in
- sentence structure (if i am writing in the correct format and using the write terms in my response)
- and also since this is out of 10 can you tell me how much would i get out of 10 please thank you.

And also feel free to add anything else that i may have missed



Scenario: Tasha is a doctor in a busy general practice. Tasha returned to work after 6 months maternity leave to a very busy flu season that required working 12 hour days to cope with the extra patient load. As well as being very busy at work, Tasha missed her baby son. After 6 weeks of this workload she developed a severe tension headache by the end of almost every working day. After a few days, Tasha’s headaches went away although she was still working long hours in the busy surgery.When she caught the flu herself, Tasha had to take a week off work. After recovering and being back at work for a few days, Tasha was unable to get up to go to work one morning. When she consulted her own doctor, she was diagnosed as being extremely stressed and physically drained. The doctor recommended that she saw a psychologist to help her assess her situation. The psychologist helped Tasha to evaluate her priorities and Tasha realised that she would prefer to only work 2 days a week, to spend more time with her son.

With reference to Tasha’s situation, provide a detailed analysis of her sources of stress, biological responses and psychological responses. In your response, discuss the theories and models of stress and/or coping that are relevant to this scenario.

My Response:

Tasha experiences stress in her daily pressures in her life on a daily basis after she has returned back to work after her maternity leave. The birth of her baby son was a life event for Tasha and eustress experience. Although after she came back to work, she has to deal with the extra patient load resulting into Tasha falling into distress mode. Tasha reacted negatively to the stressor which led to her developing a severe tension headache by the end of each working day. This was an ongoing daily pressure, as she is going through the stress of 12 hours of work a day. Tasha’s biological response to stress was that she was constantly getting headaches and then after she catched the flu.

GAS Model

Tasha’s experience relates to the GAS Model as Tasha experienced the alarm reaction stage (the shock stage) when she came back to work from her maternity leave as when she came back she found herself having to work 12 hours a day because of the extra patients that are coming due to the flu season. Tasha then experiences countershock as she prepares herself to fight with the stressor which leads to her continuing her work for 6 weeks. Tasha then experiences the second stage of the GAS model, which is the resistance stage. Tasha developed headaches nearly every working day but she fought it and then it went away but Tasha still worked her busy schedule, Tasha also catching the flu herself led her to take a break but then recovered from it and went back to work. Tasha goes on to the exhaustion stage when she is unable to go to work (suddenly), which then after an appointment with her doctor, finds out she is extremely stressed and physically drained.

Coping with Stress Strategies

Tasha used an approach strategy to help deal with the stressor. She used a problem-focused strategy to help deal with the stressor. This includes her seeing a doctor and knowing that she has a problem that she needs to deal with, she finds solutions and strategies that are logical that can aid her to help deal with the stressor thus seeing a psychologist to help find a solution for the problem.

Lazarus and Folkman Transactional Model of Stress and Coping

Tasha identified the stressor that she is facing which is dealing with long hours of work everyday as a primary appraisal in reference to the Lazarus and Folkman Model and identified it as a challenge to deal with the workload but she kept going with her work. After her illness she reappraised the situation and felt the stressor was actually harming her. Then she thought of what resources she has available to her to help solve the stressor and she found that a doctor appointment and a visit to the psychologist helped her deal with the stressor.





Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on March 30, 2020, 03:09:34 pm
hey just wanted to ask that in classical conditioning is their such thing as a conditioned emotional response like how they used in the little albert experiment
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on March 31, 2020, 10:19:14 am
hey just wanted to ask that in classical conditioning is their such thing as a conditioned emotional response like how they used in the little albert experiment

Yes :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on April 14, 2020, 05:56:24 pm
hey guys. For observational learning the 5 stages, for motivation and reinforcement a lot of sources say to join them up together and some say to separate them  cause apparently most scenarios join them together, so what is the correct answer for this. should this be a separate process each or a together process.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on April 14, 2020, 06:10:30 pm
hey guys. For observational learning the 5 stages, for motivation and reinforcement a lot of sources say to join them up together and some say to separate them  cause apparently most scenarios join them together, so what is the correct answer for this. should this be a separate process each or a together process.

Separate them for VCAA purposes. Usually, they occur together in real life, but you need to talk about them separately to get the marks in the exam. As long as you explicitly address and explain both of them in your answer, you should be fine.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on April 14, 2020, 07:31:38 pm
hey guys i realised on the edrolo videos that for observational learning they also use social learning as another word for it. Do we have to be familiar with both words? Or do they only use observational learning in exam questions
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on April 14, 2020, 07:41:02 pm
hey guys i realised on the edrolo videos that for observational learning they also use social learning as another word for it. Do we have to be familiar with both words? Or do they only use observational learning in exam questions

It doesn't hurt to know social learning = observational learning, and VCAA exams have used it in place of observational learning in previous exams. Take the 2016 exam, for example - they use the phrase "social learning theory" instead of overtly stating "observational learning" in their question stem, so students who could not make the connection would not have been able to answer it accurately.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cherryblossoms on April 15, 2020, 09:05:19 pm
Hi, for the question:

"Bob's hands feel cold through his ski gloves.
Which specific division of the Nervous System would be involved in this scenario?"

Would it be the somatic, or autonomic nervous system? My initial thought was autonomic as I thought it had to do with involuntary body functions but would it be the somatic as it relates to sensory function? And how would I "Explain the role that this division of the Nervous System would play." - would that just be the general definition or does it need to be specific to the question?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on April 15, 2020, 09:15:18 pm
Hey.
I would say this involves the somatic nervous system. I don't think it would be autonomic as autonomic are automatic processes such as the heart beating. This would be somatic as it involves the sensory receptors in Bob's hands detecting and receiving the information of the cold temperature, transmitting the message to the sensory neurons which transmit the message to the brain.
For explaining the role that the somatic nervous system plays, you would talk about how it allows you to detect incoming sensory information and then transmit it to the brain for processing (and if relevant to the question, you could talk about how this plays a role in specific motor actions being carried out such as leading Bob to rub his hands to make them warmer as an example).

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on April 15, 2020, 09:24:40 pm
Hi, for the question:

"Bob's hands feel cold through his ski gloves.
Which specific division of the Nervous System would be involved in this scenario?"

Would it be the somatic, or autonomic nervous system? My initial thought was autonomic as I thought it had to do with involuntary body functions but would it be the somatic as it relates to sensory function? And how would I "Explain the role that this division of the Nervous System would play." - would that just be the general definition or does it need to be specific to the question?

Adding to what Evolio has already said, the only time this would be the autonomic nervous system would be if the question stem clearly indicates that an involuntary action is occurring (e.g. Bob feels his pupils dilate) instead of simply a sensation like he is cold. This is also what differentiates the nervous system you would choose between a scenario that states that X's heart begins to beat faster, and X feels the warmth of the mug, where the former refers to the autonomic (namely the sympathetic) nervous system and the latter refers to the somatic nervous system.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cherryblossoms on April 15, 2020, 10:57:15 pm
Thanks for clarifying!

For this question: "Bob's heart is beating fast as he skis down a steep and dangerous ski run. Indicate the direction of the message along the neurons within this division of the nervous system."

I think it's the Sympathetic Nervous System here, but I'm not sure how to write the direction of the message. Is it something like "The brain perceives activity as stressful ->  sensory receptors sends a message to the sensory neurons"
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on April 16, 2020, 08:33:26 am
Hi. Yes, I think it's referring to afferent and efferent pathways where afferent is the sensory message going to the brain (up) while the efferent pathway refers to the motor message transmitting to the effector muscles (down). These terms are used to describe the direction of neural information.
The stress hormones, adrenaline and noradrenaline activate the heart, making it beat faster so I'm thinking that it is an efferent pathway where the message starts from the brain and goes to the heart muscles (through the SAM pathway), making the heart beat faster.

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 1292 on April 18, 2020, 08:42:11 am
Hi,
In Selye's GAS model, I was just wondering during which stages the specific stress hormones are released and when the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems are activated. Also, does flight-fight-freeze response occur during the alarm stage? Different resources say different things and I am not entirely sure what VCAA expects us to say. thank uuuu!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on April 18, 2020, 10:15:45 am
Hello!
The sympathetic nervous system is activated during the counter shock stage and as a result of that the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline are also released during that stage. The sympathetic also activates the fight-flight response so this is activated in the counter-shock stage as well.
Cortisol also starts to release in counter shock but there is a high level of it for a prolonged period of time during resistance stage.
The parasympathetic nervous system becomes activated during dominant again in resistance however there is still a high level of arousal in the body.

EDIT: Thank you Bri MT for the feedback!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on April 18, 2020, 10:45:39 am
Love Evolio's contributions. One thing I want to add is to make sure you're aware of how sympathetic and parasympathetic work together; specifically, that it's not a case of them turning on and off but that it's a change in which one is dominant.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on April 18, 2020, 09:27:34 pm
Hey i was just confused with this question: it was a multiple choice question from the nelson psychology unit 3&4 textbook

In classical conditioning, an organism develops an association between:

 The conditioned stimulus (CS) and the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) was the correct answer. But i thought shouldn't it be the neutral stimulus and the conditioned stimulus cause we are turning the neutral stimulus into a conditioned stimulus.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MoonChild1234 on April 19, 2020, 01:33:40 pm
Hi,

what is the exact biological process of the role of adrenaline in the consolidation of emotionally arousing memories? Like what  are the exact details required if you were to answer a question on this?

Thank you!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on April 19, 2020, 01:49:25 pm
Hi,

what is the exact biological process of the role of adrenaline in the consolidation of emotionally arousing memories? Like what  are the exact details required if you were to answer a question on this?

Thank you!

Hey

Basically
1. Adrenaline is released from the adrenal glands when we are in an emotionally aroused state(could be in response to a stressor,when we're in a state of fear, anything emotionally arousing really)
2. When adrenaline is released, noradrenaline is also released in the amygdala
3. Once noradrenaline is released in the amygdala, the amygdala sends a signal to the hippocampus that this memory should be stored/consolidated into long term memory.


So that's the role adrenaline plays in the consolidation of emotionally arousing memories. (with some help from noradrenaline, amygdala and the hippocampus)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MoonChild1234 on April 20, 2020, 10:08:20 am
thank you! would you say adrenaline is released as a neurohormone into the bloodstream?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on April 20, 2020, 11:52:41 am
thank you! would you say adrenaline is released as a neurohormone into the bloodstream?
Hello.
Not Ionic Doc but since adrenaline is released from the adrenal glands, it would just be released as a hormone since neurohormones are released from neurons (which is not the case here).

Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on April 20, 2020, 01:59:38 pm
Hello.
Since adrenaline is released from the adrenal glands, it would just be released as a hormone since neurohormones are released from neurons (which is not the case here).

Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I believe that you are correct. Is this about the consolidation of emotionally arousing experiences?
If so, stress hormone systems interact with the amygdala to regulate memory consolidation and storage processes occurring in other brain regions.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on April 20, 2020, 02:57:07 pm
Hello.
Not Ionic Doc but since adrenaline is released from the adrenal glands, it would just be released as a hormone since neurohormones are released from neurons (which is not the case here).

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

that's interesting this link--->   https://www.britannica.com/science/neurohormone
says that neurohormones can be released into the bloodstream. I know that hormones can be released into the bloodstream but still confused on neurohormones.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: J_Rho on April 20, 2020, 03:11:15 pm
that's interesting this link--->   https://www.britannica.com/science/neurohormone
says that neurohormones can be released into the bloodstream. I know that hormones can be released into the bloodstream but still confused on neurohormones.
My understanding is that a neurohormone is any hormone produced and released into the blood. My Psych textbook says "a chemical substance sent from neurons into the bloodstream". if it released from a neuron it a neurohormone if its produced by something that isn't a neuron like a cell its a hormone.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on April 23, 2020, 11:38:46 am
Hey i was just confused with this question: it was a multiple choice question from the nelson psychology unit 3&4 textbook

In classical conditioning, an organism develops an association between:

 The conditioned stimulus (CS) and the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) was the correct answer. But i thought shouldn't it be the neutral stimulus and the conditioned stimulus cause we are turning the neutral stimulus into a conditioned stimulus.

Since the NS = CS you cannot associate them. They are the same thing, except the name given to the stimulus changes once it has been learnt by the learner. Recall the 3-phase model for classical conditioning. Firstly, the NS produces no response and is repeatedly associated with the UCS to produces the UCR. Once this association has been established and learning has taken place, then the NS is now known as the CS. Therefore, at the start of the learning process, the CS and UCS are associated with one another (except at this stage the CS is called NS - not sure why the question phrases it this way, but it is what it is). A more correct answer would be the NS is associated with the UCS, however in this case the most correct answer from the answer options of your mc question seems to be UCS and CS.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: J_Rho on April 23, 2020, 12:05:47 pm
How may individuals not be able to learn(demonstrate knowledge or skills) via observational learning?

Is the task being too complex the only way individuals may not be able to learn something via observational learning??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on April 23, 2020, 12:20:23 pm
How may individuals not be able to learn(demonstrate knowledge or skills) via observational learning?

Is the task being too complex the only way individuals may not be able to learn something via observational learning??

An individual won't be able to learn via observational learning if they cannot pass through any one of the 5 stages of observational learning. Recall these stages:
Attention: for learning to occur, one must actively watch the model's behaviour to recognise the distinctive features of the behaviour. More likely to imitate models who are:
   – Perceived as positive, are liked
   – Observer perceives themselves to have similar characteristics to the model
   – Model is familiar to the observer
   – Model's behaviour is visible, stands out against other models
   – Observer perceives that they can imitate the behaviour
Retention: the learner must keep and form a mental representation of the model's behaviour to remember it.
Reproduction: after observation, the learner must have the physical and mental capability to imitate the behaviour that has been observed.
Motivation: the learner must want to perform the behaviour. Unless a reward is given for performing the behaviour, they are unlikely to want to do it.
Reinforcement: there must be the prospect of a positive consequence for the learner. Reinforcement influences the motivation to reproduce the behaviour and increases the likelihood of reproducing the behaviour.

For example, if the learner does not pay attention to the model's behaviour they will be unable to proceed and thus will not go through the entirety of the model and consequently won't learn anything. Similarly, if the learner doesn't have the mental + physical capacity to produce the behaviour (i.e. it is too complex) then they will not be able to learn the behaviour.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Marylen on April 24, 2020, 10:36:36 am
Is semantic memory necessary to know?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on April 24, 2020, 10:40:43 am
Is semantic memory necessary to know?
I think so. It is an important part of dot point 17 which is about the brain regions involved in the storage of long term memories, and at my school, we learnt it in the Atkinson Shiffrin Model lesson.  :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on April 24, 2020, 10:45:00 am
Is semantic memory necessary to know?

Yes, semantic memory is under explicit memory, which is mentioned in the study design. (Process of Memory)
In general, you just need to know that semantic memory is concerned with information and facts we have about the world. (E.G academic knowledge learned in school, social etiquette). That's what semantic memory pretty much refers to.

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on April 26, 2020, 11:18:40 am
For operant conditioning can punishment be called positive punishment.

eg: You stick your hand in a flame and you get a painful burn.

should i write positive punishment or punishment?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on April 26, 2020, 11:38:27 am
Hello amanaazim.

Yes, punishment can be positive punishment.

For this example, it would specifically be positive punishment. It is positive because something has been added or applied, specifically the aversive stimulus of the painful burn and it is punishment because it is weakening the behaviour of you putting your hand in a flame (as you don't want to experience the aversive stimulus of getting a painful burn again).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on April 26, 2020, 07:18:04 pm
For operant conditioning can punishment be called positive punishment.

eg: You stick your hand in a flame and you get a painful burn.

should i write positive punishment or punishment?
To add to what Evolio has said, you can say either punishment or positive punishment. VCAA have previously refered to positive punishment as both 'punishment' and 'positive punishment (while negative punishment is referred to as 'response cost' by the study design), so I would say either is correct.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on April 29, 2020, 03:12:49 pm
I have two questions that i need help answering.
1. Can someone compare and contrast daily pressures and life events please?
2. Describe, using lock and key model, how medication acting as a GABA agonist might allow someone to feel less stressed and anxious. (4 Marks)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on April 30, 2020, 11:48:54 am
I have two questions that i need help answering.
1. Can someone compare and contrast daily pressures and life events please?
2. Describe, using lock and key model, how medication acting as a GABA agonist might allow someone to feel less stressed and anxious. (4 Marks)

Hello

1. Daily pressures are everyday problems and usually small things, like forgetting to charge your laptop or forgetting your keys inside the house. They often make us feel angry, irritated and annoyed.  Daily pressures happen to most people, and people with adequate supportive networks will be able to overcome these minor stresses, however those that do not, often have a 'pile-up' of daily pressures and have a cumulative effect on a persons wellbeing.

In contrast Life Events are 'occurrences in our lives that force us to adjust and adapt to new situations and circumstances that we have not dealt with before'. Because we are often unfamiliar with these new circumstances, it makes us feel as if we are unable to cope, leading to a stress response. Some examples of life events may be, getting married, sitting your first VCE exam, going for your first ever job interview.


2. GABA is the nervous systems main inhibitory neurotransmitter. In regards to the lock and key model, GABA neurotransmitters will act as the key and will bind to their complementary GABA receptors which act as a lock, on the dendrites of the postsynaptic neuron. The binding will then decrease activity in the postsynaptic neuron, meaning a person who was initially feeling stressed and anxious, with high levels of activities in neurons to have a decrease in the level of activity, and feel much more relaxed and calmful.

summary: 'GABA agonists work by reducing physiological arousal and promoting relaxation, by decreasing the excessive neural firing that occurs in times of high anxiety and stressful situations.'

hope this helps.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on May 03, 2020, 09:01:09 pm
hey guys i have some questions on what consequence would these be for operant conditioning in terms of (Positive Reinforcement, Negative Reinforcement, Punishment or Response cost)

1a. Doing homework to avoid detention
1b. Taking Malaria tablets before an overseas trip
1c. Playing pokies and winning
1d. You walk the dog to avoid having dog poop in the house
1e. Sue wears a bike helmet to avoid a head injury
1f. Jess gets sick from drinking too much so you moderate your drinking in the future
1g. A repo man takes a car for your failure to make loan payments
1h. Hannah crashes her parents car into the garage after being told not to drive the car, so she is grounded for a month.
1i. Sam is talking in class and not doing any work, so the teacher walks to his desk and stands behind him. Sam stops talking and starts to work


Also for the next two scenarios would the likelihood of the behaviour increase or decrease.

2a. Ken clears up his bedroom so that his mother will stop her constant nagging for him to do so
2b. Janine was watching a horror movie named 'night terrors' that contained some terrifying scenes. Janine averted her eyes to avoid seeing the screen whenever the movie became too frightening to watch.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on May 04, 2020, 09:16:54 am
Hey amanaazim!

Which specific parts of the questions were you struggling with?
I'll go through 2 examples and maybe you could try the rest on your own and if you're having trouble, feel free to ask.

With these types of questions, I like to think through these 2 things:
- Is the behaviour being strengthened or weakened? Strengthened = reinforcement  Weakened = punishment
- I something being added or taken away? Added = positive    Removed = negative

Additional info:
Positive reinforcement: Adding a pleasant stimulus
Negative reinforcement: Removing an aversive or unpleasant stimulus
Positive punishment: Adding an aversive stimulus
Response cost (negative punishment): Removing a pleasant stimulus.
Using this additional info, you could easily tell what consequence it is. However, I think it's better to understand the scenario and figure it out rather than memorising the above unless you're really comfortable with these types of questions and you can do them really quickly.

1a) Doing homework to avoid detention.
Here, we can see that we are doing homework, this means that the behaviour is being strengthened so it is reinforcement. Also, we are avoiding detention. This means that we are taking something away so it is negative. Thus, it is negative reinforcement.

1b) Taking Malaria tablets before an overseas trip
 To stop (or avoid) us from getting Malaria, we are taking the tablets. So, this strengthens the behaviour (or increases the likelihood) of taking Malaria tablets thus it is reinforcement. Also, we are removing the negative stimulus of Malaria so it is negative. Thus, it is negative reinforcement.

2a) The behaviour would increase as Ken would clear his bedroom more often (increasing the behaviour) to avoid his mother's constant nagging.
2b) What do you think this one would be?

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tigerclouds on May 05, 2020, 02:28:10 pm
Hi guys,
Is there a difference between observational learning and vicarious conditioning?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on May 05, 2020, 03:45:18 pm
Hi guys,
Is there a difference between observational learning and vicarious conditioning?

They are names that describe the same thing, so no, there is no difference. Vicarious is another way to describe learning through the experiences of someone else (i.e. observational).
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ann2508 on May 26, 2020, 11:06:37 pm
Hi guys
I'm a year 11 doing psych 3/4 and I did really well last year and to say I'm doing bad this year is an understatement. Iv been trying really hard but my SAC marks have been horrible. I got 72 for my first sac and then 55 for the second one. I'm really upset because I felt like I knew the content really well especially for the second sac so my marks are a huge letdown. I think the way I'm answering questions just isn't right. If anyone could please give me some tips it would b greatly appreciated. I also wanted to know if it was possible for me to get a study score of atleast 35 with my current sac marks?
Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: pahm on May 27, 2020, 11:19:51 am
Hi guys
I'm a year 11 doing psych 3/4 and I did really well last year and to say I'm doing bad this year is an understatement. Iv been trying really hard but my SAC marks have been horrible. I got 72 for my first sac and then 55 for the second one. I'm really upset because I felt like I knew the content really well especially for the second sac so my marks are a huge letdown. I think the way I'm answering questions just isn't right. If anyone could please give me some tips it would b greatly appreciated. I also wanted to know if it was possible for me to get a study score of atleast 35 with my current sac marks?
Thanks

Impossible to tell from just purely your sac marks. what kind of cohort are you in?

i got a 35 last year in psych and i had an 87% average for unit 3 and 95% for unit 4. but we had easy SACs.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ionic Doc on May 27, 2020, 12:05:08 pm
Try your absolute best in your remaining SAC's, you still got Unit 4 to make a comeback.
Ultimately your performance on the exam determines a majority of your study score so if you ace that you're setting yourself up for success.

Eg: I had an average of 84% last year for psych and some people I knew had an average of 80%, I did really average on the exam and got a score in the mid-'30s whereas the people who had lower averages actually did so good on the exam and got a score in the low 40's, so it's definitely possible to make a comeback!. (Our SAC's were sort of easy as well btw)

Also, get feedback with the teacher on areas to improve, it sounds like you are confident with the content but struggle with structuring precise answers.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ann2508 on May 27, 2020, 12:34:26 pm
Try your absolute best in your remaining SAC's, you still got Unit 4 to make a comeback.
Ultimately your performance on the exam determines a majority of your study score so if you ace that you're setting yourself up for success.

Eg: I had an average of 84% last year for psych and some people I knew had an average of 80%, I did really average on the exam and got a score in the mid-'30s whereas the people who had lower averages actually did so good on the exam and got a score in the low 40's, so it's definitely possible to make a comeback!. (Our SAC's were sort of easy as well btw)

Also, get feedback with the teacher on areas to improve, it sounds like you are confident with the content but struggle with structuring precise answers.
Impossible to tell from just purely your sac marks. what kind of cohort are you in?

i got a 35 last year in psych and i had an 87% average for unit 3 and 95% for unit 4. but we had easy SACs.
Our SACs are quite tough compared to those of other schools (me and friends from other schools compare our sac qs). The average for our cohort is usually 65+.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: pahm on May 27, 2020, 01:17:19 pm
what I meant was, look at what scores ppl from your school got last year for a 35 to get a rough idea.

for example if ppl getting in the mid 30s at your school gets ~70s in their SAC average then that's an indication of what to aim for.

also where is your school ranked in the state? if it's pretty high up then you can probably afford to lose a bit more marks on sacs.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cherryblossoms on May 28, 2020, 05:33:19 pm
Hey,

I have a Psychology SAC soon - would you say the best way to study is to do practice questions and making sure I understand all of the content?

Is there a set formula to use when answering classical conditioning, operant conditioning and observational learning questions?

Also, I was told that the number of marks correlates to the number of points/sentences to make. But for example, if a question is worth 4 marks and the question is about the three-phase model of operant conditioning, where does the 4th mark go towards?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on May 28, 2020, 05:57:20 pm
Hey,

I have a Psychology SAC soon - would you say the best way to study is to do practice questions and making sure I understand all of the content?

Is there a set formula to use when answering classical conditioning, operant conditioning and observational learning questions?

Also, I was told that the number of marks correlates to the number of points/sentences to make. But for example, if a question is worth 4 marks and the question is about the three-phase model of operant conditioning, where does the 4th mark go towards?
I definently agree that the best way to study is by doing plenty of practice questions, going over any and all mistakes, and revising any content you have identified you might be a bit weak in.
Not all quesitons related to classical conditioning, operant conditioning and observational learning questions will use a 'set formula' particulalrly as some questions might ask you about a certain part of each model (i.e. a question might ask you to talk specifically about just one stage of a given learning model). That being said, many question on these learning models will want you to go through each stage of the learning model which will assume somewhat of a 'formula' whereby you define the stage and then apply it to the specific scenario.

This is correct - typically for questions 3 marks roughly corresponds to 3 points the answer wants you to make. For your example - I assume this is for a SAC - it depends on how your teacher typically marks questions, however if i were to have a guess I would assume the marks are broken down as 1 mark for correctly naming all steps involved, and 1 mark each for applying the given situation/scenario to each of the stages of learning.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: J_Rho on June 03, 2020, 09:41:36 am
What are the 3 scientific research methodologies? My edrolo textbook has heaps (experiments, self reports, questionnaires, interviews, rating scales, observational studies, case studies, longitudinal studies, cross sectional studies)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on June 03, 2020, 06:48:03 pm
Hi J_Rho :)

What are the 3 scientific research methodologies? My edrolo textbook has heaps (experiments, self reports, questionnaires, interviews, rating scales, observational studies, case studies, longitudinal studies, cross sectional studies)
I'd say the main ones are independent groups, matched participants and repeated measures (perhaps also cross-sectional studies as a fourth). However, based on the dot point below found in the study design under Key Science Skills (pages 11-12), I'd suggest knowing the basics of the following:
Quote
    determine appropriate type of investigation: experiments (including use of control and
experimental groups); case studies; observational studies; self-reports; questionnaires;
interviews; rating scales
; access secondary data, including data sourced through
the internet that would otherwise be difficult to source as raw or primary data through
fieldwork, a laboratory or a classroom
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ThunderDragon on June 07, 2020, 08:37:03 pm
Hey I got this question wrong in the Checkpoints and was just wondering why.

Scenario: Every time that six month old Akira is tired, hungry and starts cry, his mother immediately picks him up and cuddles him. Akira feels comforted and stops crying. His mother feels relieved that the crying has stopped.

Question is: According to this scenario, Akira is most likley to:
Answer is: B Cry more often when he is near his mother
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on June 07, 2020, 08:41:59 pm
Hello!  :D
Yeah, when I first did this question, I was really confused as well.

Here, I think the main thing to understand is that Akira is being positively reinforced as the pleasant stimulus of his mother's comfort is being added, strengthening HIS behaviour of crying. This is because when he cried, his mother picked him up and cuddled him (which he likes), so in the future, he is more likely to cry again so he can be picked up and cuddled.
That's why it is B as since his behaviour of crying has been reinforced by his mother's comfort, he will be more likely to cry when he is near his mother.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ThunderDragon on June 07, 2020, 08:58:47 pm

Oh okay! Know I understand. Yeah this question is a bit annoying. Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Chloe182 on June 08, 2020, 01:55:50 pm
So I'm studying for my upcoming SAC, and I'm struggling with answering questions about context and state dependent cues.
I know what each are but find it hard to answer the questions to get full marks?
example:
As a child, David would become frightened when he saw his mother Tracy scream and run away every time
she saw a cockroach. Tracy always appeared relieved when she was no longer near the cockroach. David
acquired the same phobia of cockroaches and also screamed and ran away whenever he saw a cockroach.
How could context-dependent cues help David remember his psychologist’s breathing retraining
instructions?

My answer was: "Context dependent cues will help David to remember the breathing techniques because of the external environment he is in, if he is always using these techniques in the presence of a cockroach, he is more likely to remember them the next time he is around a cockroach - enhancing his memory..."
???
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on June 08, 2020, 03:51:01 pm
Hello!

So, with answering any questions , my teacher always emphasises using the technique IDEELS.
I: Identify key terms
D: Define key terms.
E: Explain using
E: Examples
L: Linked to
S: Scenario.

With your response, I think it's really great that you linked context dependent cues to the scenario with David and the cockroach.

Using what our teachers taught us, I would probably answer along the lines of:
Context-dependent cues refer to the specific settings/situations/contexts where the memory was formed (or learning took place) acting as retrieval cues aiding in the retrieval of information. Here, David would be using breathing retraining techniques whenever he sees a cockroach, where the cockroach would be acting a retrieval cue, so in the future, when he sees a cockroach, he will be more likely to retrieve and remember the information of his psychologist's breathing retraining instructions, allowing him to use breathing retraining to control his phobia of cockroaches.

Hope this helps!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on June 09, 2020, 03:33:56 pm
Hello fellow psych people! :)

I was wondering if we need to know about structural and functional changes as a result of LTP and LDP? This is in my school's PowerPoints but not in my textbook.

Also, I was told that NMDA and AMPA receptors (in regards to synaptic plasticity and the role of glutamate) will not be assessed. Is this true?

Thank you :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on June 09, 2020, 05:29:20 pm
Hello lm21074!

Yes, we need to know the structural and functional changes of LDP and LTP.

In regards to your second question, the glutamate receptors aren't mentioned explicitly on the study design, however our teacher has told us that when mentioning glutamate (especially in its role in LTP), we should also say what receptors (AMPA, NMDA, kainite) it binds to.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Ann2508 on June 10, 2020, 10:42:43 am
Hi guys does anyone have their psychology unit 4 scientific poster for a serial position effect experiment?
if not, could someone pleas help me about what I should be writing in my discussion and conclusion
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Marylen on June 14, 2020, 12:04:10 pm
Hello everyone!  :)
I was told by my teacher that adrenaline and noradrenaline contain the same chemical structure but they differ in terms of their functions. (Adrenaline behaves as a hormone when released from the terminals into blood capillaries and noradrenaline is a neurotransmitter released to neighbouring dendrites). Is this true?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cmkat1 on June 16, 2020, 12:19:14 pm
I'd like to add what I think onto this too! There are two definitions, or explanations, of reconstruction.
1. method to retrieve information
2. as described by Loftus.

The first definition, which is referred to in the study design dot point above that you've pasted, involves breaking up the original task and rearranging the parts into sequence or order. For example, if I break apart a doll into its head, body, arms and legs, reconstruction would involve you putting the pieces back together to form what you think the doll originally looked like. This is what edrolo is referring to.
From my memory, there hasn't been any questions that have required you to have knowledge of the above definition (for VCAA), however as it is mentioned in the study design, it is good to know. I personally haven't learnt this in class, although my psych teacher is a literal god, so it probably means it's near irrelevant but it is good to know anyways. It's better to be safe than sorry on the exam.

The second definition is as described by Elizabeth Loftus, who did work into the reconstruction of memory, as you've probably already learnt. This is highlighted in this dot point in the study design:

"The reconstruction of memories as evidence for the fallibility of memory, with reference to Loftus’ research into the effect of leading questions on eye-witness testimonies."

So, as you can see, the study design refers to reconstruction in two different parts of the study design. VCAA loves to test students on Loftus' reconstruction. Reconstruction involves combining stored information with other available information to form what is believed to be a more coherent or accurate memory.

If you aren't sure which type of reconstruction to use to answer the question, I would almost always go for the second one because this is most commonly tested. However, it won't be difficult to discern which one to use. If the question references Loftus' research or refers to eyewitness testimony, reconstructive nature of memory, etc, then you'd use the second one. I have yet to come across a question that wants you to use the first definition of reconstruction.

This is what I think, and I hope it helps :)

Sorry, this is incorrect. Reconstruction can not be a method of retrieval as it is a theoretical construct!

Hi everyone. There seems to be a lot of confusion among students re; reconstruction. Reconstruction by nature is a theoretical construct involved in the process of recalling information. It is not the same as recall, therefore can not be assessed in terms of sensitivity unlike recall, recognition, relearning. Loftus idea of reconstruction was based on Bartlett's work, an alternative view of reconstruction is not in the textbook. If you look closely at last years exam, the MCQ was best epitomizing serial recall rather than reconstruction, hence confusion among students. Hope this helps.
Mark.

Mod Edit: Merged Double Posts
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on June 16, 2020, 05:03:03 pm
Hi everyone. There seems to be a lot of confusion among students re; reconstruction. Reconstruction by nature is a theoretical construct involved in the process of recalling information. It is not the same as recall, therefore can not be assessed in terms of sensitivity unlike recall, recognition, relearning. Loftus idea of reconstruction was based on Bartlett's work, an alternative view of reconstruction is not in the textbook. If you look closely at last years exam, the MCQ was best epitomizing serial recall rather than reconstruction, hence confusion among students. Hope this helps.
Mark.
Not quite sure what you mean. Reconstruction does not fall under the same category that recall, recognition, and relearning does. Perhaps it is not in the textbook and is not required for 3/4 psych, but the word can also refer to a specific way of retrieving what has been learnt. In psych 3/4, you only need to know about reconstruction in terms of Loftus' research, not really the other definition. This is something I asked my teacher last year for further clarification.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on June 17, 2020, 07:37:07 pm
could someone pleas help me about what I should be writing in my discussion and conclusion
The specifics of what you will want to put in your discussion or conclusion will depend on the criteria your teacher provides, but as a general rule you should always start by stating your findings and relating them back to the aim and your hypothesis. Was the experiment successful - did you satisfy your aim? Was your hypothesis supported/refuted? You should also then talk about any errors/limitations with your experiment and explain how this errors/limitation might have come about, how they might have effected the data, and how one might fix this for future research. This might be all that you need to do (depending on the criteria for the task) but you might also have to compare your findings to findings from other similar experiments within the scientific literature and you might need to relate your findings to a broader context (i.e. what is the relevance of your data to society).

Hello everyone!  :)
I was told by my teacher that adrenaline and noradrenaline contain the same chemical structure but they differ in terms of their functions. (Adrenaline behaves as a hormone when released from the terminals into blood capillaries and noradrenaline is a neurotransmitter released to neighbouring dendrites). Is this true?
Adrenaline and noradrenaline have very similar structures (but do differ slightly). They both do have different functions, but these differences aren't described by what you have said: both adrenaline and noreadrenaline can be released into the blood as a hormone, or across the synapse as a neurotransmitter. The actual differences between the molecules is not neccasary knowledge for VCE psych - for VCE you can reguard the molecules as essentially the same.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cmkat1 on June 18, 2020, 12:54:16 pm
Not quite sure what you mean. Reconstruction does not fall under the same category that recall, recognition, and relearning does. Perhaps it is not in the textbook and is not required for 3/4 psych, but the word can also refer to a specific way of retrieving what has been learnt. In psych 3/4, you only need to know about reconstruction in terms of Loftus' research, not really the other definition. This is something I asked my teacher last year for further clarification.

Hi Why's. Thanks for your response. I agree with you. The assessors report issued by the VCAA last year confirmed an alternative definition. This definition does not make sense and students were wrongly penalised.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on June 18, 2020, 04:35:54 pm
Hi, so we just did an experiment where the class was split into 2 groups and 1 group had 90 seconds to memorise a card sequence by repeating it, whilst the other had to using a story. Then we had to emulate it after putting the instructions away and the teacher recorded how many cards we got right in the order. I was just wondering what I could improve on with writing up the experiment or any examples of what you might write:

Aim - To investigate the effect of different types of rehearsal (elaborative and maintenance) on recall ability.
(Is this too general or do I need to make it more specific to the experiment?)

I'd slightly rephrase it but not add anything

Independent Variable - whether the student was told to memorise the card sequence by repeating it over and over in their head (maintenance rehearsal) or using the story (elaborative rehearsal).
(Is this a bit wordy and is there a way to make it more concise?)

Yeah you can cut this down a bit. For example, "over and over" doesn't add any information.
You can replace "in their head" with one word as well :)

Dependent Variable - the number of cards that the student had correctly placed in the sequence specified.

Operationalised Hypothesis It is hypothesised that 12 Unit 3/4 Psychology students at _School_ who memorise the card sequence using the story will be more likely to remember the card sequence correctly, as measured by the number of correctly place the cards in the sequence specified, than the 12 Unit 3/4 Psychology students who memorise the card sequence by repeating it over and over in their head.
(Do I need to quantify 'more likely'. Eg. 70% more likely?)
[/url]

 - More likely implicitly means >50% (when two options are considered) - you don't need to specify this
 - typo: "place"
 - you don't need to repeat the population with a high degree of specificity each time
 - If your teacher has expressed that preference go with it but you don't need sample size in your operationalised hypothesis


Sample and Population
Sample -  24 VCE Unit 3/4 Psychology students at _School_; ages 16 to 18.
Population - All (24) VCE Unit 3/4 Psychology students at _School_ ; ages 16 to 18.
(I know the population is what the researcher will seek to generalise the results, but is it the same as the sample if everyone was present for the experiment?)

Is your population of research interest really that small? I would use a population such that you aren't taking a census and just accept the fact that a small convenience sample carries limitations


hope this helps & good luck :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: FrankieDens on June 19, 2020, 03:29:42 pm
Hi hi!

As practice for our practical investigation - we've been given a table (which I've attached a sample of). The context of this pretend study is that these researchers presented two groups with a list of 15 words and one group had to recall it immediately while another had 40 sec delayed recall. Then they calculated the percentage of how many people correctly recalled the first all the way to the last word. So we've been asked how we would represent this data in our "poster" and so far all I have is this:


I didn't do Psych 1/2 so I'm a complete novice at this whole research methods thing hehe. I'm pretty sure I chose the wrong central tendency measure because there was one outlier in the data so I'm not sure if the mean would be useful in this context...
Also do I use a bar graph to compare the immediate and delayed recall groups (with a standard deviation line) instead of the typical line graph of the serial position affect?

One more question - how do you "manage outliers" in a Psychology study? I understand how to in Chemistry and Biology but with Psych it just seems more abstract (if that makes sense lol)

If you have the time feel free to reply I would greatly appreciate it y'all!
Thank you~  :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on June 22, 2020, 09:07:00 am
Thanks Bri for your feedback!

If the sample is '50 VCE Units 3/4 Psychology students at _School_', could I say that the population is 'All VCE Units 3/4 Psychology students'?
Hi!
It's better to state the number of participants as doing so is specific. You can discuss sample size as a potential limitation more easily too :)

Edit: See Bri's post below.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on June 22, 2020, 09:48:50 am
Thanks Bri for your feedback!

If the sample is '50 VCE Units 3/4 Psychology students at _School_', could I say that the population is 'All VCE Units 3/4 Psychology students'?

You're welcome!

You could, or you could go with something like "All VCE students at ____ school" as the population.


Hi!
It's better to state the number of participants as doing so is specific. You can discuss sample size as a potential limitation more easily too :)

Yeah you definitely need the number of participants to be part of your report/poster - whether that's listed in the hypothesis or not.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on June 22, 2020, 12:59:12 pm
hey just wanted to ask do we need to know psychological construct, hypothetical construct for the state of consciousness chapter.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tiredandstressed on June 22, 2020, 04:13:13 pm
hey just wanted to ask do we need to know psychological construct, hypothetical construct for the state of consciousness chapter.
You should be aware of the ide that consciousness is an example of a psychological construct, but you don't need to know the details of it.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on July 09, 2020, 06:50:57 pm
hey just wanted to ask , is feeling excited a threat. for example if 2 kids are going kindergarten and one of them was crying and clinging towards the mother and the other child is really excited and ran to kindergarten showing great enthusiasm are both the kids sympathetic nervous system where dominant. Cause isn't sympathetic nervous system only activated when there is a threat only for the second one there is no threat so shouldn't its parasympathetic nervous system be dominant?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolmate on July 09, 2020, 07:34:33 pm
hey just wanted to ask , is feeling excited a threat. for example if 2 kids are going kindergarten and one of them was crying and clinging towards the mother and the other child is really excited and ran to kindergarten showing great enthusiasm are both the kids sympathetic nervous system where dominant. Cause isn't sympathetic nervous system only activated when there is a threat only for the second one there is no threat so shouldn't its parasympathetic nervous system be dominant?

Hey amanaazim!

I don't do VCE Psychology, but I will try and help with your question. :)

Being excited is a result of the "Flight or Fight" response (Fight could = threat). The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) can become activated by being excited or frightened, there doesn't necessarily have to be a threat. Whereas the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) is responsible for calming and resting the body, slowing heart rate and digestion.

Both of the 2 kindergarten kids in your example would be under the influence of the SNS:

Child 1 is in "Fight" mode, as they feel apprehensive, nervous and terrified about the situation, leaving the body to release hormones to accelerate their heartbeat, quicken their breathing and cry.

Child 2 is in "Flight" mode thus they are bursting with energy and optimism, also releasing hormones to assist in this flight mode. Therefore, both children are under the influence of the Sympathetic Nervous System not the Parasympathetic Nervous System.

I hope this helps!
Coolmate 8)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 1729 on July 09, 2020, 08:50:31 pm
hey just wanted to ask , is feeling excited a threat. for example if 2 kids are going kindergarten and one of them was crying and clinging towards the mother and the other child is really excited and ran to kindergarten showing great enthusiasm are both the kids sympathetic nervous system where dominant. Cause isn't sympathetic nervous system only activated when there is a threat only for the second one there is no threat so shouldn't its parasympathetic nervous system be dominant?
Hey amanaazim!
I am not the best at psychology, but I will answer as best as I can!
Just adding to Coolmates response.
Whether an event is a threat or a challenge depends on the person's cognitive appraisal of the situation. A person who is excited about something is going to have their sympathetic nervous system activated regardless of whether they interpret the event as a threat or a challenge because excitement is defined as an emotional state marked by enthusiasm, eagerness or anticipation, and general arousal.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on July 09, 2020, 09:04:02 pm
There are some great answers above me, but I'd like to clarify a few things.

Firstly, the fact that one child is clinging to their mother and is feeling apprehensive and the other is excited and enthusiastic is not an example of the fight and flight response (it is more an example of the aftereffect). The fight-flight-freeze response is involuntary and automatic, and occurs regardless of the individual's appraisal of the situation. For a question like this, I don't think we can conclude if the child is fighting, fleeing or freezing because we are only told of their voluntary behaviours and how they are feeling. We can only conclude that they have experienced the FFF response and the effects of the sympathetic nervous system.

Another thing to be aware of is that the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems aren't turned 'on' or 'off'. They are both always active. What does occur is that one asserts dominance over the other during certain periods of time. The sympathetic nervous system isn't always activated by a threat (it would be technically incorrect to say this), it is activated by any stimulus the individual appraises as stressful. As you are aware, the stressor may induce distress or eustress and this can determine how the individual feels about it.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on July 09, 2020, 09:30:43 pm

I don't do VCE Psychology, but I will try and help with your question. :)



Still amazes me that HSC doesn't have psych. Whys has addressed the points where your answer doesn't work but thanks for giving it a go regardless.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on July 10, 2020, 12:26:49 pm
thanks 1729 and coolmate but wanted to ask coolmate, isn't child 1 and child 2 response of flight  and fight suppose to be the opposite way. Cause how is child 2 flighting the situation if he is happy isn't he fighting the situation.

whys thank you for always helping me appreciate it so much, but since you said the FFF response isn't activated in my mcq options it says

somatic ns
peripheral ns
sympathetic ns
parasympathethic ns

hey i am having trouble with this question.

Discuss two physiological and two psychological stress reactions and clearly outline the difference between these two types of reactions

Mod Edit: merged triple post
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on July 10, 2020, 12:54:27 pm
Hello!

Which specific part were you struggling with? If we know that, then we'll be able to target the areas you're struggling with.

Here, they want you to discuss two aspects of the stress response: physiological and psychological.

You could attribute the physiological (body processes) reactions to what happens when the sympathetic nervous system activates the flight-fight response. Eg: breathing rate increases, allowing more oxygen to be taken in, and transported to the muscles so that energy can be produced through cellular respiration.

Then, since they haven't specified, you could attribute the psychological response (what happens in the brain, including thought processes) to the Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional model. You could say that the individual would appraise the situations (including primary+secondary appraisal) and you could also talk about how they may evaluate their different coping options i.e avoidance and approach coping strategies.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on July 10, 2020, 10:56:15 pm
HELP HOW TO WRITE HYPOTHESIS/RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS???

So when we are talking about if x blah blah then y...

Is the y what we are measuring or what the experiment is proving overall??? I.e the role of aspirin in preventing an increase in dementia patients symptoms. This was measured through cognitive testing.

Hypothesis 1

It was hypothesised that those who take aspirin everyday will have slower progression of their symptoms than dementia patients who don’t

Hypothesis 2

It was hypothesised those who take aspirin everyday will score higher on their cognitive tests than dementia suffers who didn’t.


The answer was number one. But I think in bio sometimes they’ll take number two (what they are measuring.

P.S I know in bio you don’t put “it was hypothesised”
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on July 11, 2020, 10:26:00 am
whys thank you for always helping me appreciate it so much, but since you said the FFF response isn't activated in my mcq options it says

somatic ns
peripheral ns
sympathetic ns
parasympathethic ns
FFF is activated, you just can't tell which FFF response occurred from the scenario. In this case the answer would be C because the sympathetic nervous system caused the physiological changes in both children.

HELP HOW TO WRITE HYPOTHESIS/RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS???

So when we are talking about if x blah blah then y...

Is the y what we are measuring or what the experiment is proving overall??? I.e the role of aspirin in preventing an increase in dementia patients symptoms. This was measured through cognitive testing.

Hypothesis 1

It was hypothesised that those who take aspirin everyday will have slower progression of their symptoms than dementia patients who don’t

Hypothesis 2

It was hypothesised those who take aspirin everyday will score higher on their cognitive tests than dementia suffers who didn’t.


The answer was number one. But I think in bio sometimes they’ll take number two (what they are measuring.

P.S I know in bio you don’t put “it was hypothesised”
The second hypothesis looks more operationalised, whilst the first is general. In psych, note whether the question mentions an 'operationalised' hypothesis - this is where you precisely describe the IV and DV for the purpose of ensuring accurate replication of the experiment. If it just asks for research hypothesis, generally they will accept both the operationalised or general hypotheses.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: a weaponized ikea chair on July 30, 2020, 11:19:22 am
Hello,

Which neurotransmitter is responsible for forming new memories and to transfer them to your long-term storage?

I said it was dopamine but then the teacher said it was norepinephrine. Doesn't norepinephrine relieve stress? Can someone please explain this?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on July 30, 2020, 02:41:26 pm
Hello,

Which neurotransmitter is responsible for forming new memories and to transfer them to your long-term storage?

I said it was dopamine but then the teacher said it was norepinephrine. Doesn't norepinephrine relieve stress? Can someone please explain this?
Glutamate promotes the growth and strengthening of synaptic connections between neurons within a neural pathway. The more often glutamate can excite an adjacent neuron, the more it contributes to LTP.

Adrenaline can enhance the consolidation of long-term memories of emotionally arousing experiences. When released during heightened arousal, adrenaline induces the release of noradrenaline in the amygdala. Then, the amygdala signals the hippocampus that the details of the experience are significant and its long-term storage should be strengthened. Memories formed under circumstances of emotional arousal are often vital for survival, e.g. remembering that scary dog that was chasing you, so you can avoid it next time as it poses a threat to your survival. Moderate doses of adrenaline enhance consolidation. Too much or too less adrenaline at the time of memory formation can be counterproductive to the consolidation of memory.

Noradrenaline (norepinephrine) is not responsible for forming new memories - glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS that is also involved with learning & memory, so I would assume it is also responsible for the formation of new memories. Norepinephrine is, like 1729 has mentioned, sort of like a regulator that can have an effect on the formation of memories. As for VCE psych, you would not say norepinephrine is the primary neurotransmitter for forming new memories and transferring to LTM - this is much more likely to be glutamate in an exam question.

Noradrenaline doesn't relieve stress, I'm not sure where you got that from? Noradrenaline and adrenaline are released in response to activation of the sympathetic nervous system when confronted with a stressor. They activate visceral muscles, organs and glands and are responsible for physiological changes such as dilated pupils, relaxed bladder, increased heart rate, etc. When the stressor has been eliminated/dealt with, your body will return to homeostasis through the dominance of the parasympathetic nervous system.

You really only need to know about dopamine in terms of Parkinson's disease as a neurotransmitter that controls voluntary muscle movement.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 1729 on July 30, 2020, 11:04:16 pm
I would like to add to whys fantastic and detailed response. As well as my previous response.

I would definitely challenge your teacher to provide some justification for why norepinephrine is the best choice. I would have said acetylcholine because reduced ACh levels are strongly associated with dementia. In addition, most of the architecture of the hippocampus is comprised of glutamatergic neurons. There is not much evidence to suggest that norepinephrine regulates the secretion of glutamate in the hippocampus.

I checked a few of my sources and came across this one quote from an old article (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9882017/):
Quote from: National Library of Medicine
The interaction of cholinergic and noradrenergic pathways has an important role in memory processes (Ayyagari et al., 1991). It is proposed that ACh released from cholinergic axon terminals sets the background, non-synaptic steady-state concentration of NA in the hippocampus via nAChRs. The hypothesis that hippocampal nicotinic receptors may contribute to memory functions was supported by the finding that chronic infusion of nicotine improved the working memory performance of rats in a radialarm maze task. This effect was blocked by the nicotinic antagonist, mecamylamine (Levin et al., 1997).

However, if your instructor is arguing that norepinephrine secretion plays a major role in long-term emotional memory formation, I would be inclined to agree. The evidence for that is very strong (e.g., this article: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352154616302157?via%3Dihub). All memories, though? Definitely not.

Also, norepinephrine does not relieve stress; rather, it is a major stress inducer! Sympathetic output can be massive and nonspecific, as in the fight-or-flight response, or selective for specific target organs. It has been known for quite some time (since the early 1970s, at least) that glutamate, norepinephrine, and epinephrine levels in the brain elevate in patients who develop anxiety and other stress responses.

Norepinephrine is also modulator if memory. Yes it does relieve stress but because it can also regulate synaptic mechanisms. Depending on your emotional state outside of just relieving stress it can also be responsible for the enhancement of memory. Being in a less stressed state does stabilize your anxiety and enhance memory. So it’s kind of like cause and effect.

However. Both, Dopamine and Norepinephrine are similar with slight difference so I would assume dopamine was wrong because your teacher felt norepinephrine was simply the better answer. In my opinion your answer should be valid and correct I recall reading a few articles comparing the two as they are similar. It might be because dopamine focuses more on working memory and increasing activity while norepinephrine actually improves the memory.

EDIT: Merged The 2 Responses
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on July 31, 2020, 08:19:07 am

Just adding to the above two responses to agree that in VCE psychology when you talk about noradrenaline's role in memory it's about signalling for enhanced/strengthened consolidation rather than noradrenaline actually doing the consolidating.

Whys' response in particular demonstrates again strong familiarity with the study design.
Thanks 1729 as well for your 2nd reply
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 723462346`127 on August 13, 2020, 01:26:08 pm
next year i will be in year 11 and am going to do Units 3&4 Psychology without Units 1&2. What stuff should i read up on before hand to catch up a little bit, and what kind of stuff is the most important to know??
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on August 13, 2020, 01:46:25 pm
next year i will be in year 11 and am going to do Units 3&4 Psychology without Units 1&2. What stuff should i read up on before hand to catch up a little bit, and what kind of stuff is the most important to know??

Hey!

Welcome to the forums :)

Above all definitely don't stress - psych is a relatively easy subject to pick up. Second of all, I've made a list here which goes lists that info. Definitely prioritise research methods.

Please feel free to ask any follow up questions etc. :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tigerclouds on August 20, 2020, 05:59:50 pm
Hi guys,
Can anyone help me with the following questions I have about U4 AOS1?
1. Why is it said that the sleep-wake cycle shift is moved forwards during adolescence if there is a delay in the secretion of melatonin? Shouldn't it be pushed backwards? The meaning of the word forward is confusing me because later on, when my book explains bright light therapy, it says that shifting the phase forward helps the circadian rhythm advance to an earlier time (not later as implied before)

2.  How does hypnosis help people increase self-control (eg: to quit smoking)? Aren't they more susceptible to suggestion and control by others in this state?

3. Why is it that with jet lag, when we follow the apparent pathway of the sun (travelling west) the effects are less severe? I understand that it relates to our naturally-occurring 25hr biological clock but I don't fully understand how the sun plays a role here.

4. Also, why is it better for people who do shift work to have longer periods on each shift before rotating to the next one? The book says it enables them to have a longer period off between one shift rotation and the next but I don't get that!

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on August 20, 2020, 06:28:31 pm
Hello.

1. Yeah, the sleep-wake cycle should be pushed backwards, rather than forwards. Due to the delayed release of melatonin, the adolescent would feel more sleepier later, and thus sleep later, and wake up later. This means that the sleep-wake cycle is delayed as their falling asleep and waking up times are shifted later. Basically, with bright light therapy, you would want to expose the individual to light (from the light box) earlier in the day, such as in the early morning, so that they are more likely to feel sleepier earlier. This is because they have been awake for longer (I'm not 100% sure on this point), and so their sleep-wake cycle would be shifted forward (or advanced), making them sleep earlier.

2. They are susceptible to suggestions but as a result of them being more likely to follow the suggestions, they are more likely to stop bad habits . For instance, if someone has a bad smoking habit, since hypnosis makes them more likely to follow suggestions, they are more likely to follow the suggestion to quit smoking (or any other bad habit for that matter).

3. When we travel in a westerly direction, we are following the pathway of the sun. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, and so when we travel in a westerly direction, we are following the pathway of the sun, meaning that when we land in the destination, it is easier for us to adapt our sleep-wake cycle to the day-night cycle of the time zone.

4. Yeah, I was confused about this as well. Basically, if there is a longer period off between the different shifts, the individual has more time to adapt their sleep-wake cycle to the required work shift schedule. That is, it would be much better to have more time off between shifts, rather than quickly shifting from an afternoon shift to an evening one where there is no time for the individual to adapt their sleep-wake cycle to the desired shift. Hopefully this helps.

Hope this helps!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tigerclouds on August 20, 2020, 08:21:43 pm
Thank you so much for your reply, I really appreciate it!

1. See your explanation makes sense so I don't know why the term 'forwards' is being used for the sleep-wake cycle shift in adolescence. Surely the book isn't wrong?

2. Ohhhh that makes sense!

3. Does that mean that if we leave a place when it's daytime and we travel west, we'll arrive at the destination when it's still daytime so it's almost like we froze time and so our sleep-wake cycle isn't too affected whereas the change from day to night would be more abrupt travelling east so has greater effects? Sorry, I still don't fully understand this.

4. That makes sense and that's the explanation the book gives but I think the book is implying that the shift itself is longer so I don't get how those two relate?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HappyMe on August 20, 2020, 08:32:03 pm
Hi everyone,
I'm currently in Year 9, going to study Year 10 Unit 1&2 Psychology next year and was wondering if there was any advice that people who have recently done Psych can enlighten me with. I plan to spend my school holidays at the end of the year focusing on going over the curriculum and starting my notes. Also is there a specific practice exam site that someone found the most helpful in regards to their exams?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on August 20, 2020, 10:04:18 pm
Thank you so much for your reply, I really appreciate it!

1. See your explanation makes sense so I don't know why the term 'forwards' is being used for the sleep-wake cycle shift in adolescence. Surely the book isn't wrong?

2. Ohhhh that makes sense!

3. Does that mean that if we leave a place when it's daytime and we travel west, we'll arrive at the destination when it's still daytime so it's almost like we froze time and so our sleep-wake cycle isn't too affected whereas the change from day to night would be more abrupt travelling east so has greater effects? Sorry, I still don't fully understand this.

4. That makes sense and that's the explanation the book gives but I think the book is implying that the shift itself is longer so I don't get how those two relate?


1. Hmm, yeah, I'm not completely sure why they used forwards.

3. I think it's more to do with the day being lengthened which is in accordance with our body's inclination to shift toward a longer 25-hour day or sleep-wake cycle since our sleep-wake cycle is being lengthened when we travel westerly. We sort of have more time to adjust to the day-night cycle in the new time-zone, thus making it easier to adjust. However, if we travel in an easterly direction, our day is becoming shortened as well as our sleep-wake cycle, where this is the opposite to our body's natural inclination to move toward a longer 25 hour day. When you say it was daytime at the destination and so when we arrive, it'll be daytime, that's not necessarily true. For example, London (in the west) is 9 hours behind Melbourne time. So, if we left Melbourne at 8 am and landed in London at 7 am the next day (Melb time), that would be 10 pm the same day we left Melbourne which is not daytime.

4. I'm not 100% sure about why the shift duration being longer would be better. If I've figured it out, I'll let you know though.

Hi everyone,
I'm currently in Year 9, going to study Year 10 Unit 1&2 Psychology next year and was wondering if there was any advice that people who have recently done Psych can enlighten me with. I plan to spend my school holidays at the end of the year focusing on going over the curriculum and starting my notes. Also is there a specific practice exam site that someone found the most helpful in regards to their exams?
Hello.
I personally didn't prepare going into 1 2 Psych but I think it would be useful to go through research methods as it's an important part of both 1 2 and 3 4 and it'd be good to have a deep understanding of the key principles involved.
In terms of sites/resources https://epsychvce.com/ has tests that you can do to test your understanding. Also, I'm not sure which textbook you'll be using, but if you're using the Jacaranda textbook, there's an online platform where they have heaps of questions/exams you can complete for extra practice.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Marylen on August 23, 2020, 12:06:44 pm
Hello fellow psych students!
From my understanding of the amended study design, the brain waves and their respective names have been cut out of the new study design. Does this mean that we will not be assessed on when they appear as well as their frequency and amplitude?
- Mary
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on August 23, 2020, 01:14:46 pm
Hey Mary!

Yes, the brain waves have been cut out of the study design. I think it would be a good idea to know a bit about frequency and amplitude, minus the types of brain waves part, as it's a feature of the dot point about measuring physiological responses with EEGs, EOGs and EMGs.

Here's pretty much all you need to know about brain waves:
- Frequency - number of brain waves per second
- Amplitude - size of peaks (higher points) and troughs (lower points)
- High levels of alertness - high frequency, low amplitude
- Low levels of alertness - low frequency, high amplitude

I don't think you'll need to identify brain waves based on a picture of them, but I've attached a picture below to demonstrate the concepts of frequency and amplitude:
(https://i.imgur.com/1JgW6Ta.png)


All the best! :)

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Marylen on August 24, 2020, 12:16:02 pm
Hello.

1. Yeah, the sleep-wake cycle should be pushed backwards, rather than forwards. Due to the delayed release of melatonin, the adolescent would feel more sleepier later, and thus sleep later, and wake up later. This means that the sleep-wake cycle is delayed as their falling asleep and waking up times are shifted later. Basically, with bright light therapy, you would want to expose the individual to light (from the light box) earlier in the day, such as in the early morning, so that they are more likely to feel sleepier earlier. This is because they have been awake for longer (I'm not 100% sure on this point), and so their sleep-wake cycle would be shifted forward (or advanced), making them sleep earlier.

Hello!
I'd like to add on to what Evolio has written about the shifting of the circadian rhythm upon correction by the use of bright light therapy. Since people with an advanced sleep phase disorder are more likely to fall asleep later and wake up later due to the delayed release of melatonin, the presentation of bright light therapy early in the morning helps to 'shift the phase forward' because a rhythm cannot be reversed. If you imagine the circadian rhythm as a day (essentially the sleep-wake cycle), you will know that it goes for about 24 hours. So essentially, their 'day' is moved ahead so the person will fall asleep earlier.

People experiencing delayed sleep phase disorders are more likely to fall asleep earlier and wake up earlier. Now, this may seem contradictory to what I have written above but the use of bright light therapy at night aims to move backwards their circadian rhythm to extend the time they will fall asleep. Their rhythm is 'shifted backwards' so the time they will fall asleep is later, which is making it go 'backwards', rather than moving it ahead, like for those who are falling asleep later and waking up later.

I try to picture it like a clock and you want to wind ahead the time for those who sleep earlier and wake earlier so their day will start later as opposed to starting earlier (slowing the day and moving it backwards). For those who sleep later and wake up later, you wind back the hands of the clock face so when they wake up early, their day will start earlier instead of later (advancing the day). Regardless, you still start at one point and move from there so that's why you can't really go 'backwards' during a day when correcting for an advanced sleep phase disorder.

Please let me know if my explanation doesn't make sense! This is my logic as to approaching the contradictory nature of bright light therapy when used to shift the phase forwards or backwards.
-Mary
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tigerclouds on August 24, 2020, 04:36:29 pm
Hello!
I'd like to add on to what Evolio has written about the shifting of the circadian rhythm upon correction by the use of bright light therapy. Since people with an advanced sleep phase disorder are more likely to fall asleep later and wake up later due to the delayed release of melatonin, the presentation of bright light therapy early in the morning helps to 'shift the phase forward' because a rhythm cannot be reversed. If you imagine the circadian rhythm as a day (essentially the sleep-wake cycle), you will know that it goes for about 24 hours. So essentially, their 'day' is moved ahead so the person will fall asleep earlier.

People experiencing delayed sleep phase disorders are more likely to fall asleep earlier and wake up earlier. Now, this may seem contradictory to what I have written above but the use of bright light therapy at night aims to move backwards their circadian rhythm to extend the time they will fall asleep. Their rhythm is 'shifted backwards' so the time they will fall asleep is later, which is making it go 'backwards', rather than moving it ahead, like for those who are falling asleep later and waking up later.

I try to picture it like a clock and you want to wind ahead the time for those who sleep earlier and wake earlier so their day will start later as opposed to starting earlier (slowing the day and moving it backwards). For those who sleep later and wake up later, you wind back the hands of the clock face so when they wake up early, their day will start earlier instead of later (advancing the day). Regardless, you still start at one point and move from there so that's why you can't really go 'backwards' during a day when correcting for an advanced sleep phase disorder.

Please let me know if my explanation doesn't make sense! This is my logic as to approaching the contradictory nature of bright light therapy when used to shift the phase forwards or backwards.
-Mary
Hi, thank you for your insightful explanation but the point of confusion was why the sleep-wake cycle shift in adolescence is being described as a "shift of the sleep-wake cycle forward"
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on August 31, 2020, 09:19:07 pm
I’ve always thought when a placebo is used you don’t tell the participants till debriefing......but before do you tell them THERES one being used and then debriefing is telling them which group they were in? I’m asking because in the mental health section of VCAA exam question the possible answers to “how would researcher satisfy ethical considerations resulting from use of placebo” one of the accepted answers is

Participants prior to giving consent are informed they may be allocation t placebo condition and will not know.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on September 01, 2020, 10:21:27 am
I’ve always thought when a placebo is used you don’t tell the participants till debriefing......but before do you tell them THERES one being used and then debriefing is telling them which group they were in? I’m asking because in the mental health section of VCAA exam question the possible answers to “how would researcher satisfy ethical considerations resulting from use of placebo” one of the accepted answers is

Participants prior to giving consent are informed they may be allocation t placebo condition and will not know.
This is correct - it is ethical research conduct to inform participants that they may be allocated to either a placebo or treatment group - although the participants are not told who receives the placebo. It is in debriefing where researchers would tell participants whether they received a placebo or treatment.
 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on September 02, 2020, 11:51:01 am
Is memory bias and catastrophic thinking part of the Biopsychosocial framework? I didn’t think so but I got a question telling me to “refer to the cognitive aspects of the biopsychosocial framework to explain how Elaines phobia is being perpetuated”
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on September 02, 2020, 12:12:00 pm
Is memory bias and catastrophic thinking part of the Biopsychosocial framework? I didn’t think so but I got a question telling me to “refer to the cognitive aspects of the biopsychosocial framework to explain how Elaines phobia is being perpetuated”
Hey.
Yes, they are. Memory bias and catastrophic thinking come under cognitive bias which is the psychological factor contributing to the development of a specific phobia. The cognitive aspects are referring to cognitive bias. So, here you may talk about memory bias and catastrophic thinking.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on September 02, 2020, 03:34:17 pm
Hey.
Yes, they are. Memory bias and catastrophic thinking come under cognitive bias which is the psychological factor contributing to the development of a specific phobia. The cognitive aspects are referring to cognitive bias. So, here you may talk about memory bias and catastrophic thinking.

I thought the biopsychosocial framework were just factors which contribute to development mental health not a specific phobia?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on September 02, 2020, 03:46:49 pm
I thought the biopsychosocial framework were just factors which contribute to development mental health not a specific phobia?
Yeah it does, but we need to know it in relation to specific phobia, which is specifically mentioned in the study design as mentioned below (referencing biological, social and psychological factors):

The relative influences of contributing factors to the development of specific phobia with reference to: gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) dysfunction, the role of stress response and long-term potentiation (biological);
behavioural models involving precipitation by classical conditioning and perpetuation by operant conditioning, cognitive bias including memory bias and catastrophic thinking (psychological)
; specific environmental triggers
and stigma around seeking treatment (social)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on September 13, 2020, 05:02:42 pm
hey just wanted to ask in the 2020 study design for psychology if you see any questions relating to the biopsychosocial model for question in mental health do you disregard them , i was having a hard time to distinguish this as you have to know the biopsychosocial model in relation to phobias and as the mental health and phobia chapters are so related together i didn't know that what type of questions to not do.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on September 13, 2020, 05:31:20 pm
Hi amanaazim!

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but AFAIK, we don't need to know the biopsychosocial factors with regards to the development and progression of mental health.
We just need to apply the biopsychosocial model to the following dot points:
- relative influences of contributing factors to the development of specific phobia
- Evidence-based interventions for specific phobia
- Resilience as a positive adaptation to adversity including the relative influence of protective factors

Hope this helps :)



Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on September 18, 2020, 11:51:15 pm
To what extent should we know the role of cortisol (beyond it’s role as a stress hormone in the FFF response and Seylenes model, weakened immunity etc). Is knowing that it stimulates metabolism and maintains glucose levels in the blood enough? Or is there some other definition?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on September 26, 2020, 11:14:19 am
Is flashbulb memory in the course? Unit 3/4 ive come across it in a NEAP exam and I’ve never heard of it.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on September 26, 2020, 08:30:04 pm
Is flashbulb memory in the course? Unit 3/4 ive come across it in a NEAP exam and I’ve never heard of it.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this concept was part of the old study design.

I've just had a look and flashbulb memories are touched on quite briefly in the textbook I have (Jacaranda). They come under the brain regions involved in the storage of long-term memories, specifically under the role of the amygdala, but I haven't seen the concept anywhere besides the textbook, the NEAP exam you're referring to and the 2007 VCAA Exam 2. It is probably worth knowing just in case it pops up on the exam.

Quote from: Jacaranda paraphrased
A flashbulb memory is basically a type of explicit episodic memory - a vivid and highly detailed memory of the circumstances in which someone first learns of a very surprising, significant or emotionally arousing event.

If you have a textbook other than Jacaranda, does it appear in your textbook?


Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: scientificllama on September 26, 2020, 10:29:39 pm
If you have a textbook other than Jacaranda, does it appear in your textbook?

I use the Cambridge book, it is also covered quite briefly; however, I recommend just knowing what it in case it does pop up on the exam :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on September 27, 2020, 11:04:23 am
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this concept was part of the old study design.

I've just had a look and flashbulb memories are touched on quite briefly in the textbook I have (Jacaranda). They come under the brain regions involved in the storage of long-term memories, specifically under the role of the amygdala, but I haven't seen the concept anywhere besides the textbook, the NEAP exam you're referring to and the 2007 VCAA Exam 2. It is probably worth knowing just in case it pops up on the exam.




no for nelson psychology unit 3/4 flashbulb memory does not come up
If you have a textbook other than Jacaranda, does it appear in your textbook?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on September 27, 2020, 11:25:37 am
hey so basically i am a bit confused on the Lazarus and Folkman model , first of all do we have to write the whole name in our exam cause its quite long.

And secondly, while i was doing a question,(down below) it says describe 2 different primary appraisals Maddie might have when she is stressed. So in like the atar notes summary notes and even at school and the nelson textbook , it showcases that first a person thinks that if the situation is : irrelevant, benign-positive or stressful. Then in the situation if the person appraises it as stressful, then they think that the situation is a : harm/loss, threat or a challenge. So in this scenario when it asks for 2 different primary appraisals or any question  how do i know that should i use the irrelevant, benign-positive or stressful one or the harm/loss, threat and challenge appraisal one because they both come under primary appraisal.


the scenario question 1

Maddie, a university student, became stressed when she lost her part-time job. With reference to the Lazarus and Folkman's Transactional model of stress and coping, describe two different primary appraisals that Maddie might have made when she became stressed (2 marks)

the scenario question 2

Stella is 17 years old and undertaking VCE. Stella is feeling overwhelmed by what year 12 involves and has had difficulty sleeping during the school term. Her friend Audrey, however is enjoying Year 12 and is finding the SAC's challenging but manageable.

In terms of primary appraisal in Lazarus and Folkamn's Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, explain why Stella and Audrey have evaluated their situations differently (4 marks)

- so for this question i wrote that stella has appraised the situation as stressful and audrey has appraised the situation as benign-positive. But when i checked the marking guide on checkpoints it said that stella appraised the situation as a threat and Audrey appraised the situation as a challenge. Why is that the case i am confused?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: wasabi on September 27, 2020, 12:00:30 pm
hey so basically i am a bit confused on the Lazarus and Folkman model

Hey amanaazim,

I believe when we get asked about primary appraisals, it only relates to harm/loss, threat or challenge. This is because an individual has perceived the stressor as stressful to come to this next stage. If the individual perceived it as benign-positive or irrelevant, the next step would not occur.

Therefore, the first question would be asking you two possible appraisals, out of harm/loss, threat and challenge. The second question is asking which category each girl appraised it as - threat and challenge as per the answer.
Stella is 17 years old and undertaking VCE. Stella is feeling overwhelmed by what year 12 involves and has had difficulty sleeping during the school term. Her friend Audrey, however is enjoying Year 12 and is finding the SAC's challenging but manageable.

It states that Audrey is finding SAC's challenging but manageable - so she has appraised it as a challenging stress.

Hope this helped!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on September 28, 2020, 11:10:01 pm
Is it wrong to say that adreneline activates the amygdala? I’ve tried googling it but the NEAP 2018 exam says adreneline activates release of noraadreneline into the bloodstream which activates the amygdala?

By VCE standards which is correct?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tiredandstressed on September 28, 2020, 11:13:04 pm
Is it wrong to say that adreneline activates the amygdala? I’ve tried googling it but the NEAP 2018 exam says adreneline activates release of noraadreneline into the bloodstream which activates the amygdala?

By VCE standards which is correct?
Yes this is a very unclear concept to be fair I am not sure how strict VCCA is
However i think it would be safe to say
adrenaline -> noradernaline -> amygdala
Other sources will argue that both are released simultaneously
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: scientificllama on September 30, 2020, 01:25:26 pm
Dumb question, can declarative memory and explicit memory be used interchangeably or are they 2 separate elements?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on September 30, 2020, 01:39:05 pm
Hi scientificllama.

Well, declarative memory is referring to explicit memory but declarative memory is more a descriptive term to describe explicit memory. I would say they are separate terms. So, these terms shouldn't be used interchangeably. However, you should use the term explicit memory in your responses to questions rather than 'declarative memory' as 'declarative memory' means information from long-term memory that can be stated while 'explicit' memory is actually referring to memories that require conscious awareness when being recalled.

EDIT: Chocolatepistachio beat me to it but I'll just leave this here.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tiredandstressed on September 30, 2020, 04:01:02 pm
Hi scientificllama.

Well, declaritive memory is referring to explicit memory but declaritive memory is more a descriptive term to describe explicit memory. I would say they are separate terms. So, these terms shouldn't be used interchangeably. However, you should use the term explicit memory in your responses to questions rather than 'declaritive memory' as 'declaritive memory' means information from long-term memory that can be stated while 'explicit' memory is actually referring to memories that require conscious awareness when being recalled.

EDIT: Chocolatepistachio beat me to it but I'll just leave this here.

Good point, in the scope of VCE psych this is not a big deal, if anyone of you decides to study psych in uni you will actually  learn there is a difference (against this is beyond the scope of the VCE study design)
But psychologists use the term 'explicit' and 'implicit' when they are testing the retrieval mechanisms of declarative memory.
Again, this is not important and you do not need to be aware of the difference, this is solely for interest.
Explicit test: for decorative memory
Implicit test: for non-declarative memory
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on September 30, 2020, 04:18:25 pm
Something in exam just way confused me:

I always thought validity was referring to whether the experiment was testing what it was supposed to be testing (the effect on IV of DV). But then the solutions of NEAP exam said it’s actually testing whether the tools work?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tiredandstressed on September 30, 2020, 06:11:27 pm
Something in exam just way confused me:

I always thought validity was referring to whether the experiment was testing what it was supposed to be testing (the effect on IV of DV). But then the solutions of NEAP exam said it’s actually testing whether the tools work?
Reliability: extent to which results is obtained from a research study are consistent, dependable and stable
Validity: extent to which the procedures used for research measure what the research intended to measure
Internal validity: extent to which results obtained from a study are actually due to variable(s) that was measured and not due to an extraneous variable
External validity: extent to which the results obtained from the study can be generalised to the population of research interest

So you're not wrong, but the way we can deduce if the experiment tests what it was supposed to is by evaluating the procedure :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on September 30, 2020, 07:17:08 pm
For this question can it also be eustress cause running is a fun activity . And it is not a negative psychological response to a stressor


MCQ Question: 

Just before he races, Indra gets butterflies in his stomach. He reports feeling anxious and stressed before a big race. This is most likely an example of

Option A - an anxiety disorder
Option B - distress
Option C - chronic stress
Option D - eustress
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on September 30, 2020, 07:24:00 pm
Hey amanaazim

It would be good to look at the key words in the question. These key words are 'anxious' and 'stressed', where specifically anxious is related to worry, unneasiness or apprehension about something about to happen: the race in this case. So, it would be 'distress' as distress is a negative psychological response to a stressor. Distress would be the best answer.

It wouldn't be eustress because the question makes no reference to positive psychological states (for example, excitement).

Hope this helps.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on October 26, 2020, 06:12:47 pm
so in psych revision class at school when we did classical conditioning our teacher said that we must put before, during and after conditioning in our responses for classical conditioning as it is explicitly stated in the study design. So with any scenario eg the marks is out of 5 and the answer key does not say to put it in before, during and after conditioning as there suggested response , should i still do it because it is on the study design?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tiredandstressed on October 26, 2020, 06:48:18 pm
so in psych revision class at school when we did classical conditioning our teacher said that we must put before, during and after conditioning in our responses for classical conditioning as it is explicitly stated in the study design. So with any scenario eg the marks is out of 5 and the answer key does not say to put it in before, during and after conditioning as there suggested response , should i still do it because it is on the study design?
As a safe bet, you should do it!
VCCA examiners are harsh, and learning questions are often answered well so you should stick to that format!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on October 26, 2020, 07:49:21 pm
Questions on Memory:


2..can someone explain the roles of the 4 structures of the brain in terms of memory. ALSO what does it mean by creating memories like isn't the memory already created in STM and then just stored in LTM.


Are mine correct though?

cerebral cortex- stores implicit and explicit memories
hippocampus - consolidates/ encodes explicit memories
amygdala- consolidates emotionally arousing memories and adds the emotional component to memories.
cerebellum - consolidates/encodes/creates implicit memories
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tiredandstressed on October 26, 2020, 09:14:07 pm
Questions on Memory:
cerebral cortex- stores implicit and explicit memories (predominantly explicit memories)
hippocampus - consolidates/ encodes explicit memories
amygdala- consolidates emotionally arousing memories and adds the emotional component to memories + stores classicaly conditoned fear
cerebellum - consolidates/encodes/creates implicit procedural memories
Made some edits :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: AlannahBottino on October 28, 2020, 11:49:02 am
Hey everyone,

Does anybody have some psych exams they could post the link to? I have done all of the VCAA ones, and am looking for NEAP, TSSM, STAV, Insight, or basically anything else relevant.

Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Chocolatepistachio on October 28, 2020, 12:00:40 pm
Company exams are copyrighted and therefore cannot be shared on the forum
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: AlannahBottino on October 28, 2020, 01:46:29 pm
Are there any other practice exams that maybe could be shared?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on October 28, 2020, 02:11:25 pm
Are there any other practice exams that maybe could be shared?
Hey Alannah!
There's a free ATAR Notes practice exam you can find here.
Otherwise for company exams you might be best off asking your teacher if they have any. Most teachers have pretty decent collections of company exams they've purchased from my experience.
If you can't find any company exams though, it might be a good idea to go through all your past VCAA exams and collect up all the questions you didn't get full marks on. You can patch these questions together and make yourself a practice exam. It won't be perfect, but It should hopefully give you some more practice and allow you to re-do some questions you previously struggled with.

Good luck with you psych practice!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on October 31, 2020, 01:08:51 pm
are memories an exact replica of the world , like for example in sensory memory does iconic and echoic memory carry an exact replica of the stimuli that is stored in them. And also like for sensory memory would the information/stimuli be stored in sensory memory and then be paid attention too?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on November 01, 2020, 01:12:02 pm
are memories an exact replica of the world , like for example in sensory memory does iconic and echoic memory carry an exact replica of the stimuli that is stored in them. And also like for sensory memory would the information/stimuli be stored in sensory memory and then be paid attention too?
Your first question is a hard one to answer - I don't think that its something you'll need to talk about in the exam. In terms of sensory memory storing exact replicas of the actual sensory information - I don't think you can quite say this is true - after all you are essentially converting - in the case of a sound - vibrations of the air into something can be stored in the structure of the brain. As such, a consequence on this conversion and processing means I would say its probably inappropriate to say that the sensory memory is a replica of the actual stimuli. I would say that sensory memory is more accurate than other types of memory though as it isn't affected by the same expectations and biases that other memories might be.
Your second question is correct - according to Atkinson and Shiffrin's multistore model of memory, all sensory information is temporarily stored in this 'sensory memory/registrar' where it will quickly decay, unless attention is paid to it where it will then move on to this short term memory.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on November 01, 2020, 01:43:21 pm
I was wondering how to go about questions where the sensory information is visual? Like usually if I’m describing someone touching something hot and including nervous systems I mention the after end neurons in the sensory division of the somatic nervous system in the peripheral nervous system carry this info from receptor sites.

If it’s visual stimuli It sounds stupid to go “receptor site on the eyes”. Is that even a thing?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tiredandstressed on November 01, 2020, 02:30:59 pm
I was wondering how to go about questions where the sensory information is visual? Like usually if I’m describing someone touching something hot and including nervous systems I mention the after end neurons in the sensory division of the somatic nervous system in the peripheral nervous system carry this info from receptor sites.

If it’s visual stimuli It sounds stupid to go “receptor site on the eyes”. Is that even a thing?
Photoreceptors = absorbs light, gives us colour and night vision
This isn't covered that in-depth 3/4 you can expect to get questions that specifically ask for sensation within the body
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lilnilz on November 02, 2020, 01:37:03 pm
so we were taught the antecedent in operant conditioning in regards to phobia is always the [fear of (stimulus)] but i've marked a prac exam of mine and the answer was [phobic stimulus], what would you put in an exam?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tiredandstressed on November 02, 2020, 02:54:21 pm
so we were taught the antecedent in operant conditioning in regards to phobia is always the [fear of (stimulus)] but i've marked a prac exam of mine and the answer was [phobic stimulus], what would you put in an exam?
Phobic stimulus is more specific (specify what the phobic stimulus is e.g. spiders)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lilnilz on November 02, 2020, 03:13:31 pm
Phobic stimulus is more specific (specify what the phobic stimulus is e.g. spiders)

yes but for example if someone has a fear of birds, would the antecedent be [Fear of birds] or like [Interaction with bird]
thanks!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Erutepa on November 02, 2020, 05:14:47 pm
yes but for example if someone has a fear of birds, would the antecedent be [Fear of birds] or like [Interaction with bird]
thanks!!
The antecedent is the stimuli/situation that occurs before the behavior (prompts the behavior) as part of the three-phase model (antecedent, behaviour, consequence) of operant conditioning. As such, you would only talk about antecedents in the context of a phobia when talking about the perpetuation of a phobia via the process of operant conditioning and in this case the antecedent would be the same as phobic stimulus. When talking about a phobia more generally, its best to call the stimulus prompting the phobic response the phobic stimulus.
Fear of the stimulus is the behavioral response to the antecedent (although you might want to be more specific than this if there are particular aspects of a fear response mentioned in the question).
Hopefully this helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Evolio on November 03, 2020, 12:26:38 pm
Hi everyone.

I'm a bit confused by multiple-choice question 50 in the 2019 exam. I picked C but the answer was A. Why would a small sample size be better in this case? Isn't a large sample size better to use for increased reliability of results and such?

Thank you!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tiredandstressed on November 03, 2020, 12:38:33 pm
Hi everyone.

I'm a bit confused by multiple-choice question 50 in the 2019 exam. I picked C but the answer was A. Why would a small sample size be better in this case? Isn't a large sample size better to use for increased reliability of results and such?

Thank you!
Definitely a more challenging question, but the sample size wasn't what would lead you to the correct answer, it is the data collection method.
To obtain rich descriptive qualitative data interviews would be more appropriate not a questionnaire this is because
-Questionnaires provide an option of answers NOT a free response (hence why questionnaires can lead to quantitative data)
- Thus, to understand what living with a mental illness is like, a questionnaire is not appropriate, as mental health is subjective and is unique to the individual, thus stronger data would include interview answers that allow for personal responses justifying their personal experience of mental illness
Therefore A was the correct answer, had both A and C had 'interviews' then yes C would be better, but in this case, the data collection method was more important than the sample size.
I encourage you to review different data collection methods (and their pros and cons)
This question tested students specific knowledge on the type of data appropriate for mental illness research 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on November 03, 2020, 03:48:33 pm
In cross sectional studies, is age the IV?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on November 03, 2020, 05:45:43 pm
In cross sectional studies, is age the IV?
If that is the variable of interest, yes. The variable in cross-sectional studies doesn't have to be age. It can be things like attitudes, occupation, cultural background, location, etc.

For example, a cross-sectional study could be on the effects of exposure to a natural disaster on mental health.


Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on November 05, 2020, 11:39:33 pm
Major stress vs catastrophe?

I was taught they were synonymous with each other but a practise exam (from a company- maybe I should be wary?) asked me for the difference between both.


What do you guys think?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on November 06, 2020, 12:23:41 am
I think the main difference between them is the scale of each / how many people they affect.

- catastrophes are events that cause widespread damage (e.g. natural disasters). They tend to impact entire communities and beyond.
- major stressors are events that are extraordinarily stressful to almost everyone who experiences them. Events like natural disasters can be major stressors, but when it comes to catastrophes, the focus is widespread and on the impact of large numbers of people, if that makes sense?

Would love to hear the thoughts of others on this! :)








Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: wasabi on November 06, 2020, 09:12:17 am
My understanding is that catastrophes affect entire communities (like lm21074 said), but major stressors are events that are stressful for anyone who experiences it - such as being a victim of a crime, the death of a loved one, etc.

Some events could be catergorised as multiple things, e.g. death of loved one can be major stress and life event, natural disasters can be major stress and catastrophe

Hope this helps !
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: as2002 on November 06, 2020, 09:31:58 pm
Hi could someone explain the SAM pathway and HPA axis? As in what is the order of each because I've been seeing different variations. Thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on November 06, 2020, 10:51:53 pm
hey so i have some questions i want clarifying when i was doing the QATS 2020 Psychology exam my teacher gave me.

MCQ 1 . An AFL Player has received a three week ban from playing matches from the tribunal after inflicting 'dangerous contact' towards another player. This player has been conditioned through

options were

a) vicarious punishment
b) positive punishment (i chose this answer but it was wrong)
c) negative punishment ( correct answer)
d) positive reinforcement

So i dont understand why c would be the correct option as first of all there is no such thing as negative punishment and if that meant it was another term for response cost , i dont understand how it would be response cost. is it because your banning someone from playing the match . That makes sense but if i were to make it a punishment question how could i have done that ?

MCQ 2. which of the following is NOT associated with rem sleep

a) accelerated respiration rate
b) lower limbic system activity (correct answer)
c) muscle relaxation (my answer)
d) dreaming

i dont understand how is it option b , need explanation. and doesnt muscles relax in NREM as that is its job to relax the body and its muscles organs and glands

MCQ 3. A very short period of drowsiness or sleeping that occurs while the person is awake is likely to occur

a) the day after sleep loss (my answer)
b) during REM Sleep
c) After three or four sleepless days (correct answer)
d) During NREM Sleep

Wont you still be drowsy and sleepy after one day of total sleep deprivation so why isn't option a the answer and c is ?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tiredandstressed on November 07, 2020, 12:23:55 am
hey so i have some questions i want clarifying when i was doing the QATS 2020 Psychology exam my teacher gave me.

MCQ 1 . An AFL Player has received a three week ban from playing matches from the tribunal after inflicting 'dangerous contact' towards another player. This player has been conditioned through

options were

a) vicarious punishment
b) positive punishment (i chose this answer but it was wrong)
c) negative punishment ( correct answer)
d) positive reinforcement

So i dont understand why c would be the correct option as first of all there is no such thing as negative punishment and if that meant it was another term for response cost , i dont understand how it would be response cost. is it because your banning someone from playing the match . That makes sense but if i were to make it a punishment question how could i have done that ?

MCQ 2. which of the following is NOT associated with rem sleep

a) accelerated respiration rate
b) lower limbic system activity (correct answer)
c) muscle relaxation (my answer)
d) dreaming

i dont understand how is it option b , need explanation. and doesnt muscles relax in NREM as that is its job to relax the body and its muscles organs and glands

MCQ 3. A very short period of drowsiness or sleeping that occurs while the person is awake is likely to occur

a) the day after sleep loss (my answer)
b) during REM Sleep
c) After three or four sleepless days (correct answer)
d) During NREM Sleep

Wont you still be drowsy and sleepy after one day of total sleep deprivation so why isn't option a the answer and c is ?
MCQ 1 is negative punishment (response cost)
Because its is the removal of a desirable stimulus (ban from playing matches) this will decrease the likelihood of the player of acting with 'dangerous behaviour'
Positive punishment: is the delivery of an undesirable stimulus this is not seen in MCQ 1
MCQ 2 is lower limbic system activity, the purpose of rem sleep is to replenish the mind (which will induce muscle relaxation) not lower limb activity.
this question has poor answer options, I would not expect this in a VCCA exam
MCQ 3 After three or four sleepless days
The accumulation of sleepless days results in a sleep debt which can lead to a period of drowsiness (micro sleep)
Again a poorly worded question, VCCA would choose more explicit answer options
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on November 07, 2020, 08:25:05 am
Hi could someone explain the SAM pathway and HPA axis? As in what is the order of each because I've been seeing different variations. Thanks :)

Hi!

SAM is the polysnaptic reflex arc during the spinal reflex:
Sensory Receptor
Afferent neurons
Motor neurons

Sensory receptors receive sensory information from external environment then Afferent (sensory) neurons transmit this information via spinal cord to interneuron in spinal cord. Interneuron then communicates to motor neuron which transmits motor signals to efferent sites allowing for coordination of involuntary (Is that correct involuntary or voluntary?)skeletal movement.

The HPA axis is like explaining how stress hormones are released during the FFF response.

Hypothalamus is activated (I think it receives distress signal from amygdala) and stimulates the adrenal gland which releases the hormone ATHC which stimulates the adrenal glands to release adrenaline,noradrenaline and cortisol into the blood stream.

I’m a year 12 so I’d love to see what more experience people think too! Hope this helped  :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: vehura on November 07, 2020, 10:37:55 am
Hi could someone explain the SAM pathway and HPA axis? As in what is the order of each because I've been seeing different variations. Thanks :)

In terms of stress, the SAM pathway (sympathetic-adrenomedullary system) and the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis are biological functions that are both activated during different stages of the stress response. However, they are not massive parts of the study design, and besides potentially the extended response, I doubt that VCAA will assess you directly on these concepts.

The SAM pathway describes how the sympathetic nervous system initiates the fight-flight response in response to a stressor. When the body perceives a stressor, the hypothalamus signals to the sympathetic nervous system to activate. The sympathetic nervous system then communicates to the adrenal medulla, which is the inner part of the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands then secrete adrenaline and noradrenaline, which you might have learnt are the stress hormones which increase energy and arousal in the body. This thus is the activation of the fight-flight response.

The HPA axis is typically activated during the resistance stage of the GAS model after the stressor has been prolonged and the body cannot maintain the fight-flight response. This involves the release of cortisol as a stress hormone which increases the body's energy levels and equips it to continue to deal with the stress. After the body detects the prolonging of the stress, the hypothalamus stimulates/activates the pituitary gland, which is located in the brain nearby to the hypothalamus. The pituitary gland then secretes a hormone known as ACTH into the bloodstream. ACTH travels through the body and communicates to the adrenal glands, which is then stimulated to secrete stress hormones called corticosteroids, the primary hormone released being cortisol. Once a certain level of cortisol has been reached in the body, it signals to the pituitary gland, which then signals to the hypothalamus to be switched off.

This is all really biological and isn't, again, a major part of the study design, so you don't need to know how to describe it in detail. However, it's interesting to know how it functions.  :) If you need clarification on any part of this, let me know.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tigerclouds on November 07, 2020, 03:44:21 pm
Hey there, I'm a bit confused with reconstruction as a method of retrieval. Is it different from the reconstructive nature of memory according to Loftus' research? If so, how? I don't understand how it applies to question 19 from the 2019 exam and other scenarios where you have to rearrange a pattern.

Another question: what exactly is the link between the amygdala and adrenaline during the consolidation of emotional memories? I'm confused between the role of adrenaline and noradrenaline in this process. And does the amygdala actually consolidate the memories or does it assist the hippocampus in doing this?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on November 07, 2020, 04:16:24 pm
Hey there, I'm a bit confused with reconstruction as a method of retrieval. Is it different from the reconstructive nature of memory according to Loftus' research? If so, how? I don't understand how it applies to question 19 from the 2019 exam and other scenarios where you have to rearrange a pattern.

Another question: what exactly is the link between the amygdala and adrenaline during the consolidation of emotional memories? I'm confused between the role of adrenaline and noradrenaline in this process. And does the amygdala actually consolidate the memories or does it assist the hippocampus in doing this?

The amygdala is responsible for the encoding and consolidation of emotionally arousing memories. But it can also enhance the hippo campuses formation and consolidation of the explicit memories attached to the emotionally arousing memories.

According to VCAA adrenaline released during FFF response stimulates release of noradrenaline which stimulates the amygdala (according to the 2017 examiners report at least so this is a safe explanation I guess).

Adrenaline enhances the consolidation and encoding of emotionally arousing memories. Which is why stuff is more vivid if you were really scared or excited at the time.

I only did the 2019 exam today and haven’t marked it but I picked recognition so I’ll come back and tell you  ;D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: uwuuu on November 07, 2020, 04:18:08 pm
The 2019 Q19 was a highly disputed question amongst vcaa examiners, they justified that it was because that rearranging of the photographs are in a way "reconstructing" Bruce's memory to repoduce the photographs to form a coherent sequence of the photgraphs which relates to the reconstuctive nature of memory that was found by Loftus' research. I was also confused by this question as many textbooks have discreptancies to the phenomenon of "reconstruction"

The role of adrenaline is to enhances the consolidation of emotional arousing experiences into LTM. During the flight-fright-freeze response, the sympathetic nervous system is predominatly activated, the emotional arousal causes adrenaline released from adrenal glands and induces the release of noradrenaline in the amygdala. which stimulates the action of the amygala to form the emotional memory and signals the hippocampus that the event is significant to be consolidated into long term, explicit memory. In other words, the amygala is responsible for the formation of emotional memories which is consolidated by the hippocampus. I hope that helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tigerclouds on November 08, 2020, 08:32:14 am
Thanks guys!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on November 09, 2020, 08:51:15 am
hey guys, a question i found on an exam trial from the A+ Psychology exam  by kristy kendall says that

Spencer goes to bed at 11pm . If he sleeps continuously, what time would he wake most naturally from sleep?
MCQ

a) 6am
b) 6:30am
c) 7am
d) 7:30am

so like the options are so close together and how are we suppose to guess this answer. i know an adult sleeps for 7-9 hours but like 6am is like 7 hours of sleep and 7am is 8 hours of sleep how do we guess this. The answer for this option B.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on November 09, 2020, 10:24:35 am
I don't think this would appear as a VCAA question.

As we don't know Spencer's age, we don't know his total sleep time. However, sleep cycles typically have a duration of 90 minutes / 1 hour, 30 minutes (except for very young infants). So if you add 1 hour, 30 minutes to 11:00pm and then to the next time and so on, you will eventually reach 6:30am (e.g. 11:00pm, 12:30am, 2:00am, 3:30am, 5:00am, 6:30am). We naturally wake up at the end of a sleep cycle, so this is why 6:30am would be the best option :)

Hope this helps :)

Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: MoonChild1234 on November 09, 2020, 04:12:29 pm
how should we address reconstruction questions (not loftus)? I'm really confused by VCAA's defintion
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on November 09, 2020, 06:47:03 pm
question from psyched 2019 trial exam.

Q3E) During the seminar the presenter said , 'driving while sleep deprived is as bad as driving while drunk'. Do you agree with this statement? Justify your answer. (4 marks)

so basically is the marking criteria it said that to mention both partial sleep deprivation and total sleep deprivation in it.
(The response compares BAC to partial and total sleep deprivation and uses data) im guessing the data would be total amount of hours that you go on sleep deprivation but do we have to include both partial and total sleep deprivation, even though the criteria said this would be marked holistically that was a key feature . I just wrote about total sleep deprivation and then the effects it would have on cognition,concentration and mood to BAC of 0.10% for 24 hours of sleep deprivation . 1 day equivalent. would i get then 3 marks or 4.

My fully typed answer

Yes i agree with this statement. This is because total sleep deprivation (24 hours without sleep) is equivalent to a blood alcohol concentration reading level of 0.10% where one is in a drunken state. Sleep deprivation also affects your concentration, cognition and mood, in the same way it does when your in a drunken state. Concentration is affected as your ability to focus on one particular thing has been impaired. For driving your concentration can be impaired by not realising that the traffic light has turned from red to green. Cognition can be impaired when your sleep deprived and driving as your unable to properly process the external stimuli around you and your logical thinking and reasoning levels become impaired. This can affect our driving as you may interpret a 60 speed zone as a 100 speed zone and go over the speed limit risking your harm to yourself and others because of illogical thinking. Your mood can be affected when your sleep deprived as you may have a reduced ability of perceiving emotions or either have a heightened state of emotions or reduced state of emotions- tend to feel sleepy while your driving.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: samtadesse on November 09, 2020, 07:45:41 pm
The 2019 Q19 was a highly disputed question amongst vcaa examiners, they justified that it was because that rearranging of the photographs are in a way "reconstructing" Bruce's memory to repoduce the photographs to form a coherent sequence of the photgraphs which relates to the reconstuctive nature of memory that was found by Loftus' research. I was also confused by this question as many textbooks have discreptancies to the phenomenon of "reconstruction"

The role of adrenaline is to enhances the consolidation of emotional arousing experiences into LTM. During the flight-fright-freeze response, the sympathetic nervous system is predominatly activated, the emotional arousal causes adrenaline released from adrenal glands and induces the release of noradrenaline in the amygdala. which stimulates the action of the amygala to form the emotional memory and signals the hippocampus that the event is significant to be consolidated into long term, explicit memory. In other words, the amygala is responsible for the formation of emotional memories which is consolidated by the hippocampus. I hope that helps :)

In terms of the sympathetic nervous system and the fight-flight-freeze response, some exams state that the sympathetic nervous system activates the fight-flight-freeze response whilst others state that the fight-flight freeze response activates the sympathetic nervous system.

Although this is a small detail, it has really stumped me. Would you know which is correct?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: samtadesse on November 09, 2020, 07:53:02 pm
yes but for example if someone has a fear of birds, would the antecedent be [Fear of birds] or like [Interaction with bird]
thanks!!

You typically want the antecedent to be an interaction will the stimulus/environment.
Therefore you could say something like "confrontation with the phobic stimulus of the bird".

Hope this helps :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: vehura on November 09, 2020, 07:55:21 pm
In terms of the sympathetic nervous system and the fight-flight-freeze response, some exams state that the sympathetic nervous system activates the fight-flight-freeze response whilst others state that the fight-flight freeze response activates the sympathetic nervous system.

Although this is a small detail, it has really stumped me. Would you know which is correct?

The fight-flight response (the freeze response is actually activated by the parasympathetic nervous system when the body goes into shock - think first stage of the GAS model) - which can also be referred to as the stress response - is a set of physiological reactions to stress. It involves responses such as increased heart and breathing rate, dilated pupils, and a decrease in non-essential bodily functions such as digestion. These are responses that occur once the sympathetic nervous system activates the release of adrenaline in response to a stressor (I posted an answer about the SAM system a page ago which goes more into detail about the specific way this is activated), and thus means that the sympathetic nervous system facilitates the activation of the fight-flight response. I hope this is somewhat helpful! 
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: samtadesse on November 09, 2020, 08:03:12 pm
The fight-flight response (the freeze response is actually activated by the parasympathetic nervous system when the body goes into shock - think first stage of the GAS model) - which can also be referred to as the stress response - is a set of physiological reactions to stress. It involves responses such as increased heart and breathing rate, dilated pupils, and a decrease in non-essential bodily functions such as digestion. These are responses that occur once the sympathetic nervous system activates the release of adrenaline in response to a stressor (I posted an answer about the SAM system a page ago which goes more into detail about the specific way this is activated), and thus means that the sympathetic nervous system facilitates the activation of the fight-flight response. I hope this is somewhat helpful!


Ahhh that clears it up a lot, thank you!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: amanaazim on November 10, 2020, 12:33:10 pm
a question can we write outside the grey line as in the grey border which is on the other side of the do not write in this area
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on November 10, 2020, 01:03:34 pm
a question can we write outside the grey line as in the grey border which is on the other side of the do not write in this area
No, the borders signify the end of the page, so what you write outside that will not be scanned. :)

how should we address reconstruction questions (not loftus)? I'm really confused by VCAA's defintion
Hey MoonChild1234,

Take this with a grain of salt, because I'm also doing Psych 3/4 this year and am in the same boat about reconstruction, but:

Reconstruction can be defined as combining stored information with other available information to form what is believed to be a more coherent, complete or accurate memory. For instance, a participant in an experiment may be asked to view a picture and then draw what they thought it looked like over several occasions. Due to reconstruction, the participant is likely to produce a drawing that is different to their previous ones over several occasions, manipulating details.

The Loftus version involves leading questions, eyewitness testimonies, source confusion and presupposition. These elements may influence and cause reconstruction of memories.

In terms of the sympathetic nervous system and the fight-flight-freeze response, some exams state that the sympathetic nervous system activates the fight-flight-freeze response whilst others state that the fight-flight freeze response activates the sympathetic nervous system.

Although this is a small detail, it has really stumped me. Would you know which is correct?
I believe the sympathetic nervous system activates the fight-flight-freeze response :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: samtadesse on November 11, 2020, 09:31:32 am
Just to clarify, the spinal reflex response is actually initiated by the SOMATIC nervous system.

Is this right?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on November 11, 2020, 11:31:19 am
Just to clarify, the spinal reflex response is actually initiated by the SOMATIC nervous system.

Is this right?
The spinal reflex is initiated by the spinal cord in the central nervous system.

Let us know if you need further elaboration :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: AlannahBottino on November 11, 2020, 11:41:28 am
Weird question, can we use the and symbol (&) in an exam? Can we also use abbreviations such as UCS, UCR, etc.?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tiredandstressed on November 11, 2020, 11:50:19 am
Weird question, can we use the and symbol (&) in an exam? Can we also use abbreviations such as UCS, UCR, etc.?
"Commonly used acronyms relating to classical conditioning were allowed."- 2019 examiner report
You can use the mentioned abbreviations but you may want to write the full word then put brackets of the abbreviation, and then use the abbreviation throughout.
That said, you won't be penalised.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: AlannahBottino on November 11, 2020, 12:10:56 pm
Is the & symbol allowed?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on November 11, 2020, 12:22:39 pm
Are protective factors still technically in the study design?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tiredandstressed on November 11, 2020, 12:33:54 pm
Are protective factors still technically in the study design?
"resilience as a positive adaption to adversity including the relative influence of protective factors with reference
to: adequate diet and sleep (biological); cognitive behavioural strategies (psychological); support from family,
friends and community (social)
"- VCAA 2020 SD
"Students should also be able to demonstrate knowledge relating to the relative influences of protective factors on an individual’s level of resilience."- VCAA FAQ 2020 SD
You should know the protective factors bolded, and how they contribute to both resilience and improving mental health
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on November 11, 2020, 12:45:52 pm
If hippocampus is damaged, since they are responsible for retrieving memories from cerebral cortex doesn’t that mean person can’t remember anything then? How come Alzheimer’s only has trouble forming?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: jasonn_ly on November 11, 2020, 01:11:28 pm
If hippocampus is damaged, since they are responsible for retrieving memories from cerebral cortex doesn’t that mean person can’t remember anything then? How come Alzheimer’s only has trouble forming?

In the early stages of alzheimers the hippocampus is first effected so encoding of explicit memories would be worse. As the neurodegenerative disease progresses shrinkage in the brain occurs which results in loss and degeneration of neurons in the cerebral cortex so individuals can't recall long term explicit memories. I think your forgetting that the hippocampus not only receives but consolidates those memories in the first place.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mkiryo on November 11, 2020, 02:00:23 pm
Hey guys can someone please help me clarify the following?

- with question 6 on the 2013 exam, why does it state that sleep deprivation affects simple tests (divided attention) more that complex tasks (selective attention) - isn’t it harder to focus on a complex task when you’re sleep deprived whereas automatic process are innate? And are simple tasks also more affected that complex tasks in an altered state of consciousness

- how can we tell if a person has interpreted a stressor as being benign-positive or as a challenge?

- how do we explain CBT in detail and is there any difference between its use as an intervention for phobias and as a protective factor?

- how do we explain how LTP and the role of stress response contribute to phobia?
 
- how exactly are specific environmental triggers contributing factors to developing phobias? Is it just that a traumatic experience can cause a phobia to develop?


Your help would be so incredibly appreciated! (Also, you don't have to answer all those questions if you don't have time, the first two questions are the ones I'm most confused about)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tiredandstressed on November 11, 2020, 02:41:14 pm
Hey guys can someone please help me clarify the following?

- with question 6 on the 2013 exam, why does it state that sleep deprivation affects simple tests (divided attention) more that complex tasks (selective attention) - isn’t it harder to focus on a complex task when you’re sleep deprived whereas automatic process are innate? And are simple tasks also more affected that complex tasks in an altered state of consciousness

PLEASE REMEMBER THIS
When we are sleep deprived WE CANNOT DIVIDE OUR ATTENTION
Therefore when we are sleep deprived, we perform better at complex tasks because it requires our focused attention, whereas a simple task requires divided attention which when we are sleep deprived we are less capable of doing.
So remember sleep deprivation = unable to divide our attention = poorer performance on simple tasks

- how can we tell if a person has interpreted a stressor as being benign-positive or as a challenge?
There should be some sort of positive aspect, or ability to overcome the stressor in the scenario
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mkiryo on November 11, 2020, 02:48:33 pm
PLEASE REMEMBER THIS
When we are sleep deprived WE CANNOT DIVIDE OUR ATTENTION
Therefore when we are sleep deprived, we perform better at complex tasks because it requires our focused attention, whereas a simple task requires divided attention which when we are sleep deprived we are less capable of doing.
So remember sleep deprivation = unable to divide our attention = poorer performance on simple tasks
Thank you for your reply! Would you say that we cannot divide our attention when sleep deprived because it is more effortful? And can we also not divide our attention in an altered state of consciousness?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: angrybiscuit on November 11, 2020, 02:58:30 pm
- how can we tell if a person has interpreted a stressor as being benign-positive or as a challenge?
It can be a "challenge" if the person sees the situation as stressful or demanding but a person is positive about it. It can be "benign-positive" if it's overall a positive experience rather than something stressful.

You will know with the wording of the question or scenario. For example, heading into exam period is a stressful scenario but an individual could appraise it as "challenge." In this scenario, it would be unlikely that the person would interpret it as an overall positive scenario such as with "benign-positive."

- how do we explain CBT in detail and is there any difference between its use as an intervention for phobias and as a protective factor?
CBT aims to change irrational and distorted thinking into more realistic and positive ones. Irrational thinking leads to impaired reasoning and judgements which ultimately influences dysfunctional behaviour. There is also a behavioural component which uses systematic desensitisation (I think) and principles of breathing retraining for phobia.

There's not much difference between using it as intervention or protective factor in terms of targeting faulty cognition to change their subsequent behaviour.

- how do we explain how LTP and the role of stress response contribute to phobia?
 
Role of the stress response: an overactive or easily triggered fight/flight response contribute to the development of phobia as the brain immediately perceives danger when exposed to the phobic stimulus triggering the fight/flight response even if the individual is not in imminent danger. You can also link this to the amygdala and how adrenaline from stress response strengthens the consolidation of the memory which perpetuates the phobia.

LTP: LTP strengthens neural connections that form associations between the phobic stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus (a bad or unpleasant experience). As a result, the phobic stimulus is strongly associated with fear and danger which triggers the stress response.

- how exactly are specific environmental triggers contributing factors to developing phobias? Is it just that a traumatic experience can cause a phobia to develop?
1. individual personally experiences a traumatic experience.
2. observing someone else experiences a traumatic experience. This can be watching someone get viciously attacked by a dog or even learning vicariously through a parent. If a child sees that a parent has a phobia to something, they are more likely to develop it as well.
3. stigma (though perpetuates phobia rather than triggers its development)

Hope that helped a little :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Livcur16 on November 11, 2020, 05:46:28 pm
Hi, I'm a bit confused, which part of the nervous system is the spinal reflex controlled by?
Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Mkiryo on November 11, 2020, 06:12:41 pm
It can be a "challenge" if the person sees the situation as stressful or demanding but a person is positive about it. It can be "benign-positive" if it's overall a positive experience rather than something stressful.

You will know with the wording of the question or scenario. For example, heading into exam period is a stressful scenario but an individual could appraise it as "challenge." In this scenario, it would be unlikely that the person would interpret it as an overall positive scenario such as with "benign-positive."
CBT aims to change irrational and distorted thinking into more realistic and positive ones. Irrational thinking leads to impaired reasoning and judgements which ultimately influences dysfunctional behaviour. There is also a behavioural component which uses systematic desensitisation (I think) and principles of breathing retraining for phobia.

There's not much difference between using it as intervention or protective factor in terms of targeting faulty cognition to change their subsequent behaviour.
Role of the stress response: an overactive or easily triggered fight/flight response contribute to the development of phobia as the brain immediately perceives danger when exposed to the phobic stimulus triggering the fight/flight response even if the individual is not in imminent danger. You can also link this to the amygdala and how adrenaline from stress response strengthens the consolidation of the memory which perpetuates the phobia.

LTP: LTP strengthens neural connections that form associations between the phobic stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus (a bad or unpleasant experience). As a result, the phobic stimulus is strongly associated with fear and danger which triggers the stress response.
1. individual personally experiences a traumatic experience.
2. observing someone else experiences a traumatic experience. This can be watching someone get viciously attacked by a dog or even learning vicariously through a parent. If a child sees that a parent has a phobia to something, they are more likely to develop it as well.
3. stigma (though perpetuates phobia rather than triggers its development)

Hope that helped a little :)
You are a legend! Thank you so much for taking the time to explain that!


Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Coolgalbornin03Lo on November 11, 2020, 09:01:17 pm
Why does VCAA mean bob re-arranging the photos is reconstruction? In the 2019 VCAA exam? I know memory is prone to reconstruction but....?

Also is sleep deprivation and altered state of consciousness?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: cherryblossoms on November 12, 2020, 06:50:39 am
If I write an acronym (eg. long-term potentiation (LTP)) in Question 2a, can I still use LTP in Question 2b or do I need to write the full word again?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: samtadesse on November 12, 2020, 07:38:12 am
If I write an acronym (eg. long-term potentiation (LTP)) in Question 2a, can I still use LTP in Question 2b or do I need to write the full word again?

If it's on the same page, you can simply repeat the acronym (LTP).

However, if they are on different pages, then you should write 'Long Term Potentiation' again.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Harrycc3000 on March 06, 2021, 03:54:05 pm
Hi guys,
Was just wondering if all major stressors were life events considering that they cause mental trauma that cause significant change in a persons life and force readjustment in a person or if there was a situation where a major stressor isn't a life event. Thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on March 06, 2021, 06:10:42 pm
Hi guys,
Was just wondering if all major stressors were life events considering that they cause mental trauma that cause significant change in a persons life and force readjustment in a person or if there was a situation where a major stressor isn't a life event. Thanks
There is definitely some overlap. However, remember that a life event must cause the person experiencing the stress to adapt within a relatively short period of time (i.e. change one or more parts of their lifestyle). Major stressors such as experiencing assault would of course result in trauma and impact one’s life, but wouldn’t change a person’s lifestyle in a way that would fit under ‘life event’ and makes more sense to be put under ‘major stressor’. I think you may be overthinking this a little - just think about if the event would change someone’s lifestyle, such as having a baby or moving into a new house. Major stressors will still impact one’s life in some way or other, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it would also fall under life event.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: JIN1N on March 10, 2021, 11:51:06 am
In reference to the transactional model of stress and coping, when would the primary appraisal be characterized as benign-positive?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: vehura on March 10, 2021, 02:19:52 pm
In reference to the transactional model of stress and coping, when would the primary appraisal be characterized as benign-positive?

A situation can be characterised as benign-positive when it results in positive thinking and doesn't cause any stress at all (benign positive does not include eustress, for example, for which this may be appraised as stressful and then as a challenge)- for example, doing a SAC for which you feel super confident and not stressed at all (not even eustress)- it is not exactly irrelevant as it is something that still affects you, but it's not stressful either. 

Benign-positive and irrelevant can be used semi-interchangeably in that neither appraisal results in stress and do not require a second appraisal.

I hope this helped somewhat!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 723462346`127 on March 11, 2021, 04:57:53 pm
does exercise count as an avoidance strategy?
eg.
... "frank tried to keep his mind off these thoughts by spending a lot of time playing football with his friend jess"
if there was a question about what coping strategy frank used would you say avoidance or exercise?? and how would you justify it? (frank is trying to avoid his mothers parkinson's diagnosis)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 723462346`127 on March 11, 2021, 08:16:47 pm
does exercise count as an avoidance strategy?
eg.
... "frank tried to keep his mind off these thoughts by spending a lot of time playing football with his friend jess"
if there was a question about what coping strategy frank used would you say avoidance or exercise?? and how would you justify it? (frank is trying to avoid his mothers parkinson's diagnosis)
also, is this a life event or major stress for both him and his mother?? send help!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Harrycc3000 on April 05, 2021, 06:01:24 pm
Hi guys just have a question about operant conditioning:
'Arup is an excellent athlete who plans to become an Olympian sprinter. Last time he raced competitively he forgot to take off the red sweat band around his wrist and he won his only event. Arup will now wear the red sweat band every time he competes because he believes it is his lucky charm, Using the language of the three-phase model of operant conditioning, explain how Arup has learned to wear the red sweat band every time he competes.'
I'm having trouble identifying the antecedent (identifying antecedents in general tbh too), would it be him actually winning the race with the red sweat band on or would it be like when he is in an environment of a competition and that specific context that makes him wear that red sweat band. I'm just unsure whether the antecedent would be like the specific state or situation someone is in where they would do the behaviour or if its an event that occurs that encourages a person to perform that behaviour in the future. Thanks for the answers in advance!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: vehura on April 05, 2021, 09:47:58 pm
Hi guys just have a question about operant conditioning:

Hi Harry!

I remember being confused by this question too - it is rather ambiguous and overly general. In this case, the antecedent is the presence of the red sweat band in the environment. I find that it helps sometimes to actually work backwards from the ABC model to determine the specific antecedent. For example:

Consequence - positive reinforcement, in the form of Arup winning the race. This reinforcement is what leads Arup to learn to continue to wear the red sweat band (as there is a direct link between the behaviour and the consequence).

Behaviour - the behaviour must thus become Arup putting on the red sweat band.

So the antecedent is what must exist in the environment for Arup to put on the red sweat band - this is the existence of the red sweat band (or the presence of the sweat band in the environment). There is a little bit of confusion here (I originally said the antecedent might be the competition as well) - but if we think of the consequence and behaviour as a direct result of the antecedent with no other factors it helps to see what it may be. So you are definitely on the right track, but rather than it being a state where someone must exist to complete a behaviour, it is the thing (object, situation, event) which must exist in order for the behaviour to occur. It can be seen that without the presence of the red sweat band in the environment, it would be impossible for Arup to act on it to perform the behaviour.

It's actually quite difficult and you had a great question. Sorry for the lengthy response, but I hope this clarified things for you!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: JIN1N on April 07, 2021, 11:25:23 am
Hi Harry!

I remember being confused by this question too - it is rather ambiguous and overly general. In this case, the antecedent is the presence of the red sweat band in the environment. I find that it helps sometimes to actually work backwards from the ABC model to determine the specific antecedent. For example:

Consequence - positive reinforcement, in the form of Arup winning the race. This reinforcement is what leads Arup to learn to continue to wear the red sweat band (as there is a direct link between the behaviour and the consequence).

Behaviour - the behaviour must thus become Arup putting on the red sweat band.

So the antecedent is what must exist in the environment for Arup to put on the red sweat band - this is the existence of the red sweat band (or the presence of the sweat band in the environment). There is a little bit of confusion here (I originally said the antecedent might be the competition as well) - but if we think of the consequence and behaviour as a direct result of the antecedent with no other factors it helps to see what it may be. So you are definitely on the right track, but rather than it being a state where someone must exist to complete a behaviour, it is the thing (object, situation, event) which must exist in order for the behaviour to occur. It can be seen that without the presence of the red sweat band in the environment, it would be impossible for Arup to act on it to perform the behaviour.

It's actually quite difficult and you had a great question. Sorry for the lengthy response, but I hope this clarified things for you!


So in other words, the antecedent would be the initial stimulus?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Harrycc3000 on April 15, 2021, 04:09:34 pm
Hi Harry!

I remember being confused by this question too - it is rather ambiguous and overly general. In this case, the antecedent is the presence of the red sweat band in the environment. I find that it helps sometimes to actually work backwards from the ABC model to determine the specific antecedent. For example:

Consequence - positive reinforcement, in the form of Arup winning the race. This reinforcement is what leads Arup to learn to continue to wear the red sweat band (as there is a direct link between the behaviour and the consequence).

Behaviour - the behaviour must thus become Arup putting on the red sweat band.

So the antecedent is what must exist in the environment for Arup to put on the red sweat band - this is the existence of the red sweat band (or the presence of the sweat band in the environment). There is a little bit of confusion here (I originally said the antecedent might be the competition as well) - but if we think of the consequence and behaviour as a direct result of the antecedent with no other factors it helps to see what it may be. So you are definitely on the right track, but rather than it being a state where someone must exist to complete a behaviour, it is the thing (object, situation, event) which must exist in order for the behaviour to occur. It can be seen that without the presence of the red sweat band in the environment, it would be impossible for Arup to act on it to perform the behaviour.

It's actually quite difficult and you had a great question. Sorry for the lengthy response, but I hope this clarified things for you!
Thanks Vehura! That cleared a lot of things up
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Bri MT on April 15, 2021, 07:58:50 pm

So in other words, the antecedent would be the initial stimulus?

Yes, the antecedent is the environmental stimulus that prompts the behaviour :)
 The event which encourages (reinforces) or discourages (punishes) the behaviour is the consequence
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: writetype on May 23, 2021, 05:59:56 pm
What does a data analysis sac entail? My psych teacher is too busy to give us a practice sac and the edrolo is mainly test style. This is for Unit 1 AOS 2.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Harrycc3000 on June 01, 2021, 10:05:33 pm
Hey guys I just wanted to ask about (for anyone whos done the jacaranda book) how useful the learning activities on the textbook are compared to other things like practice sacs/checkpoint questions. I personally think they're really vague and I'm leaning to spending more time doing exam style questions but I just wanted some opinions on whether it was actually not that useful or there were some aspects of doing the learning activities that made them worth it.


Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: whys on June 02, 2021, 12:29:27 pm
Hey guys I just wanted to ask about (for anyone whos done the jacaranda book) how useful the learning activities on the textbook are compared to other things like practice sacs/checkpoint questions. I personally think they're really vague and I'm leaning to spending more time doing exam style questions but I just wanted some opinions on whether it was actually not that useful or there were some aspects of doing the learning activities that made them worth it.


Thanks!
The learning activities were our homework (aka we were forced to do them by our teacher). The only benefit of doing them is the constant revision you get everyday. Frankly, I wouldn't bother in year 12, simply because I wouldn't have had the time. I was in year 11 when I did psych 3/4, so I was able to dedicate a substantial part of my day to psych revision. Practice SACs and checkpoints are much better because they are VCAA-style questions, whereas the learning activities are designed to consolidate your knowledge and test your thinking. In my opinion, the learning activities are only worth it if you have the time to do so, and time that could not have been better spent doing something else.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Devburner27 on July 25, 2021, 12:31:07 am
Question: Explain whether the NREM stages are four different
states of consciousness.


I believe that awareness goes down past NREM stage 1 but idk if each stage would be considered a different state of consciousness. Would it be considered different levels on a continuum?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ArianaLunaOlivia on August 14, 2021, 03:13:49 pm
Hi all!

I am working on research method homework and there were some questions that I could not answer (I am not a native English speaker and sometimes it is harder for me to understand what the questions are asking).

If you could help me with the following questions, that would be awesome!

Procedure:
Students in our Year 11 Psychology class participated in a practical activity comparing the relative sensitivity of recall and recognition.
Students were randomly allocated to one of two groups. These groups were called Group A and Group B.
Both Group A and Group B received the same list of 20 words to memorise. Participants were given 3 minutes to learn the list of words.
After 3 minutes, Group A were asked to recall as many words as they could by writing the words down on a sheet of paper (refer to Group A instructions and word list at end of this document).
After 3 minutes, Group B were asked to recognise as many words as they could. This was done by giving participants in Group B a list of 40 words with the original 20 words mixed within the list of 40. Participants in Group B were asked to circle, underline or highlight as many of the original list of 20 words they recognised on the second list (refer to Group B instructions and word lists at end of this document).
The results were then collated.

Note: This investigation was completed in class. The word lists were distributed face-up. It is possible that students who received the word lists first may have inadvertently had a bit more time (than the timed 3 minutes) to learn the list of words.

Questions I could not answer:
1. Identify the chosen sampling technique (convenience, random or stratified). Are there any potential problems that could arise as a result of this sampling technique?
I personally think it is convenience or random but I am not sure which one is the correct one.

2. Consider all ethical guidelines and principles. List any relevant ethical considerations below and state how they could be adhered to. You should address all ethical guidelines, including: 
• Confidentiality
• Voluntary Participation
• Informed Consent
• Withdrawal Rights
• Deception
• Debriefing
I am having difficulty with understanding the question is asking. How would answer this question?

3. Can your results be generalised to the population of interest? Explain your response. (result is attached below↓)

4. If the IV is 'Methods of retention' and the DV is 'Memory', what would the operationalised IV &DV be?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Harrycc3000 on August 26, 2021, 11:46:44 am
Hi all!

I am working on research method homework and there were some questions that I could not answer (I am not a native English speaker and sometimes it is harder for me to understand what the questions are asking).

If you could help me with the following questions, that would be awesome!

Procedure:
Students in our Year 11 Psychology class participated in a practical activity comparing the relative sensitivity of recall and recognition.
Students were randomly allocated to one of two groups. These groups were called Group A and Group B.
Both Group A and Group B received the same list of 20 words to memorise. Participants were given 3 minutes to learn the list of words.
After 3 minutes, Group A were asked to recall as many words as they could by writing the words down on a sheet of paper (refer to Group A instructions and word list at end of this document).
After 3 minutes, Group B were asked to recognise as many words as they could. This was done by giving participants in Group B a list of 40 words with the original 20 words mixed within the list of 40. Participants in Group B were asked to circle, underline or highlight as many of the original list of 20 words they recognised on the second list (refer to Group B instructions and word lists at end of this document).
The results were then collated.

Note: This investigation was completed in class. The word lists were distributed face-up. It is possible that students who received the word lists first may have inadvertently had a bit more time (than the timed 3 minutes) to learn the list of words.

Questions I could not answer:
1. Identify the chosen sampling technique (convenience, random or stratified). Are there any potential problems that could arise as a result of this sampling technique?
I personally think it is convenience or random but I am not sure which one is the correct one.

2. Consider all ethical guidelines and principles. List any relevant ethical considerations below and state how they could be adhered to. You should address all ethical guidelines, including: 
• Confidentiality
• Voluntary Participation
• Informed Consent
• Withdrawal Rights
• Deception
• Debriefing
I am having difficulty with understanding the question is asking. How would answer this question?

3. Can your results be generalised to the population of interest? Explain your response. (result is attached below↓)

4. If the IV is 'Methods of retention' and the DV is 'Memory', what would the operationalised IV &DV be?
This is what I personally think and I'm just a year 12 psych student too so don't take my answers too seriously!!!
1. I think its convenience because just having it as year 11s in your class is not having done enough effort to make the sample representative of the student population.
2. I think you just go with each ethical principle and mention different ways that the experiment could adhere to them. For example withdrawal rights: ensure that participants know that they can withdraw from the experiment at any time if they are feeling uncomfortable about anything about the research procedures.
3. Probably not, the sample's biased.
4. Operationalised is just how you measure it, so your iv would be like the specific retrieval technique (recall or recognition) and your dv would be the number of correct responses.

Hope this helped!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Harrycc3000 on August 26, 2021, 12:01:47 pm
Hi guys I'm trouble finding the difference between appraisal support and informational support. They seem to both involve just giving information to the person that helps them cope with their mental disorder. Any point clarifying this up would be very helpful :).




Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: lm21074 on August 28, 2021, 01:12:03 pm
Hi Harry,

I remember having this exact same question last year! Informational and appraisal support are actually really similar, but there is a slight difference between them.

My teacher told me that the key difference between appraisal support and informational support are:
- appraisal support involves giving information that is useful for self-evaluation to deal with a mental health problem  e.g. A Year 12 student who is facing the stressor of coping with the demands of school can talk to a family member or friend to determine how threatening the stressor is and talk about how to cope with it and reduce its impact (such as reducing anxiety around assessments).
- informational support involves giving advice, suggestions and information (as mentioned in the name) to cope with a mental health problem. Informational support is often given out by community groups and agencies rather than an individual like appraisal support. For instance, a person who is struggling to cope with their emotions might turn to agencies like Beyond Blue and ReachOut for advice on how to deal with the problem.


Hope this helps you out a bit :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 723462346`127 on October 04, 2021, 05:33:53 pm
Hey guys! Does anyone have any techniques/ideas for studying psych??... I have done a few practice questions and whatnot but am struggling to motivate myself to study for psych. I haven't burnt out, I am just finding the content extra dry and find myself opting to study for literally anything else instead. Any ideas to spice it up a bit would be awesome :)))))
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: 723462346`127 on October 04, 2021, 05:34:18 pm
Hey guys! Does anyone have any techniques/ideas for studying psych??... I have done a few practice questions and whatnot but am struggling to motivate myself to study for psych. I haven't burnt out, I am just finding the content extra dry and find myself opting to study for literally anything else instead. Any ideas to spice it up a bit would be awesome :)))))
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Corey King on October 04, 2021, 09:48:46 pm
Hey guys :)
I was just wondering why the interventions in option D aren't also considered to help Eleanor with her Phobia?
Both option C and D appear correct to me.
https://gyazo.com/546d299a14fc8a0a2ed463e0865d8594

Many thanks,
Corey
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tiredandstressed on October 04, 2021, 10:12:39 pm
Hey guys :)
I was just wondering why the interventions in option D aren't also considered to help Eleanor with her Phobia?
Both option C and D appear correct to me.
https://gyazo.com/546d299a14fc8a0a2ed463e0865d8594

Many thanks,
Corey

The question said 'the most appropriate' so although D is not necessarily a wrong answer, C was more specific to Elenor's case especially 'learning about mental illness is quite vague so C is more superior of an approach compared to D
Hope that helps
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Corey King on October 08, 2021, 12:39:54 pm
The question said 'the most appropriate' so although D is not necessarily a wrong answer, C was more specific to Elenor's case especially 'learning about mental illness is quite vague so C is more superior of an approach compared to D
Hope that helps


I see, thanks :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: mcmahonlaura07 on October 18, 2021, 03:14:41 pm
Hey does anyone have advice on how long to spend on extended response questions for the 3&4 exam? i know it varies depending on whether u start front to back or back to front on the exam pages but I'm scared I'm spending too long. thanks
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: mcmahonlaura07 on October 19, 2021, 10:19:32 am
hey does anyone know where i can get vcaa definitions for unit 3&4? different textbooks etc all have different definitions and I wanted to learn the exact vcaa ones for the exam
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: tiredandstressed on October 19, 2021, 01:29:38 pm
Hey does anyone have advice on how long to spend on extended response questions for the 3&4 exam? i know it varies depending on whether u start front to back or back to front on the exam pages but I'm scared I'm spending too long. thanks
The exam has 120 marks, and runs for 150 mins writing time.
Thus, that would be 1.25 marks per minute
For the 10 marker 12-18 mins is a good time range to dedicate- this will give you sufficient time to write the essay, you don't want to spend too long since in the end it is only 10 marks, you still have 110 marks to obtain.
Marking criteria: there is not set criteria (here is a guide)
- Defining psychological terminology and accurate use of such terms, justifying their relevance
- Discussion of relevant psychological information, ideas, concepts, theories and/or models and the connections between them
- Analysis and evaluation of data, methods and scientific models and ability to apply scenario
- Clear, controlled, succinct expression
So how are answers marked?
Spoiler
They are marked holistically, examiners are trying to reward you there is not set points expected for a complete answer
Psychological definitions/ terminology  (0.5-1 mark)
Discussion of the three concepts (separate paragraphs), in a sophisticated manner that demonstrates a high level of understanding + incorporation of scenario (7-9 marks )
Clear, controlled expression (0.5-1 mark)
Complete answers will score better than an incomplete answer
*Usually for answers scoring <5 marks acquire 1-2 marks for definitions
**Answers scoring 9-10 marks must achieve all three criteria (i.e. good use of expression, sophisticated language)
***The marks I have put is a guide, and not what VCCA actually use
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: ajka0002 on October 23, 2021, 02:40:28 pm
Hi, I was wondering if anyone knew if when talking about relearning, such as a question that asks for a definition and example, worth two marks, do we need to mention and explain the savings score?? :))
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rend on October 24, 2021, 02:31:08 pm
I was just wondering, in the exam when you are writing your responses, are you allowed to write under the lines but inside the writing space? It's kind of hard to explain, basically inside the box that surrounds the question and the lines to write on, but not on the lines (if you use them all up), like under them. Or do you have to go to the back of the book and use the excess lines? Because it seems like such a hassle to go to the back of the booklet if you only need to write one or two more lines. Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Chanelno28 on October 25, 2021, 09:01:41 am
Hi, I have a question for the unit 3/4 exam,
how do you read a hypnogram and identify which lifespan it is?
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: rheadddd on October 26, 2021, 12:36:38 pm
Hi!

If anyone has done the VCAA 2017 Psych Exam and was able to do this Question 5c iii, could someone explain it to me or provide their response as I'm looking at the answer guide and it still doesn't make much sense to me. I've attached an image of it if that helps.

Thank you in advance :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: hamnafahmi on December 09, 2021, 02:48:56 pm
Hey guys! Does anyone know the answer to this:

What are two key findings about brain function from the split-brain experiments?

Many thanks,
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: trying.to.get.a.good.atar on December 15, 2021, 08:28:20 pm
Hey guys! Does anyone know the answer to this:

What are two key findings about brain function from the split-brain experiments?

Many thanks,

In his split-brain experiments Sperry found:
1. That both hemispheres of the brain have specialised functions
2. The corpus callosum has an essential role in enabling exchange of information between the hemispheres

 :)



Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: hairyplatypus on December 19, 2021, 11:46:18 pm
hi guys! When spinal reflex occurs, how does the body recognise if the stimuli is a threat? thanks in advance! :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Billuminati on December 20, 2021, 12:59:05 am
hi guys! When spinal reflex occurs, how does the body recognise if the stimuli is a threat? thanks in advance! :D

Didn’t do VCE psych but in uni neurobio/anatomy, we learn that nociceptors are specialised neurons that detect potentially harmful stimuli, so whenever they’re activated, the body automatically assumes that the stimulus is bad
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: hairyplatypus on December 20, 2021, 12:55:52 pm
Didn’t do VCE psych but in uni neurobio/anatomy, we learn that nociceptors are specialised neurons that detect potentially harmful stimuli, so whenever they’re activated, the body automatically assumes that the stimulus is bad

thanks so much!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: yr12_vcestudent on January 30, 2022, 12:45:07 am
HEY GUYS!
can someone explain to me how standardised procedures help to eliminate extraneous variables pls  :)

THANKKKS
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Golgi Apparatus on January 30, 2022, 07:55:08 am
can someone explain to me how standardised procedures help to eliminate extraneous variables pls  :)

Standardised procedures basically involves treating every participant the same, regardless of whether they are in the control or experimental group. If each group is treated differently, there are two differences between the groups - the independent variable and the treatment of participants. Therefore, you don’t know if the results are due to the manipulation of the IV, or because of the different ways the groups were treated.

For example, someone is testing the effects of a breathing technique on the stress response when doing a test. The experimental group learns the breathing technique and the control group doesn’t, then both groups complete a test while their heart rate is measured to indicate their stress levels. However, the experimental group has a friendly instructor during the test, while the control group has a stern instructor. The experimental group shows lower average heart rate during the test. But is this because of the breathing technique, or is it because they had a nicer instructor who made them feel more relaxed? We don’t know - therefore the lack of standardised procedures means that the difference in instructors may be acting as a confounding variable. Standardised procedures in this case would mean having the same instructor for each group. This means the instructor has the same effect on the stress levels of each group and does not affect the results. Because the instructor is the same for each group, we know that differences in instructors cannot be causing the difference in results, so this is eliminated as an extraneous variable.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: yr12_vcestudent on February 27, 2022, 10:59:04 am
Hi there!
i was wondering what is an example of spinal reflex.
Thanks for the help :)
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: strawberries101 on February 27, 2022, 01:35:03 pm
Hi there!
i was wondering what is an example of spinal reflex.
Thanks for the help :)

Hey!
An example of spinal reflex would be your hand touching a hot plate and immediately withdrawing it involuntarily because spinal reflexes are involuntary movements. Same with closing your eyes suddenly when something comes towards your eye.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: yr12_vcestudent on February 27, 2022, 08:43:07 pm
Hi everyone :)
I have my psychology sac soon and i was wondering if anyone can please explain this key skills: use the lock and key process to explain the excitatory and inhibitory effects that glutamate and GABA have on the nervous system.

Thanks sm!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: bw304 on February 27, 2022, 10:13:08 pm
Hi everyone :)
I have my psychology sac soon and i was wondering if anyone can please explain this key skills: use the lock and key process to explain the excitatory and inhibitory effects that glutamate and GABA have on the nervous system.

Thanks sm!

i did psych last year so i'll give this a go! basically, the lock and key model is an analogy used to describe neural transmission, and the process can be described as this:

In neural transmission, vesicles in the axon terminals of the pre-synaptic neuron release neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap/cleft. These neurotransmitters act as 'keys' which can only bind to specifically shaped, complementary receptors on the dendrites of the post-synaptic neuron, also known as 'locks.'

now regarding GABA and glutamate:

When the neurotransmitter glutamate binds to these receptors or 'locks', it has an excitatory effect, causing the post-synaptic to fire, thus stimulating a neural response. Conversely, when the neurotransmitter GABA binds to the receptors, it has an inhibitory effect, preventing the post-synpatic neuron from firing and thus inhibiting a neural response.

hopefully this helps!!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: Golgi Apparatus on February 28, 2022, 06:47:53 pm
i did psych last year so i'll give this a go! basically, the lock and key model is an analogy used to describe neural transmission, and the process can be described as this:

In neural transmission, vesicles in the axon terminals of the pre-synaptic neuron release neurotransmitters into the synaptic gap/cleft. These neurotransmitters act as 'keys' which can only bind to specifically shaped, complementary receptors on the dendrites of the post-synaptic neuron, also known as 'locks.'

now regarding GABA and glutamate:

When the neurotransmitter glutamate binds to these receptors or 'locks', it has an excitatory effect, causing the post-synaptic to fire, thus stimulating a neural response. Conversely, when the neurotransmitter GABA binds to the receptors, it has an inhibitory effect, preventing the post-synpatic neuron from firing and thus inhibiting a neural response.

hopefully this helps!!

Great response bw! My teacher told us to say that glutamate makes the postsynaptic neuron more likely to fire instead of causing it to fire, and GABA makes it less likely to fire instead of preventing it from firing. I’m not sure if it matters, but VCAA can be a bit pedantic with things like this.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: hairyplatypus on March 09, 2022, 06:38:56 pm
hi all! would war be considered a major stressor or a catastrophe? thanks :D
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: SnekiSnek on March 10, 2022, 11:29:32 am
hi all! would war be considered a major stressor or a catastrophe? thanks :D

Hi! I would say it would be considered a catastrophe due to the fact that it affects a large community of people
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: JAS0010 on April 24, 2022, 10:13:49 pm
Hi!! I was wondering if someone could give me some feedback for my extended response :)) I just want to know what I did well on, areas I need to improve in, if the wording of my sentences is weird and also it would be really appreciated if you could give me a mark out of 10

thank you so much!!
 
Scenario:

Gita is a 22-year-old student in her final year of university. Gita arrived in Australia when she was 12 years old.She is from a non-english-speaking background and is the first female in her family to attend the university. She has generally been able to manage her parents’ expectations,academic demands,part-time work and the usual daily irritations that have come her way.

 When Gita lost her part-time job at the beginning of Semester 1, she experienced initial shock but quickly tackled this problem by drawing on her family and friendship network, which helped her find a new part-time job. However, at the end of semester 1, her first relationship break-up proved more challenging because she found her usual supports were not enough. She used meditation and dancing classes to help her refocus. Gita developed a cold after the break-up but still managed to stay on top of things.

 However, there was one point at the beginning of semester 2 when Gita did struggle. The news that her car needed expensive repairs was a major setback that she had not budgeted for. She felt exhausted and overwhelmed by the situation but decided to keep the problem to herself, feeling that she should be able to manage it on her own.

Towards the end of semester 2, Gita developed insomnia and headaches, and finally visited her family doctor. The doctor explained that these symptoms were stress-related and referred her to a psychologist. The psychologist was able to help Gita view her situation differently and assist her with realising that it was a temporary problem that would be resolved once she finished university and started full-time work. Gita would then be able to apply for a bank loan to fix her car.


With reference to Gita’s situation, write a detailed analysis of her sources of stress, biological responses and psychological responses. In your response, discuss the theories and models of stress and/or coping that are relevant to this scenario.

My Response

Gita experiences stress on a daily basis. As she arrived in Australia at 12 and also comes from a non-English speaking background she may experience acculturative stress. Alongside this her parents' expectations may act as daily pressures to Gita.

From a biological perspective, when Gita lost her job she experienced the shock stage of the Alarm Shock phase of the General Adaptation Syndrome Model (GAS) causing increased heart rate and blood rate due to the release of adrenaline from the amygdala, known as the SAM pathway, however was able to cope with the stress leading to countershock, using coping methods such as her support systems of family and friends. However, when Gita experienced her breakup, this proved more challenging and she was able to both exercise her coping flexibility and context-specific effectiveness by adapting her coping methods to dancing and meditation to better cope with the stress she was experiencing and additionally use approach strategies like meditation and dancing lessons to specifically target the stress she is feeling . When Gita develops a cold it shows her immune system is decreasing in health due to the release of cortisol, a neurohormone that weakens the immune system, which may be a sign that she is in the Resistance stage of the GAS model. By the point of her car needing repairs Gita is experiencing more major health problems such as insomnia and headaches due to the ongoing release of cortisol has depleted her immune system and is vulnerable to sickness support the idea that Gita being in the final stage of Exhaustion.

Psychologically, in terms of the Lazarus and Folkman Transactional Model of Stress when Gita lost her job, her primary appraisal of the situation is of threat but then a challenge and potentially a form of eustress as this may be an opportunity to find a better job. Her secondary appraisal is that she has the adequate resources to cope.  The primary appraisal of Gitas second source of stress of the breakup was also a loss but as she was able to exercise her coping flexibility she was able to realise she has the adequate coping strategies to cope with her life event stressor, but she did need to adapt her strategies. Her final stress of her car breaking down was appraised as a harm due to the financial struggles Gita was experiencing, and by keeping the problem to herself which is an example of an avoidance strategy her stress worsened as she didn't have the adequate resources to cope. When she finally inquired with her doctor and psychologist, another example of Gitas coping flexibility, as she is now seeking to adapt her current coping methods with her stressors after realising that they are ineffective, allow her to see her stress in a more positive light as she now sees this stressor as temporary and rather than a threat, a challenge for the future.
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: HappyMe on May 25, 2022, 05:32:34 pm
Hi everyone. I have a Practical SAC upcoming and I had a question regarding it. The prac is on which retrieval method is better: free recall or recognition. The experiment found recognition to be more effective in retrieving memory but was the memory extracted from the Long term memory or was it a sensory memory that stayed in the short term memory and never got encoded to go to LTM. I'm not sure how to look at it as in it the experiment, the participants were only given 1-2 minutes to encode the information, which shouldn't be enough time for the memory to be formed as a LTM.
It would help heaps if anyone could answer this. Thanks!
Title: Re: VCE Psychology Question Thread!
Post by: trying.to.get.a.good.atar on May 29, 2022, 08:32:39 pm
Hi everyone. I have a Practical SAC upcoming and I had a question regarding it. The prac is on which retrieval method is better: free recall or recognition. The experiment found recognition to be more effective in retrieving memory but was the memory extracted from the Long term memory or was it a sensory memory that stayed in the short term memory and never got encoded to go to LTM. I'm not sure how to look at it as in it the experiment, the participants were only given 1-2 minutes to encode the information, which shouldn't be enough time for the memory to be formed as a LTM.
It would help heaps if anyone could answer this. Thanks!

1-2 minutes is actually enough time to encode information in LTM. Since the duration of STM is only 18-20 seconds anything remembered for longer than this (unless you are using maintenance rehearsal) will likely be in LTM.

The term 'long term memory' can be a bit deceiving as most people think this refers to information you remember for a 'long' time. Although that is of course sometimes the case it is definitely not always! Information is sometimes only held in long-term memory for a couple of minutes.

Hope this helps :)