Structuring Answers

Question 1

How would an answer for a question asking about classical conditioning be structured?

Answer 1

• All stages have to be clear with each corresponding element present
• VCAA accepts answers with abbreviations
• When mentioning responses (UCR, CR), must state what they are a response TO (what stimulus causes it)
• Before Conditioning
  
  • Must have NS and UCS as well as the UCR it produces
  • Must include that the NS does not yet produce a response
• During Conditioning
  
  • State that the NS (name related to the question) and the UCS are repeatedly paired
  • (Optional) Mention that the process is called acquisition, with each pairing being a trial
• After Conditioning
  
  • State that the NS has become the CS and can therefore produce a response ON ITS OWN without the UCS
  • Clearly identify the CR, may be slightly different to the UCS

Question 2

How would an answer for a question asking about operant conditioning be structured?

Answer 2

• Explicitly name each stage
• Name the type of consequence
• (For consequence) Explain what is involved and whether it will increase or decrease the likelihood of behaviour reoccuring

Question 3

How would an answer for a question asking about observational learning be structured?

Answer 3

• Must signpost each part of the application with key psychological terms
  
  • Name of the stage
  • Specific behaviour within the scenario
  • Specific model within the scenario
  • Key words relevant to the stage (i.e mental representation in retention)
  • Specific learner within the scenario