Pearson Edexcel A Level · Psychology (9PS0)

Biological psychology: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Biological psychology.

10 questions22 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

When a recreational drug mimics the effect of a natural neurotransmitter by binding to and activating a specific receptor, it is referred to as an:

Question 2

1 mark

What is a primary methodological advantage of using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) compared to Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans?

Question 3

1 mark

In Biological psychology, what is the specific term for the two variables that are measured in a correlational study to determine if they are associated with each other?

Question 4

1 mark

A researcher is investigating the relationship between the amount of sleep (in hours) and scores on a self-rated aggression scale. Which statistical test is most appropriate if the data is at the interval level?

Question 5

1 mark

During the process of synaptic transmission, what occurs during reuptake?

Question 6

2 marks

Define the term synaptic transmission in the context of the central nervous system.

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Question 7

4 marks

Describe how a researcher might use a PET scan to investigate brain abnormalities in violent offenders, such as those studied by Raine et al. (1997).

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Question 8

2 marks

Identify one hormone and describe its suggested role in the biological explanation of aggression.

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Question 9

4 marks

Biological psychology often uses correlations to investigate relationships between variables.
(a) Describe what is meant by a 'negative correlation' in the context of a study looking at age and attitudes toward drug use. (2 points)
(b) State one reason why a researcher cannot conclude that one variable causes another based solely on a correlational result. (2 points)

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Question 10

5 marks

Evaluate the use of brain-scanning techniques in biological psychology research.
(a) Compare one strength and one weakness of using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) compared to Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans. (4 points)
(b) Briefly explain how Raine et al. (1997) used scanning technology to identify brain abnormalities in murderers. (1 point)

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