Controversies

This unit tests the ability of candidates to describe and evaluate understanding of
Controversies, Topics and Applications in Psychology. There are three sections in
this written paper.
In what follows the term ‘including’ indicates material which must be covered.
Whereas the term ‘e.g.’ indicates examples of content which may be chosen among
other examples that may also be relevant.
Section A: Controversies
Candidates develop a synoptic understanding by consolidating knowledge drawn
from earlier study and applying it to wider controversies and issues in Psychology
that derive from the content of How Science Works (AO3). Specifically, all of these
issues address the tentative nature of knowledge in psychology. Candidates should
analyse and interpret evidence in order to demonstrate that they can resolve
conflicting evidence. The use of appropriate terminology is also assessed.
There are seven controversial issues:
• The status of psychology as a science
• The balance of scientific benefits measured against ethical costs in psychology
• The balance of internal and external influences on human behaviour
• The balance of genetic and environmental influences on human behaviour
• Issues of cultural bias in psychology
• Issues of gender bias in psychology
• The question of free will and determinism in respect of human behaviour