Eduqas A Level Psychology
Eduqas A Level Psychology Autistic Spectrum Behaviours Exam Questions
Free Eduqas A Level Psychology revision for Autistic Spectrum Behaviours: what you need to know, common mistakes and exam-style questions with answers. Covers characteristics, amygdala, chloride ions, genes, theory of mind, central coherence, empathising-systemising, refrigerator mother, PECS and RDI.
Practise Autistic Spectrum Behaviours with past papers
Once you have learnt this topic, find the Autistic Spectrum Behaviours questions in real Eduqas A Level Psychology past papers and mark them with the mark scheme. Doing lots of real questions is the quickest way to learn how examiners ask about each idea.
StemUp mark scheme flashcards
A-Level Psychology Flashcards for 2027 Onwards
Every answer is written in mark scheme wording, so you learn exactly what examiners give marks for. Then test yourself with the questions on this page.
£15.99View flashcards
About Eduqas A Level Psychology Autistic Spectrum Behaviours
Autistic spectrum behaviours is one of six behaviours in Component 3, of which you study three. For each one you need the characteristics, at least two biological, individual differences and social psychological explanations, and at least two methods of modifying the behaviour. The specification lists amygdala dysfunction, chloride ions at birth and genetics; gender differences, theory of mind and weak central coherence; male behaviour, empathising-systemising theory and the refrigerator mother; and PECS and Relationship Development Intervention. Examiners expect balanced, evidence-based evaluation and sensitive, accurate language, avoiding outdated ideas presented as fact.
What you need to know
- Characteristics Autistic spectrum behaviours involve persistent differences in social communication and interaction, plus restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities, including sensory sensitivities. Severity varies widely across the spectrum.
- Biological explanations Amygdala dysfunction: Baron-Cohen et al. (2000) proposed the amygdala, which processes emotion and faces, works differently in autism. Tyzio et al. (2014) found in rodent models that the normal drop in chloride ions in neurons during birth failed to occur. Twin studies such as Folstein and Rutter (1977) show higher concordance in MZ than DZ twins.
- Individual differences Theory of mind: Baron-Cohen, Leslie and Frith (1985) found most autistic children failed the Sally-Anne false belief task. Weak central coherence theory (Frith) says autistic people focus on details rather than the overall picture. Autism is diagnosed more often in males.
- Social psychological explanations Empathising-systemising theory (Baron-Cohen) links autism to an 'extreme male brain' that is strong at systemising and weaker at empathising. The 'refrigerator mother' idea (Kanner, Bettelheim) blamed cold parenting and has been rejected by research.
- Methods of modifying PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) teaches children to communicate by exchanging picture cards, building from single requests to sentences. Relationship Development Intervention (Gutstein) uses parent-led activities to build dynamic social thinking and flexibility.
- Evaluation themes Biological evidence comes partly from animal models, which may not generalise. Gender ratios may partly reflect under-diagnosis of girls, who may mask social difficulties.
Common mistakes in Autistic Spectrum Behaviours
- Presenting the refrigerator mother theory as current or supported. It is a historical explanation that research has rejected, and it caused real harm to parents.
- Saying the chloride ion research was carried out on autistic babies. Tyzio et al. used rodent models, so findings must be applied to humans with caution.
- Describing theory of mind as only 'understanding emotions'. It is the ability to attribute mental states such as beliefs and intentions to others and to understand that they can differ from your own.
- Treating PECS as a cure. It is a communication intervention that aims to improve functional communication, not to remove autism.
Try three Autistic Spectrum Behaviours exam-style questions
1. Outline the theory of mind explanation of autistic spectrum behaviours. (4 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Theory of mind is the ability to understand that others have beliefs and intentions different from one's own; autistic people may have difficulty attributing mental states; Baron-Cohen, Leslie and Frith (1985) found most autistic children failed the Sally-Anne false belief task; this may explain difficulties in social interaction.
2. Describe the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). (5 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
A communication intervention using picture cards; child learns to hand a picture to a communication partner to request an item; progresses through phases, from single exchanges to distance and discrimination between pictures, to building sentence strips; uses reinforcement as the child receives the requested item; aims to develop functional, spontaneous communication.
3. Evaluate biological explanations of autistic spectrum behaviours. (10 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Twin studies show higher MZ concordance, supporting a genetic role; amygdala research supported by brain imaging differences in emotion processing; chloride ion research suggests a possible drug treatment; however much evidence comes from animal models; genes do not explain everything; reductionist; causal direction of brain differences unclear.
Autistic Spectrum Behaviours FAQs
What does Eduqas A Level Psychology Autistic Spectrum Behaviours cover?
The characteristics of autistic spectrum behaviours, biological, individual differences and social psychological explanations, and methods of modifying the behaviour, all with evaluation.
Which paper is autistic spectrum behaviours examined in?
It is examined in Component 3, Psychology: Implications in the Real World, a 2 hour 15 minute written paper worth one third of the A level, where you answer on three of the six behaviours.
Which studies should I learn for autistic spectrum behaviours?
Useful evidence includes Baron-Cohen, Leslie and Frith (1985) on theory of mind, Baron-Cohen et al. (2000) on the amygdala, Tyzio et al. (2014) on chloride ions and Folstein and Rutter (1977) on twins.
