Task 1 

Read Item A and answer the task. 

Item A

Most PIN codes are 4 digits long and are easy to remember. In contrast, mobile phone numbers are 11 digits long. Most people would not be able to remember a friend’s new mobile phone number unless they were able to say it to themselves several times without interruption.

Discuss the multi-store model of memory. Refer to the information above in your answer. Include relevant studies in your answer. 

(700 words) 

(AC 1.1 , 2.1)

Task 2

Outline and evaluate Gibson’s direct theory of perception.

OR 

Outline and evaluate Gregory’s constructivist theory of perception. 

(400 words) 

 (AC 1.1 3.1)

Task 3

Assess cognitive explanations for neurological disorders e.g., autism, Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia or one you choose. 

(400 words) AC 4.1

Total word count: 1500 words

Ensure you have read widely (text books, professional journals, newspapers as well as using online sources) and have used your own words throughout, referencing any sources clearly.

To achieve higher grades, carefully read through the merit and distinction guidance below.

This is what you will learn on the unit.	This is what you must be able to demonstrate that you can do in your assignment in order to achieve the unit.
The learner will:	The learner can:
Understand cognitive psychology.	1.1 Explain the key concepts, methods and applications of research in cognitive psychology.
Understand how the memory works	Explain how information travels through the three main components of memory – sensory, short-term and long-term memory
Understand theories of perception	Explain at least one of the key theories of perception
Understand cognitive explanations for neurological disorders	Explain cognitive explanations for neurological disorders e.g., autism, Alzheimer’s

Level 3 units only: Learners achieve a Pass if they meet all Level 3 Assessment Criteria for a unit. You will achieve a Merit or Distinction by meeting the following Grade Descriptors. Your tutor will give you feedback for all three grades.
Grade Descriptor	Merit (Choose one or more relevant grade components)	Distinction (Choose one or more relevant grade components)
GD1:  Understanding of the subject	The student, student’s work or performance: demonstrates very good understanding of the different perspectives or approaches associated with the area of study	The student, student’s work or performance: demonstrates excellent understanding of the different perspectives or approaches associated with the area of study
Grade Descriptor	Merit (Choose one or more relevant grade components)	Distinction (Choose one or more relevant grade components)
GD2: Application of knowledge	The student, student’s work or performance: makes use of relevant ideas and facts with very good levels of insight, analysis and accuracy	The student, student’s work or performance: makes use of relevant ideas and facts with excellent levels of insight, analysis and accuracy
Grade Descriptor	Merit (Choose one or more relevant grade components)	Distinction (Choose one or more relevant grade components)
GD7: Quality	The student, student’s work or performance: taken as a whole, demonstrates a very good response to the demands of the brief/assignment.	The student, student’s work or performance: taken as a whole, demonstrates an excellent response to the demands of the brief/assignment
Grade Guidance: Learners must carefully read the guidance below which is linked to the components above
MERIT: (e.g., To achieve a Merit your work will show…..) GD1: Understanding of the subject You will produce a focussed response to the questions in the tasks and you will use your further reading to support your responses.  The tasks require you to consider different approaches - though you may favour one approach or side of an argument, a Merit response will consider both sides, demonstrating an understanding of why an approach would be taken and the strengths and weaknesses of it.  The specialist language used in psychology will be present and used mainly appropriately in your explanations.  Knowledge of the multi-store model is accurate and generally well detailed.  Application is mostly effective. Discussion is mostly thorough and effective. Minor detail and/or  expansion of argument is sometimes lacking. The answer is generally clear, coherent and  focused. Specialist terminology is mostly used effectively. A mostly accurate and detailed explanation of Gibson’s theory of direct perception.  The main idea of the theory is mostly clearly  articulated.  The important concepts and processes in the  theory are explained at a very good level. An accurate and detailed explanation for a neurological disorder.  GD2: Application of knowledge Your work will focus on integrating relevant insights with specific details from studies which are relevant to the line of argument you are pursuing.  You should select specific facts from studies which help you support a particular point and then seek to find information which might cast doubt on it. From such contradictory points you can then develop an evaluative discussion that is relevant to the question or task you are addressing.  Your use of facts and ideas will be accurate, this means that where you have incorporated information from your wider reading then you will have selected information that links into the arguments you are pursuing correctly and will not skim over information that would weaken your point. GD7: Quality You will generally write concisely, grammatically, use a clear structure with a logical development and form a conclusion which refers to the body of the argument.  Your answers should be relevant, clearly linked to the tasks set and be supported by appropriate references to the literature.  You will have generally used accurate citation and referencing using the Harvard System of Referencing.  You will have used at least 3 of resources including books.  You will be within 10% of the word limit on most of the tasks.

DISTINCTION: (e.g., To achieve a Distinction your work will show…..)

GD1: Understanding of the subject

• Your work will show insight into the complexity of potential explanations for human behaviour and cognition. This means that your conclusions will be analytical and correctly weighted in terms of what is discernible and what areas of psychological functioning still remain uncertain and require further exploration. 
• Your work will demonstrate a confident grasp of specialist language used in psychology, deploying terms appropriately and accurately in your explanations and analysis.

Excellent knowledge of the multi-store model is evident with few 
 inaccuracies/omissions. Any application and/or discussion is highly effective.
 The answer is clear and organised and has focus.
 Specialist terminology is used appropriately.

An accurate and detailed explanation of one theory of direct perception.
 The main idea of the theory is clearly
 articulated.
 The important concepts and processes in the
 theory are explained.

An accurate and detailed explanation for a neurological disorder. 

GD2: Application of knowledge

• Your work will use accurate, relevant, examples to support your explanations and your analysis of the different aspects of the issues will be detailed and appropriate to the level of certainty possible. 
• You will be able to show you understand how and why research, theory and ethical applications are essentially distinct fields of study.