AQA A-Level Psychology: Biopsychology Consolidation – Ways of Studying the Brain This highly structured consolidation lesson is designed for AQA A-Level Psychology students studying Biopsychology, with a particular focus on brain scanning techniques, localisation of function, and neural plasticity. The lesson begins with a clear Big Question – How do we know the brain is localised? – which anchors learning in core conceptual understanding and exam relevance. Students revisit prior knowledge of fMRI, EEG, ERP and post-mortem studies, alongside key terminology such as spatial and temporal resolution, before applying this knowledge to exam-style tasks. A retrieval-focused Do Now includes a recap quiz and a 4-mark question, allowing teachers to quickly diagnose understanding. Students then complete a structured application task where they identify the correct research method, distinguish between AO1 and AO3, and practise converting points into exam-ready essay statements. The lesson explicitly targets tricky core knowledge in Biopsychology through short, timed “brain dump” activities on: Synaptic transmission The central nervous system These activities are designed to expose gaps in understanding and strengthen precision in biological explanations. New learning is introduced through a short video case study linked to brain plasticity, followed by a Think, Pair, Share task that prompts students to consider: What happened in the case What this tells us about the brain The strengths and limitations of methods used to study the brain A clear, accessible reading on brain plasticity and functional recovery consolidates understanding and supports future AO3 evaluation. This lesson is ideal for: Consolidation or revision lessons Pre-PPE or mock exam preparation Strengthening AO1 accuracy and AO3 application Addressing common misconceptions in Biopsychology Includes: Retrieval practice Exam-focused application tasks Timed brain dumps Think-Pair-Share discussion Clear links to the AQA specification Suitable for a 60-minute lesson, with opportunities to adapt or extend depending on group needs.

First Lesson: Experimental Design Do Now: IV vs DV Quiz Introduction to Experimental Design Key Terms: Independent Groups, Repeated Measures, Matched Pairs Teaching slides on the three experimental designs Strengths and weaknesses of each design Participant variables, order effects, demand characteristics Counterbalancing explained Reading: Experimental Designs – How Psychologists Organise Participants Comprehension questions Examples from key studies (Loftus & Palmer, Milgram, Ainsworth, Watson & Rayner) Exam questions: 2-mark (Repeated Measures) 4-mark (Independent Groups application) 8-mark (Discuss experimental design) Success criteria for all exam questions Second Lesson: Controlling Variables & Scientific Principles Do Now: Retrieval questions on sampling, ethics, reliability & validity Introduction to extraneous and confounding variables Teaching slides on controlling variables Key terms sheet: standardisation, control group, random allocation, etc. Reading: Validity and Reliability Reading: Controls and the Scientific Values of Psychology Comprehension questions on scientific principles Main task: Rewrite a flawed experiment using controls Applied task: Where are the extraneous variables? scenario analysis Exam questions (data response, 4-mark, 8-mark) Exam technique guidance and structured support

Overview A complete, engaging lesson sequence introducing Psychological Approaches with a deep focus on the Behaviourist Approach, designed for AQA A-Level Psychology (Year 12). This resource pack builds strong conceptual understanding from the very first lesson, combining retrieval, concept formation, exam skills, and student discussion. Perfect for: First teaching of Approaches Strong foundations before Biopsychology & Psychopathology Stretch & challenge with structured support Content: Focused teaching of the Behaviourist Approach and its basic assumptions High-challenge Do Now retrieval quiz using real-world scenarios Concept-sorting & discussion task on explanations of aggression Clear student explanation of what a psychological approach is Coverage of the three core components of all approaches Fully aligned with AQA AO1, AO2 and AO3 assessment objectives Exam-style 6-mark AO1 question with guidance Structured Think–Pair–Share activities Designed for mixed-ability classes with built-in scaffolding Promotes deep conceptual understanding and independent thinking Supports long-term retention through retrieval and application Ready-to-use PowerPoint and student worksheets Suitable for first teaching, revision, or consolidation

AQA Psychology Biopsychology lesson on localisation of function with key case studies (Broca, Wernicke, Gage, HM), exam tasks, Do Now and success criteria. Do Now retrieval quiz reviewing nervous system, synapses, endocrine system and fight-or-flight to activate prior knowledge. Big Question & learning focus introducing localisation of function and its importance for exam success. Key vocabulary teaching of localisation and case study terminology used throughout the lesson. Core concept explanation of how specific brain areas are responsible for specific functions. Modelled example: Broca’s “Tan” demonstrating how case study evidence supports localisation. Think–Pair–Share discussion analysing the evidence link and extending with Phineas Gage. Main written task where students explain each case study and judge its support for localisation. Response improvement activity using a weak model answer to teach exam technique. Success criteria framework (Claim–Evidence–Explanation–Judgement) for high-quality exam paragraphs. Four major case studies covered: Broca, Wernicke, Phineas Gage and HM. Explicit exam link supporting AO1 knowledge and AO3 discussion for 16-mark questions. Included resources: full PowerPoint lesson, Do Now quiz and detailed case study handout.

LESSON 1 — What is Biopsychology? Title: What is Biopsychology? — Complete Introduction Lesson with Nervous System and Exam Skills Do Now recap quiz reviewing Biological Approach assumptions and core AO1/AO3 knowledge Introduction to biopsychology covering brain, neurons, neurotransmitters, hormones and genetics Key vocabulary teaching including CNS, PNS, somatic, autonomic, genotype and phenotype Concept 1 task on the Central Nervous System (brain and spinal cord) Concept 2 task on the Endocrine System and hormonal control of behaviour Think–Pair–Share discussion linking brain structure and behaviour AO3 evaluation questions on reductionism, science and nature–nurture Explicit exam links to support assessment performance Resources included: PowerPoint, reading, extension tasks, consolidation scaffold, recap quiz LESSON 2 — The Nervous System Title: The Nervous System Explained — CNS, PNS, Fight or Flight and Exam Application Clear teaching of nervous system structure: CNS, PNS, ANS, sympathetic and parasympathetic Reading resource explaining brain, spinal cord, reflexes and communication pathways AO1 retrieval questions checking core knowledge and terminology AO2 application tasks using real-life scenarios and reflex responses Detailed focus on fight-or-flight and system balance Exam-style questions building explanation and application skills Resources included: PowerPoint, nervous system reading, AO1/AO2 worksheets LESSON 3 — The Endocrine System Title: The Endocrine System — Hormones, Glands and Behaviour Clear explanation of the endocrine system as the body’s hormone communication network Teaching of key glands: pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands and pancreas Explanation of major hormones including adrenaline, cortisol and insulin Comparison of endocrine and nervous systems (speed and duration of effects) Exam-style questions on hormones, glands and endocrine function Fight-or-flight application using hormonal responses Resources included: endocrine reading and structured exam practice tasks LESSON 4 — Localisation of Function Title: Localisation of Function — Complete Biopsychology Lesson with Case Studies and Exam Skills Do Now retrieval quiz revising nervous system, synapses and endocrine content Introduction to localisation of function and specialised brain areas Modelled case study example using Broca’s patient “Tan” Think–Pair–Share discussion extending with Phineas Gage Main written task applying Broca, Wernicke, Phineas Gage and HM Response improvement activity using exam technique Success criteria framework: Claim, Evidence, Explanation, Judgement Strong AO1 and AO3 focus for 16-mark essays Resources included: PowerPoint, Do Now quiz, detailed case study pack

What this lesson includes Do Now retrieval task revising localisation, neurons, synaptic transmission and the nervous system Clear explanation of hemispheric lateralisation and specialised functions of left and right hemispheres Teaching of key terminology including lateralisation, corpus callosum, visual field and hemisphere Structured learning on the role of the corpus callosum and hemispheric communication Detailed coverage of Sperry’s split-brain research including background, method and findings Extension and supporting evidence from Gazzaniga including the left-hemisphere interpreter Comprehension questions checking understanding of research design and findings AO1 exam writing task with success criteria for high-level responses AO3 evaluation lesson covering strengths, limitations, plasticity, ecological validity and population validity Structured AO3 questions developing evaluation and critical thinking Full 16-mark exam question on lateralisation with planning space and mark scheme guidance Explicit links to PPE exam preparation and assessment performance Resources included: PowerPoint lesson, main reading, AO3 handout, success criteria sheet, 16-mark exam question