Outline one assumption of the learning approach.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2025). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [2] 2 marks: full/detailed assumption. 1 mark: partial/brief assumption. e.g., 2 marks We all begin life as a blank slate. The experiences and interactions we have then shape our behaviour(s). We learn through the mechanisms of classical conditioning/operant conditioning/social learning/stimulus- response model (any 2 mechanisms = 2 marks) e.g., 1 mark We all begin life as a blank slate. We learn through the mechanisms of classical conditioning/operant conditioning/social learning (1 mechanism named = 1 mark). Do not credit learn from environment, surroundings or conditioning by itself. Max 1 if the assumption is about naming/outlining one mechanism (e.g., we learn from models).
2. [2] 1 mark for result/conclusion/concept. 1 mark for linking it to an assumption explicitly. e.g., Part of this therapy was based on positive reinforcement (1 mark). He was rewarded for being able to handle buttons on the Feeling Thermometer (1 mark). He had an experience of the bowl of buttons falling on to him (1 mark). He never had this phobia before/not born with it, so it developed after this incident (1 mark). There are other creditworthy responses. If the link is not with an assumption from 5(a), it can only be awarded the result/conclusion mark. For a link back to an assumption about a mechanism, a named component must be covered, e.g., positive reinforcement. 1 mark maximum if linked to the aim/procedure of the study, rather than a finding. Accept 'he was not born with the phobia'.