A-LevelPsychologyCognitive approach9990/12 · Oct/Nov 2023 · Q46 Marks

In the study by Pepperberg (parrot learning), a principal trainer was used during the 'test procedures'.

(a)Describe the procedure that the principal trainer followed during the 'test procedures'.[4]
(b)Outline one conclusion from this study.[2]

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

4(a) 1 mark per correct point.
4(a) She was sat in the room with her back to Alex / the parrot.
4(a) She did not look at Alex / the parrot during the presentation of (test) objects.
4(a) She did not know what object was being presented.
4(a) She repeated out loud what Alex / the parrot said.
4(a) It was then decided if the response was correct/incorrect /indistinct.
4(b) 2 marks detailed conclusion.
4(b) 1 mark partial/brief.
4(b) No credit for any actual results. Must be generic.
4(b) e.g. That an avian subject, an African Grey parrot, showed symbolic comprehension / cognitive ability of the concept same/different. (2 marks)
4(b) It would therefore appear that symbolic representation, in this case of same/different, is not exclusive to primates (2 marks)
4(b) The study showed that he could comprehend same/different (1 mark)
4(b) Not only primates can understand same/different (1 mark)
4(b) Alex's accuracy rate was 70% for novel objects (0 marks = result).

On Oracle Prep you can write or photograph your own answer and have it marked by AI against this mark scheme, with feedback on what you missed.