GCSEPsychologyAQAExam QuestionsBrain & NeuropsychologyStructure & Function of the Brain

Structure & Function of the Brain (AQA GCSE Psychology): Exam Questions

Exam code: 8182

18 mins5 questions
1
2 marks

Read the following descriptions of two structures of the brain.

Write the correct letter A, B, C, D or E in the box next to each description.

It is located at the back of the brain and looks like a mini-brain. It is only about 10% of the brain’s total volume but has over 50% of the neurons.

It is located near the top and centre of the cerebral cortex (cerebrum). It is above one lobe and between two others.

A Cerebellum

B Frontal lobe

C Occipital lobe

D Parietal lobe

E Temporal lobe

How did you do?

2
4 marks

Read the following information.

Adrianna and Jayla were at home watching a movie when they decided to make some popcorn.

Adrianna thought the popcorn looked burnt so she tried some to see how it tasted. It was hot and she burnt her lip. “Ouch, that hurt,” she said.

Jayla looked to see how far away the freezer was and knew she could reach for the ice cubes from where she was standing. She grabbed a handful and tried to ignore how cold they felt. “Your lip does look quite red,” she said, as she handed Adrianna the ice cubes.

From the information, identify two examples of situations where the parietal lobe was involved and identify two examples of situations where the occipital lobe was involved.

How did you do?

3
2 marks

For each of the definitions below, tick one box to identify the correct area of the brain that matches each definition.

Definition

Motor

Somatosensory

Auditory

An area that is concerned with the perception of touch, pressure, pain and temperature

An area that is concerned with the processing of sound

How did you do?

4
4 marks

Read the following information.

A researcher wanted to investigate the James–Lange theory of emotion, which suggests that physiological reactions happen before we experience an emotion. You have been asked to design a study to investigate if a physiological response occurs before a conscious emotional response when viewing a scary image.

Describe how you would design a study to do this. You need to include the following information in your answer:

  • what you would ask your participants to do

  • what data you would collect and a justification for why this should be collected

How did you do?

5
6 marks

Penfield studied patients undergoing brain surgery and electrically stimulated areas of the temporal lobe, which he referred to as the interpretive cortex. Some patients reported vivid memories, sounds or images when these areas were stimulated.

Evaluate Penfield’s interpretive cortex study.

How did you do?