Peter is 17 years old and has just been diagnosed with alcohol addiction - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 17 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 17
Peter is 17 years old and has just been diagnosed with alcohol addiction. His mother is also addicted to alcohol. She drinks alcohol from the moment she gets up in t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Peter is 17 years old and has just been diagnosed with alcohol addiction - AQA - A-Level Psychology - Question 17 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
AO1: Discuss the influence of role models
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Children often observe and imitate behaviors from role models such as their parents. In Peter's case, seeing his mother drink alcohol might have normalized this behavior for him, making it more likely that he would also engage in drinking.
Step 2
AO1: Social identity theory and peer influence
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Social identity theory suggests that individuals identify with groups that reflect their norms and values. Peter drinks alcohol to fit in with his friends, indicating that social influences play a significant role in his behavior.
Step 3
AO1: Reinforcement of behaviors
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Behaviors that are reinforced tend to be repeated. Peter experiences positive reinforcement when drinking alcohol at parties, where it boosts his confidence and helps him socialize, reinforcing his desire to drink.
Step 4
AO2: Discussing classical conditioning
98%
120 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
According to classical conditioning, associations between stimuli can lead to reflexive responses. For Peter, drinking alcohol becomes associated with socializing at parties, creating a scenario where he feels the need to drink alcohol to experience the same positive feelings each time.
Step 5
AO2: Direct influence of maternal behavior
97%
117 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
As Peter observed his mother's drinking throughout his childhood, he may have internalized this behavior, leading him to imitate it and ultimately develop an addiction to alcohol.
Step 6
AO2: Need for alcohol at social gatherings
97%
121 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
Peter's experiences at parties have led him to associate socializing with alcohol consumption. His desire to drink each time he attends a party reflects a learned behavior that ties his social interactions to the need for alcohol.
