Sleep, Dreams and Sleeping Disorders Specimen Paper Question Revision Task

Use psychological approaches, theories and relevant research to analyse circadian rhythm sleep disorders and their effects on behaviour. Task – break down this question and develop a paragraph plan which would allow you to fully answer this question. Bullet point the information you would include in each section. ▫Your answer should:  Explain 2 psychological approaches to explain sleep and their implications eg how we treat sleep disorders.  Explain 2 theories as to why we sleep and their implications eg what will happen according to these theories if we do not sleep.  Explain 2 pieces of research into sleep and their implications.

SQA Answer scheme: 20 marks can only be gained if all 4 of the following areas have been addressed, 15 if 3, 10 if two and 5 if only one area is addressed: ▫Identify and make the clear the relationships between at least 2 psychological approaches and circadian rhythm sleep disorders. ▫Identify and make clear the relationships between at least 2 theories and circadian rhythm sleep disorders. ▫Identify and make clear the relationships between relevant psychological research and circadian rhythm sleep disorders. ▫Draw out and relate implications/consequences of theories and/or research (linking back to the task).

Possible structure: Background – what is circadian rhythm? What is the sleep cycle? What are the consequences of lack of sleep? Dement and Kleitman, 1957 – implications of lack of sleep Theories: Restoration theory (Oswald, 1966) supporting evidence, implications – what effects will lack of sleep have according to this theory? Theories: Reorganisational Theory of Learning (Crick and Mitchison, 1983) supporting evidence, implications – what effects will lack of sleep have according to this theory? ( Optional)Theories: Evolutionary Theory (Meddis, 1979 and Webb, 1983) supporting evidence, implications – what effects will lack of sleep have according to this theory?

Biological Theory – factors which impact sleep cycle – endogenous pacemakers and exogenous zeitgebers. Any supporting evidence Treatments under the biological theory – Drugs (sleeping pills), melatonin supplement. Czeisler, 1990 – exposure to bright light Cognitive Approach – stress appears to be a major cause for sleep disorders – cognitive theory of dreaming – role in learning and problem solving. Therefore lack of sleep will impair learning and problem solving abilities. Supporting evidence. Treatments under cognitive approach – CBT and Stimulus Control Therapy – supporting evidence

NB It is important to remember that this is not the definitive structure – just a suggested one. Make sure that before you answer any question you are breaking it down and planning your response to ensure that you are answering ALL aspects of it. Don’t just start to answer – you will start to get confused and missed things.