Discuss the psychodynamic approach in psychology.
Updated: 7 days ago
Question 10 Mark Scheme
Discuss the psychodynamic approach in psychology.
Refer to psychosexual stages, the unconscious, personality and defence mechanisms in your answer.
[16 marks]
What is expected in the answer?
The command word “discuss” requires students to describe the key assumptions of the psychodynamic approach and then evaluate its contribution to explaining human behaviour. Because the question specifically names psychosexual stages, the unconscious, personality and defence mechanisms, all four should be addressed.
A strong response should explain how unconscious conflicts, the id, ego and superego, defence mechanisms and experiences during the psychosexual stages can influence later behaviour. The evaluation should then consider issues such as falsifiability, scientific status, evidence from case studies, psychoanalytic therapy, explanatory power, psychic determinism, gender bias and temporal validity.
The current specification requires the role of the unconscious, the structure of personality, specifically id, ego and superego, defence mechanisms including repression, denial and displacement, and psychosexual stages.
Marks for this question: AO1 = 6, AO3 = 10
This allocation is particularly well grounded because the June 2025 paper asked the directly comparable question:
“Describe and evaluate the psychodynamic approach in psychology.” [16 marks]
The official allocation was AO1 = 6 and AO3 = 10.
Level | Marks | Description |
4 | 13–16 | Knowledge of the psychodynamic approach is accurate and generally well detailed. Psychosexual stages, the unconscious, personality and defence mechanisms are clearly addressed. Evaluation is thorough and effective. The answer is clear, coherent and focused, with effective use of specialist terminology. |
3 | 9–12 | Knowledge of the psychodynamic approach is evident but there may be occasional inaccuracies or omissions. Evaluation is mostly effective. The answer is mostly clear and organised but may occasionally lack focus. |
2 | 5–8 | Limited knowledge of the psychodynamic approach is present. Focus is mainly on description. Evaluation is only partly effective. The answer may lack clarity, accuracy or organisation in places. |
1 | 1–4 | Knowledge of the psychodynamic approach is very limited. Evaluation is limited, poorly focused or absent. There may be substantial inaccuracies or inappropriate use of terminology. |
0 | 0 | No relevant content. |
These descriptors closely reflect the official June 2025 level-of-response scheme.
Indicative content
AO1: Basic assumptions of the psychodynamic approach
The psychodynamic approach proposes that behaviour is strongly influenced by processes that operate outside conscious awareness.
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