Lesson Plan

• Identify at least one seminal study for each specialist option (Biological, Cognitive, Developmental, Social, Abnormal).
• Summarise the methodology, main findings and theoretical relevance of the selected studies.
• Critically evaluate strengths, limitations and ethical considerations of each study.
• Link core concepts (e.g., research methods, ethics) to specialist studies in written responses.
• Apply the key studies to a typical A‑Level exam question using a structured answer format.

• Projector and screen
• PowerPoint slides summarising each key study
• Student worksheet with columns for methodology, findings, critique, and exam linkage
• Printed handout of the progression table (core‑to‑specialist)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Exit‑ticket cards

Begin with a quick “What’s the study?” quiz to activate prior knowledge of core experiments. Explain that today’s focus is on how those core ideas are extended in specialist options. State that by the end of the lesson students will be able to select, analyse and apply a key study from any specialist area to an exam question.

1. Do‑now (5'): Students answer three short questions on core studies displayed on the board.
2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Overview of the five specialist options and the associated key studies, using slides and the suggested diagrams.
3. Group activity (15'): In groups of four, each group receives a specialist option, selects one study, and fills the worksheet (method, findings, critique, exam link).
4. Whole‑class debrief (10'): Groups present their study; teacher highlights connections to core concepts and common evaluation points.
5. Exam practice (10'): Individually, students answer a past‑paper stem that asks them to integrate a core study with a specialist study.
6. Exit ticket (5'): Students write one thing they can now do with a key study and one question they still have.

Recap the five specialist options and the importance of linking key studies to core methodology and ethics. Collect exit tickets to gauge understanding and assign homework: write a 150‑word critical evaluation of a chosen study, citing at least two strengths and two limitations.