Example Answer for Question 9 Paper 1: AS Psychology, June 2017 (AQA)

Section B - Memory

09 Explain [4 marks]

Suggested Answer: Deffenbacher put forward the Yerkes-Dodson effect which suggests that when anxiety is moderate, then EWT is enhanced; however when anxiety is very high then accuracy is reduced.

The Yerkes-Dodson effect could explain why Zina and Amanda's statements are different. As Zina was closer to the attacker and more anxious it would be reasonable to assume that her statement would be less accurate; however, as Amanda’s was less anxious, this mild level of anxiety may have improved the accuracy of her eyewitness account. This would explain why their statements were different. 

Please Note: These answers have been produced without the knowledge of the mark scheme and merely reflect my attempt at producing a model answer on the day of the exam.