Prioritising Paper 2 Revision

For those of you taking Paper 2 in January here are my thoughts re possible questions but be wary examiners have chosen exactly the same essay questions two cycles running several times in the past; there is not a lot of rhyme or reason, I am simply spotting what has not appeared in recent cycles.

Individual differences was conspicuous by its absence in May 2007; this section of syllabus was not covered in any way, shape or form and therefore it will almost definitely appear, e.g. as an essay. Incidentally it is a hot favourite with examiners which has come up as an essay 3 cycles in a row in the past though not at all in 2007. Expect possibly

Outline and evaluate research (theories and/or studies) into the way in which personality
and/or gender modify the effects of stressors. (18 marks)

an if not featured as essay, almost undoubtedly as an a or b:

Outline the role of personality in modifying the effects of stressors.
Outline the role of gender in modifying the effects of stressors.

Other potential essays include (in most likely order)
1. Stress as a bodily response: general adaptation syndrome: not come up for at least 7 cycles; no record on internet back papers and so very likely
2. Work place stressors: has not come up in last 7 cycles and so very likely
3. Stress and immune system (not since May 2006)

A and bs
1. Individual differences: personality and gender
2. Aims, conclusions, criticisms not featured recently: likely areas of research would include: stress and life changes, stress and cardiovascular (neither featured in May 07 or Jan 07; the other two cardiovascular and workplace came up in both and in both cases findings and findings and procedures were featured)
3. Ways the body responds to stress: SAM, HPA, general adaptation syndrome
4. The criticisms of GAS

Be very much aware that examiners seem very happy about publishing the exact same questions in this topic several seasons running so expect anything but be mindful of my predictions!