Inconsistency between knowledge of content and ability to match mark scheme

[KiNSKi01]

Does anyone else currently studying either 1/2 or 3/4 psychology find that they feel super confident about all the content but are unable to provide suitable answers during exams. If so, does anyone have any tips to make sure that during exams you can be confident knowing what you have answered is exactly what markers are looking for? In addition, what revision/study tips will help with this issue?

[PhoenixxFire]

Never been that much of a problem for me but I used to do something similar. My advice would be to go through questions slowly. Instead of answering it write what you think they are looking for - pay attention to command words (explain, describe, list, etc). Highlight important information in the question and then write out the information you think they want, don't worry about it 'making sense' just make sure the important information is there. You can use dot points for this if it's easier. Doing this for lots of questions should make it easier to figure out what you need to write.

After answering questions make sure you go through and don't just read the answers but write out your own full mark answers in words that make sense to you.

[KiNSKi01]

After answering questions make sure you go through and don't just read the answers but write out your own full mark answers in words that make sense to you.

So you're suggesting that when you have time to check your answers, expand on the dot points you have already made?

[PhoenixxFire]

Yeah. So initially do your practice tests without your notes then go through them and mark them but also write out a full mark response.

[Sam M]

A way to improve this would be definitely to do relevant past short answer questions from vcaa exams. When checking the assessors report, they usually mention what was required for full marks.
You could make note of the types of things you were commonly missing and see if there are any patterns, e.g. including examples. Then you could work on these things.
Also, I found that many of the future questions rely on similar knowledge. e.g. When explaining biofeedback (not sure if thats still in the study design) I think I remember there being three distinct parts you had to refer to (if it was a three mark question). I had I learnt this from a past assessors report and it happened to turn up in one of my sacs (so I was able to perfectly answer the question).
Other than that, just put yourself in the mind of assessor when answering a question.
As was already mentioned by PhoenixxFire, just pay attention to command words and you can even highlight key terms (e.g. 'using an example' -- definitely don't want to forget, or 'list one advantage, one' blah blah) so that you don't ignore key parts of the question.

[KiNSKi01]

A way to improve this would be definitely to do relevant past short answer questions from vcaa exams. When checking the assessors report, they usually mention what was required for full marks.

Considering I am doing 1/2 Psyc atm, where can I get my hands on past exam papers? Most of what I find on the web only applies to 3/4. Thanks for the rest of the advice Sam M and PhoenixxFire 

[PhoenixxFire]

There should be questions in your text book you can do or your teacher might have some. They might be willing to give you previous years SAC's as well.

[-273.15]

When would you advise to use a definition of a key term in an answer? I find a lot of the time a definition is required for a mark even though it is not explicitly stated in the question. Generally I'll look at how many marks a question is worth but sometimes a 2 or 3 mark question where an explanation is needed does not require a definition.
I am so confused about including definitions

Could someone help?

[peter.g15]

When would you advise to use a definition of a key term in an answer? I find a lot of the time a definition is required for a mark even though it is not explicitly stated in the question. Generally I'll look at how many marks a question is worth but sometimes a 2 or 3 mark question where an explanation is needed does not require a definition.
I am so confused about including definitions

Could someone help?

A lot of the time, a 3+ mark question will require a definition or explanation of the concept behind it. Occasionally, a 2 mark question will need it, but it normally depends on the question and how much they want. For example, 'Describe an approach coping strategy this person could use for their situation" (2 marks). Since this question only asks for 1 approach coping strategy and it's worth two marks, the examiners are PROBABLY looking for a definition of what an approach coping strategy is, linking it to the situation and the coping strategy itself. One mark question are normally 'identify', so you probably don't need a definition.