AQA GCSE Biology Biology Paper 2 (Foundation), June 2022: Question 2

11 marks · Low Demand difficulty · Short Answer

Identify features of reflex actions and reflex arcs, calculate a mean reaction time from computer-based test data, identify an anomaly, and state factors affecting reaction time.

Practise this question

Question

Question 2 begins with multiple-choice questions on reflex actions, including a diagram of a reflex arc showing labels A (receptor in skin of finger), B (motor neurone connected to a muscle), and C (spinal cord). Part 02.3 asks candidates to select two reflex actions from a list of five. Then, a practical investigation on reaction time using a red-to-green computer screen is presented alongside Table 1, showing reaction times in milliseconds for four students across five tests. Questions require calculating the mean reaction time for student S, circling an anomalous result in the table, and naming two factors affecting reaction time.
Question text

02 Many human actions are reflexes.

02.1 Which statement describes a reflex action?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

A reflex action does not need a sense organ.

A reflex action is a slow action.

A reflex action is automatic.

Figure 3 shows the nerve pathway for a reflex action.

The arrows show the direction of the nerve impulse.

Figure 3

02.2 Draw one line from each part of the nerve pathway to the name of that part.

Use Figure 3.

[3 marks]

Part of nerve pathway Name of part

Motor neurone

A

Receptor

B

Relay neurone

C

Spinal cord

02.3 Which two human actions are reflexes?

[2 marks]

Tick ( ) two boxes.

Blinking when an insect flies into the eye

Catching a ball in a playground game

Playing a musical instrument

Removing the hand from a hot object

Writing a message to a friend 8

Students investigated their reaction times using a computer program.

Figure 4 shows a sequence of two screens in the computer program.

Figure 4

This is the method used.

1. Open the reaction time program.

2. When the screen turns from red to green, touch the screen as quickly as possible.

3. Record the reaction time shown on the screen.

4. Re-set to the red screen.

5. Repeat steps 2 to 4 four more times.

6. Repeat steps 1 to 5 for each student.

Table 1 shows the results.

Table 1

Reaction time in milliseconds

Test

Student P Student Q Student R Student S

1 317 310 367 320

2 309 293 352 304

3 290 312 350 315

4 333 307 359 308

5 328 312 635 313

Mean 315 3079 357 X

02.4 Calculate mean value X in Table 1.

[2 marks]

X = milliseconds

02.5 There is an anomalous result for student R.

Draw a ring around the anomalous result in Table 1.

[1 mark]

02.6 Give two factors that might affect a person’s reaction time.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme Mark scheme for Question 2 lists the answers: 02.1 accepts 'a reflex action is automatic' (1 mark); 02.2 matches A to Receptor, B to Motor neurone, and C to Spinal cord (3 marks); 02.3 accepts 'blinking when an insect flies into the eye' and 'removing the hand from a hot object' (2 marks); 02.4 gives 1 mark for (320 + 304 + 315 + 308 + 313) / 5 and 1 mark for 312; 02.5 awards 1 mark for a ring drawn around 635 in Table 1; 02.6 awards 2 marks for any two factors such as age, drugs (caffeine/alcohol), tiredness/sleep, sex, practice, or distractions.

Question 2

AO /

Question Answers Extra information Mark

Spec. Ref.

02.1 a reflex action is automatic 1 AO1

4.5.2.1

AO /

Spec. Ref.

02.2 AO1

1 4.5.1

4.5.2.1

do not accept more than one line from a box on the left

AO /

Spec. Ref.

02.3 blinking when an insect flies into 1 AO2

the eye

4.5.2.1

removing the hand from a hot 1

object

AO /

Spec. Ref.

02.4 320 + 304 + 315 + 308 + 313 allow 1560 1 AO2

55 4.5.2.1

View with

RPA7

Table 1 312 1

Mark with if no other mark awarded allow 9

02.5 1 mark for

315 + 307 + 357 = 326(.3)

AO /

Spec. Ref.

02.5 ring drawn around 635 allow 635 or test 5 (next to 1 AO3

View with in Table 1 question) if no ring drawn on 4.5.2.1

Table 1 Table 1 RPA7

Mark with

02.4

AO /

Spec. Ref.

02.6 any two from: 2 AO1

• age 4.5.2.1

• drugs allow a named example of a RPA7

drug such as alcohol / caffeine

• tiredness / sleep

• sex allow gender

allow practice at the test or

playing computer games

allow distractions

Total Question 2 11

How to answer it

Reflex Actions and Investigating Reaction Time

📋 What this question tests

This 11-mark question assesses fundamental recall and practical skills from Topic 4.5: Homeostasis and Response (specification reference 4.5.2.1 and RPA 7):

  • Understanding the definition and protective nature of reflex actions.
  • Identifying the components of a reflex arc (stimulus → receptor → neurones → effector).
  • Distinguishing between voluntary responses and automatic reflexes.
  • Handling experimental data: calculating a mean from repeated trials.
  • Spotting anomalous results in a dataset and identifying variables affecting human reaction time.

Question 02.1: Defining a Reflex Action

Multiple Choice [1 mark]

✅ Correct Answer

Tick: A reflex action is automatic.

💡 Key Knowledge

Reflex actions are rapid and automatic (involuntary). They do not involve the conscious part of the brain, protecting the body from immediate harm.

❌ Common Errors

  • Selecting "A reflex action is a slow action" — reflexes are extremely fast.
  • Selecting "does not need a sense organ" — every reflex requires a receptor to detect the stimulus!
Award 1 mark for the correct box ticked. If more than one box is ticked, no mark is awarded.

Question 02.2: Labelling the Reflex Arc

Matching Diagram Structures [3 marks]

✅ Correct Matches

  • A → Receptor [1 mark]
  • B → Motor neurone [1 mark]
  • C → Spinal cord [1 mark]

💡 Pathway of a Reflex Arc

Follow the arrows showing impulse direction:

  1. A (Skin/Receptor): detects stimulus.
  2. Sensory neurone: carries impulse into the CNS.
  3. C (Spinal cord): coordinator containing relay neurones and synapses.
  4. B (Motor neurone): carries impulse away from CNS to effector.
  5. Effector (Muscle): contracts to produce the response.

🧠 Exam Technique

Rule of lines: "Draw one line from each part...". If you draw two lines from Box A or B or C, you forfeit the mark for that item. Always use a ruler for clear, neat connections.

Mark breakdown: 1 mark for each correctly drawn line. (3 marks total)

Question 02.3: Identifying Reflex Actions

Tick Two Boxes [2 marks]

✅ Correct Actions

  • Blinking when an insect flies into the eye [1 mark]
  • Removing the hand from a hot object [1 mark]

💡 Reflex vs Voluntary

Ask yourself: "Does this happen instantly without thinking to protect me?"

  • Reflex: Blinking, withdrawal reflex, pupil dilation.
  • Voluntary: Catching a ball, playing music, writing (these require conscious decision-making in the brain).

❌ Common Trap

Students often mistake "catching a ball" for a reflex because people say "great reflexes!". In biology, catching a ball is a voluntary response requiring hand-eye coordination and conscious processing.

Award 1 mark for each correct box ticked. Max 2 marks.

Question 02.4: Calculating Mean Reaction Time

Data Calculation [2 marks]

📐 Step-by-Step Calculation for Student S

Values for Student S: 320, 304, 315, 308, 313

  1. Step 1: Sum the values
    320 + 304 + 315 + 308 + 313 = 1560 [1 mark]
  2. Step 2: Divide by number of trials (5)
    1560 ÷ 5 = 312 [1 mark]

Answer: X = 312 milliseconds

🧠 Exam Technique: Working Out

Always write out your full working: (320 + 304 + 315 + 308 + 313) ÷ 5 . Even if you punch numbers wrong into your calculator, you will still secure the method mark!

Mark breakdown: 1 mark for correct sum divided by 5 (1560/5); 1 mark for correct final answer (312). Full marks awarded for correct answer alone.

Question 02.5: Spotting an Anomalous Result

Identifying Data Outliers [1 mark]

✅ Correct Identification

Draw a ring around 635 (Student R, Test 5) in Table 1.

TestStudent R Reaction Time (ms)
1367
2352
3350
4359
5 635 ← Anomalous value

💡 Why is it anomalous?

Tests 1 to 4 are closely clustered between 350 and 367 ms. 635 ms is roughly double the rest, making it significantly different from the trend.

❌ Common Error

Notice how Student R's mean in Table 1 is 357 ms? The examiners calculated: (367 + 352 + 350 + 359) ÷ 4 = 357 . They correctly excluded the anomaly from the mean! Never include anomalies when calculating averages.

Award 1 mark for a ring drawn around 635 in Table 1 (or clearly writing 635 / Test 5).

Question 02.6: Factors Affecting Reaction Time

Recall & Practical Variables [2 marks]

✅ Any Two Accepted Answers

  • Age
  • Tiredness / sleep / fatigue
  • Drugs (or named examples: caffeine, alcohol)
  • Sex / gender
  • Practice at the test / playing video games
  • Distractions

💡 Science of Reaction Time

  • Stimulants (e.g. caffeine): Speed up neurotransmission across synapses, reducing reaction time.
  • Depressants (e.g. alcohol) & Tiredness: Slow down nerve impulse transmission, increasing reaction time.

❌ Vague Answers to Avoid

Avoid one-word, ambiguous terms like "health", "fitness", or "mood". Stick to the classic specification factors: caffeine/drugs and tiredness.

Award 1 mark for each distinct, valid factor. Maximum 2 marks.

Topics

Biology · Required Practicals · B5: Homeostasis and Response · Required Practicals

Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE Biology examination, Biology Paper 2 (Foundation), June 2022. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.