AQA GCSE Biology Biology Paper 2 (Foundation), June 2023: Question 8

10 marks · Standard Demand difficulty · Extended Answer

Identify structures and mechanisms of the human eye during accommodation and the pupil reflex, and plan an investigation to determine the effect of drinking coffee on human reaction time.

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Question text

08 A person’s eyes can focus on objects at different distances.

A person looks at a distant object.

The person then looks at a near object.

The person’s eyes make adjustments so that the near object forms a clear image.

08.1 Which term describes the adjustment of focus from the distant object to the

near object?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

Accommodation

Adaptation

Hyperopia

Myopia

Figure 14 shows the eye.

Figure 14

08.2 Which structure in Figure 14 is where the image is focused?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

A B C D E

08.3 Which structure in Figure 14 is a muscle that contracts when focusing on a

near object?

[1 mark]

Tick ( ) one box.

A B C D E

08.4 What happens to the shape of the lens when focusing on a near object?

[1 mark]

08.5 The eyes can function in dimly-lit areas and in brightly-lit areas.

The iris contains muscles.

Describe how muscles in the iris help the person to see clearly when moving from a

dimly-lit area to a brightly-lit area.

[2 marks]

08.6 It is important to be able to react quickly.

Many people think that drinking coffee decreases reaction time.

Plan an investigation to test the effect of drinking coffee on reaction time.

You should include:

• the test for reaction time that you would use

• how to make the investigation valid.

[4 marks]

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme

Question 8

AO /

Question Answers Extra information Mark

Spec Ref.

08.1 accommodation 1 AO1

4.5.2.3

AO /

Spec Ref.

08.2 B 1 AO1

4.5.2.3

AO /

Spec Ref.

08.3 E 1 AO1

4.5.2.3

AO /

Spec Ref.

08.4 becomes fatter / thicker / wider allow more convex / curved / 1 AO1

rounded 4.5.2.3

ignore larger / smaller

AO /

Spec Ref.

08.5 any two from: 2 AO1

4.5.2.3

• (muscles in the iris) contract allow (muscles in the iris)

shorten

ignore circular / radial muscles

ignore (muscles in the iris) relax

do not accept ciliary muscles

contract

• reduce size of pupil allow constrict pupil

allow reduce size of aperture /

gap / hole

• reduces (amount of) light allow reduces (amount of) light

entering reaching retina

AO /

Question Answers Mark

Spec Ref.

08.6 Level 2: The method would lead to the production of a valid 3–4 AO2

outcome. The key steps are identified and logically sequenced.

Level 1: The method would not necessarily lead to a valid 1–2 AO1

outcome. Most steps are identified, but the method is not fully

logically sequenced.

No relevant content 0

Indicative content 4.5.2.1

RPA7

• identification of method eg ruler drop

• correct details of method chosen eg hold ruler above thumb

• repetitions – at least two more times

• repeat with (at least 2 more) other students

• tested without coffee and with coffee or with different amounts of

coffee

• calculate mean value with coffee and without coffee

• compare results with and without coffee

• correct control variables for method chosen, eg:

o same age

o sex

o BMI

o amount of sleep

o volume / concentration / type of coffee

o time interval between drinking and testing

o control variable within method described

For level 2 reference to collecting results with and without coffee

along with how the investigation is designed to create valid results

is required

Total Question 8 10

How to answer it

Eye Structure, Accommodation & Investigating Reaction Time

What this question tests

This question assesses recall and understanding of Homeostasis and Response (Topic 5), specifically:

Structure and function of key parts of the human eye (retina, ciliary muscles, lens, iris).
The process of accommodation to focus on near vs distant objects.
The iris reflex in response to changes in light intensity.
Required Practical 7: Planning a valid, repeatable investigation into the effect of a factor (caffeine/coffee) on human reaction time.

Question 08.1

Term for Adjusting Focus

1 Mark • AO1 (Recall)

✅ Correct Answer

Accommodation

💡 Key Knowledge

Accommodation is the reflex process by which the eye changes optical power (lens curvature) to maintain a clear image on an object as its distance changes.

❌ Common Errors & Confusions

Adaptation: Evolution/behavioural adjustment over time, not eye focusing.
Myopia: Short-sightedness (a defect, not the normal process).
Hyperopia: Long-sightedness (a defect).

Mark Scheme: 1 mark for ticking Accommodation.

Question 08.2

Where the Image is Focused

1 Mark • AO1 (Identification)

✅ Correct Answer

B (The Retina)

💡 Anatomy of the Eye (Figure 14)

A: Sclera (tough, protective outer white layer)
B: Retina (light-sensitive layer of receptor cells at the back)
C: Optic nerve (carries impulses to the brain)
D: Cornea (transparent outer layer that refracts light)
E: Ciliary muscle (controls lens thickness)

🧠 Exam Technique

Light rays are refracted by the cornea and lens so that they converge specifically on receptor cells in the retina (B). Always trace where incoming light lands at the back of the eyeball.

Mark Scheme: 1 mark for selecting B.

Question 08.3

Muscle Contracting for Near Vision

1 Mark • AO1 (Application of Anatomy)

✅ Correct Answer

E (Ciliary Muscle)

💡 Mechanism of Near Vision

Ciliary muscles contract (moves closer to the lens).
Suspensory ligaments slacken / loosen.
The lens becomes thicker/fatter and refracts light more strongly.

❌ Common Errors

Students frequently confuse the ciliary muscles with the iris or mistakenly think suspensory ligaments contract. Remember: ligaments are non-muscular tissue and never contract; only muscles contract!

Mark Scheme: 1 mark for selecting E.

Question 08.4

Change in Lens Shape for a Near Object

1 Mark • AO1 (Recall)

✅ Correct Answer

The lens becomes fatter / thicker / wider / more convex (or more rounded/curved).

🧠 Memory Aid

Near = Need more refraction = Nicely rounded (fatter) lens.

Distant = Thinner / flatter lens (less refraction needed).

❌ What the Examiner Ignores

Do not write simply "it gets bigger" or "it gets smaller". The volume doesn't change—its curvature / thickness changes.

Mark Scheme: 1 mark for: becomes fatter / thicker / wider. Allow: more convex / curved / rounded. Ignore: larger / smaller.

Question 08.5

Pupil Reflex: Moving into Bright Light

2 Marks • AO1 (Explanation)

✅ Correct Answer (Any 2 Points)

(Muscles in the iris) contract [specifically circular muscles contract].
The pupil constricts / reduces in size.
This reduces the amount of light entering the eye / reaching the retina.

💡 Iris Reflex Details

In bright light: Circular muscles contract, radial muscles relax → pupil constricts (gets smaller) → prevents damage to retinal cells.
In dim light: Radial muscles contract, circular muscles relax → pupil dilates (gets larger) → lets more light in.

❌ Where Marks Were Lost

Writing "ciliary muscles contract" instead of iris muscles (0 marks for that point).
Stating iris muscles "relax" (circular muscles contract to constrict).
Saying "the eye gets smaller" rather than specifying the pupil.

Mark Scheme: Any 2 from: (muscles in iris) contract [1] | reduce size of pupil [1] | reduces light entering [1].

Question 08.6

Investigation: Effect of Coffee on Reaction Time

4 Marks • AO2 / AO1 (RP7 Practical Design)

🧠 Level 2 Criteria (3–4 Marks)

To reach Level 2, your plan must:

Test reaction time both before and after drinking coffee (or compare coffee vs decaf/water).
Describe clear, ordered practical steps.
Include methods to ensure validity (control variables & repetitions).

📋 Model 4-Mark Response Plan

Reaction Test: Use the ruler drop test. Subject rests arm on a bench; experimenter holds ruler vertically level with the top of the subject's thumb (at 0 cm mark). Drop ruler without warning; subject catches it as quickly as possible. Record distance in cm.
Baseline Test: Test reaction time before consuming coffee. Repeat at least 3 times and calculate a mean baseline distance.
Administer Coffee: Have the participant drink a fixed volume (e.g. 200 cm³) of a specific brand/concentration of caffeinated coffee. Wait a set time (e.g. 20–30 minutes) for caffeine absorption.
Post-Coffee Test: Repeat the ruler drop test using the exact same procedure at least 3 times and calculate a mean.
Compare: Compare the mean catch distance (or converted reaction time) before and after coffee.

✅ Key Control Variables (For Validity)

Hand used: Always catch with the dominant (or same) hand.
Thumb position: Same gap between thumb and finger, ruler starting height identical.
Person factors: Same person (or matched participants for age, gender, sleep, BMI).
Coffee standardisation: Same volume, brand, temperature, and brew concentration.
No practice effect: Allow practice drops before recording to avoid learning bias.

❌ Common Examiner Criticisms

No baseline: Testing only people who drank coffee, without testing them before (or without a control group drinking water/decaf).
No waiting time: Testing immediately after drinking coffee before caffeine can take effect.
No repetitions: Doing the drop test only once instead of repeating to calculate a mean.
Vague descriptions: Saying "drop a ruler" without stating how it is held, caught, or measured.

Mark Scheme: Level 2 (3–4 marks) requires testing with AND without coffee, clear method, repetitions for mean, and key control variables to ensure validity.

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 2023. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.