Revision guide for AQA Psychology AS and A-Level topics, including straightforward study notes and summaries of the relevant theories and studies, past papers, and mark schemes with example answers. We are updating notes for the 2025/26 academic year.
Past Papers & Mark Schemes
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology
- AS: written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes: 72 marks in total: 50% of AS
- A-level: written exam: 2 hours: 96 marks in total: 33.3% of A-level
1. Social Influence (24 marks)
2. Memory (24 marks)
3. Attachment (24 marks)
4. Clinical Psychology and Mental Health A-Level Only (24 marks)
multiple choice, short answer and extended writing
Paper 2: Psychology in Context
- AS: Compulsory content 1–3: written exam: 1 hour 30 minutes: 72 marks in total: 50% of AS
- A-level: written exam: 2 hours: 96 marks in total: 33.3% of A-level
5. Approaches to Psychology (24 marks)
6. Biopsychology (24 marks)
7. Research Methods (AS: 24 marks & A-level: 48 marks)
multiple choice, short answer and extended writing
Note: Unlike all other sections across the 3 exam papers, research methods is worth 48 marks instead of 24. Not only that, the other sections often include a few research methods questions, so this topic is the most important on the syllabus!
Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology
- written exam: 2 hours: 96 marks in total: 33.3% of A-level
Compulsory
8. Issues and Debates (24 marks)
All students answer this question
Option 1
9. Relationships (24 marks)
10. Gender (24 marks)
11. Cognition and Development (24 marks)
one from option 1, 9–11
Option 2
12. Schizophrenia (24 marks)
13. Eating Behaviour (24 marks)
14. Stress (24 marks)
one from option 2, 12–14
Option 3
Past Papers & Mark Schemes15. Aggression (24 marks)
16. Forensic Psychology (24 marks)
17. Addiction (24 marks)
one from option 3, 15–17
Assessment Objectives
There are three assessment objectives assessed in each examination:
- Demonstrate knowledge
- Application of knowledge
- Analyse, interpret, and evaluate
There may be one, two, or all (only in the extended writing 16-mark question).
AO1: Demonstrate Knowledge
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques, and procedures.
- Show knowledge and understanding of psychological theories, terminology, concepts, studies, and methods.
AO2: Application of Knowledge
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques, and procedures.
- Show knowledge and understanding of psychological theories, terminology, concepts, studies, and methods.
In application questions, examiners look for “effective application to the scenario”, meaning that you need to describe the theory and explain the scenario using the theory, making the links between the two very clear.
If there is more than one individual in the scenario, you must mention all the characters to get to the top band.
AO3: Analyse, interpret and evaluate
Analyse, interpret, and evaluate scientific information, ideas, and evidence, including in relation to issues, to:
- make judgements and reach conclusions
- develop and refine practical design and procedures.
For example:
- Whether or not theories are supported or refuted by valid research evidence.
- General criticisms and/or strengths of theories and studies:
- Whether or not theories are supported or refuted by valid research evidence.
- Contextualising how the topic in question relates to broader debates and approaches in Psychology
- Animal Research raises the issue of whether it’s morally and/or scientifically right to use animals. The main criterion is that benefits must outweigh costs. Animal research also raises the issue of extrapolation. Can we generalise from studies on animals to humans, as their anatomy and physiology are different from humans?
How much of A-level psychology is maths?
A-level Psychology requires a solid foundation in GCSE-level mathematics, focusing on data handling, statistical calculations, graphical representation, and understanding statistical tests, all applied within psychological research contexts.
Maths in A-level Psychology
- Minimum Assessment Weighting: At least 10% of the overall assessment for both AS and A-level Psychology will require the use of mathematical skills.
- Required Standard: These mathematical skills will be at least the standard of higher tier GCSE mathematics. This is referred to as Level 2 or above.
- Assessment Breakdown: The mark schemes show that mathematical skills are assessed across different papers, particularly Paper 2 (Psychology in Context) and Paper 3 (Issues and Options).
- Calculators: Students should have access to a calculator during examinations.
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