AQA AS Psychology Past Papers & Mark Schemes

AQA Psychology has three Assessment Objectives: AO1 (knowledge and understanding — describing theories, studies, and concepts), AO2 (application — using psychological knowledge to explain novel scenarios), and AO3 (evaluation — critically assessing theories and research). Many students can describe Milgram's study perfectly (AO1) but struggle to evaluate it effectively (AO3). Strong evaluation uses the PEEL structure: Point (identify a strength or limitation), Evidence (support it with specific psychological evidence or methodological reasoning), Explain (why this is a strength or limitation), and Link (connect back to the theory or study being evaluated). Research methods questions test technical precision. Know the difference between an independent groups design and a repeated measures design and when each is preferable. Understand operationalisation — how abstract concepts are turned into measurable variables. Distinguish between reliability (consistency of results) and validity (whether the study measures what it claims to measure). When asked to design a study, specify the experimental design, the independent and dependent variables, how you would control extraneous variables, and how you would select and allocate participants. Vague answers like 'I would do an experiment' earn minimal marks. Application questions (AO2) present a scenario and ask you to use your psychological knowledge to explain the behaviour described. The key skill is bridging from the scenario to the theory: 'Zara's behaviour of checking the locks repeatedly is consistent with OCD, specifically the compulsion component. According to the cognitive approach, this behaviour is maintained by obsessive thoughts (that her house will be burgled) which create anxiety, and the checking behaviour temporarily reduces this anxiety, negatively reinforcing the compulsion.' Notice how the answer names the specific mechanism (negative reinforcement) and connects it to the specific details of the scenario. For extended response questions (12 marks), plan a balanced structure: two or three AO1 paragraphs describing the theory or study, each followed by an AO3 evaluation point. End with a brief conclusion that weighs up the strengths and limitations to reach an overall judgement. The mark scheme rewards breadth and depth — cover multiple points rather than writing extensively about one.