AQA GCSE Psychology
Explore your course, one topic at a time.
Course overview
The AQA GCSE Psychology specification covers 11 study areas with 460 learning objectives (8182). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.
- 11 study areas
- 2 study pages
- 460 learning objectives
- 363
- practice questions
- 11
- topics
- 1
- explainer videos
- 4
- audio lessons
Your exams
- Cognition and behaviourMonday, 10 May 2027, PM
- Social context and behaviourMonday, 17 May 2027, PM
Always confirm dates and times with your exam centre.
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Cognition and behaviour | 105 min | 100 | 50% |
| Paper 2: Social context and behaviour | 105 min | 100 | 50% |
Explore your topics
11 study areas
Cognition and behaviour6 study areas
- Cognition and behaviour12 specification points covering Students will be expected to:, demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes, procedures and…36 objectives
- Memory10 specification points covering Processes of memory: encoding (input) storage and retrieval (output), Different types of memory: episodic memory, semantic…30 objectives · 1 study page
- Perception11 specification points covering Sensation and perception The difference between sensation and perception., Visual cues and constancies Monocular depth…33 objectives
- Development9 specification points covering Early brain development A basic knowledge of brain development, from simple neural structures in the womb, of brain stem,…27 objectives
- Research methods29 specification points covering Formulation of testable hypotheses Null hypothesis and alternative hypothesis., Types of variable Independent variable,…87 objectives
- Data handling7 specification points covering Quantitative and qualitative data The difference between quantitative and qualitative data., Primary and secondary data The…21 objectives
Social context and behaviour5 study areas
- Social context and behaviour12 specification points covering Students will be expected to:, demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes, procedures and…36 objectives
- Social influence7 specification points covering Conformity Identification and explanation of how social factors (group size, anonymity and task difficulty) and…21 objectives
- Language, thought and communication16 specification points covering The possible relationship between language and thought, Piaget’s theory: language depends on thought., The Sapir-Whorf…48 objectives
- Brain and neuropsychology13 specification points covering Structure and function of the nervous system, The divisions of the human nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic…39 objectives
- Psychological problems27 specification points covering An introduction to mental health, Characteristics of mental health, eg positive engagement with society, effective coping…82 objectives · 1 study page
About this course
About AQA GCSE Psychology
AQA GCSE Psychology offers an engaging introduction to the scientific study of mind and behaviour. Over the course, you will explore how our cognitive processes shape everyday experiences – from how we remember and perceive the world, to how we develop through childhood and interact with others. The specification balances classic psychological theories with contemporary research, giving you a solid foundation in understanding human thought and action.
The course is divided into two key areas: cognition and behaviour, and social context and behaviour. You'll investigate fascinating topics like memory, perception, and child development, while also delving into social influence, language and communication, brain function, and common mental health issues such as depression and addiction. Research methods are woven throughout, equipping you with the skills to design studies, analyse data, and evaluate ethical issues – essential preparation for further study in psychology.
AQA’s linear structure means all assessment happens at the end of the course through two written exams, allowing you time to deepen your understanding before testing. The specification is widely recognised for its clarity and accessibility, making it a popular choice for students new to psychology. With no coursework, you can focus entirely on mastering the material and developing critical evaluation skills that are valued across many future pathways.
Assessment Structure
This qualification is assessed by two written exam papers, each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes and worth 100 marks. Paper 1 covers Cognition and Behaviour (Memory, Perception, Development, and Research Methods), while Paper 2 covers Social Context and Behaviour (Social Influence, Language, Thought and Communication, Brain and Neuropsychology, and Psychological Problems). Both papers are equally weighted at 50% of the GCSE, giving a total of 200 marks. There is no coursework or practical assessment; all questions are based on the content of the specification, including multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-writing items.
Why Choose AQA?
- AQA’s GCSE Psychology specification is renowned for its straightforward, well-organised content and clear exam papers, reducing anxiety for students and making revision more manageable.
- The absence of coursework means your final grade is determined solely by exam performance, allowing you to focus your effort on understanding the material rather than managing ongoing projects.
- AQA aligns closely with the research methods and key approaches used in A-level Psychology, providing an excellent stepping stone for further study, and it is widely taught in schools, meaning plenty of high-quality resources and past papers are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Assessment and exam guidance
Assessment Objectives
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures.
Apply knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures.
Analyse and evaluate psychological information, ideas, processes and procedures to make judgements and draw conclusions.
Exam Structure
Paper 1: Cognition and behaviour
1h 45m
Duration
100
Marks
50%
Weighting
Paper 2: Social context and behaviour
1h 45m
Duration
100
Marks
50%
Weighting
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Treating the lead-in line as examinable content to be memorised. Correction: it is a signpost; revise the bullet points that follow and the named Paper 1 topics they refer to.
- •Assuming the expectations apply only to Paper 2. Correction: this section is the Paper 1 content, so link each bullet to memory, perception, development and research methods.
- •Reading the list once and moving on. Correction: use each bullet as a checklist item and test yourself against real Paper 1 material.
- •Ignoring research methods because it feels separate. Correction: research methods is part of the specified Paper 1 content and should be revised alongside the topic areas.
- •Learning definitions only and never explaining how a process works. Correction: for each term, add a sentence explaining the mechanism or purpose.
- •Confusing a procedure with a theory. Correction: a procedure is what was done (for example the steps of a study); a theory explains behaviour, so label each correctly.
- •Describing a study without saying what psychological idea it supports. Correction: link each procedure to the idea or theory it tests.
- •Treating 'understanding' as memorising longer paragraphs. Correction: understanding is shown by explaining in your own words and applying the idea to a new example.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Turn each following bullet into a question you ask of your notes, for example 'can I explain this process in my own words?'.
- •Label your revision notes by Paper 1 topic so you can see which bullet each page serves.
- •After each topic, write one exam-style question that targets the bullet and attempt it under timed conditions.
- •For every topic, prepare one description and one explanation so you can answer both 'describe' and 'explain' style questions.
- •Practise converting a definition into an applied example set in an unfamiliar scenario.
- •Check your grid covers all four categories — idea, process, procedure, theory — for each Paper 1 topic before revising.
- •Underline the key details in the scenario (who, what, why) before choosing which psychological idea fits.
- •Use a clear structure: state the concept, then explicitly connect it to the scenario detail, using 'this explains... because...'.
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