What should I focus on for AQA GCSE Psychology?

When evaluating studies, always refer to the specific research context rather than making generic statements

What should I focus on for AQA GCSE Psychology? (2)

Use precise psychological terminology in your answers to demonstrate understanding

What should I focus on for AQA GCSE Psychology? (3)

In extended writing, structure your responses with clear paragraphs, linking points to the question

What should I focus on for AQA GCSE Psychology? (4)

Use specific terminology when describing depth cues (e.g., retinal disparity vs. convergence)

What should I focus on for AQA GCSE Psychology? (5)

When evaluating theories, ensure you explicitly link them to the nature/nurture debate

What are common mistakes in AQA GCSE Psychology?

Confusing correlation with causation when interpreting findings

What are common mistakes in AQA GCSE Psychology? (2)

Failing to operationalize variables clearly, leading to vague hypotheses

What are common mistakes in AQA GCSE Psychology? (3)

Overgeneralizing results from small or unrepresentative samples

Psychology

AQA

GCSE

Specification: 8182

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Assessment Objectives

AO1

35%

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures

AO2

35%

Apply knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures

AO3

30%

Analyse and evaluate psychological information, ideas, processes and procedures to make judgements and draw conclusions

What Gets Top Grades

A*/Grade 9

Knowledge & Understanding

Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge

Uses correct subject-specific terminology
Shows detailed understanding of concepts
Makes accurate connections between topics
Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge

Application

Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts

Selects relevant knowledge for the question
Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
Uses examples appropriately
Shows awareness of context

Analysis & Evaluation

Develops sophisticated analytical arguments

Constructs logical chains of reasoning
Considers multiple perspectives
Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
Acknowledges limitations and nuances

Key Command Words

AQA

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing correlation with causation when interpreting findings
•Failing to operationalize variables clearly, leading to vague hypotheses
•Overgeneralizing results from small or unrepresentative samples
•Confusing sensation with perception
•Failing to distinguish between monocular and binocular depth cues
•Confusing Gibson's direct theory (nature) with Gregory's constructivist theory (nurture)
•Describing an illusion without explaining the underlying psychological mechanism (e.g., misinterpreted depth cues)
•Generalizing factors affecting perception without linking them to specific studies or concepts

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•When evaluating studies, always refer to the specific research context rather than making generic statements
•Use precise psychological terminology in your answers to demonstrate understanding
•In extended writing, structure your responses with clear paragraphs, linking points to the question
•Use specific terminology when describing depth cues (e.g., retinal disparity vs. convergence)
•When evaluating theories, ensure you explicitly link them to the nature/nurture debate
•For visual illusions, be prepared to explain why they occur using the provided theoretical concepts
•When discussing factors affecting perception, use the Gilchrist and Nesberg or Bruner and Minturn studies as evidence
•Ensure you can define and apply the concept of perceptual set in a scenario-based question

Specification Topics

9 topics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic introduces students to the fundamental principles of psychological research, including experimental design, ethical considerations, and data analysis. Learners explore how psychologists use scientific methods to investigate behavior and mental processes, gaining practical skills in hypothesis formulation and evaluation. The content underpins all other topic areas, emphasizing critical thinking and application to real-world scenarios.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

Memory

The Memory topic covers the fundamental processes of memory, structural models of memory, the active nature of memory, and factors influencing memory accuracy.

0 objectives

Perception

The Perception topic explores the processes by which we interpret sensory information, focusing on the distinction between sensation and perception, the role of visual cues and constancies, and the theoretical debates between nature and nurture through Gibson's and Gregory's theories. It also covers visual illusions and factors that influence perceptual set.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Development

This topic covers the biological and cognitive aspects of human development, focusing on early brain development, Piaget's theory of cognitive development, and Dweck's mindset theory of learning.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Research methods

Research methods covers the scientific processes, design, and analysis of psychological research. It includes the formulation of hypotheses, selection of sampling methods, experimental design, various research methods (experiments, observations, interviews, questionnaires, case studies), correlation, ethical considerations, and data handling/statistical analysis.

0 objectives5 tips6 pitfalls

Social influence

This topic explores how individuals are influenced by the social environment, covering conformity, obedience, prosocial behaviour, and collective behaviour in crowds, including both social and dispositional factors.

0 objectives

Language, thought and communication

This topic explores the relationship between language and thought, the differences between human and animal communication, and the functions and explanations of non-verbal communication.

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

Brain and neuropsychology

This topic explores the biological basis of behaviour, covering the structure and function of the nervous system, neurons, the brain, and the application of neuropsychology through scanning techniques and the study of neurological damage.

0 objectives4 tips5 pitfalls

Psychological problems

This topic explores the nature of mental health, the impact of psychological problems on individuals and society, and provides a detailed study of clinical depression and addiction, including their characteristics, biological and psychological explanations, and associated treatments.

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

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