What are the 20 core studies in OCR A-Level Psychology?

The 20 core studies are a carefully selected mix of classic and contemporary research that form the backbone of Component 2. They include famous experiments like Milgram’s obedience study, Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment, and Sperry’s split-brain research, alongside modern work such as Maguire et al.’s taxi driver brain scan study and Grant et al.’s context-dependent memory investigation. These studies span five psychological areas: cognitive, social, developmental, biological, and individual differences. You’ll need to know the aims, procedures, findings, and conclusions of each, as well as be able to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and consider how they relate to key debates in psychology.

How is OCR A-Level Psychology different from AQA?

The most noticeable difference is OCR’s use of 20 specific core studies, which gives the course a more narrative, story-like structure. AQA takes a broader topic-based approach without prescribed studies. OCR also places a heavier early emphasis on research methods, with a dedicated 30% paper, and offers a wider range of applied options (five compared to AQA’s three typical options). Additionally, OCR’s exam questions often require you to apply your knowledge of the core studies to novel scenarios, whereas AQA may ask for more generic psychological knowledge. These differences can make OCR feel more concrete and skills-focused for some learners.

Is there any coursework in OCR A-Level Psychology?

No, there is no coursework component in the OCR A-Level Psychology qualification. Your final grade is determined entirely by your performance in the three written examinations taken at the end of the course. However, your teacher will likely conduct plenty of practical demonstrations and mini-experiments in class to help you understand research methodology and ethics, but these are not formally assessed. You will also be expected to apply your knowledge of research methods to design your own studies in the exam, so hands-on practice is still essential.

What applied options can I choose from in OCR A-Level Psychology?

In Component 3: Applied Psychology, you must study one specialist option from a choice of five: Child Psychology (covering attachment, cognitive development, and autism), Criminal Psychology (looking at what makes a criminal, crime prevention, and courtroom behaviour), Environmental Psychology (exploring how our surroundings affect behaviour, including stress, crowding, and nature), Sport and Exercise Psychology (examining motivation, personality, and performance under pressure), or the Psychology of Mental Health and Illness (focusing on diagnosis, explanations, and treatments of disorders like schizophrenia and depression). Your school will decide which option(s) to offer, typically based on teacher expertise and student interest.

How much maths is involved in OCR A-Level Psychology?

Maths is a significant part of the Research Methods component. You’ll need to be comfortable with basic arithmetic, percentages, ratios, and fractions, as well as statistical tests such as chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Spearman’s rho. The paper includes calculations and interpretation of data, and at least 10% of the marks across all three papers require mathematical skills. However, the maths is applied and contextualised – you don’t need A-Level Maths, just a good grasp of GCSE-level skills. Many students find the statistics manageable with practice, and the focus is on understanding what the numbers mean rather than complex calculations.

Psychology

OCR

A-Level

Specification: H567

The OCR A-Level Psychology specification covers 17 topics with 0 learning objectives (H567). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

Starting OCR A-Level Psychology this term? The whole specification is below, unit by unit.

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

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Study Guides

12 revision guides for OCR A-Level Psychology

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

About OCR A-Level Psychology

OCR A-Level Psychology offers a fascinating journey into the scientific study of mind and behaviour. The course is built around 20 landmark core studies – from classic experiments like Milgram’s obedience research to contemporary investigations into brain plasticity – giving you a rich, evidence-based foundation. You’ll learn not just what psychologists have discovered, but how they plan, conduct and evaluate research, developing critical thinking skills that are prized by universities and employers alike.

The specification is split into three clear components. In Component 1: Research Methods, you’ll master the tools of the trade: experimental design, data analysis, and inferential statistics. Component 2: Psychological Themes through Core Studies deepens your understanding of areas such as social, cognitive, and biological psychology by examining the key studies in detail and exploring debates like nature versus nurture. Finally, Component 3: Applied Psychology lets you specialise in an area that sparks your curiosity – choose from child psychology, criminal psychology, environmental psychology, sport and exercise psychology, or mental health.

Throughout the course, you’ll engage with real-world applications, consider ethical implications, and compare different psychological perspectives. This isn’t just about memorising facts; it’s about learning to think like a psychologist. Whether you’re aiming for a career in psychology, medicine, law, or business, the skills you build here will serve you well.

Assessment Structure

OCR A-Level Psychology is assessed entirely through written examinations, with no coursework component. You’ll sit three papers at the end of the two-year course. Paper 1: Research Methods (90 marks, 2 hours) counts for 30% of the A-Level and tests your understanding of methodology, data handling, and analysis. Paper 2: Psychological Themes through Core Studies (105 marks, 2 hours) contributes 35% and focuses on the 20 core studies and key debates. Paper 3: Applied Psychology (105 marks, 2 hours) also makes up 35%, assessing your chosen specialist option alongside broader issues in mental health. The total marks available across all papers is 300.

Why Choose OCR?

OCR’s focus on 20 core studies provides a unique, narrative-driven structure that many students find engaging and memorable, contrasting with the more topic-based approach of other boards. This makes it easier to see the ‘big picture’ of psychology.
The course has a strong practical emphasis on research methods and data analysis, giving you tangible skills in designing experiments and interpreting statistics – a real advantage if you plan to study psychology or social sciences at university.
The range of applied options (e.g., criminal, sport, child psychology) is broader than many other boards, allowing you to tailor the course to your interests from the start of Year 2, which can boost motivation and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Assessment Objectives

AO1

38%-40%

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures

AO2

33%-35%

Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures: • in a theoretical context • in a practical context • when handling qualitative data • when handling quantitative data

AO3

33%-35%

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

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

OCR

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name or select

Describe

2-4 marks

Account of process or features

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome

Evaluate

9-12 marks

Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Confusing different levels of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval).
•Incorrect selection of inferential statistical tests.
•Failure to correctly operationalise variables.
•Misinterpreting the difference between correlation and causation.
•Inaccurate application of ethical guidelines in research design.
•Confusing directional and non-directional hypotheses
•Failing to operationalise variables clearly
•Misapplying experimental designs to specific research scenarios

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Ensure familiarity with the mathematical requirements, as 10% of marks are for math in context.
•Practice interpreting novel data sources and hypothetical research scenarios.
•Use the Harvard system for citing academic references in practical reports.
•Be prepared to evaluate research designs and suggest improvements.
•Understand the specific criteria for using parametric versus non-parametric tests.
•Ensure you can justify the choice of sampling technique for a given scenario
•Practice operationalising variables in various contexts to ensure they are measurable
•Be prepared to critique research designs and suggest improvements

Specification Topics

17 topics

Research methods and techniques

This topic covers the fundamental research methods and techniques used in psychological enquiry, including experimental and non-experimental methodologies, planning and conducting research, data analysis, report writing, and the scientific nature of psychology.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Planning and conducting research

This topic covers the essential processes involved in planning and conducting psychological research, including the formulation of aims and hypotheses, selection of participants, experimental design, operationalisation of variables, and the design of observations and self-reports.

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

Data recording, analysis and presentation

This topic covers the procedures and processes for collecting, analysing, and presenting psychological data, including the use of descriptive and inferential statistics, data levels, and graphical representation.

0 objectives5 tips5 pitfalls

Report writing

This topic covers the conventions of reporting psychological research in a practical report, including the purpose of specific sections, the use of the Harvard referencing system, and the role of peer review in validating scientific knowledge.

0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

Practical activities

Practical activities involve learners conducting and analysing their own small-scale research practicals across the four main research methods (self-report, observation, experiment, and correlation), including appropriate risk assessment and management.

0 objectives4 tips

How science works

This topic covers the nature and principles of scientific enquiry in psychology, focusing on how society makes decisions about scientific issues and how psychology contributes to the economy and society.

0 objectives3 tips

Research methods (Component 01)

Applied psychology (Component 03) requires learners to study one compulsory section, Issues in mental health, and two out of four optional applied psychology topics: Child psychology, Criminal psychology, Environmental psychology, or Sports and exercise psychology. The component focuses on background, key research, and applications, while requiring learners to apply methodological issues and debates across these topics.

0 objectives5 tips4 pitfalls

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