Paper structure Key Terms

Linear qualification

A qualification structure in which all units are studied in a single year and all exams are taken at the end of that year.

Assessment structure

The arrangement and timing of exams and coursework that determine how students are evaluated in a qualification.

Linear qualification

A course structure where all exams are taken at the end of the course, allowing for cumulative learning.

A-level exams

Standardised assessments that students sit at the conclusion of their A-level studies.

Paper 1

The introductory written examination covering a broad range of psychology topics.

Mark weighting

The proportion of the total A‑level grade that a particular paper contributes.

Social Influence

The change in a person’s thoughts, feelings or actions that results from the real or imagined presence of others.

Conformity

Adopting the behaviour, attitudes, or beliefs of a group to fit in or avoid conflict.

Memory

The cognitive process of encoding, storing, and retrieving information.

Section B

The part of Paper 1 that covers memory and is worth 24 marks.

Attachment Theory

A framework explaining how early bonds with caregivers shape emotional and social development.

Attachment Style

A pattern of expectations, needs, and emotions in relationships, typically classified as secure, anxious, avoidant, or disorganized.

Clinical Psychology

The application of psychological theories, research and methods to assess, treat and prevent mental health problems.

Mental Health

A dynamic state of well‑being that enables individuals to realise their potential, cope with stress, work productively and contribute to society.

Multiple choice

A question type where students select the correct answer from several options, testing recognition and recall of facts.

Short answer

A question type requiring students to produce a brief written response, allowing some explanation and application of knowledge.

Paper 2

The 2‑hour written assessment in the A‑level Psychology specification, worth 96 marks and 33.3 % of the total assessment.

Marking scheme

The allocation of marks across sections and question types within Paper 2, guiding students on how to prioritise content and time.

Approach

A broad perspective that shapes the study of behaviour and mental processes, influencing research questions, methods and interpretation.

Methodology

The systematic plan for collecting and analysing data, including the choice of research design, instruments and procedures.

Biopsychology

The study of how biological processes, such as brain structure and neurochemistry, influence behaviour and mental processes.

Paper 2 Section B

The biopsychology portion of the AQA A‑Level Psychology Paper 2, worth 24 marks.

Internal Validity

The extent to which a study can demonstrate a causal relationship between variables, free from confounding influences.

External Validity

The degree to which the findings of a study can be generalized to other settings, populations, or times.

Multiple choice question

A question with one correct answer among several distractors.

Extended writing question

A question requiring a detailed written response, typically 200–300 words, worth up to 4 marks.

Paper 3

The sole written examination in AQA A‑level Psychology, lasting 2 hours, worth 96 marks, and accounting for 33.3 % of the final grade.

2×2 factorial design

An experimental layout that examines two independent variables, each with two levels, producing four experimental groups to test for main and interaction effects.

Issues and debates

Contemporary controversies or disagreements within psychology that invite critical discussion.

Compulsory

A requirement that all candidates must complete; not optional.