Difficulty verdict
A fair, moderately demanding pair of papers (about 3/5). Most marks are short, well-signposted outline/describe items, but the three asterisked extended responses (12 + 12 + 8 = 32 marks) separate the grades.
Where the marks are
- Paper 1 is almost entirely research methods: observation design, sampling, reliability, validity, ethics, scatter graphs, correlation, Spearman's Rho and error types. Data handling and inferential statistics together account for over a third of the paper.
- Paper 2 splits evenly: 25 marks of core-study recall, 25 marks on areas, perspectives and debates, and 25 marks applying psychology to an unseen article.
Pitfalls to avoid
- The 3-mark outline items reward context. A correct but generic answer usually caps at 2/3, so always tie points to the scenario.
- In the design question, explicit links to your own practical work lift answers into the top level, and justification of each decision is needed. Operationalise every behavioural category.
- Inter-rater reliability is about observers agreeing, not about replication. Demand characteristics answers need a concrete design step.
- Graph questions: label both axes clearly and give an operationalised title. Calculations: show workings and round as instructed (2 s.f.).
- Type 2 error answers must be put in the study's context (claiming no relationship when one exists).
- Core-study answers need specific evidence, not just generic evaluation.
Strategy
Aim for roughly 1 minute per mark. In the extended responses, plan the required features first, then develop and justify each. For the application section, use named theories or research to support suggestions and then evaluate them.
Looking ahead
Data analysis and presentation, and comparing classic/contemporary studies, recur every year, so they are safe revision priorities. Areas, perspectives and debates are always worth 25 marks, and the cognitive area, behaviourist perspective and individual/situational and free will/determinism debates are good bets. Planning and conducting research and practical activities appear in smaller doses and are worth topping up.