Model AS Psychology Answers

Subject: Psychology
Level: Secondary
Age Group: 16-18
Order Number: 19002

This material has been developed by experienced examiners to give both students and teachers a thorough understanding of AQA’s (Specification A) requirements in expressing AO1 (descriptive) and AO2 (analytical and evaluative) skills. Exemplar answers to frequently asked questions from all three AS module examinations provide models for students to follow.

The material gives generic answers to questions commonly asked over the course during the last five years, and covers all three modules. The answers are extended and in full examination format as if written by the ‘ideal student’. Parts (a) and (b) responses are descriptive and relatively short, while part (c) responses are extended and demonstrate to students and teachers how AO1 and AO2 skills are to be expressed.

One of the most significant barriers to examination performance in psychology is students’ poor expression of ideas, and the lack of understanding of how to structure their responses to the more challenging part (c) questions. A student’s inability to express skills in evaluation and analysis will consequently offer a significant bar to achievement and obtaining a high grade. The material is of particular value to such students, who lack literacy skills and are therefore most challenged by this examination.

The material would also particularly benefit psychology teachers new to the profession or new to this examination, since it demonstrates how to teach students to structure their written responses.