Overall Difficulty Verdict
The June 2022 AQA AS Psychology exam papers (7181/1 and 7181/2) represent a fair and highly structured assessment, earning a solid 3 out of 5 stars for difficulty. The papers were highly accessible due to the presence of classic, highly predictable topics such as the Multi-Store Model of Memory (12 marks) and definitions of abnormality (12 marks). However, the differentiator for top grades lay in the students' ability to apply theory to novel scenario stems and precisely operationalise variables within the Research Methods section.
Where the Marks Are Won and Lost
Marks were readily secured on standard AO1 recall questions, including the procedure of Zimbardo’s prison study and the steps of synaptic transmission. Conversely, candidates frequently dropped marks on AO2 application questions. In the scenario involving Steph and her teacher's leaving party, many failed to explicitly link the factors of minority influence (consistency, commitment, flexibility) back to the concrete details of the scenario. In Paper 2, explaining the role of adrenalin with reference to Ian’s car-accident scare required a tight link between biological changes and his somatic symptoms (e.g., dry mouth, rapid heartbeat), which many candidates treated too generally.
Examiner Pitfalls & Misconceptions
- Vague Operationalisation: In the Research Methods section of Paper 2, writing a non-directional hypothesis required precise measurement scales (e.g., 'stress level on a scale of 1–10' and 'number of days absent due to sickness'). Generalised terms like 'illness' or 'stress' without operational parameters were penalised.
- Confusing Deprivation and Privation: In the 8-mark question on Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation, examiners noted a persistent tendency to confuse deprivation (disruption of an established bond) with privation (failure to form any bond).
- Methodological Evaluation vs. Theoretical Evaluation: In memory essay evaluations, students often evaluated the methodology of individual memory studies rather than linking those findings back to evaluate the structural components of the Multi-Store Model itself.
Strategic Advice & Future Predictions
To excel in future sittings, students must master the art of dual-focused writing. For scenario-based questions, adopt a 'point-evidence-explain-link' approach where the 'link' directly incorporates details from the prompt. Additionally, the recurring presence of 12-mark essay questions means that maintaining a bank of pre-prepared, robust evaluation points (AO3) with supporting and contradicting studies (such as the cases of HM, Clive Wearing, or KF for Memory) is vital. Expect future papers to pivot towards under-tested areas of attachment (such as Romanian orphan studies/institutionalisation) and the behavioral explanation/treatment of phobias (flooding).