May/June 2025 Psychology (9990) Analysis

The May/June 2025 Psychology papers present a balanced, highly rigorous assessment of core psychological approaches and research methodology. Paper 12 demands microscopic knowledge of classic and contemporary core studies, while Paper 22 tests the practical application of design concepts. Together, they represent a robust test of candidate competence across all three Assessment Objectives (AO1, AO2, and AO3).

Difficulty Verdict & Marks Distribution

We rate this series at a 3.4 out of 5 for overall difficulty. Paper 12 leans heavily on standardisation details and procedural nuances, requiring candidates to recall specific items from the Perry et al. room setup or the exact steps of the Bandura et al. 'Aggression Arousal' phase. Paper 22 features classic traps in experimental design, notably in the correlational planning question where candidates must design a sound method without straying into experimental terminology. Marks are concentrated heavily in Research Design and Methodology (46 marks) and key studies like Milgram's Obedience (14 marks) and Baron-Cohen's Eyes Test (10 marks).

Examiner Pitfalls & Critical Areas of Weakness

Based on the marking criteria and typical candidate feedback, marks were most frequently lost in several critical areas:

  • Lack of Comparison in Results: When describing Hassett's male monkey toy preferences, candidates often wrote absolute statements rather than meaningful comparisons (e.g., comparing wheeled toys to plush toys or male preferences versus female preferences).
  • Failing to Link to Assumptions: In learning approach questions, candidates frequently explained Saavedra & Silverman's findings but forgot to make an explicit, conceptual link back to the core assumption they outlined.
  • Designing Correlations: In Paper 2 Question 10, many candidates mistakenly introduced an independent variable or a 'control group,' which invalidates a purely correlational design. Successful answers must detail two co-variables measured on interval or ratio scales.

Strategic Revision Tips

To master future papers, focus on the following strategies:

  1. Standardise Your Study Cards: Ensure you memorise sample sizes, ages, gender distributions, and exact diagnostic criteria/target characteristics for all core studies.
  2. Practice Operationalisation: Whenever you mention a variable, force yourself to write exactly how it is measured. For example, do not just write 'noise'; write 'decibel level recorded via a sound meter.'
  3. Format Core Evaluation Points: Prepare structured evaluation tables using the GRAVEE acronym (Generalisability, Reliability, Application, Validity, Ethics, Ecological validity) specifically populated with quantitative and qualitative data examples.

Future Paper Predictions

Given the strong emphasis on cognitive and biological approaches in this series, clinical disorders (such as Schizophrenia and OCD) as well as the Dement & Kleitman physiological sleep measurements are highly overdue for comprehensive testing. Expect upcoming series to feature deeper essay evaluations of clinical treatments and biological tracking methodology.