Overall Exam Difficulty Verdict

The 2024 AS Psychology papers were extremely fair, offering a mixture of highly predictable core essay topics and accessible short-answer questions. Paper 1 focused heavily on foundational models, while Paper 2 integrated Research Methods with standard context topics. Students who mastered core definitions and structured their evaluation essays carefully would have found these papers highly manageable.

Where the Marks Were Won and Lost

Marks were easily accumulated in direct conceptual recall questions (such as identifying motor neuron components and outlining the sensory register). However, significant marks were lost in the high-weighting application and discussion questions:

  • In Paper 1, the 8-mark Minority Influence scenario required seamless integration of consistency and commitment to Mimi and Asif’s litter campaign. Many students described the concepts but failed to apply them effectively.
  • The 12-mark essay on the learning theory of attachment was frequently answered using general conditioning descriptions rather than explicitly linking the classical and operant concepts to attachment formation (e.g., food as UCS, caregiver as NS).
  • In Paper 2, the 12-mark essay on the behavioural treatment of phobias saw students confusing systematic desensitisation and flooding processes or failing to provide balanced evaluations.

Common Examiner Pitfalls to Avoid

A key issue flagged by examiners was the lack of detail in application responses and mathematical calculations. Many students lost marks on the 2-significant-figure calculation for the CBT improvement score by either rounding incorrectly or leaving the fraction uncalculated. Furthermore, in research methods, drafting a non-directional hypothesis proved challenging for candidates who forgot to include both fully operationalised variables (IV and DV).

Strategic Revision & Predictions

Given that 2024 heavily featured Asch's conformity, learning theory of attachment, and phobia treatments, students preparing for the next series should pivot their focus toward areas that were underrepresented. Milgram's research on obedience, resistance to social influence, and Bowlby’s monotropic theory of attachment are highly likely to feature prominently in upcoming papers. In context studies, expect a potential return to cognitive approach essays and treatments of OCD.