AQA IAS-Level · Analysis & Prediction

2023 AQA IAS-Level Psychology (9685) Past Paper Analysis

An extremely balanced and highly structured examination series across both Unit 1 and Unit 2. The papers are perfectly balanced with exactly 30 marks allocated to each of the six major syllabus areas: Memory, Social Psychology, Psychopathology, Biopsychology, Cognitive Development, and Research Methods 1. Success heavily relied on applying core theoretical concepts to specific personal scenarios and providing rigorous, balanced evaluations for high-tariff essay prompts.

Updated: 12 Jun 2026

Analysis Sample paper

Difficulty 3.2/5

Total marks

180

Duration

180 mins

Most tested

Core Introductory and AS Level Foundations

Paper breakdown

Unit 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology: 90 marks · 90 minsUnit 2: Biopsychology, Development and Research Methods 1: 90 marks · 90 mins

Top chapters

Memory · 30 marksSocial psychology · 30 marksPsychopathology · 30 marksBiopsychology · 30 marksCognitive development · 30 marksResearch methods 1 · 30 marks

Difficulty Verdict

This series represents a moderate difficulty level (3.2 out of 5). While the papers avoided highly obscure topics, they tested candidate versatility through an abundance of highly specific application scenarios (such as Lee and James, Jemina, Fahad, Amaan, Amena, and Mimi & Robyn). The structure followed a highly predictable pattern, but the demand for precise application (AO2) and deep evaluation (AO3) kept the top-tier marks highly competitive.

Where the Marks Are Won

Core Theoretical Outlines (AO1): Straightforward recall of the Working Memory Model (WMM) components, the structures of neurons, and definitions of abnormality yielded easy marks for students with solid revision notes.
Scenario Contextualisation (AO2): The ability to anchor psychological concepts directly to the text (e.g., explicitly matching Beck's negative triad to Amena’s exact quotes) was the primary separator between low-grade and high-grade scripts.
Precision in Research Methods (AO2/AO3): Securing full marks on operationalising variables (e.g., stating 'test score out of 20 marks' rather than just 'test score') and identifying research designs distinguished candidates in Unit 2 Section C.

Examiner Pitfalls to Avoid

Examiners consistently penalised answers that failed to directly target the scenario context. For example, simply defining the types of long-term memory without explaining how they applied to Lee and James’s conversation resulted in a severe loss of marks. Similarly, in the 20-mark essay on the Multi-Store Model (MSM), many candidates focused purely on describing the sensory register, STM (capacity of \( 7 \pm 2 \)), and LTM without providing equivalent evaluative weight. In Research Methods, providing generic ethical guidelines instead of specific application to the teacher-student dynamic was a common pitfall.

Strategic Revision & Predictions

Given the highly structured, evenly weighted layout of 30 marks per section, future candidates must not neglect any chapter. Areas like Piaget's stages of cognitive development and synaptic transmission are prime candidates for higher-tariff questions in future series. Focus heavily on mastering the transition from AO1 outline to AO3 evaluation, using evidence-based studies like Milgram, Asch, and Vygotsky scaffolding support.

Charts

Marks by chapter

See where the marks were concentrated so revision time goes to the highest-value topics.

Question type mix

Compare the mark share of each paper section and question type.

Multiple Choice / Identification4 marks · 3 questions
Short Answer / Direct Explanation60 marks · 18 questions
Scenario-Based Application44 marks · 11 questions
Essay Questions (12 and 20 marks)72 marks · 4 questions

Mark accessibility

Estimate which marks were basic, mid-level, or high-difficulty.

74%within easy or medium reach

easy: 52 marksmedium: 82 markshard: 46 marks

Difficulty trend

Compare difficulty across recent years.

Command word frequency

Spot common command words so answers match the expected response style.

Skill weighting

Shows the skill mix this paper tested most heavily.

Study ROI

Bigger bubbles recur more often; higher bubbles carry more marks, helping you rank revision priorities.

Research Methods 1 Principles

30 marks · Difficulty 2 · recurrence 5%

Multi-Store Model of Memory

20 marks · Difficulty 2.5 · recurrence 5%

Explanations & Treatment of Phobias

12 marks · Difficulty 2.2 · recurrence 4%

Conformity & Obedience Explanations

26 marks · Difficulty 2.8 · recurrence 4%

Time vs marks

Compare marks with suggested time allocation to plan exam pacing.

marksmins

Next-year prediction

Topics worth watching next year, with the reason shown directly below each bar.

Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development5%

Only equilibration was tested as a short question in this series; a full essay or stage application has not appeared recently.

Eye Witness Testimony & Cognitive Interview4%

MSM and WMM dominated memory section marks. EWT and situational factors are overdue a high-mark feature.

Synaptic Transmission & Endocrine System details4%

Biopsychology essay focused on plasticity and functional recovery, leaving physiological biology and synaptic transmission ripe for a larger question.

Cumulative marks ladder

The line is your running mark total question by question; dashed lines are the estimated grade cut-offs. See which question the line crosses your target grade at, so you know how far you must answer cleanly and which questions decide a band.

Topic-year heatmap

Compare topic weight by year to spot recurring and returning areas.

Jan 2023

Jun 2023

Memory

Social psychology

Psychopathology

Biopsychology

Cognitive development

Research methods 1

Examiner insights

Official report

Common pitfalls

Naming types of memory or definitions without explicit reference to the characters in the stem (e.g., failing to link Fahad's 22 hours in his bedroom to statistical infrequency).
Stating generic ethical protections (e.g., 'right to withdraw') without outlining how the teacher could implement this practically within the school environment.
Confusing structural and functional attributes of a relay neuron, or missing the lack of myelin sheath.

Misconceptions

Assuming that equilibration is a static stage of development rather than a continuous self-regulatory process balancing assimilation and accommodation.
Believing that systematic desensitisation can be successfully described without explicitly specifying the progressive nature of the anxiety hierarchy and the requirement of remaining calm before moving up.

Where marks are lost

Failing to fully operationalise the dependent variable (e.g., writing 'test score' instead of the precise 'test score out of 20 marks').
Providing purely generic evaluations of psychological models without explicitly comparing or critiquing their underlying structures.
Failing to highlight the key role of the 'more knowledgeable other' (MKO) or structural scaffolding steps in Vygotsky scenario questions.

Estimated grade cut-off

Updated: 12 Jun 2026

Source: Oxford AQA International grade boundaries (UMS)

Level	Mark	Percentage
A	—	80%
B	—	70%
C	—	60%
D	—	50%
E	—	40%

Official grade boundaries published by Oxford AQA International grade boundaries (UMS).

Know what the examiners want — now go get those marks

Thinka is an AI practice app used by 100,000+ DSE students to drill questions and get instant feedback on every answer. You already know the high-frequency topics and where marks are lost — now practice those specifically on Thinka and turn this analysis into actual marks.

Start Practising Free See pricing

Know what's tested? Drill those topics on Thinka — AI questions, instant marking.

Start Practising Free