Examiner's Verdict: Rigorous and Detail-Focused
The October/November 2024 diet of the Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology (9990) syllabus represents a classic, highly discriminating exam cycle. Across Paper 13, Paper 23, Paper 33, and Paper 43, the chief examiner's focus remains squarely on two pillars: impeccable recall of core-study methodology and the ability to formulate highly structured, original research plans. Generic or 'common-sense' answers continue to receive zero marks. The overall difficulty is rated at 3.8 out of 5, reflecting the strict, non-tautological definitions required by the marking schemes.
Where the Marks Are Won
In this clinical and consumer-focused pathway, major marks are concentrated in the clinical options, specifically under Mood (affective) disorders (representing 34 marks) due to the heavy weight of the Paper 43 Section B planning question. Mastering key studies is essential: Lovell et al. (OCD CBT) and Robson et al. (personal space at restaurant tables) both commanded 16-mark blocks in Paper 33. On Paper 13, Piliavin et al. (subway Samaritans) and Fagen et al. (elephant learning) were heavily featured, showing that classic learning and social approach studies remain high-yield areas.
Examiner Pitfalls & Lost Marks
Analysis of candidate performance reveals persistent errors that routinely drop grades from an A to a C or lower:
- The Qualitative Data Trap: Describing qualitative data merely as 'data in words' was awarded 0 marks. Examiners explicitly demand definitions referencing 'descriptive, in-depth, or detailed data'.
- Failure to Contextualise: For applied questions (such as treating Jude's phobia in Paper 33 or comparing stress at home vs. work for Nadim), candidates who did not write specifically about food types/public eating or home/work stress lost half of the available marks.
- Regurgitating Syllabus Studies: In planning questions (Paper 23 Q10, Paper 43 Q9), weak candidates described existing core studies (like McKinstry and Wang or Wansink et al.) instead of proposing their own original experimental designs.
Preparation and High-Yield Revision Strategy
To secure a top band (A*), students should build a dedicated psychometric and diagnostic index in their revision notes. Memorising exact tools—such as the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCs), Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7), and the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (SADS-L)—is non-negotiable. Additionally, practice drawing and labeling scatter graphs under time pressure; forgetting to specify units (such as 'hours/minutes' for time since last meal) was a major source of dropped marks in Paper 23.
Overdue Topics and Predictions
Looking ahead to the next series, Schizophrenia treatments (specifically Sensky's cognitive-behavioural therapy and virtual reality therapy by Freeman) are highly overdue for 16-mark essay formulations, having only been tested via a minor 2-mark reductionism prompt here. Within consumer psychology, the sensory environment (specifically lighting, colour, and scent) is highly likely to make a return in Paper 3 or Paper 4 planning questions.