Cambridge IAS-Level Psychology (9990) Past Papers

The May/June 2026 series for Cambridge AS Level Psychology (9990/11 & 9990/21) balanced precise empirical recall with contextualised methodological design. Paper 1 focused heavily on procedural mechanics, ethical dilemmas, and 8-mark comparative analysis alongside a 10-mark evaluation of Andrade. Paper 2 tested nuanced understanding of observational and experimental design, animal ethics, and scenario-based planning.

The May/June 2026 series for Cambridge AS Level Psychology (9990 Papers 12 and 22) presents a balanced and standard assessment. Paper 1 emphasizes precise recall of core studies (Hölzel et al., Piliavin et al., and Andrade's background) alongside application of debates and ethical guidelines. Paper 2 tests practical methodological design through a 10-mark longitudinal study planning question, data representation with table drawing, and detailed scenario-based evaluations spanning case studies, observational checklists, and correlations.

The May/June 2026 series for Cambridge AS Level Psychology (9990 Papers 13 and 23) presented a well-balanced, standard assessment across core studies and research methodology. Paper 1 featured a 10-mark evaluation on Hassett et al. (monkey toy preferences) and an 8-mark comparative analysis between Bandura et al. and Perry et al. Paper 2 centred around a 10-mark correlational study design on public transport travel time and musical knowledge, alongside data handling tasks including graphing and standard deviation interpretation.

The May/June 2025 Psychology (9990) Papers 11 and 21 represent a balanced yet rigorous testing suite. Paper 11 demands exceptionally precise recall of newly integrated studies (such as Fagen et al. and Perry et al.), while Paper 21 tests active research design skills, punishing generic responses and rewarding context-linked answers.

A comprehensive analysis of the May/June 2025 AS Level Psychology 9990 Papers 12 and 22, examining candidate performance across Core Studies (Paper 1 Approaches, Issues and Debates) and Research Methods (Paper 2).

The May/June 2025 Psychology (9990) series required exceptionally precise recall of study parameters and methodology, heavily rewarding students who mastered fine details and experimental design.

This analysis covers the October/November 2025 examinations for Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology (9990), specifically Paper 11 (Approaches, Issues and Debates) and Paper 21 (Research Methods). The papers evaluate candidates on core psychological studies, methodology, and theoretical debates.

The October/November 2025 Psychology (9990) papers offer a rigorous, balanced examination focusing heavily on eyewitness testimony (Pozzulo et al.) and core research methodologies. Paper 1 requires strong theoretical comparison and standardisation recall, while Paper 2 tests intensive practical design, including field experiment planning and data visualization mechanics.

The October/November 2025 Psychology (9990) series highlights a strong focus on precise methodological details across core studies in Paper 1 and rigorous practical application in Paper 2. Key areas tested include the specifics of sample recruitment, experimental design variables, and the conceptual evaluation of self-report measures.

The May/June 2024 Psychology (9990) Papers 11 and 21 represent a balanced yet rigorous assessment. Paper 11 features challenging comparisons under the biological approach and critical evaluation of Fagen et al., while Paper 21 tests precise operationalisation, data-table rendering, and a demanding case-study design question.

The Summer 2024 examination papers for Psychology (9990) present a balanced yet highly detailed assessment. Paper 12 demands meticulous knowledge of core study procedures, while Paper 22 places a premium on scenario application and rigorous planning of participant observations.

The May/June 2024 Psychology (9990) series balances rigorous core study knowledge with precise methodological application. Key features include an in-depth similarity essay on Baron-Cohen, a detailed evaluation of Saavedra and Silverman's button phobia study, and a demanding 10-mark correlational design question on shyness and happiness.

This examination analysis covers the Paper 1 (Approaches, Issues and Debates) and Paper 2 (Research Methods) from the October/November 2024 series of Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology (9990). Key core studies across the biological, cognitive, learning, and social approaches were tested in combination with original design and methodology questions.

A balanced exam series testing rigorous recall of core study mechanics in Paper 1 and demanding highly contextualised methodological design and application in Paper 2.

This analysis covers the October/November 2024 Cambridge International AS Level Psychology (9990) Paper 13 (Approaches, Issues and Debates) and Paper 23 (Research Methods). Together, these papers evaluate student mastery over the core experimental studies and the practical execution of research methodology.

An in-depth examiner analysis of the Summer 2023 Psychology (9990) Papers 11 and 21. This series highlighted structural gaps in methodological application, key misunderstandings of core biological and cognitive concepts, and a high frequency of blank responses in detailed study results.

A balanced and challenging examination focusing heavily on specific data-handling details, methodological precision, and the critical distinction between classical/operant and evaluative learning styles.

A comprehensive examiner-level analysis of the May/June 2023 Psychology (9990) Papers 13 and 23, highlighting key pitfalls in research design, data representation, and evaluation strategies.

An analysis of the October/November 2023 Psychology (9990) Papers 11 and 21, highlighting candidate struggles with specific core study procedural details, tautological research methods definitions, and the operationalisation of independent variables in original natural experimental designs.

The October/November 2023 9990 series highlights key candidates' challenges in precise core study background recall, distinguishing model characteristics from victims in Piliavin et al., and the rigorous operationalization of experimental variables in Research Methods.

A detailed examiner-level analysis of the October/November 2023 Psychology (9990) Papers 13 and 23. This session evaluated core procedural accuracy, experimental design, and the application of methodological concepts to both core studies and novel research scenarios.