Master Cambridge A Level Psychology (9990) with examiner-backed insights. Learn how to contextualise research methods, bridge the gap between raw data and conclusions, secure full marks on 10-mark planning items, and avoid critical caps on evaluation essays.
阅读时间 3 分钟更新于: 2026年6月21日
试卷概览
卷数
4
总分
240
考试时间
6小时
题型
5
试卷
时间
分数
题数
比重
题型
Paper 1 Approaches, Issues and Debates
1小时 30分钟
60
10
25%
Short Answer (Recall/Outline), Essay / Evaluation (AO3)
Paper 2 Research Methods
1小时 30分钟
60
11
25%
Methodological short answers, Planning and Evaluation essay
Short Answer (Recall/Outline), Planning & Design (AO2)
评级
A*ABCDEU
计算器规定
A silent scientific calculator is required where the syllabus permits one. It must NOT be graphical, programmable, or capable of symbolic algebra (CAS), and it must contain no stored programs or notes.
根据历届试题与评分标准整理（2023–2025）。
计算器程序
Table mode for roots & turning points
Scientific calculator (e.g. Casio fx-991 series)
用途: Tabulate \(y\) across a range of \(x\) to locate sign changes (roots) and approximate maxima/minima.
使用时机: Solving or sketching a function when you want to find where its graph crosses or turns.
步骤
Enter the function in TABLE mode, set the start, end and step, then read where the sign of \(y\) changes or where it peaks.
考试提示: Allowed, but the calculator must be silent, non-graphical, non-programmable and free of stored content; always show the working the mark scheme requires.
Statistics mode (mean, SD & regression)
Scientific calculator (e.g. Casio fx-991 series)
用途: Read the mean \(\bar{x}\) and standard deviation directly, and the gradient/intercept (and \(r\)) of a linear regression for bivariate data.
使用时机: Any data-handling, statistics, or required-practical analysis question.
步骤
Enter the data in STAT mode (1-VAR or A+BX), then recall \(\bar{x}\), \(\sigma\) or the regression coefficients.
考试提示: Allowed, but the calculator must be silent, non-graphical, non-programmable and free of stored content; always show the working the mark scheme requires.
Carry exact values with Ans & memory
Scientific calculator (e.g. Casio fx-991 series)
用途: Keep full-precision intermediate values to avoid rounding errors.
使用时机: Multi-step calculations where premature rounding loses the final accuracy mark.
步骤
Use Ans, STO/RCL or the M+ memory to reuse the unrounded result of each step; round only the final answer.
考试提示: Allowed, but the calculator must be silent, non-graphical, non-programmable and free of stored content; always show the working the mark scheme requires.
Equation solver — to CHECK your working
Scientific calculator (e.g. Casio fx-991 series)
用途: Use the built-in EQN/SOLVE mode to verify roots of quadratics or simultaneous equations you have already solved by algebra.
使用时机: As a check only, after solving by hand.
步骤
Enter the coefficients in EQN mode (or use SOLVE) and confirm they match your worked solution.
考试提示: Allowed, but the calculator must be silent, non-graphical, non-programmable and free of stored content; always show the working the mark scheme requires.
常见错误
1high涉及分数: 2Research Methods
Defining psychological terms using circular logic or repeating the target word within the definition.
如何避免: Use distinct technical vocabulary. Instead of saying 'random sampling is selecting participants at random,' define it as 'a sampling technique where every member of the target population has an equal chance of being selected, using a random generator or draw system.'
2high涉及分数: 2Approaches, Issues and Debates
Presenting numerical results or raw statistical data when specifically asked to outline conclusions.
如何避免: Outline the general psychological meaning behind the findings. Do not just quote numbers (e.g. '82% of participants helped'). Instead, write: 'In a natural setting, people are more likely to offer spontaneous help to an ill victim than a drunk victim.'
3high涉及分数: 4Evaluation (AO3)
Failing to contextualise general strengths and weaknesses of research designs to the specific core studies.
如何避免: Avoid abstract statements like 'case studies lack generalisability.' Always link the point back to the study context: 'The case study of the 9-year-old boy by Saavedra and Silverman lacks generalisability because his phobia was triggered by a highly unique event (a bowl of buttons falling on him).'
4medium涉及分数: 6Specialist Options
Omiting or under-evaluating the 'named issue' in the 10-mark Section B/C evaluation questions.
如何避免: Check the prompt for the named issue (e.g. reductionism vs holism) and dedicate a balanced, detailed section evaluating the treatments or theories under that specific framework to avoid a capped mark.
5medium涉及分数: 10Planning and Design
Designing an experimental laboratory study when the question explicitly commands a non-experimental method (e.g. observation or interview).
如何避免: Carefully read the question stem and identify the required methodology. If asked to design a study using a questionnaire or observation, do not introduce independent and dependent variables.
如何避免: Write down an educated guess or related psychological concept. Cambridge uses positive marking, meaning incorrect answers are not penalised, and any attempt has the chance to secure partial marks.