Edexcel GCSE Psychology – Exam Paper Format

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There are two exam papers for Edexcel GCSE Psychology with 55:45 mark distribution. The outline below shows the exam questions for each of the paper and how the marks and calculated for each.

Assessment Obejctives (AO)

AO1 – Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures 35%

AO2 – Apply knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures 35%

AO3 – Analyse and evaluate psychological information, ideas, processes and procedures to make judgements and draw conclusions 30%

Paper 1 : 1PS0/01

Written exam: 1 hour 45 minutes
98 marks
55% of GCSE

Content:

Topic 1: Development – How did you develop?
Topic 2: Memory – How does your memory work?
Topic 3: Psychological problems – How would psychological problems affect you?
Topic 4: The brain and neuropsychology – How does your brain affect you?
Topic 5: Social influence – How do others affect you?

This is a written examination in which all questions must be answered.

Exam Questions Style

Answer all questions.

The paper consists of six sections.

The first five sections each cover one of the topics listed above.
These sections will include multiple-choice, short-open and open-response questions.

The sixth section will contain two extended open-response questions.

1) debates within psychology
2) interrelationships between the core areas of psychology.

(2 x 9 mark)

Students are required to

– Select and draw on relevant knowledge and understanding
– Apply and synthesise understanding by analysing the scenario

Paper 2 : 1PS0/02

Written exam: 1 hour 20 minutes
79 marks
45% of GCSE

Content:

Topic 6-10 optional (Choose 2). Topic 11 is compulsory

COMPULSORY: Topic 11: Research methods – How do you carry out psychological research?

Topic 6: Criminal psychology – Why do people become criminals?
Topic 7: The self – What makes you who you are?
Topic 8: Perception – How do you interpret the world around you?
Topic 9: Sleep and dreaming – Why do you need to sleep and dream?
Topic 10: Language, thought and communication – How do you communicate with others

Exam Questions Style

Answer all questions in Section A.
Section A: (Topic 11) Research methods – How do you carry out psychological research?

Focus on Topic 11 may draw on material from Topics 1-5 in Paper 1

It will contain question types that include calculations, multiple-choice, short-open and open-response questions, and one extended open-response question (12 marks).

Section B to F: Optional topics

All questions from only two sections – B – F

Each of these sections covers one of the optional Topics 6 to 10.

These sections will include multiple-choice, short-open and open-response questions, and one extended open-response question (9 marks).