2024 A-Level Psychology Predictions
Disclaimer: Before delving into the predicted topics for the 2024 A-Level Psychology examination, it's crucial to emphasise that these forecasts are based solely on historical trends and patterns observed since 2016/2017. While these predictions offer valuable insights into potential areas of focus, students mustn't overlook the importance of thorough study and preparation across the entire specification.
The purpose of these projections is to provide guidance and aid in refining study strategies, but they should not replace diligent engagement with course material. With that said, let's explore what topics are most likely to feature in the upcoming A-Level Psychology 2024 examination.
SOCIAL INFLUENCE (PAPER 1 7182/1) 2024 PREDICTIONS
Our historical trends
So, based on the trends for social influence, we predict that:
1.) The 16 marker (If there is one) will most probably be on Conformity to Social Roles as Investigated by Zimbardo OR Explanations for resistance to Social Influence.
2.) Other topics most likely to come up in this section as either 1,2,4,6 or 8 mark questions are: Types/Explanations of conformity, The Role of Social Influence processes in Social Change, a Research Methods Questions or Maths question.
MEMORY (PAPER 1 7182/1) 2024 PREDICTIONS
Our historical trends
Based on the trends for Memory, we predict that:
1.) The 16 marker (If there is one) will most probably be on 'Types of Long Term Memory'.
Here is an example of a model answer on 'Types of Long Term Memory;
2.) Other topics most likely to come up in this section as either 1,2,4,6 or 8 mark questions are: Factors affecting the accuracy of eyewitness testimony and Improving the accuracy of eyewitness testimony,
ATTACHMENT (PAPER 1 7182/1) 2024 PREDICTIONS
Our historical trends
Based on the trends for Attachment, we predict that:
1.) The 16 marker (If there is one) will most probably be on any area within the following sub topic of the specification ' Ainsworth’s ‘Strange Situation’. Types of attachment: secure, insecure-avoidant and insecure-resistant. Cultural variations in attachment, including van Ijzendoorn. .
Check out examples of the 16 mark essays that could come up in Attachment based on our predictions.
2.) Other topics most likely to come up in this section as either 1,2,4,6 or 8 mark questions are: Animal Studies of Attachment and A research methods question.
PSYCHOPATHOLOGY (PAPER 1 7182/1) 2024 PREDICTIONS
Our historical trends
Based on the trends for Psychopathology, we predict that:
1.) The 16 marker (If there is one) will most probably be on either; The biological approach to explaining or treating OCD
2.) Other topics most likely to come up in this section as either 1,2,4,6 or 8 mark questions are: Definitions of Abnormality (This has come up virtually every year, why stop now?), and Characteristics of the disorders (This hasn't really been asked as much)
APPROACHES (PAPER 2 7182/2) 2024 PREDICTIONS
Our historical trends
Based on the trends for The Approaches, we predict that:
1.) The 16 marker (If there is one) will most probably be on either; The Cognitive approach or a Comparison Essay (Cognitive Vs Behavioural)
2.) Other topics most likely to come up in this section as either 1,2,4,6 or 8 mark questions are: The Origins of Psychology (This is the obvious option as this has only been asked once in the last 7 years), and The Humanistic Approach (This has been the least frequently asked out of all of them, so maybe a 4 or 6 mark question)
BIOPSYCHOLOGY (PAPER 2 7182/2) 2024 PREDICTIONS
Our historical trends
Based on the trends for Biopsychology, we predict that:
1.) The 16 marker (If there is one) will most probably be on the topic of Localisation of function in the brain and hemispheric lateralisation: motor, somatosensory, visual, auditory and language centres; Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas, split brain research. Plasticity and functional recovery of the brain after trauma (This is the most obvious one to have as a 16 marker. This topic has come up in the biopsychology section every year (Apart from 2018)
2.) Other topics most likely to come up in this section as either 1,2,4,6 or 8 mark questions are: The Divisions of the Nervous System (This is the obvious option as this has only been asked twice in the last 7 years), The Function of the Endocrine System (This has only been asked once over the last 7 years) and 'The Fight or Flight Response including the role of adrenaline'( This has only been asked twice over the last 7 years.)
ISSUES & DEBATES (PAPER 3 7182/3) 2024 PREDICTIONS
Our historical trends
Based on the trends for Issues & Debates, we predict that:
1.) The 16 marker (If there is one) will most probably be on the topic Idiographic and nomothetic approaches to psychological investigation (There has never been a 16 mark question on this specific debate) OR Ethical implications of research studies and theory, including reference to social sensitivity. (There also has never been a 16 mark question on this specific debate. This is also not the most obvious but we feel they may do something slightly different for 2024 as no one will expect a 16 mark questions on ethical implications.)
2.) Other topics most likely to come up in this section as either 1,2,4,6 or 8 mark questions are: Research methods question (A research methods question has come up every year apart from in 2020.; Gender and Culture in Psychology (This has been asked every year apart from in 2022.) and The Nature Vs Nurture Debate ( This has only been asked twice over the last 7 years.)
RELATIONSHIPS (PAPER 3 7182/3) 2024 PREDICTIONS
Our historical trends
Based on the trends for Relationships, we predict that:
1.) The 16 marker (If there is one) will most probably be on either:
- Evolutionary explanations for partner preferences
-Factors affecting attraction in romantic relationships
-The Equity Theory (Most probably this one as theories of romantic relationships have been asked every year. So we analysed this section even more)
As you can see, in 2022, there was an 8 marker dedicated to all three of the theories. However, with careful inspection, we can see that the Equity theory has only ever had a 2 mark question dedicated to it so it is most likely that it will be the 16 mark question. Rusbult's investment model has only ever had 8 marks dedicated to it. so keeping in line with other questions, may have an 8 marker.
2.) Other topics most likely to come up in this section as either 1,2,4,6 or 8 mark questions are: Research methods question and Virtual Relationships in Social Media.
GENDER (PAPER 3 7182/3) 2024 PREDICTIONS
Our historical trends
Based on the trends for Gender, we predict that:
1.) The 16 marker (If there is one) will most probably be on:
-Psychodynamic explanations of gender development (Based on our analysis, this section has had the lowest frequency of questions over the last 7 years. If they are spreading marks across the content equally, then it stands to reason that this question will be a 16 marker.
2.) Other topics most likely to come up in this section as either 1,2,4,6 or 8 mark questions are: Research methods question
SCHIZOPHRENIA (PAPER 3 7182/3) 2024 PREDICTIONS
Our historical trends
Based on the trends for Schizophrenia, we predict that:
1.) The 16 marker (If there is one) will most probably be on:
-Drug Therapy (Based on our analysis, this section has had the lowest frequency of questions over the last 7 years. If they are spreading marks across the content equally, then it stands to reason that this question will be a 16 marker.
2.) Other topics most likely to come up in this section as either 1,2,4,6 or 8 mark questions are: Classification of schizophrenia, a short question on any area of Cognitive behaviour therapy and family therapy as used in the treatment of schizophrenia. Token economies as used in the management of schizophrenia and a short question on The importance of an interactionist approach in explaining and treating schizophrenia.
EATING BEHAVIOUR (PAPER 3 7182/3) 2024 PREDICTIONS
Our historical trends
Based on the trends for Eating Behaviour, we predict that:
1.) The 16 marker (If there is one) will most probably be on either:
-Neural and hormonal mechanisms involved in the control of eating behaviour, including the role of the hypothalamus, ghrelin and leptin
OR
- Biological explanations for obesity, including genetic and neural explanations.
The Neural and hormonal mechanisms involved in the control of eating behaviour has never been asked over the last 7 years, not even as short answer questions,
The Biological explanations for obesity has only ever had a 2 mark question dedicated to it all the way back in 2017. So any of these two are very likely.
2.) Other topics most likely to come up in this section as either 1,2,4,6 or 8 mark questions are are questions relating to: Psychological explanations for obesity, including restraint theory, disinhibition and the boundary model. Explanations for the success and failure of dieting. (This area has had less questions dedicated to it compared to the areas of Biological and psychological explanations of Anorexia Nervosa.)
STRESS (PAPER 3 7182/3) 2024 PREDICTIONS
Our historical trends
Based on the trends for Stress, we predict that:
1.) The 16 marker (If there is one) will most probably be on:
-The physiology of stress
In the last 7 years, there has not been any 16 marker on this area compared to the other areas in this unit where they have had 16 mark questions dedicated to them.
2.) Other topics most likely to come up in this section as either 1,2,4,6 or 8 mark questions are are questions relating to: The role of stress in illness and Sources of stress.
AGGRESSION (PAPER 3 7182/3) 2024 PREDICTIONS
Our historical trends
Based on the trends for Aggression, we predict that:
1.) The 16 marker (If there is one) will most probably be on either:
- Institutional aggression in the context of prisons
OR
- Media influences on aggression
In the last 7 years, there has not been any 16 marker on any of these areas compared to the other areas in this unit.
2.) Other topics most likely to come up in this section as either 1,2,4,6 or 8 mark questions are are questions relating to: Maths type questions.
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY (PAPER 3 7182/3) 2024 PREDICTIONS
Our historical trends
Based on the trends for Forensic Psychology, we predict that:
1.) The 16 marker (If there is one) will most probably be on:
- Biological explanations of offending behaviour
In the last 7 years, there has not been any 16 marker on this area compared to the other areas in this unit.
2.) Other topics most likely to come up in this section as either 1,2,4,6 or 8 mark questions are are questions relating to: Maths type questions.
ADDICTION (PAPER 3 7182/3) 2024 PREDICTIONS
Our historical trends
Based on the trends for Addiction, we predict that:
1.) The 16 marker (If there is one) will most probably be on:
-Theories of behaviour change to addictive behaviour
In the last 7 years, there has not been any 16 marker on this area compared to the other areas in this unit.
2.) Other topics most likely to come up in this section as either 1,2,4,6 or 8 mark questions are are questions relating to: Maths type questions, Risk factors in the development of addiction and describing addiction.
