ADDICTION (PAPER 3 7182/3) 2025 PREDICTIONS
Predicted Exam Questions for the Addiction Topic in AQA A-Level Psychology (2025)
After analysing past AQA A-Level Psychology exams (2017-2024) using the updated dataset, we can identify key patterns and trends for the 2025 Addiction exam. Below are the most likely questions, expected mark allocations, and study strategies based on this new data.
Key Trends & Predictions for 2025
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Describing Addiction has only appeared as a 2-mark question in 2018, meaning it is not likely to appear as a major question but could be part of short-answer questions.
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Risk Factors in Addiction was last tested as a 16-mark question in 2022 and 8 marks in 2019. Since it has been tested as a major essay recently, it is more likely to appear as a 6-8 mark question in 2025.
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Nicotine Addiction was a 16-mark question in 2021 and 12 marks in 2023, meaning it is less likely to return as a 16-mark question, but could be tested as an 8-12 mark discussion.
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Gambling Addiction was a 16-mark question in 2017, and 8-mark questions in 2019 and 2020. Since it has not been tested as a major question for years, it is due for a 16-mark essay in 2025.
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Reducing Addiction was tested as a 16-mark question in 2018 and 2024, as well as 10 marks in 2020 and 7 marks in 2021. Since it was a major essay in 2024, it will likely appear as a 6-8 mark question in 2025.
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Behaviour Change Theories in Addiction was tested as an 8-mark question in 2022 and 3 marks in 2024. Since it has never been tested as a 16-mark question, it is a strong candidate for a major essay in 2025.
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Research Methods has appeared in small-mark questions (2017, 2019, 2023, 2024). Expect a 4-6 mark question in 2025.
Predicted 2025 Exam Questions & Marks
| Predicted Topic | Likely Mark Allocation | Reason for Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| Gambling Addiction | 16 Marks | Has not been a major essay for years, due for return in 2025 |
| Behaviour Change Theories in Addiction | 16 Marks | Has never been a 16-mark question before, highly likely |
| Nicotine Addiction | 8-12 Marks | Previously a 16-mark question in 2021, likely to appear in a mid-range essay |
| Risk Factors in Addiction | 6-8 Marks | Previously a 16-mark question in 2022, likely to return in a smaller format |
| Reducing Addiction | 6-8 Marks | Was a 16-mark question in 2024, likely to return in a smaller format |
| Research Methods | 4-6 Marks | Frequently tested in small-mark questions, likely to reappear in 2025 |
Recommended Study Focus
1. Master AO1 Knowledge
- Learn key explanations of addiction, including biological, psychological, and social influences.
- Use flashcards and comparison tables to revise different explanations.
2. Perfect AO3 Evaluation Using PBW
- Point: One limitation of the biological explanation of nicotine addiction is that it ignores psychological and social factors.
- Because: Research shows that peer influence and stress also play a major role in addiction.
- Why: This suggests that a purely biological approach is reductionist and does not fully explain addiction.
3. Practice 16-Mark Essays
- Focus on: Gambling Addiction and Behaviour Change Theories in Addiction.
- Use structured AO1 and AO3 evaluation to develop balanced essays.
4. Compare Key Explanations
- Revise biological vs. psychological vs. social explanations of addiction.
- Be prepared for comparison-based questions.
5. Revise Research Methods & Ethics
- Expect a small question on how research methods relate to addiction research.
- Revise ethical issues in addiction research (e.g., informed consent in drug therapy studies).
Final Thoughts
By focusing on these high-probability topics, students can maximise their exam performance and feel confident going into their 2025 AQA A-Level Psychology exam.
Good luck with your revision!