AGGRESSION (PAPER 3 7182/3) 2025 PREDICTIONS
Predicted Exam Questions for the Aggression 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 Aggression 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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Neural & Hormonal Mechanisms in Aggression has appeared as a 16-mark question twice (2021, 2022) and in small-mark questions in 2018 and 2020. Since it did not appear in 2023 or 2024, it is due for an 8-12 mark question in 2025.
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The Ethological Explanation of Aggression was tested as a 16-mark question in 2017, smaller questions in 2019, 2020, and 2024, making it unlikely to return as a 16-mark question but could appear as a 6-8 mark question.
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Social Psychological Explanations of Aggression was a 16-mark question in 2018 and 2024 and a 12-mark question in 2023. Since it has been tested frequently, it may return as an 8-12 mark discussion.
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Institutional Aggression in Prisons was last tested as an 8-mark question in 2019 and 7-mark question in 2021. Since it has not been tested as a 16-mark question, it could return as a major essay in 2025.
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Media Influences on Aggression was tested in small-mark questions in 2017, 2018, 2022, 2023, but has never been tested as a 16-mark question, making it a strong candidate for a major essay in 2025.
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Research Methods has appeared frequently in small-mark questions (2017, 2019, 2021, 2023). Expect a 4-6 mark question in 2025.
Predicted 2025 Exam Questions & Marks
| Predicted Topic | Likely Mark Allocation | Reason for Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| Institutional Aggression in Prisons | 16 Marks | Has never been a 16-mark question before, highly likely in 2025 |
| Media Influences on Aggression | 16 Marks | Has been tested in small-mark questions multiple times, due for a major essay |
| Neural & Hormonal Mechanisms in Aggression | 8-12 Marks | Frequently tested, likely to return in a mid-range essay |
| Social Psychological Explanations of Aggression | 8-12 Marks | Previously a 16-mark question in 2024, may return in a smaller format |
| The Ethological Explanation of Aggression | 6-8 Marks | Previously a 16-mark question in 2017, may 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 aggression, including biological, psychological, and social influences.
- Use flashcards and comparison tables to revise different theories.
2. Perfect AO3 Evaluation Using PBW
- Point: One limitation of the ethological explanation of aggression is that it lacks generalisability to human aggression.
- Because: Most supporting research is based on animal studies.
- Why: This reduces the external validity of the explanation as human aggression is influenced by complex social and cognitive factors.
3. Practice 16-Mark Essays
- Focus on: Institutional Aggression and Media Influences on Aggression.
- Use structured AO1 and AO3 evaluation to develop balanced essays.
4. Compare Key Explanations
- Revise biological vs. psychological vs. social explanations of aggression.
- Be prepared for comparison-based questions.
5. Revise Research Methods & Ethics
- Expect a small question on how research methods relate to aggression research.
- Revise ethical issues in aggression research (e.g., laboratory studies of violence, deception, and informed consent).
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!