STRESS (PAPER 3 7182/3) 2025 PREDICTIONS
Predicted Exam Questions for the Stress 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 Stress 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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Physiology of Stress has been tested in small-mark questions (2017, 2021, 2022, 2024) but has never been a 16-mark question. This makes it likely to appear as an 8-12 mark question in 2025.
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The Role of Stress in Illness was a 16-mark question in 2018 and 2024. Given that it has been tested as a major question twice, it may appear as a shorter 6-8 mark question in 2025.
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Sources of Stress has been tested frequently (2020, 2022, 2023) and was a 16-mark question in 2023. Since it has been tested consistently, it is likely to appear as an 8-12 mark question.
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Measuring Stress was last tested in 2017 (8 marks) and 2021 (1 mark). Since it has not appeared as a 16-mark question, it could return as a major essay.
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Individual Differences in Stress was tested as a 16-mark question in 2019 and smaller questions in 2021 and 2023. It is due for a return as an 8-12 mark question.
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Managing and Coping with Stress was a 16-mark question in 2021 and has been tested frequently (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2024). Since it was last tested as a 6-mark question in 2024, it could return as a major 16-mark question.
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Research Methods has appeared frequently in small-mark questions (2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024). Expect a 4-6 mark question in 2025.
Predicted 2025 Exam Questions & Marks
| Predicted Topic | Likely Mark Allocation | Reason for Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| Managing & Coping with Stress | 16 Marks | Last tested as a 6-mark question in 2024, likely to return as a major essay |
| Measuring Stress | 16 Marks | Has not appeared as a 16-mark question, highly likely in 2025 |
| Sources of Stress | 8-12 Marks | Previously a 16-mark question in 2023, likely to appear in a mid-range essay |
| Physiology of Stress | 8-12 Marks | Frequently tested in small-mark questions, due for a longer discussion |
| Individual Differences in Stress | 8-12 Marks | Last tested as a 16-mark question in 2019, may return in a smaller format |
| The Role of Stress in Illness | 6-8 Marks | Previously a 16-mark question in 2018 and 2024, 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 physiological processes of stress, including the HPA axis and SAM system.
- Use flashcards and comparison tables to revise sources of stress and stress management techniques.
2. Perfect AO3 Evaluation Using PBW
- Point: One limitation of the physiological explanation of stress is that it ignores psychological factors.
- Because: Research shows that cognitive appraisal plays a major role in stress perception.
- Why: This suggests that a purely biological explanation is reductionist and does not account for individual differences.
3. Practice 16-Mark Essays
- Focus on: Managing & Coping with Stress and Measuring Stress.
- Use structured AO1 and AO3 evaluation to develop balanced essays.
4. Compare Key Explanations
- Revise biological vs. psychological explanations of stress.
- Be prepared for comparison-based questions.
5. Revise Research Methods & Ethics
- Expect a small question on how research methods relate to stress research.
- Revise ethical issues in stress research (e.g., informed consent in workplace stress 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!