9990_m26_er — 2026 March Psychology 9990 Examiner Report

9990_m26_er — 2026 March Psychology 9990 Examiner Report · Cambridge CAIE AS & A Level

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9990_m26_er — 2026 March Psychology 9990 Examiner Report

This examiner report covers Cambridge AS & A Level Psychology (9990) from the 2026 March session. Written by the principal examiner, it provides detailed commentary on candidate performance across all paper components — highlighting the most common mistakes, misconceptions, and what distinguished top-scoring answers from weaker ones. This is one of the most valuable revision tools available, yet most students never read it.

Also referenced as: 9990_m26_er · 9990/f/m/26 · 9990 Feb/March 2026

This examiner report covers all paper components for Psychology (9990) in this session. Read it after completing each question paper to understand where the cohort gained and lost marks, and how your approach compares to the examiner's expectations.

Examiner reports are the highest-value revision resource most students overlook. For Psychology (9990), read each section of this report alongside the corresponding question paper. Note which questions had the lowest success rate — these are the topics you should prioritise. The examiner often explains exactly what was required for full marks, giving you a template for structuring your own answers.

Examiner Insights

Based on analysis of 3 official Cambridge documents (2023, 2025)

Confusing results with conclusions

“A result is based on factual data collected in the study whereas a conclusion is the general 'meaning' of the data.”— Paper 1, March 2025

How to fix: Results = factual data with numbers (e.g. '65% of participants obeyed to 450V'). Conclusions = the meaning of those data (e.g. 'obedience is influenced by situational factors'). Never use 'better', 'worse', or value judgements in results.

Using the GRAVE approach in AO3 evaluation essays

“Some responses are still following a GRAVE approach (Generalisability, Reliability, Application, Validity, Ethics) when the 'A' part is not creditworthy for an AO3 question.”— Paper 1, March 2025

How to fix: In essay Q10: real-world application is NOT a standalone evaluation point. You can only get credit for application as a CONSEQUENCE of a strength. Structure: state a strength → explain it with 2 examples from the named study → then optionally add what real-world application follows from that strength.

Applying human ethical guidelines to animal studies

“Some responses used human guidelines and as a result could not be awarded any credit. Common errors were informed consent and the right to withdraw. The elephant walking away is not an example of the right to withdraw.”— Paper 1, March 2025

How to fix: Animal studies use DIFFERENT ethical guidelines: replacement, reduction, refinement (the 3 Rs), species-appropriate housing, minimising suffering. Human guidelines (informed consent, right to withdraw, deception, debriefing) do NOT apply to animals.

View full exam guide for Psychology (9990) →