9990_m26_gt — 2026 March Psychology 9990 Grade Threshold

9990_m26_gt — 2026 March Psychology 9990 Grade Threshold · Cambridge CAIE AS & A Level

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9990_m26_gt.pdf

9990_m26_gt — 2026 March Psychology 9990 Grade Threshold

This grade threshold document shows the minimum raw marks required for each grade (A*, A, B, C, D, E) in Cambridge AS & A Level Psychology (9990) for the 2026 March session. Grade boundaries vary between sessions depending on paper difficulty and candidate performance. Use these thresholds to calibrate how your practice scores translate into actual grades on this specific paper set.

Also referenced as: 9990_m26_gt · 9990/f/m/26 · 9990 Feb/March 2026

Grade thresholds apply to all paper components in this session. To estimate your overall grade, total your marks across all papers and compare against the threshold. Note that thresholds are session-specific — a score that earns an A in one session may only earn a B in another, depending on paper difficulty.

Use this grade threshold to set realistic targets for your Psychology (9990) practice papers. If you're aiming for an A, check the A boundary for this session and work backwards to see which paper components need improvement. Grade boundaries for Cambridge AS & A Level Psychology typically fluctuate by 5–10 marks between sessions, so check multiple sessions to get an average target score.

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) →