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9990_m26_qp_12 2026 March Psychology 9990 Question Paper 1 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE AS & A Level

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9990_m26_qp_122026 March Psychology 9990 Question Paper 1 Variant 2

This is the official Cambridge AS & A Level Psychology (9990) Question Paper 1 (Variant 2) from the 2026 March examination session. This question paper was sat by Cambridge students worldwide in 2026 and is published by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE). Use it for timed practice under exam conditions to build familiarity with the question format, mark allocation, and time pressure.

Also referenced as: 9990_m26_qp_12 · 9990/12/f/m/26 qp · 9990/12 Feb/March 2026 qp

Paper 1: Approaches, Issues and Debates (AS) This is Paper 1: Approaches, Issues and Debates (AS), worth 60 marks with a duration of 1h 30m. Covers 12 core studies + 4 approaches. Essay Q10 needs 2 strengths + 2 weaknesses with named issue.

To self-assess your performance, use this question paper alongside the corresponding mark scheme (9990_m26_ms_12). Attempt the entire paper under timed conditions before opening the mark scheme — this trains both your subject knowledge and exam technique. Mark each question and record whether marks were lost due to knowledge gaps, method errors, or careless mistakes.

The most effective way to use this Psychology question paper is to simulate real exam conditions: set a timer for the full duration, work without notes, and write your answers on separate paper. After finishing, mark yourself using the official mark scheme — do not check answers during the paper. This builds exam stamina and reveals your genuine readiness. Repeat this process across 3–5 sessions to identify recurring weak topics in Psychology (9990).

Same paper, other years

Psychology (9990) Question Paper 1 (Variant 2) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 1: Approaches, Issues and Debates (AS)

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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

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All Psychology (9990) Papers — 2026 March

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Psychology Exam Guide: How to Score Higher

Top mistakes, scoring patterns & answer frameworks from 3 official Cambridge documents