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9990_m26_qp_42 2026 March Psychology 9990 Question Paper 4 Variant 2 · Cambridge CAIE AS & A Level

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9990_m26_qp_422026 March Psychology 9990 Question Paper 4 Variant 2

This is the official Cambridge AS & A Level Psychology (9990) Question Paper 4 (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_42 · 9990/42/f/m/26 qp · 9990/42 Feb/March 2026 qp

Paper 4: Specialist Options: Application and Research Methods (A2) This is Paper 4: Specialist Options: Application and Research Methods (A2), worth 60 marks with a duration of 1h 30m. Section B = design a study. Read ALL sub-questions before writing part (a). Use the named method — don't default to experiments.

To self-assess your performance, use this question paper alongside the corresponding mark scheme (9990_m26_ms_42). 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 4 (Variant 2) from other exam sessions — practise the same paper across the years, then check each one against its mark scheme.

Examiner Insights — Paper 4: Specialist Options: Application and Research Methods (A2)

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.

7

Designing experiments when the question asks for other methods

Many candidates appeared to assume that they must conduct an experiment whatever the question. An interview, questionnaire or observation are methods independent of an experiment.Paper 4, March 2025

How to fix: If the question asks you to design an observation, questionnaire, or interview — use THAT method. Do not force it into an experimental format. Know the difference between method technique (how it's done) and method format (structure of questions/observations).

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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