These GCSE Psychology 1PS0 topics consistently produce the lowest scores. Prioritise these in your revision.
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Named compulsory studies — specific sample, procedure, and findings
Sperry (1968) was widely misremembered in 2023, with many candidates guessing or recalling it inaccurately. In 2024, Caspi et al. (2003) and Piliavin et al. (1969) caused similar problems: candidates gave findings for a different study, or wrongly attributed diffusion of responsibility to Piliavin. Examiners explicitly recommended that centres focus on helping candidates recall specific study details.
Affects: Paper 1
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Social influence — personality and situational factors affecting obedience
Both 2023 reports flagged that candidates generally found it difficult to recall relevant personality factors (authoritarian personality, external locus of control) and situational factors (proximity, legitimacy of authority) affecting obedience. Where candidates did recall a factor, they usually applied it but did not demonstrate full understanding of the factor.
Affects: Paper 1
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Issues and debates essay — AO3 evaluation and balanced argument
The issues and debates essay (Q22 in 2023, Q26 in 2024) consistently showed that the 7–9 mark range was difficult to reach. Weaker responses defined concepts but did not apply them to major atrocities (2023) or to memory research (2024). AO3 and balance were named as the recurring differentiators in both years.
Affects: Paper 1
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Operant conditioning terminology — confusing reinforcement types with punishment
Multiple questions on Paper 2 June 2023 (Q07, Q08, Q09) showed candidates confusing positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and punishment. Several responses described punishment when asked for negative reinforcement, and vice versa — scoring zero on each occasion. Examiners advised centres to reinforce these distinctions explicitly.
Affects: Paper 2
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Research methods — situational variables versus dispositional variables
Q02c (Paper 2, June 2023) required candidates to describe a situational variable. Many gave dispositional variables instead (e.g. 'being in a rush' is dispositional, not situational). Performance on this question was explicitly described as 'limited'. Examiners flagged misunderstanding of the terminology.
Affects: Paper 2
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Strength/weakness questions — providing AO3 justification rather than identification only
Across all three reports and in every strength/weakness question, the most common failure was stopping at the identification of the strength or weakness without justifying it. Examiners noted this in Q04b, Q09b, Q12b (2023), Q04b, Q09b, Q15b, Q19b, Q23b (2024), and multiple Paper 2 questions. Generic justifications were explicitly described as not creditworthy.
Affects: Paper 1, Paper 2
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Paper 2 optional topic essays — AO3 evaluation of studies and theories
AO3 was the weakest element across all optional topic essays in Paper 2 June 2023 (criminal psychology Q12, developmental psychology Q19, perception Q26, sleep Q33, language Q40). Examiners in the Paper 2 summary specifically asked candidates to practise AO3 skills for extended responses.
Affects: Paper 2
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Applying scenario details in four-mark strength/weakness questions — moving beyond the character's name
In Paper 2 June 2023, multiple four-mark questions (Q11, Q18, Q25, Q32, Q39) showed that candidates who mentioned only the character's name without referencing specific scenario details (e.g. driving offences, Kim's age, the hotel building) scored zero for those marks. Examiners explicitly stated: 'Using only the name is not enough for a link.'
Affects: Paper 2