Exam Assessment Objectives (AQA A Level Psychology) : Revision Note
AQA A Level Psychology Assessment Objectives
AO1: Knowledge and understanding
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures, including:
concepts, e.g. gender bias
key terms, e.g. institutionalisation
research studies, e.g. Bowlby's 44 thieves (1944)
psychological theories and explanations, e.g. biological explanation of OCD
research methods, e.g. pilot study
You must be able to provide accurate and detailed explanations of the above in order to perform well on AO1
Concepts and key terms from studies and theories must be used when answering exam questions
30-33% of marks available are for AO1, which is assessed in shorter and extended writing questions
Worked Example
Here is an example of an AO1 exam question:
Q. Describe the role of conditions of worth according to the humanistic approach.
[2 marks]
Model answer:
Identify conditions of worth:
Conditions of worth are parameters that people (often parents) set on someone else to determine whether or not they are worthy of love. [1 mark]
Explain their role:
The role of conditions of worth is that the person on the receiving end of them feels that they will never live up to the standards set and that they have to 'earn' someone else's love and approval. [1 mark]
Marking Commentary:
This response receives full marks because it describes conditions of worth ('parameters that people set on someone') and the answer is well explained ('the role of conditions of worth is...'), showing a clear chain of reasoning.
AO2: Application of knowledge
Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures:
in a theoretical context
in a practical context
when handling qualitative data
when handling quantitative data
AO2 questions require you to use knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures
A stem may describe a novel situation or outline a conversation between two people
You must engage with the stem rather than repeat parts of it verbatim
This means that you need to be able to make explanatory links between your psychological knowledge and the content of the stem
Additionally, at least 25–30% of the questions in this course will assess skills in relation to research methods
AO2 will be assessed in some of these questions where you must apply your knowledge or skills to a stem
At least 10% of these questions will assess mathematical abilities at Level 2 or higher
For example, calculating the mean of a data set
30-33% of marks available are for AO2, which is assessed in shorter and extended writing questions
Worked Example
Here is an example of an AO2 exam question with a stem:
A psychologist decides to conduct a case study on dissociative identity disorder, using one participant she has met at a clinic.
Q. How might the psychologist conduct a content analysis on the findings from this case study?
[3 marks]
Model answer:
The written content (e.g. transcripts, interviews, diary entries) would be coded according to categories in the data, e.g. who the multiple personalities are, how often they appear, and how they make the participant feel [1 mark]
These categories would then be counted/tallied to look for patterns or significant themes within the data [1 mark]
The researcher could then test the reliability of the analysis by using the test-retest method [1 mark]
Marking Commentary:
This response achieves full marks as it demonstrates knowledge of how content analysis can be carried out ('the written content would be coded...'), which is applied to the stem (the categories are specific to dissociative identity disorder). The answer is well developed as it goes on to explain how the data could be collected and analysed.
AO3: Analysis and evaluation
Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence, including in relation to issues, in order to:
make judgements and reach conclusions
develop and refine practical design and procedures
AO3 is essential for higher exam marks and involves evaluating a theory or study by assessing its strengths and weaknesses by considering:
whether the theory has strong supporting or refuting evidence
whether there are any real-life applications or consequences and how this affects psychology or society
methodological issues like sample size, ethical concerns or validity
how one theory compares with another
if the theory is holistic, deterministic, or scientific and the implications of this
the limitations of a research study and how the design and procedures could be improved
the merits of both sides of a debate, such as nature vs. nurture and considering the overall contributions to psychology
Analysis is a key part of AO3 and involves breaking down arguments, theories or research findings by:
explaining why or how an evaluation point matters
To do this effectively, you must elaborate on your evaluation point, provide examples, and explain why it is a strength or a limitation
36-38% of marks available are for AO3, which is assessed in shorter and extended writing questions
Worked Example
Here is an example of an AO3 exam question:
Q. Briefly discuss one limitation of Schaffer & Emerson's study on the stages of attachment of infants.
[3 marks]
Model answer:
Outline the limitation:
One limitation is that the asocial stage (birth to two months) is difficult to study [1 mark]
Provide an example:
For example, babies at this age have poor coordination and are immobile; therefore, it is difficult to assess their attachment behaviours [1 mark]
Explain why this is a limitation and link back to the question:
This is a limitation because it means that any conclusions on the stages of attachment within the asocial stage cannot be relied upon [1 mark]
Marking Commentary:
This response receives full marks because it identifies one limitation of Schaffer & Emerson's study ('asocial stage is difficult to study') and the answer is well developed (an example is provided). The response goes on to explain why this is a limitation ('this is a limitation because...'), making this an effective evaluation point.
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