Is A Level Psychology Hard?: A Teacher’s Perspective

How hard is A Level Psychology?

A Level Psychology is a complex scientific subject that covers a wide range of topics. These include brain structure, memory, conformity and research methods. The course can be challenging, but it is manageable with the right approach.

There are several reasons why A Level Psychology is often perceived as ‘hard’:

• The volume of content you need to learn is vast. There are many key studies, key terms, theories and evaluations to remember

• There are a lot of specific research methods terms. Understanding when and how to use them can be tricky

• Evaluating studies, theories and research methods can be overwhelming 

But, with consistent revision and retrieval practice, these challenges can be overcome. It is important to practice past papers and ensure your revision is ongoing. This way, you are likely to achieve a high grade in A Level Psychology.

Volume of content

In my experience, students often say that there is a lot to memorise. This is because there are many key studies, theories, and research methods to learn. Each topic has specific details that need to be remembered for the exam. 

For instance, the AQA A Level Psychology course consists of 11 topics. Each of these are further subdivided.

The course structure allows you to develop understanding and recognise links between topics. Regular revision and testing yourself (without notes!) can help you to manage the workload.

Understanding complex concepts

Topics, such as neuroplasticity or the free will & determinism debate, can be challenging. You will need to become skilled at critical thinking and analysis. This can be demanding, but your knowledge and skills will develop with practice.

Application of knowledge

Exam questions often ask students to apply their knowledge to a novel situation. This can be challenging as application is more advanced than recalling information. Application is another skill that will develop with plenty of practice.

Research methods

There are many aspects that psychologists must consider when designing their research studies. Some examples include experimental design, reliability and validity and ethical issues. Researchers may choose to use qualitative or quantitative research methods. These include experiments, observations, questionnaires, interviews, and case studies.

In the exam you may get questions on descriptive statistics or inferential statistics. You may also get maths questions. This can feel overwhelming if you lack confidence with numbers or scientific methods.

Essay-style questions 

Concise and structured responses to the essay-style questions can be tricky to achieve. This is because:

• Writing a clear and detailed response under time pressure can be difficult

• You need to show knowledge, understanding of psychological concepts, studies and theories

• You need to evaluate psychological concepts, studies and theories

• You need to link topics and theories from across the full course

You need to practise past papers regularly. You need to develop a clear structure for the essay-style questions. Practice means that you can improve your ability to answer exam questions confidently.

Timing

For AQA A Level Psychology, each exam paper is worth 96 marks, which you must complete within two hours. Students often feel there isn’t enough time to answer all the questions required for a good grade.

Timing issues arise when students are unsure of what the question is asking them to do. They also arise when students include unnecessary detail. These problems can be solved through revision, past paper practice, and planning.

How to Overcome the Challenges of A Level Psychology

Overcoming the challenges of A Level Psychology requires a focused and strategic approach:

Organised Revision

I always tell my students to start revising early! Avoid cramming in revision in the lead-up to your exams. Use a revision timetable to help you manage your workload. This will help you to stay on track. 

Develop the habit of completing small tasks consistently throughout the academic year. This allows you to concentrate on refining your exam technique.

Revision Strategies

Students often ask exactly how to revise. Identify your preferred learning style and then tailor your revision techniques accordingly. You may, for example, be a visual learner. Try out different strategies until you find the one that works for you.

Below are a few ideas of how to help you get started, depending on your learning style:

• Visual learners: Use mind maps, diagrams, and colour-coding

  • Helpful for revising concepts such as the multi-store model of memory

• Auditory learners: Use of podcasts, videos, your own notes on the topics that you are revising

  • Teaching others is an excellent revision strategy for auditory learners

• Kinaesthetic learners: Create physical models or use hands-on experiments

  • Hands-on, practical experience can help revision of research methods

The Save My Exams Learning Hub has a wealth of helpful revision advice. 

Retrieval Practice

In my experience as a student and a teacher, retrieval practice is one of the best ways to revise. Several academic studies show that the most ineffective revision strategies are passive ones. These include re-reading, highlighting, or summarising revision notes. 

Here’s how retrieval practice works:

• Active recall: Test yourself without any notes or textbooks. After studying memory, close your book and test yourself on the key theories and studies.

• Spaced practice: Space out your revision sessions. Review the material several times over days or weeks, testing yourself each time. This helps to reinforce your knowledge.

There are many benefits of retrieval practice:

• Improves long-term memory: Retrieval practice strengthens neural connections, making recall easier.

• Identifies gaps: This will help you to focus on topics that need more attention.

• Boosts confidence: Confidence improves as a result of your skills improving.

You can try the following retrieval techniques:

• Flashcards: Write questions or key concepts on one side and answers on the other. Test yourself or ask someone else to test you regularly. Use our online flashcards to test yourself whilst on the bus or waiting in a queue.

• Self-testing: Read through a section of your notes then recall everything you remember. You can recall notes verbally or in writing. Compare what you have written with your revision notes to identify any gaps that you need to work on.

• Practice questions: Use past papers or quizzes to test your understanding. Use the mark schemes or ask your teacher to check your answers. Once you feel confident, you can practice writing questions in timed conditions. For example, 20 minutes to answer a 16-mark essay question for AQA A Level Psychology.

By regularly engaging in retrieval practice, you actively strengthen your memory. This will make it easier to recall information during the exams.

Use Multiple Resources

Don’t rely on just one textbook. Use our online revision notes, videos, and revision guides to reinforce your learning. Different formats can make psychological concepts and content more engaging. 

Use exam board mark schemes and examiners’ reports to help your exam skills. You can find these materials on your exam board’s website.

Practice Past Papers

Use past papers for A Level Psychology to prepare for your A Level Psychology exams. Here’s how to make the most of past papers:

• Start early: Use past papers to understand the exam format, types of questions, and timings. Consistent practice over time will help you build confidence and improve your performance.

• Practice under exam conditions: Time yourself writing exam questions. This helps you get used to the pressure of the time limit. It also ensures that you can manage your time effectively during the real exam.

• Understand mark schemes: Use the mark scheme to check your answers. Look at how the marks are awarded per question. This is particularly useful for the higher-value questions.

• Analyse your mistakes: Ask yourself:

  • Did I misinterpret the question?

  • Did I miss key information or concepts?

  • Did I spend too much time on one question?

  • Did I structure my answer well, especially for the essay-style questions?

• Target weak areas: Identify areas where you consistently struggle. This may be on research methods or evaluation questions for example. Focus your revision on these areas to improve your understanding and performance.

• Break down extended writing questions: Practice structuring your answers. This is particularly important for the longer, high-value questions.

• Track your progress: Keep a record of your past paper practice. Identify which areas you performed well in and where you need to improve. Over time, you should see progress in your understanding and exam technique.

Focus on Research Methods

Research methods are a central component of A Level Psychology across all specifications. They are often tested in multiple-choice, short-answer, and extended-response questions. These questions assess your understanding of how psychological research is conducted. Having a solid grasp of research methods will serve you well for the whole exam.

For the longer essay-style questions, understanding research methods is key. These questions frequently involve evaluating research methods used in studies. This includes discussing their reliability, validity, sample size, and ethical issues.

Understanding how to analyse and evaluate studies is crucial for doing well in the exams.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Level Psychology Harder Than Other Subjects?

Some students may find A Level Psychology more challenging than other subjects. This could be for several reasons. A Level Psychology involves a large amount of content. This content needs to be memorised, such as key studies, theories, and key terms. This makes it harder for students who find memorisation difficult. 

If you struggle with maths and/or biology, you might find A Level Psychology hard. You may wish to consider whether A Level Psychology is the right choice for you. Both maths and biology are important elements of psychology.

Finally, another challenge is applying critical thinking. Analytical thinking can be tough for students. You may struggle with higher-level thinking skills if you think in "black or white" terms.

A Level Psychology is designed to be accessible for students without prior knowledge. Whether it’s harder than other subjects depends on how well you can engage with and revise the material.

Can I Get a Good Grade in A Level Psychology With No Previous Knowledge?

Yes, you can get a good grade in A Level Psychology even with no previous knowledge. The course is designed for students who are new to the subject, so you don't need prior experience. 

One key factor is that A Level Psychology introduces concepts in a clear and structured way. The curriculum builds knowledge gradually. As long as you stay on top of your learning, you can master the material.

How Hard Is It to Get an A* in A Level Psychology?

To secure an A* grade, you must engage with the material deeply. It is essential to practice past papers. You need to use effective revision strategies like active recall and spaced repetition. It is important to manage your time efficiently. You should also stay organised throughout the year. While getting an A* grade is hard, you can do so with consistent effort and dedication. Even if you don't achieve an A*, high marks in A Level Psychology are achievable.

Boost Your Confidence With Save My Exams

Save My Exams helps students study effectively. We can help you to achieve higher grades than you ever thought possible. Our A Level Psychology revision resources are written by teachers and examiners. Our resources include revision notes, exam questions, and worked solutions. These revision resources show you what each specific exam board is looking for.