Is GCSE Psychology Hard?: A Teacher’s Perspective

Deciding which optional GCSEs to take might seem overwhelming, particularly if you are thinking about studying GCSE Psychology. You may have a lot of GCSE options to choose from, so it’s understandable if you are hesitant to take a subject that you probably do not know much about. 

Fortunately, having taught psychology for over a decade, I understand the concerns you may have about studying GCSE Psychology. The good news is that while it may seem like you’re learning a new language at first, GCSE Psychology is not inherently "hard." Like all GCSEs, it is challenging, but I am here to show you how to succeed if you have the right mindset and a sincere interest in people and behaviour. 

So, Is GCSE Psychology Hard?

GCSE Psychology is a complex scientific subject that covers a wide range of topics. This includes how the brain works and how we think, learn, and behave. It also explores the methods that psychologists use to conduct their research. GCSE Psychology can be challenging, but it is manageable with the right approach.

There are several reasons why GCSE Psychology is often perceived as "hard":

• The volume of content 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 correctly can be tricky

• Critically 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 GCSE 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 understood and accurately remembered. 

• For instance, the AQA GCSE Psychology course is broken down into eight topics. Each of these are further subdivided

However, the course structure allows you to gradually build up your understanding and develop links between topics. Regular revision and actively testing yourself (without notes!) can help manage the workload effectively.

Understanding complex concepts

Some topics, such as brain and neuropsychology or the theories and treatments for depression, can be difficult to grasp. Every theory, research study and research method you will learn requires critical thinking and analysis. This can be demanding to begin with, but as with all skills, your psychological knowledge and higher-order thinking skills will develop with time.

Application of knowledge

Exam questions often ask students to apply what they’ve learnt to new scenarios. This can be challenging as the skill of application is more advanced than simply recalling information. Application is another skill that will develop with enough practice.

Research methods

There are many aspects that psychologists must consider when designing their research studies. Some examples include sampling methods, validity, reliability and ethical issues. There are also many qualitative and quantitative research methods they have to choose from. These include experiments, observations, questionnaires, interviews, and case studies. Understanding when and how to use them correctly and evaluating them can be challenging.

Psychological research also involves performing calculations, interpreting and analysing data. This can feel overwhelming if you're not confident with numbers or scientific methods.

Essay-style questions 

Writing concise and structured responses to the essay-style questions in the GCSE Psychology exams can be tricky. This is because:

• There are many essay-style questions to answer in each paper (depending on the exam board), so writing a clear and detailed response under time pressure can be difficult

• The essay-style questions require you to demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and evaluation of psychological concepts, studies and theories

• Some essay-style questions are ‘synoptic’ and require you to link together different areas of knowledge and understanding from across the full course of study

By revising regularly, practising past papers and developing a clear structure for the essay-style questions, you can improve your ability to answer them effectively.

Timing

In my experience, many students find timing one of the biggest challenges in GCSE Psychology exams. For AQA GCSE Psychology, each exam paper is out of 100 marks, and there is 1 hour and 45 minutes to answer each paper. Students often feel there isn’t enough time to answer all the questions required for a good grade.

Timing issues arise from a lack of understanding of what each question demands and the inclusion of unnecessary details. These challenges can be resolved through revision, plenty of past paper practice, and planning your time well for the exams. 

How to Overcome the Challenges of GCSE Psychology

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

Organised Revision

I always tell my students to start revising early! You should allow yourself as much time as possible to revise, rather than cramming in the lead-up to your exams. Use a revision timetable to break down the large volume of content into manageable sections. This will help you stay on track. 

Develop the habit of completing small tasks consistently throughout the academic year. This way, preparing for exams becomes less overwhelming, allowing you to concentrate more on refining your exam technique. Your revision should focus on understanding the key studies, theories, research methods and evaluations. 

Revision Strategies

Students often ask exactly how to revise. As everyone learns differently, it is so helpful to identify your preferred learning style early on in the course and then tailor your revision techniques accordingly. You may not know what your preferred learning style is, and it can differ depending on the nature of the content you need to learn. 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

  • These are especially helpful for revising concepts such as the multi-store model of memory

• Auditory learners: Record yourself summarising topics on your phone, listen to relevant podcasts or watch videos 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 is especially important for understanding research methods content in GCSE Psychology

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 to retrieve or recall the information from your own memory. For example, after studying a concept like memory, close your book and test yourself on the key theories and studies you have learnt about

• Spaced practice: to make retrieval practice even more effective, you should space out your revision sessions. Instead of cramming all at once, 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: actively recalling information helps to strengthen the neural connections in your brain, making it easier to remember in the future

• Identifies gaps: when you try to recall something and can’t remember it, you’ll know exactly which areas need more attention

• Boosts confidence: as you successfully retrieve information, you’ll build confidence in your ability to recall and apply your knowledge

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. Online flashcards that are accessible on your phone are very useful, as you can test yourself whilst on the bus or waiting in a queue

• Self-testing: After reading a section of your notes, close them and try to write down (or say out loud) everything you remember. 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’ve built up the confidence in your recall ability, begin answering questions in timed conditions. For example, 10 minutes to answer the 9-mark extended writing question for AQA GCSE 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 online revision notes, videos, and revision guides to reinforce your learning. These different formats can help you understand difficult psychological concepts and make the content more engaging. 

Examiner-written mark schemes and reports on the examinations are very valuable resources to help you enhance your learning and develop your exam skills. Examiners’ reports for each exam series are easily accessible from your exam board’s website.

Practice Past Papers

Using past papers for GCSE Psychology revision is one of the most effective ways to prepare for your GCSE Psychology exams. Here’s how to make the most of past papers:

• Start early: begin using past papers early in your revision process to familiarise yourself with the exam format, types of questions, and time constraints. Don’t wait until the last minute to use them; consistent practice over time will help you build confidence and improve your performance

• Practice under exam conditions: try to replicate the conditions of the actual exam by timing yourself when completing past papers. This helps you get used to the pressure of the time limit and ensures you can manage your time effectively during the real exam

• Understand mark schemes: use the mark scheme to check your answers and to help you learn from any mistakes. Look at how marks are awarded for each answer, especially for the longer essay-style questions

• Analyse your mistakes: reflecting on your mistakes will help you avoid repeating the same errors in the future. 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: when reviewing your answers, identify areas where you consistently struggle (e.g., research methods or evaluation questions). Focus your revision on these areas to improve your understanding and performance

• Break down extended writing questions: for the longer 9-mark questions, practice structuring your answers to ensure you cover all aspects of the question

• 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

By consistently practising with past papers, you’ll become familiar with the exam format. This will help improve your exam technique and timing and boost your confidence on the day of the exams.

Focus on Research Methods

Research methods are a central component of GCSE 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, so having a solid grasp of research methods ensures you're prepared for a significant portion of the exam.

For the longer essay-style questions, understanding research methods is key. These questions frequently involve evaluating research methods used in studies, such as discussing their reliability, validity, sample size, and ethical issues. Mastering research methods allows you to provide a well-rounded answer that addresses all of these aspects.

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

Stay Consistent

Make a revision timetable and stick to it. Set aside specific times for different topics. Regular, short study sessions are more effective than long, irregular ones. Consistency is key to retaining information, building your confidence and reducing stress before the exams. 

By combining these strategies, you can tackle the challenges of GCSE Psychology and boost your chances of success

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GCSE Psychology More Difficult Than Other Subjects?

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

Secondly, if you struggle with maths and/or biology or don’t enjoy these subjects, you might want to carefully consider whether GCSE 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 who struggle with higher-level thinking skills and think in "black or white" terms.

GCSE 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 GCSE Psychology With No Previous Knowledge?

Yes, you can get a good grade in GCSE 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 GCSE Psychology introduces concepts in a clear and structured way. The curriculum builds knowledge gradually, so as long as you stay on top of your learning, you can master the material.

How Hard Is It to Get a 9 in GCSE Psychology?

To secure a grade 9, you must engage with the material deeply, practice past papers, and use effective revision strategies like active recall and spaced repetition. It’s also important to manage time efficiently and stay organised throughout the year. While getting a grade 9 is hard, with consistent effort and dedication, high marks in GCSE Psychology are achievable.

Boost Your Confidence With Save My Exams

Save My Exams helps students study effectively and get higher grades than they ever thought possible. Our revision resources are written by teachers and examiners. That means notes, questions by topic, and worked solutions that show exactly what the examiners for each specific exam are looking for. 

GCSE Psychology Revision Resources

References

AQA (2021) GCSE Psychology Specification (8182), Version 1.1

Different Perspectives of Learning Styles from VARK Model

Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology (Dunlosky et al., 2013)