AQA A-Level Psychology sample questions and answers (7182)
Guide overview All 23 topics Sample questions Papers and weighting Look inside Questions and answers
69 sample questions and answers
Taken from every topic of AQA A-Level Psychology, specification 7182. The full guide has 2,999.
Paper 1
Social Influence
116 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Types of conformity and explanations for conformity
Under what conditions is informational social influence most likely to occur?
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In ambiguous situations, when the task is difficult, or when others are perceived as experts. -
Types of conformity and explanations for conformity
Why does a dissenter reduce conformity even when they give a different wrong answer?
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Breaking the unanimous position is more important than providing social support for the correct answer; the presence of any dissent reduces the pressure to conform. -
Conformity to social roles: Zimbardo's prison study
How was the guards' role reinforced in Zimbardo's Stanford prison experiment?
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They wore khaki uniforms and mirrored sunglasses that prevented eye contact, carried handcuffs and a club, and were told they had complete power over the prisoners but could not use physical violence.
Paper 1
Memory
136 questions in the guide, across 5 subtopics. More from this topic
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The multi-store model of memory
Define short-term memory according to the multi-store model.
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A temporary store where information is held while being actively processed. -
The multi-store model of memory
Why might information that is deeply processed for meaning be better retained in long-term memory?
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Because long-term memory primarily uses semantic coding, so encoding information based on its meaning aligns with how LTM naturally stores information. -
Types of long-term memory
What is procedural memory?
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The long-term store for how to do things, such as riding a bike or driving, which is recalled automatically without conscious effort.
Paper 1
Attachment
191 questions in the guide, across 9 subtopics. More from this topic
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Caregiver-infant interactions: reciprocity and interactional synchrony
How does interactional synchrony differ from reciprocity?
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Synchrony involves simultaneous, mirrored actions, whereas reciprocity involves turn-taking responses. -
Schaffer's stages of attachment
What characterises the indiscriminate attachment stage?
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From about two to seven months the baby prefers people to objects and recognises familiar adults, but accepts comfort from anyone and shows no separation or stranger anxiety. -
Multiple attachments and the role of the father
What did Grossmann et al. find about the role of the father?
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In a longitudinal study, the quality of infants' attachment to fathers did not predict their attachments in adolescence, but the quality of fathers' play did, suggesting fathers' role is more about play and stimulation than nurturing.
Paper 2
Approaches in Psychology
146 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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Origins of Psychology: Wundt, introspection and the emergence of Psychology as a science
What is introspection?
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The systematic examination and reporting of one's own conscious thoughts, feelings and sensations. -
Origins of Psychology: Wundt, introspection and the emergence of Psychology as a science
Give one criticism of introspection as a method.
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It relies on subjective self-report of private mental processes, which cannot be objectively observed or verified. -
Learning approaches
How does operant conditioning explain the learning of behaviour?
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Behaviour is learned through its consequences, being shaped and maintained by reinforcement and punishment.
Paper 2
Biopsychology
172 questions in the guide, across 8 subtopics. More from this topic
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Divisions of the nervous system
Into which two subdivisions is the peripheral nervous system divided?
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The somatic nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. -
Structure and function of neurons and synaptic transmission
Where is the cell body positioned in a motor neuron, and what structural feature branches from it?
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The cell body is located at one end of the neuron with dendrites branching from it. -
The endocrine system
Why are the effects of hormones often more significant for long-term bodily regulation compared to neural signals?
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Because hormonal effects tend to be longer-lasting than the effects of nervous system activity.
Paper 1
Clinical Psychology and Mental Health
149 questions in the guide, across 5 subtopics. More from this topic
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Definitions in the field of mental health
Why does the deviation from ideal mental health definition risk classifying most people as abnormal?
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Very few individuals meet all six criteria simultaneously, so according to these strict standards, the majority of people would be classified as abnormal. -
Definitions in the field of mental health
What is a key strength of the failure to function adequately definition of abnormality?
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It recognises the subjective experience of the individual and acknowledges personal distress as a key indicator of abnormality. -
Characteristics of phobias, depression and OCD
Describe the sleep disruption that characterises depression.
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Disrupted sleep patterns, which may include insomnia (difficulty sleeping) or hypersomnia (sleeping excessively).
Paper 2
Research Methods
136 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Experimental method
Why do laboratory experiments typically have low ecological validity?
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Because the artificial setting may not reflect real-world behaviour. -
Experimental method
What would happen to internal validity if a researcher cannot randomly allocate participants to conditions?
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Internal validity would be reduced because pre-existing differences between groups may act as confounding variables. -
Observational techniques
Why might controlled observation lack ecological validity?
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Because the artificial setting may not reflect natural behaviour.
Paper 2
Scientific Processes
310 questions in the guide, across 16 subtopics. More from this topic
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Aims and hypotheses
A researcher states: 'This study will explore whether sleep affects memory.' Is this an aim or a hypothesis? Explain why.
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This is an aim because it is a general statement of what the researcher intends to investigate, not a specific testable prediction. -
Pilot studies
A researcher discovers during their main experiment that participants misunderstand a key instruction. How could this have been prevented?
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By conducting a pilot study beforehand to check that standardised instructions are clear and understood by participants. -
Observational design
Define event sampling as an observational technique.
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A technique where the observer records every occurrence of a specified target behaviour during the observation period.
Paper 2
Quantitative and Qualitative Data
149 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Quantitative and qualitative data; the distinction between qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques
Why are case studies considered a qualitative data collection technique?
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They involve in-depth investigation of individuals or small groups, gathering detailed descriptive information about experiences, behaviours, and circumstances over time. -
Quantitative and qualitative data; the distinction between qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques
Why does quantitative data allow for generalisations to wider populations?
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Because numerical data from representative samples can be statistically analysed to determine whether findings are likely to apply beyond the sample studied. -
Primary and secondary data, including meta-analysis
Why might secondary data not be ideal for a researcher's investigation?
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It may not perfectly fit the researcher's needs as it was collected for a different purpose.
Paper 2
Data Handling and Analysis
130 questions in the guide, across 7 subtopics. More from this topic
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Primary and secondary data
How does primary data collection compare to secondary data in terms of time and cost?
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Primary data collection is typically more time-consuming and expensive than using secondary data. -
Primary and secondary data
Why can meta-analysis provide more reliable conclusions than a single study?
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Because it synthesises findings across different samples and contexts, giving a broader evidence base. -
Descriptive statistics
Which measure of central tendency is most affected by extreme values or outliers?
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The mean.
Paper 2
Inferential Testing
79 questions in the guide, across 3 subtopics. More from this topic
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The sign test
In the sign test calculation, what sign is assigned if a participant's score increased from condition A to condition B?
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A plus sign. -
The sign test
Calculate the S value when number of positive signs = 17, number of negative signs = 13.
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S value = min(17, 13) = 13. -
Probability and significance
Why does using a lenient significance level such as p ≤ 0.10 increase the risk of Type I errors?
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Because a lenient level makes it easier to reject the null hypothesis, increasing the chance of claiming an effect exists when it does not.
Paper 3
Issues and Debates in Psychology
100 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Gender and culture in Psychology
What is beta bias?
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Beta bias refers to theories or research that minimise or ignore differences between males and females, often by assuming findings from studies on one sex apply equally to the other. -
Gender and culture in Psychology
What does the acronym WEIRD refer to, and why is it significant for psychological research?
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WEIRD refers to Western, Educated, Industrialised, Rich, and Democratic societies. Much psychological research uses samples from these populations, limiting the universality of findings. -
Free will and determinism
Define environmental determinism.
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Environmental determinism is the view that behaviour is shaped by external environmental factors, including reinforcement, punishment and conditioning experiences.
Paper 3
Relationships
96 questions in the guide, across 5 subtopics. More from this topic
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Factors affecting attraction in romantic relationships
Why is physical attractiveness important in attraction?
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It is a key initial factor, and features judged attractive, such as symmetry, may signal health and genetic fitness. -
Factors affecting attraction in romantic relationships
Name the three filters in filter theory.
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Similarity of attitudes, complementarity, and social demography. -
Evolutionary explanations for partner preferences
Why do females tend to be choosier than males when selecting a partner?
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Females invest far more in each offspring through pregnancy and nursing, so a poor choice is costly and they benefit from a strategy of quality over quantity.
Paper 3
Gender
111 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Sex, gender, sex-role stereotypes and androgyny
What is androgyny?
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Displaying a balance of both masculine and feminine personality characteristics. -
Sex, gender, sex-role stereotypes and androgyny
What four categories can a person be classified into using the BSRI?
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Masculine, feminine, androgynous, or undifferentiated. -
Chromosomes and hormones in biological sex
How does prenatal hormone exposure influence development?
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Prenatal hormone exposure during critical periods influences the sexual differentiation of both the brain and body.
Paper 3
Cognition and Development
63 questions in the guide, across 4 subtopics. More from this topic
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Vygotsky's theory of cognitive development
Who is a 'more knowledgeable other'?
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Anyone with greater knowledge or skill, such as a teacher, parent or more able peer. -
Vygotsky's theory of cognitive development
How does the relationship between language and thought change with development?
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Language and thought are initially separate, then merge, and inner speech becomes a tool for reasoning. -
Piaget's theory of cognitive development
What key ability develops in the sensorimotor stage?
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Object permanence: understanding that objects continue to exist when out of sight.
Paper 3
Schizophrenia
128 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Symptoms of schizophrenia and issues in diagnosis
What areas of functioning does avolition typically affect?
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Work, self-care, and social interaction. -
Symptoms of schizophrenia and issues in diagnosis
Which disorders have symptoms that overlap with schizophrenia?
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Bipolar disorder, severe depression with psychotic features, and certain personality disorders. -
Biological explanations for schizophrenia
What are neural correlates in relation to schizophrenia?
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Measurable brain abnormalities associated with schizophrenia, including structural and functional differences.
Paper 3
Eating Behaviour
138 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Explanations for food preferences
How does social learning influence the development of food preferences?
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Food preferences develop through observation and imitation of eating behaviours displayed by parents, peers and other role models. -
Explanations for food preferences
What role does parental modelling play in children's food preferences?
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Parental modelling of food choices and attitudes towards food significantly influences children's developing food preferences. -
Neural and hormonal mechanisms in eating behaviour
When do ghrelin levels rise and what does this signal?
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Ghrelin levels rise before meals when the stomach is empty, signalling hunger to the brain.
Paper 3
Stress
180 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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The physiology of stress
Where does ACTH travel to and what does it stimulate?
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ACTH travels to the adrenal cortex and stimulates the release of cortisol. -
The physiology of stress
What is cortisol and where is it released from?
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Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone released by the adrenal cortex that helps maintain a steady supply of energy during prolonged stress. -
The role of stress in illness
Who conducted research demonstrating the link between stress and immunosuppression?
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Kiecolt-Glaser et al.
Paper 3
Aggression
174 questions in the guide, across 6 subtopics. More from this topic
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Neural and hormonal mechanisms in aggression
What happens when the amygdala is activated in response to a perceived threat?
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Activation of the amygdala is associated with aggressive reactions to perceived threats. -
Neural and hormonal mechanisms in aggression
What effect does testosterone have on the prefrontal cortex's ability to regulate behaviour?
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Testosterone reduces the regulatory influence of the prefrontal cortex. -
Genetic factors in aggression
What did Brunner et al. find when studying a Dutch family with abnormally aggressive males?
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The males had a mutation causing complete absence of MAOA enzyme activity.
Paper 3
Forensic Psychology
156 questions in the guide, across 4 subtopics. More from this topic
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Offender profiling
What is the typical relationship status of an organised offender?
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They are likely to be in a relationship. -
Offender profiling
What does the concept of interpersonal coherence propose about offender behaviour?
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That offenders behave consistently across situations, so their behaviour during a crime reflects their everyday behaviour. -
Biological explanations of offending behaviour
If monozygotic twins show higher concordance rates for criminality than dizygotic twins, what does this suggest?
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It suggests a genetic component to offending behaviour.
Paper 3
Addiction
83 questions in the guide, across 5 subtopics. More from this topic
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Describing addiction
How does physical dependence differ from psychological dependence in terms of what each involves?
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Physical dependence involves physiological adaptation to a substance, whereas psychological dependence involves emotional or mental reliance on the rewarding effects of a substance or behaviour. -
Describing addiction
Give examples of physical effects that can occur during withdrawal.
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Tremors, sweating, and nausea. -
Risk factors in the development of addiction
How does high psychoticism increase addiction risk?
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Individuals high in psychoticism tend to be impulsive and sensation-seeking, making them more likely to engage in risky addictive behaviours.
Paper 3
Explanations for Nicotine Addiction
27 questions in the guide, across 2 subtopics. More from this topic
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Brain neurochemistry, including the role of dopamine
What is the mesolimbic dopamine pathway and what does it connect?
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It is a neural pathway connecting the VTA to the nucleus accumbens, and it is central to reward and reinforcement. -
Brain neurochemistry, including the role of dopamine
Why does the rapid delivery of nicotine to the brain contribute to addiction?
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It strengthens the association between smoking and reward, creating rapid reinforcement that contributes to addiction. -
Learning theory as applied to nicotine addiction, including reference to cue reactivity
How does positive reinforcement in operant conditioning explain the maintenance of smoking behaviour?
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The pleasurable effects of nicotine act as a reward, increasing the likelihood that smoking behaviour will be repeated.
Paper 3
Explanations for Gambling Addiction
29 questions in the guide, across 2 subtopics. More from this topic
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Learning theory as applied to gambling, including reference to partial and variable reinforcement
How does partial reinforcement affect the persistence of gambling?
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Behaviour learned through partial reinforcement is more resistant to extinction, so gambling continues even through long runs of losses. -
Learning theory as applied to gambling, including reference to partial and variable reinforcement
What role do secondary reinforcers play in gambling?
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Stimuli such as flashing lights, sounds and chips become associated with winning and acquire reinforcing properties of their own. -
Cognitive theory as applied to gambling, including reference to cognitive bias
What is a 'near miss' bias?
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Interpreting an almost-win as evidence that success is close, which encourages continued gambling despite a loss.
AQA A-Level Psychology Active Recall Guide
The other 2,930 questions, with the answers printed after each section.