Edexcel GCSE Psychology exam papers and weighting (1PS0)
Guide overview All 11 topics Sample questions Papers and weighting Look inside Questions and answers
What each Edexcel GCSE Psychology paper assesses
Edexcel GCSE Psychology (1PS0) is examined in two papers. Paper 1, 1 hour 45 minutes and 55% of the GCSE, covers the five compulsory topics: development, memory, psychological problems, the brain and neuropsychology, and social influence. Paper 2, 1 hour 20 minutes and 45%, opens with research methods and then offers five optional topics, of which a student studies two: criminal psychology, the self, perception, sleep and dreaming, and language, thought and communication. Research methods is also applied to new contexts in Paper 1. All eleven topics are here, with every named study and theory the specification lists.
| Paper | Covers |
|---|---|
|
Paper 1 Compulsory topics |
DEVELOPMENT MEMORY PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS THE BRAIN AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGY SOCIAL INFLUENCE |
|
Paper 2 Research methods and optional topics |
RESEARCH METHODS CRIMINAL PSYCHOLOGY THE SELF PERCEPTION SLEEP AND DREAMING LANGUAGE, THOUGHT AND COMMUNICATION |
Every topic, and where it is examined
| Topic | Examined on | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Development | Paper 1 | 85 |
| Memory | Paper 1 | 81 |
| Psychological Problems | Paper 1 | 92 |
| The Brain and Neuropsychology | Paper 1 | 68 |
| Social Influence | Paper 1 | 78 |
| Criminal Psychology | Paper 2 | 64 |
| The Self | Paper 2 | 80 |
| Perception | Paper 2 | 63 |
| Sleep and Dreaming | Paper 2 | 66 |
| Language, Thought and Communication | Paper 2 | 77 |
| Research Methods | Paper 2 | 137 |
Assessment details from the Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9–1) in Psychology (1PS0), Issue 1, December 2016. Pearson Edexcel specification.
Edexcel GCSE Psychology Active Recall Guide
891 questions across every paper on the specification.