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About AQA GCSE Psychology
AQA GCSE Psychology is code 8182, a linear qualification with both exams at the end of the course. It has two written papers, each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes, worth 100 marks and 50% of the GCSE. AQA applies a scaling factor of one to each paper, so the total scaled mark is 200. It is entered on a single code, 8182, and it is untiered, so there is no Foundation or Higher decision to make and every student sits the same two papers.
Paper 1 is Cognition and behaviour and lists four topics: memory, perception, development and research methods. Paper 2 is Social context and behaviour and lists four topics: social influence, language thought and communication, brain and neuropsychology, and psychological problems. Each paper is then divided into four sections, A to D, and each of those sections is worth 25 marks, described in the same words on both papers as multiple choice, short answer and extended writing. So the structure is four even quarters on each paper.
Both papers carry the same sentence about scope. Students will be expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of these topics. The wording is identical under Paper 1 and Paper 2, which means the topic lists tell you what each paper is about rather than what it is limited to. A student who studies only memory and perception for Paper 1, or only social influence for Paper 2, is working from a misreading of the specification.
The examiners reward evaluation almost as heavily as knowledge. AQA's weightings are AO1 at 35%, which is knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes and procedures, AO2 at 35%, which is applying that knowledge, and AO3 at 30%, which is analysing and evaluating psychological information to make judgements and draw conclusions. Research methods is a taught topic on Paper 1 and brings statistics with it, including mean, median and mode and the construction and interpretation of frequency tables. If you want to see how GCSE Psychology compares across boards, the subject page sets them side by side.
Who AQA GCSE Psychology Is For
This course suits students sitting AQA GCSE Psychology 8182 who need all eight topics covered, plus the evaluation and research methods skills that carry a large share of the marks.
- Year 10 and Year 11 students sitting AQA GCSE Psychology 8182 this year
- Students who revise only the topics listed under one paper and are caught out by questions drawing on the whole course
- Students who can describe a study but struggle to evaluate its method and reach a conclusion
- Students losing marks on the research methods questions involving mean, median, mode and frequency tables
- Private candidates, who can enter this subject since both papers are written exams
AQA GCSE Psychology: The Board We Cover
AQA is the board this page covers. Every fact here comes from AQA's own 8182 specification.
AQA
AQA's GCSE Psychology is code 8182, untiered, with no coursework. Two papers of 1 hour 45 minutes and 100 marks each, split into four sections worth 25 marks apiece. Paper 1 covers cognition and behaviour, Paper 2 covers social context and behaviour, and both expect students to draw on the entire course of study.
How Centaurus Helps AQA GCSE Psychology Students Excel
Eight Topics, Four Quarters Each
Each paper lists four topics and divides into four 25 mark sections, so every area is prepared to the same weight rather than the most interesting ones getting the time.
The Whole Course Kept Live
AQA expects both papers to draw on the entire course of study, so the earlier topics stay in revision instead of being filed away after Paper 1.
Evaluation Taught as a Skill
AO3 is 30% of the qualification and asks for analysis, evaluation, judgements and conclusions, so that is practised weekly rather than left to revision.
Research Methods and Statistics Covered
Research methods is a taught topic on Paper 1, and the required mathematics includes mean, median and mode and the construction and interpretation of frequency tables.
Extended Answers Structured
Longer answers are taught with a structure for weighing evidence and stating a conclusion, because conclusions are what the evaluation objective is marked on.
24/7 Progress Reporting
Families get access to the Centaurus Academy LMS, with attendance, progress and lesson notes available to parents, students and teachers at any time.
Why Centaurus Stands Out
Choosing the right AQA GCSE Psychology support makes a real difference. Here is how Centaurus Academy compares with typical online providers.
Meet our Team Of Experts
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What Parents Say About Us
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AQA GCSE Psychology: Frequently Asked Questions
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