AQA GCSE Psychology (8182): complete guide to the two papers, the seven topics and the exams
A complete guide to AQA GCSE Psychology (specification 8182). Covers the two written papers, the seven topics from memory and perception to social influence and the brain, the research methods that run through the course, the maths demand, and how to study each topic for top grades.
AQA GCSE Psychology (specification 8182) is a linear course assessed by two written papers at the end of the course. There is no coursework. This page is the index: below is a map of the seven topics, the two papers, the maths and research-methods demand, and how to study each one.
The seven AQA Psychology topics
The specification has seven topics, split across two papers. Research methods (3.4) is examined on Paper 1 but underpins the whole course.
- 3.1 Memory
- The structure of memory through Atkinson and Shiffrin's multi-store model, the three types of long-term memory (episodic, semantic and procedural), encoding and retrieval, the reconstructive nature of memory shown by Bartlett, and explanations of forgetting such as interference and retrieval failure.
- 3.2 Perception
- The difference between sensation and perception, the monocular and binocular depth cues, the two main theories of perception (Gibson's direct theory and Gregory's constructivist theory), and the causes of visual illusions.
- 3.3 Development
- Early brain development and Willatts' study, Piaget's four stages of cognitive development, the application of psychology to education including Dweck's mindsets, and the nature-nurture debate.
- 3.4 Research methods
- Experiments and variables (the independent and dependent variables, hypotheses and types of experiment), sampling methods, types of data and descriptive statistics (mean, median and mode), and research ethics, reliability and validity.
- 3.5 Social influence
- Conformity and Asch's study, obedience and Milgram's agency theory, prosocial and antisocial behaviour and deindividuation, and bystander behaviour including the bystander effect and diffusion of responsibility.
- 3.6 Language, thought and communication
- The relationship between language and thought (Piaget versus the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis), human language versus animal communication, the types and functions of non-verbal communication, and whether non-verbal behaviour is innate or learned.
- 3.7 Brain and neuropsychology
- The structure and function of the nervous system and the fight or flight response, neurons and synaptic transmission, the structures of the brain, and localisation of function with scanning techniques such as CT, PET and fMRI.
Exam structure
AQA GCSE Psychology is assessed by two written papers, both sat at the end of the course. A calculator is allowed in both.
- Paper 1: Cognition and behaviour - topics 3.1 to 3.4 (memory, perception, development, research methods). 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks, 50%.
- Paper 2: Social context and behaviour - topics 3.5 to 3.7 plus psychological problems (social influence, language thought and communication, brain and neuropsychology). 1 hour 45 minutes, 100 marks, 50%.
Both papers mix multiple choice, short answer and extended response questions, and at least 10% of marks assess maths.
How to study AQA Psychology
Psychology rewards precise knowledge of named studies, the ability to evaluate theories, and confident handling of research methods.
- Work from the specification statements. Each numbered point is a checklist; questions are written from them.
- Learn the named studies and theories. Mark schemes reward naming Atkinson and Shiffrin, Bartlett, Piaget, Asch, Milgram and the language areas precisely.
- Master research methods. Variables, sampling, data, ethics and validity can be applied to any study in either paper.
- Drill the maths. The mean, median, mode and range, percentages and charts all appear in research-methods questions.
- Practise evaluation and extended answers. The longer questions reward balanced strengths and weaknesses and a supported conclusion.
The seven topics, dot point by dot point
Each topic has specification-statement-level answer pages with worked exam questions and cross-links, plus an overview guide and quiz. Browse the full set at /gcse-aqa/psychology/syllabus.
For the official specification
AQA publishes the full specification (8182), past papers and mark schemes at aqa.org.uk. Always revise from the current specification and AQA's own past papers, because question style is board-specific.
Psychology guides
In-depth written guides with paired practice quizzes.
- Brain and neuropsychology overview: how to study the AQA GCSE Psychology topic
A complete overview of the AQA GCSE Psychology brain and neuropsychology topic (3.7): the structure of the nervous system and fight or flight, neurons and synaptic transmission, the structures of the brain, and localisation of function with brain scanning techniques.
9 min readRead → - Development overview: how to study the AQA GCSE Psychology development topic
A complete overview of the AQA GCSE Psychology development topic (3.3): early brain development and Willatts, Piaget's four stages of cognitive development, the application of psychology to learning and education including Dweck's mindsets, and the nature-nurture debate.
9 min readRead → - Language, thought and communication overview: how to study the AQA GCSE Psychology topic
A complete overview of the AQA GCSE Psychology language, thought and communication topic (3.6): Piaget versus the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, human versus animal communication, non-verbal communication, and whether non-verbal behaviour is innate or learned.
9 min readRead → - Memory overview: how to study the AQA GCSE Psychology memory topic
A complete overview of the AQA GCSE Psychology memory topic (3.1): the multi-store model, the three types of long-term memory, acoustic and semantic encoding, reconstructive memory and Bartlett, and the factors and theories that explain forgetting.
9 min readRead → - Perception overview: how to study the AQA GCSE Psychology perception topic
A complete overview of the AQA GCSE Psychology perception topic (3.2): the difference between sensation and perception, monocular and binocular depth cues, Gibson's direct theory and Gregory's constructivist theory, and the causes of visual illusions.
9 min readRead → - Research methods overview: how to study the AQA GCSE Psychology research methods topic
A complete overview of the AQA GCSE Psychology research methods topic (3.4): experiments and variables, sampling methods, types of data and descriptive statistics, and research ethics, reliability and validity.
9 min readRead → - Social influence overview: how to study the AQA GCSE Psychology social influence topic
A complete overview of the AQA GCSE Psychology social influence topic (3.5): conformity and Asch's study, obedience and Milgram's agency theory, prosocial and antisocial behaviour and deindividuation, and bystander behaviour and the bystander effect.
9 min readRead →
Psychology practice quizzes
Multiple-choice drills with worked answer explanations. Your scores stay on this device.
- Brain and neuropsychology overview quiz - AQA GCSE Psychology12 questionsStart →
- Development overview quiz - AQA GCSE Psychology11 questionsStart →
- Language, thought and communication overview quiz - AQA GCSE Psychology11 questionsStart →
- Memory overview quiz - AQA GCSE Psychology11 questionsStart →
- Perception overview quiz - AQA GCSE Psychology11 questionsStart →
- Research methods overview quiz - AQA GCSE Psychology11 questionsStart →
- Social influence overview quiz - AQA GCSE Psychology11 questionsStart →
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