AQA Paper Structure & Command Words

This lesson is your complete guide to understanding how the AQA GCSE Psychology exams are structured, what each command word demands, and how marks are allocated across the two papers. Knowing the exam format inside out is one of the most reliable ways to improve your grade — students who understand what the examiner is looking for consistently outperform those who only revise psychology content.

The Two Papers

AQA GCSE Psychology (specification 8182) is assessed through two written exam papers. There is no coursework, controlled assessment, or practical endorsement — your entire grade depends on these two exams.

Paper 1: Cognition and Behaviour

Detail	Information
Topics covered	Memory, Perception, Development, Research Methods
Duration	1 hour 45 minutes
Total marks	100
Percentage of GCSE	50%
Question types	Multiple choice, short answer (1–4 marks), application questions, extended writing (6 marks)

Paper 2: Social Context and Behaviour

Detail	Information
Topics covered	Social Influence, Language, Thought and Communication, Brain and Neuropsychology, Psychological Problems
Duration	1 hour 45 minutes
Total marks	100
Percentage of GCSE	50%
Question types	Multiple choice, short answer (1–4 marks), application questions, extended writing (6 marks)

Topic Allocation Across Papers

Understanding which topics appear on which paper is essential for planning your revision and for managing your time during the exam.

Paper	Topics
Paper 1	Memory, Perception, Development, Research Methods
Paper 2	Social Influence, Language, Thought and Communication, Brain and Neuropsychology, Psychological Problems

Exam Tip: Research Methods is listed as a Paper 1 topic, but research methods questions can and do appear across both papers. You may be asked to evaluate the methodology of a study in any topic area on either paper. Treat Research Methods as a cross-paper skill, not a standalone topic.

Question Types

Each paper contains a mix of question types. Understanding what each type demands will help you allocate your time and effort correctly.

Multiple Choice Questions

These typically appear at the start of each section. You select one correct answer from four options. There is no negative marking, so always give an answer even if you are unsure.

Short Answer Questions (1–4 marks)

These require brief, focused responses. The number of marks tells you how many distinct points you need to make:

Marks	Expectation
1 mark	A single correct identification, name, or statement
2 marks	Two distinct points, or one point with brief elaboration
3 marks	Three points, or a described point with explanation
4 marks	Detailed description or explanation with multiple linked points

Application Questions

These present a scenario (called a stem) and ask you to apply your psychological knowledge to it. You must refer to the stem in your answer — generic textbook answers without reference to the scenario will not achieve full marks.

Extended Writing Questions (6 marks)

These are marked using levels of response rather than point-by-point marking. The examiner reads your entire answer and decides which level it best fits. These are covered in detail in Lesson 3.

Assessment Objectives

Every question on the exam is linked to one or more of three Assessment Objectives. Understanding these helps you know what the examiner expects.

Assessment Objective	What it tests	Approximate weighting
AO1	Knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, and studies	~35%
AO2	Application of knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations	~35%
AO3	Analysis and evaluation of psychological concepts, theories, and studies	~30%

Exam Tip: Many students focus only on AO1 (learning facts and definitions). This accounts for only about 35% of the marks. Roughly 65% of your grade depends on your ability to apply (AO2) and evaluate (AO3) what you know. Practise these skills, not just memorisation.

Mathematical Skills

Approximately 10% of the overall marks require mathematical skills. This means around 20 marks across both papers will involve calculations or data interpretation. You should be confident with:

Mean, median, mode, and range — calculating and interpreting each measure of central tendency and spread
Percentages and fractions — converting between them and using them to interpret data
Reading and interpreting graphs and tables — identifying trends, patterns, and anomalies
Estimating results from data presented in different formats
Significant figures and decimal places — presenting numerical answers appropriately

Exam Tip: Always show your working in calculation questions. If your final answer is wrong but your method is correct, you can still earn method marks. A wrong answer with no working shown scores zero.

Command Words

AQA uses specific command words that tell you exactly what kind of answer is expected. Using the wrong approach for a command word is one of the most common reasons students lose marks.

Identify / Name / State / Give

These all mean the same thing: provide a brief, factual answer. No elaboration or explanation is needed.

Example: "Identify one ethical issue with Milgram's study." — Answer: "Psychological harm" (one or two words is sufficient).
Marks: Usually 1 mark.

Outline

Give a brief description or summary. You need slightly more detail than "Identify" but less than "Describe."

Example: "Outline what is meant by the multi-store model of memory." — Answer: "The multi-store model proposes that memory consists of three separate stores — the sensory register, short-term memory, and long-term memory — and that information passes between them through attention and rehearsal."
Marks: Usually 2 marks.

Describe

Give a detailed account. You need to provide thorough information, but you do not need to explain why something happens.

Example: "Describe Loftus and Palmer's study of eyewitness testimony." — You would describe the aim, method, results, and conclusion.
Marks: Usually 2–4 marks.

Explain

Give reasons or mechanisms. The key word here is why — you must go beyond describing what happens and explain the cause or mechanism.

Example: "Explain why leading questions can affect the accuracy of eyewitness testimony." — You must say why (e.g., because the wording of the question creates a schema that alters the stored memory, known as the misinformation effect).
Marks: Usually 2–4 marks.

Evaluate

Consider strengths and limitations, and ideally reach a supported conclusion. This is an AO3 skill.

Example: "Evaluate the use of case studies in psychology." — You must present arguments for and against, using evidence where possible.
Marks: Usually 4–6 marks.

Discuss

This requires both AO1 (description/knowledge) and AO3 (evaluation). You need to describe the topic and then assess its strengths, limitations, or implications.

Example: "Discuss the cognitive approach to explaining depression." — Describe the cognitive explanation, then evaluate it.
Marks: Usually 6 marks.

Mark Allocation Summary

Question type	Typical marks	Time to spend (approx.)
Multiple choice	1 mark each	~1 minute
Short answer (Identify/Name)	1 mark	~1 minute
Short answer (Outline/Describe/Explain)	2–4 marks	~2–4 minutes
Application questions	2–4 marks	~3–5 minutes
Extended writing	6 marks	~8–10 minutes

Exam Tip: Each paper has 100 marks and 105 minutes. A useful rule of thumb is approximately 1 minute per mark, leaving 5 minutes for reading through the paper at the start and checking your answers at the end. Do not spend 15 minutes on a 4-mark question — move on and return if time allows.

Key Takeaways

AQA GCSE Psychology has two papers, each worth 50%, each lasting 1 hour 45 minutes.
Paper 1 covers Memory, Perception, Development, and Research Methods.
Paper 2 covers Social Influence, Language/Thought/Communication, Brain and Neuropsychology, and Psychological Problems.
Research Methods can appear on both papers.
AO1 (knowledge) is only ~35% of marks — AO2 (application) and AO3 (evaluation) together account for ~65%.
10% of marks require mathematical skills.
Every command word has a precise meaning — learn them and respond accordingly.
Time management: approximately 1 minute per mark.