7181 · AQA AS Level
7181/21
Paper 2
Psychology New · June 2022 · Variant 1
Relative difficulty
Analysis source: AQA
Analysis aligned to the official syllabus and assessment design.
3.2 / 5
144
180 min
Structured Theoretical Models and Core Methodology
Cohort performance
Session statistics from official examination reports
Total marks
144
Duration
180 min
Session difficulty
3.2 / 5
Key examiner messages
Top priorities from the principal examiner before you revise
The June 2022 AQA AS Psychology exam papers (7181/1 and 7181/2) represent a fair and highly structured assessment, earning a solid 3 out of 5 stars for difficulty.
The papers were highly accessible due to the presence of classic, highly predictable topics such as the Multi-Store Model of Memory (12 marks) and definitions of abnormality (12 marks).
However, the differentiator for top grades lay in the students' ability to apply theory to novel scenario stems and precisely operationalise variables within the Research Methods section.
Question difficulty map
How candidates performed on each question in this series
No data available in official reports
Assessment objectives
Skill and AO weighting from official examiner commentary
Skill weighting
Shows the skill mix this paper tested most heavily.
Knowledge
Weight: 5100%RetAO2
Weight: 480%Scenario
Weight: 360%ApplAO3
Weight: 240%Evaluation Analysis
Weight: 120%
Method marks watchlist
Where working, steps, or method marks were commonly lost
No data available in official reports
Recurring mistakes across years
Themes examiners flag in multiple recent sessions for this subject
No data available in official reports
Question choice intelligence
Mean scores and popularity for optional questions (HKDSE electives)
No data available in official reports
Level exemplars
What candidate scripts at each grade level looked like
No data available in official reports
Grade & admission context
How marks relate to grade thresholds and entry standards
Report type
Examiner report — national grade boundaries and question-level commentary
Level A
Approx. 65% of maximum mark
Level B
Approx. 56% of maximum mark
Level C
Approx. 47% of maximum mark
Level D
Approx. 38% of maximum mark
Level E
Approx. 30% of maximum mark
Deep insights
What top candidates did
Techniques and approaches examiners rewarded in this series
No data available in official reports
Command word playbook
How to match each command word to the expected response style
Give reasons and link mechanism to outcome; each point needs a because/so chain.
Match the expected response style for “Outline” questions.
Name or point to the specific feature asked for — avoid extra explanation.
State features in sequence or list observable properties — do not explain causes unless asked.
Present multiple perspectives with evidence; balance breadth and depth.
Weigh arguments for and against with evidence; end with a supported judgement.
Time traps
Sections where candidates spent disproportionate time relative to marks
Min per mark: 1.3
Min per mark: 1.3
Min per mark: 1.3
Min per mark: 1.3
Min per mark: 1.3
Syllabus traceability
Topics linked to questions and mark weighting in this session
Memory
24 marks this session
Attachment
24 marks this session
Social influence
24 marks this session
Approaches in Psychology
24 marks this session
Clinical Psychology and Mental Health (Psychopathology)
24 marks this session
MCQ trap analytics
Commonly chosen wrong options from examiner commentary
No data available in official reports
Topic heatmap across years
Mark concentration by topic and exam year for this subject
Mark intensity
Memory
Attachment
Approaches in Psychology
Social influence
Research Methods
Clinical Psychology and Mental Health (Psychopathology)
Difficulty trend
How session difficulty has shifted across recent years
Paper comparison
Marks and duration breakdown across papers in this session
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology:
Paper 2: Psychology in Context:
Marks you can still earn
Where valid approaches outside the mark scheme may still gain credit
No data available in official reports
Practise what examiners flagged
Target weak topics from this report inside the Revui app
Memory
24 marks this session
Practise in RevuiAttachment
24 marks this session
Practise in RevuiSocial influence
24 marks this session
Practise in RevuiApproaches in Psychology
24 marks this session
Practise in RevuiClinical Psychology and Mental Health (Psychopathology)
24 marks this session
Practise in RevuiSelf-diagnostic checklist
Key actions before you sit this paper — copy and tick off as you revise
- 1Message
The June 2022 AQA AS Psychology exam papers (7181/1 and 7181/2) represent a fair and highly structured assessment, earning a solid 3 out of 5 stars for difficulty.
- 2Message
The papers were highly accessible due to the presence of classic, highly predictable topics such as the Multi-Store Model of Memory (12 marks) and definitions of abnormality (12 marks).
- 3Message
However, the differentiator for top grades lay in the students' ability to apply theory to novel scenario stems and precisely operationalise variables within the Research Methods section.
Teacher briefing pack
One-page session summary for tutors and classroom review
June 2022 2022
Psychology New
The June 2022 AQA AS Psychology exam papers (7181/1 and 7181/2) represent a fair and highly structured assessment, earning a solid 3 out of 5 stars for difficulty. The papers were highly accessible due to the presence of classic, highly predictable topics such as the Multi-Store
The June 2022 AQA AS Psychology exam papers (7181/1 and 7181/2) represent a fair and highly structured assessment, earning a solid 3 out of 5 stars for difficulty.
The papers were highly accessible due to the presence of classic, highly predictable topics such as the Multi-Store Model of Memory (12 marks) and definitions of abnormality (12 marks).
However, the differentiator for top grades lay in the students' ability to apply theory to novel scenario stems and precisely operationalise variables within the Research Methods section.
- Total marks
- 144
- Duration
- 180 min
- Session difficulty
- 3.2 / 5
Session analysis
The June 2022 AQA AS Psychology exam papers (7181/1 and 7181/2) represent a fair and highly structured assessment, earning a solid 3 out of 5 stars for difficulty. The papers were highly accessible due to the presence of classic, highly predictable topics such as the Multi-Store Model of Memory (12 marks) and definitions of abnormality (12 marks). However, the differentiator for top grades lay in the students' ability to apply theory to novel scenario stems and precisely operationalise variables within the Research Methods section.
Updated Jun 14, 2026
Paper breakdown
Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology:
Paper 2: Psychology in Context:
Top chapters
Exam structure insights
Marks by chapter
See where the marks were concentrated so revision time goes to the highest-value topics.
Mark accessibility
Estimate which marks were basic, mid-level, or high-difficulty.
76% within easy or medium reach
Command word frequency
Spot common command words so answers match the expected response style.
Question type mix
Compare the mark share of each paper section and question type.
Structured/Application
(4-6 Marks)
79·17·55%
Extended Response
(8-12 Marks)
32·3·22%
Short Answer
(1-3 Marks)
29·13·20%
Multiple Choice / Objective
4·3·3%
Study ROI
Bigger bubbles recur more often; higher bubbles carry more marks, helping you rank revision priorities.
Time vs marks
Compare marks with suggested time allocation to plan exam pacing.
Paper 1 Section A (…
0.80 m/minPaper 1 Section B (…
0.80 m/minPaper 1 Section C (…
0.80 m/minPaper 2 Section A (…
0.80 m/minPaper 2 Section B (…
0.80 m/minTotal marks
120
Total time
150 min
Avg pace
0.80
Next-year prediction
Topics worth watching next year, with the reason shown directly below each bar.
Romanian Orphan Studies (Institutionalisation)
85%85%
Behavioral Explanation and Treatment of Phobias (Flooding)
80%80%
Types of Conformity and Variables Affecting Conformity (Asch)
75%75%
Overall Difficulty Verdict
The June 2022 AQA AS Psychology exam papers (7181/1 and 7181/2) represent a fair and highly structured assessment, earning a solid 3 out of 5 stars for difficulty. The papers were highly accessible due to the presence of classic, highly predictable topics such as the Multi-Store Model of Memory (12 marks) and definitions of abnormality (12 marks). However, the differentiator for top grades lay in the students' ability to apply theory to novel scenario stems and precisely operationalise variables within the Research Methods section.
Examiner notes & key calculations
- Vague Operationalisation: In the Research Methods section of Paper 2, writing a non-directional hypothesis required precise measurement scales (e.g., 'stress level on a scale of 1–10' and 'number of days absent due to sickness'). Generalised terms like 'illness' or 'stress' without operational parameters were penalised.
- Confusing Deprivation and Privation: In the 8-mark question on Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation, examiners noted a persistent tendency to confuse deprivation (disruption of an established bond) with privation (failure to form any bond).
- Methodological Evaluation vs. Theoretical Evaluation: In memory essay evaluations, students often evaluated the methodology of individual memory studies rather than linking those findings back to evaluate the structural components of the Multi-Store Model itself.
Analysis is paraphrased for study purposes. Always verify against the official examiner report and mark scheme.