PSYCHOLOGY-XPS01 · Pearson Edexcel International AS Level
PSYCHOLOGY-XPS01/11
Paper 1
Psychology · Winter 2026 · Variant 1
Relative difficulty
Analysis source: Pearson Edexcel
Analysis aligned to the official syllabus and assessment design.
3.0 / 5
160
210 min
Topic D: Learning theories and development
Cohort performance
Session statistics from official examination reports
Total marks
160
Duration
210 min
Session difficulty
3.0 / 5
Key examiner messages
Top priorities from the principal examiner before you revise
The January 2026 series for the International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS) Psychology cash-in (XPS01) offered a well-calibrated and predictable spread of topics.
It maintained a moderate difficulty index (3 out of 5), rewarding students who combined precise memory of core theories with strong application and computational rigor.
While the recall requirements for theories like Asch's variations or systematic desensitisation were standard, the differentiation occurred in the high-tariff 12 and 16-mark essays, and the challenging multi-step statistical calculations.
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.
Theoretical AO2:
Weight: 4100%Contextual AAO3:
Weight: 375%Logical
Weight: 250%Mathematical & Calculation
Weight: 125%
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. 80% of maximum mark
Level B
Approx. 70% of maximum mark
Level C
Approx. 60% of maximum mark
Level D
Approx. 50% of maximum mark
Level E
Approx. 40% 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.
State features in sequence or list observable properties — do not explain causes unless asked.
Show formula, substitution, and unit; method marks need visible working.
Weigh arguments for and against with evidence; end with a supported judgement.
Present multiple perspectives with evidence; balance breadth and depth.
Match the expected response style for “extent” questions.
Match the expected response style for “State” questions.
Name or point to the specific feature asked for — avoid extra explanation.
Time traps
Sections where candidates spent disproportionate time relative to marks
No data available in official reports
Syllabus traceability
Topics linked to questions and mark weighting in this session
Topic D: Learning theories and development
54 marks this session
Topic C: Biological psychology
42 marks this session
Topic B: Cognitive psychology
38 marks this session
Topic A: Social psychology
26 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
Topic C: Biological psychology
Topic D: Learning theories and development
Topic B: Cognitive psychology
Topic I: Psychological skills
Topic A: Social psychology
Difficulty trend
How session difficulty has shifted across recent years
Paper comparison
Marks and duration breakdown across papers in this session
WPS01/01: Unit 1 - Social and Cognitive Psychology: WPS02/01: Unit 2 - Biological Psychology, Learning Theories and Development:
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
Topic D: Learning theories and development
54 marks this session
Practise in RevuiTopic C: Biological psychology
42 marks this session
Practise in RevuiTopic B: Cognitive psychology
38 marks this session
Practise in RevuiTopic A: Social psychology
26 marks this session
Practise in RevuiSelf-diagnostic checklist
Key actions before you sit this paper — copy and tick off as you revise
- 1Message
The January 2026 series for the International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS) Psychology cash-in (XPS01) offered a well-calibrated and predictable spread of topics.
- 2Message
It maintained a moderate difficulty index (3 out of 5), rewarding students who combined precise memory of core theories with strong application and computational rigor.
- 3Message
While the recall requirements for theories like Asch's variations or systematic desensitisation were standard, the differentiation occurred in the high-tariff 12 and 16-mark essays, and the challenging multi-step statistical calculations.
Teacher briefing pack
One-page session summary for tutors and classroom review
Winter 2026 2026
Psychology
The January 2026 series for the International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS) Psychology cash-in (XPS01) offered a well-calibrated and predictable spread of topics. It maintained a moderate difficulty index (3 out of 5), rewarding students who combined precise memory of core theories w
The January 2026 series for the International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS) Psychology cash-in (XPS01) offered a well-calibrated and predictable spread of topics.
It maintained a moderate difficulty index (3 out of 5), rewarding students who combined precise memory of core theories with strong application and computational rigor.
While the recall requirements for theories like Asch's variations or systematic desensitisation were standard, the differentiation occurred in the high-tariff 12 and 16-mark essays, and the challenging multi-step statistical calculations.
- Total marks
- 160
- Duration
- 210 min
- Session difficulty
- 3.0 / 5
Session analysis
The January 2026 series for the International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS) Psychology cash-in (XPS01) offered a well-calibrated and predictable spread of topics. It maintained a moderate difficulty index (3 out of 5), rewarding students who combined precise memory of core theories with strong application and computational rigor. While the recall requirements for theories like Asch's variations or systematic desensitisation were standard, the differentiation occurred in the high-tariff 12 and 16-mark essays, and the challenging multi-step statistical calculations.
Updated Jun 12, 2026
Paper breakdown
WPS01/01: Unit 1 - Social and Cognitive Psychology: WPS02/01: Unit 2 - Biological Psychology, Learning Theories and Development:
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.
75% 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.
Short Answer
76·30·48%
Extended Response / Essay
72·7·45%
Mathematical / Calculations
12·7·8%
Study ROI
Bigger bubbles recur more often; higher bubbles carry more marks, helping you rank revision priorities.
Next-year prediction
Topics worth watching next year, with the reason shown directly below each bar.
Working Memory Model (WMM) Extended Evaluation
85%85%
Classic Studies Evaluation (e.g., Watson and Rayner / Pavlov)
80%80%
Milgram's Agency Theory of Obedience
78%78%
Difficulty Verdict: Balanced but Metrologically Demanding
The January 2026 series for the International Advanced Subsidiary (IAS) Psychology cash-in (XPS01) offered a well-calibrated and predictable spread of topics. It maintained a moderate difficulty index (3 out of 5), rewarding students who combined precise memory of core theories with strong application and computational rigor. While the recall requirements for theories like Asch's variations or systematic desensitisation were standard, the differentiation occurred in the high-tariff 12 and 16-mark essays, and the challenging multi-step statistical calculations.
Analysis is paraphrased for study purposes. Always verify against the official examiner report and mark scheme.