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9990 · Cambridge International AS Level

Psychology (9990) Exam Tips

One of the most frequent areas where AS Level Psychology candidates shed easy marks is the confusion between a result and a conclusion. Examiners repeatedly highlight this pitfall across core studies questions. A result is a factual, data-driven finding—often numerical or statist

Papers

2

Total marks

120

Time limit

3h

Grade scale

ABCDEU

Additional note

Calculator policy

A silent scientific calculator is required where the syllabus permits one. It must NOT be graphical, programmable, or capable of symbolic algebra (CAS), and it must contain no stored programs or notes.

2

Papers

6

Strategies

6

Mistakes

  • One of the most frequent areas where AS Level Psychology candidates shed easy marks is the confusion between a result and a conclusion. Examiners repeatedly highlight this pitfall across core studies questions. A result is a factual, data-driven finding—often numerical or statistical. A conclusion, conversely, is a generic, reasoned psychological takeaway that explains what those findings actually mean conceptually.

Tips are paraphrased for study purposes from exam structure data and marking patterns. Always verify against your official syllabus and mark scheme.