Subject Guide
Psychology
Theory + Study + Evaluation. You’re graded on how well you link research to the question.
Scoring-7 rule: Define → Explain theory → Study support → Evaluate → Link back.
ERQ / SAQ Structure
SAQ (Short Answer)
- Define key term
- Explain concept/theory
- One study + link
ERQ (Essay)
- Intro with thesis
- 2+ studies
- Evaluation throughout + final judgement
Study Summary Template
- Aim: what was tested?
- Method: design, participants, procedure
- Results: what happened?
- Conclusion: what it supports
- Link: connect to the theory
Tip: Don’t memorize paragraphs. Memorize the template + key facts.
Evaluation Menu (Pick 2–3)
- Reliability / replication
- Validity (ecological, internal)
- Ethics
- Sampling bias
- Demand characteristics
- Reductionism / determinism
How to Study (Weekly)
- 2x/week: SAQs (timed)
- 1x/week: ERQ plan + 1 full paragraph
- Daily: study flashcards (aim/method/results)
- Error log: missing link / weak evaluation
Common Mark Traps
- No explicit link to the question
- Study described but not explained
- Evaluation is generic
- Only 1 study in ERQ
Quick Checklist
- Did I define key terms?
- Did I use a study correctly (aim/method/results)?
- Did I evaluate and make a judgement?
- Did I link back to the question wording?