How to Break Down and Answer Any AQA A-Level Psychology Exam Question
The Biggest Reason Students Lose Marks
After analysing thousands of exam responses, I’ve discovered that most students lose marks not because they lack knowledge, but because they don’t answer the specific question being asked. They write everything they know instead of targeting what examiners want.
The difference between a B and an A* isn’t about knowing more content – it’s about strategically answering the exact question using the right Assessment Objectives in the right proportion.
This blog reveals the 3-step method that ensures you never waste marks on irrelevant content again.
What Examiners Actually Look For
After studying every AQA Psychology mark scheme from 2015-2024, the pattern is clear: top-band responses demonstrate precise targeting of Assessment Objectives through strategic question analysis.
Low-Scoring Response
- Writes everything they know about the topic
- Ignores the specific question wording
- Doesn’t target AO1, AO2, and AO3 appropriately
- Misses application opportunities in stems
High-Scoring Response
- Answers precisely what’s being asked
- Identifies and targets specific AOs
- Uses command words to structure response
- Links to stems for maximum AO2 marks
The secret: Strategic question analysis before you start writing. One minute of analysis can save you from writing irrelevant content that earns zero marks.
Understanding Assessment Objectives
Every AQA Psychology question tests specific combinations of these three skills:
outline, describe, state, define, explain
refer to the item, apply, in this study, in this scenario
discuss, evaluate, assess, strengths, limitations
Understanding which AOs are being tested determines exactly how you should structure your answer.
The 3-Step Strategic Method
This is the exact method that consistently achieves top marks in AQA Psychology:
Identify exactly which AOs are being tested and in what proportion.
• AO1 = Explaining locus of control/social support (6 marks)
• AO2 = Linking to Jack/Sarah’s views in the stem (4 marks)
• AO3 = Evaluating these explanations with studies (6 marks)
Key principles:
- Look for command words to identify primary AO
- Check for stems or scenarios = AO2 marks available
- “Discuss” and “evaluate” always include AO3
- Higher mark questions typically test multiple AOs
Identify the precise aspect of the topic being asked about – don’t just write everything you know.
Student writes about: adrenal glands, hormone vs neurotransmitter differences, general sympathetic nervous system…
Right approach: Focus specifically on how adrenaline prepares the body for action (increased heart rate, blood to muscles, heightened awareness).
Common Targeting Mistakes
- “Explain the behavioural approach in terms of practical applications” – Must link theory specifically to how it’s used in practice, not just describe the approach
- “Apply to this scenario” – Must use context from the stem, not general examples
- “Evaluate the effectiveness of” – Focus on how well something works, not general strengths/limitations
Key principles:
- Use the exact wording of the question to guide content
- If it mentions specific theories/studies, focus on those
- If there’s a stem, your AO2 marks depend on using it
- Avoid writing about related but irrelevant content
Use a targeted structure that maximises marks for each AO component.
Strategic Structure Formula
For any question length:
- AO1 first: Define/explain the concept precisely
- AO2 second: Apply to stem using “In this scenario…” phrasing
- AO3 third: Evaluate with evidence + SO statements
For 8-16 mark essays, use PEEL structure for each evaluation point:
- Point (clear evaluative statement)
- Evidence (specific studies/research)
- Explain (why this evidence supports your point)
- Link (SO statement showing significance)
“Samina could demonstrate consistency by repeatedly arguing against drug legalisation across multiple debating sessions, showing her unwavering commitment to this position. She could also show commitment through the augmentation principle by volunteering to speak at school assemblies about drug dangers, demonstrating personal cost for her beliefs.”
Practice Question Analysis
Test your understanding of the 3-step method. Click the cards to reveal expert analysis!
Practice 1: AO Identification
Question: “Using your knowledge of minority influence processes, explain two ways in which Samina could convince the other students in the debating society to agree with her.” (4 marks)
Your task: Identify which AOs are being tested and plan your approach.
Practice 2: Question Targeting
Question: “Evaluate research into the multi-store model of memory.” (8 marks)
Your task: What specifically should you focus on vs. what should you avoid?
Practice 3: Complete Question Breakdown
Question: “Outline and evaluate the behavioural approach to treating phobias.” (12 marks)
Your task: Plan the complete structure with AO distribution.
Quick Pre-Writing Checklist
- Highlighted command words (describe, explain, discuss, evaluate)
- Identified AO1/AO2/AO3 marks using question style and marks
- Located any stem content for AO2 application
- Planned specific content that answers this exact question
- Allocated time proportionally to mark distribution
- Ready to include SO statements for every AO3 point
The Most Expensive Mistakes
- Writing a memorised essay: Ignoring the specific question wording
- Missing AO2 opportunities: Not using stems when they’re provided
- Wrong AO balance: Too much description in evaluation questions
- Generic evaluation: Using the same evaluation for every question
- Poor time management: Not allocating time based on mark distribution
The Bottom Line
The 3-step method isn’t about working harder – it’s about working strategically. Students who master this approach consistently achieve higher marks with the same knowledge.
One minute of question analysis can be worth 10+ marks in your final grade.