9990 Past Paper AS & A LEVEL Psychology Syllabus Documents 2024-2026

The 9990 Past Paper AS & A Level Psychology Syllabus Document 2024–2026 is the official Cambridge guide for the Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology (9990) qualification. It provides the complete curriculum framework for examinations in 2024, 2025, and 2026, helping students, teachers, tutors, and schools understand the syllabus content, assessment objectives, research methodology, examination structure, and teaching requirements needed for success in Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology.

This syllabus introduces students to the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes while developing critical thinking, research skills, and the ability to evaluate psychological evidence. No prior study of psychology is required, making it suitable for both new and continuing learners.

AS Level Content

At AS Level, candidates study four core psychological approaches:

• Biological Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Learning Psychology
• Social Psychology

Each approach is supported through a selection of compulsory core studies that introduce important psychological concepts, theories, and research methods. Students also explore key issues and debates including:

• Nature versus nurture
• Individual versus situational explanations
• Applications of psychology
• Ethical considerations
• Use of children and animals in psychological research

Research Methodology

The syllabus places strong emphasis on understanding psychological research methods. Students develop knowledge of:

• Experiments
• Observations
• Case studies
• Self-reports
• Correlations
• Longitudinal research
• Sampling techniques
• Data collection and analysis
• Reliability and validity
• Ethical issues in research

A Level Specialist Options

For the full A Level, candidates extend their knowledge through specialist options. The updated syllabus includes specialist areas such as:

• Clinical Psychology
• Consumer Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Organisational Psychology

Students explore advanced theories, key research studies, practical applications, and contemporary psychological issues within their chosen options.

Assessment Structure

The qualification is assessed through four externally assessed papers:

• Paper 1 – Approaches, Issues and Debates
• Paper 2 – Research Methods
• Paper 3 – Specialist Options: Approaches, Issues and Debates
• Paper 4 – Specialist Options: Application and Research Methods

Important Syllabus Updates

The 2024–2026 syllabus introduced several important improvements, including:

• Updated assessment objectives and paper weightings
• New core studies at AS Level
• Revised research methodology content
• Updated specialist option content
• Reduced number of compulsory studies
• Clearer guidance on required knowledge
• Revised Paper 3 and Paper 4 structure for A Level

Although these updates improve clarity and assessment, Cambridge confirms that the number of papers, examination duration, and total marks remain unchanged.

The syllabus also provides detailed information on:

• Assessment objectives
• Command words
• Learning outcomes
• Practical teaching guidance
• Curriculum aims
• Recommended study progression
• Examination availability
• Administrative guidance for Cambridge schools

For complete examination preparation, students should use the 9990 AS & A Level Psychology Syllabus Document 2024–2026 together with the official Syllabus Update, Question Papers, Mark Schemes, Examiner Reports, Grade Thresholds, Specimen Papers, Specimen Mark Schemes, Scheme of Work, Learner Guide, Teacher Guide, Reference List, and Example Candidate Responses. These official Cambridge resources provide comprehensive support for mastering the syllabus and achieving excellent examination results.