Edexcel GCSE Psychology Past Papers & Mark Schemes | 1PS0
Prepare for Pearson Edexcel GCSE Psychology (1PS0) with past papers, official mark schemes and practical examiner tips for Paper 1 and Paper 2. The papers are organised by exam series so you can quickly find the correct question paper and mark scheme for your revision. Jump to the examiner tips or read the frequently asked questions for further Edexcel GCSE Psychology exam guidance.
2025 Edexcel GCSE Psychology (1PS0) Past Papers & Mark Schemes – Paper 1 & Paper 2
2025 Edexcel GCSE Psychology | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
Edexcel GCSE Psychology Paper 1 (1PS0/01) | ||
Edexcel GCSE Psychology Paper 2 (1PS0/02) |
2024 Edexcel GCSE Psychology (1PS0) Past Papers & Mark Schemes – Paper 1 & Paper 2
2024 Edexcel GCSE Psychology | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
Edexcel GCSE Psychology Paper 1 (1PS0/01) | ||
Edexcel GCSE Psychology Paper 2 (1PS0/02) |
2023 Edexcel GCSE Psychology (1PS0) Past Papers & Mark Schemes – Paper 1 & Paper 2
2023 Edexcel GCSE Psychology | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
Edexcel GCSE Psychology Paper 1 (1PS0/01) | ||
Edexcel GCSE Psychology Paper 2 (1PS0/02) |
2022 Edexcel GCSE Psychology (1PS0) Past Papers & Mark Schemes – Paper 1 & Paper 2
2022 Edexcel GCSE Psychology | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
Edexcel GCSE Psychology Paper 1 (1PS0/01) | ||
Edexcel GCSE Psychology Paper 2 (1PS0/02) |
2021 Edexcel GCSE Psychology (1PS0) Past Papers & Mark Schemes – Paper 1 & Paper 2
2021 Edexcel GCSE Psychology | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
Edexcel GCSE Psychology Paper 1 (1PS0/01) | ||
Edexcel GCSE Psychology Paper 2 (1PS0/02) |
2020 Edexcel GCSE Psychology (1PS0) Past Papers & Mark Schemes – Paper 1 & Paper 2
2020 Edexcel GCSE Psychology | Question Paper | Mark Scheme |
Edexcel GCSE Psychology Paper 1 (1PS0/01) | ||
Edexcel GCSE Psychology Paper 2 (1PS0/02) |
Six Examiner Tips for Edexcel GCSE Psychology
1. Apply Psychological Knowledge to the Scenario
Do not write a generic description of a theory or study when the question provides a scenario. First explain the relevant psychological knowledge, then use specific details from the scenario to show how it applies. Mentioning a person’s name is not enough—you must connect their behaviour or circumstances to the psychological concept being tested.
2. Balance AO1, AO2 and AO3 in Extended Answers
In nine-mark “assess” and 12-mark “evaluate” questions, balance knowledge, application and evaluation. Avoid spending most of the answer describing a theory before adding one brief weakness at the end. Include accurate knowledge, apply it to the context and develop balanced analytical judgements throughout. In a synoptic question, make sure you use ideas from at least two relevant areas of psychology.
3. Justify Strengths and Weaknesses Fully
When asked to explain one strength and one weakness, identifying them is only the first step. Explain why each point is a strength or weakness and what effect it has on the research. For example, do not simply state that a study lacks ecological validity; explain which feature is artificial and why this may make the participants’ behaviour less representative of real life.
4. Suggest Specific and Realistic Study Improvements
Avoid generic improvements such as “use more participants” or “make the study more reliable”. Tailor the improvement to the investigation described in the question. State exactly what should be changed and then explain how that change would improve validity, reliability, generalisability, ethics or control. Your suggestion must be practical and directly relevant to the weakness identified.
5. Support Data Conclusions with Precise Evidence
When interpreting a table or graph, begin with a clear conclusion about the pattern, difference or relationship shown. Then support it with accurate figures from the data.
Copying numbers without explaining what they demonstrate will not provide a conclusion, while giving a conclusion without numerical evidence may not receive full marks. Check headings, conditions and units carefully before selecting your evidence.
6. Learn Precise Details of Named Studies and Key Terms
Revise the aims, procedures, samples, findings, conclusions, strengths and weaknesses of every named study in the Edexcel GCSE Psychology specification. Avoid vague statements or findings associated with the wrong researcher. You should also learn exact definitions for terms such as reliability, validity, situational variables, participant variables, open questions and closed questions. Precise knowledge is essential for securing straightforward AO1 marks.
Edexcel GCSE Psychology 2027: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Edexcel GCSE Psychology?
Pearson Edexcel GCSE Psychology is a linear qualification with the specification code 1PS0. It introduces students to psychological theories, research studies, debates and research methods. All assessment takes place through two written examinations at the end of the course, with no coursework or non-examined assessment.
2. How many Edexcel GCSE Psychology exams will I take in 2027?
Students take two examination papers:
Paper 1, 1PS0/01: 1 hour and 45 minutes, 98 marks and 55% of the qualification
Paper 2, 1PS0/02: 1 hour and 20 minutes, 79 marks and 45% of the qualification
Both papers must be taken in the same May/June examination series.
3. What topics are covered in Edexcel GCSE Psychology Paper 1?
Paper 1 assesses five compulsory topics:
Development
Memory
Psychological Problems
The Brain and Neuropsychology
Social Influence
The first five sections examine these individual topics. The final section contains two extended-response questions focusing on psychological debates and connections between different areas of psychology.
4. What topics are covered in Edexcel GCSE Psychology Paper 2?
Paper 2 begins with a compulsory Research Methods section. Students then answer questions on two optional topics selected by their school from:
Criminal Psychology
The Self
Perception
Sleep and Dreaming
Language, Thought and Communication
You should answer only the two optional sections your school has taught. Confirm your selected topics before downloading Edexcel GCSE Psychology revision resources or completing past papers.
5. Is research methods assessed on both Edexcel GCSE Psychology papers?
Yes. Research methods can be assessed on both papers, although it is tested in greatest depth in Section A of Paper 2. You should understand variables, hypotheses, sampling, experimental designs, research methods, ethics, reliability, validity and ways of improving investigations. You may also be asked to design a study or evaluate research described in a scenario.
6. Are there maths questions in Edexcel GCSE Psychology?
Paper 2 includes calculations and mathematical questions at Key Stage 3 level, and calculators are permitted. Revise how to calculate and interpret the mean, median, mode, range, ratios, fractions and percentages. You should also be able to construct and interpret tables, bar charts, histograms and scatter diagrams, identify correlations and translate between numerical and graphical information.
7. What do I need to learn about the named psychological studies?
For each named study, revise its aim, procedure, results, conclusion, strengths and weaknesses. You should also understand how the study relates to its associated psychological theory. Avoid memorising only the researchers’ names or a vague summary. Exam questions may require a precise finding, methodological detail, evaluation or application of the study to a new situation.
8. What do AO1, AO2 and AO3 mean in Edexcel GCSE Psychology?
The assessment objectives are:
AO1: Demonstrate accurate knowledge and understanding
AO2: Apply psychological knowledge to a scenario or context
AO3: Analyse and evaluate evidence, theories, studies or methods
Across the qualification, AO1 and AO2 are each worth 35%, while AO3 is worth 30%. If a question provides a scenario, use its names, behaviours and details throughout your answer. A generic textbook response may not receive the available AO2 marks.
