Organisations Cambridge International AS and A Level Psychology (9990)

10 www.cie.org.ukalevel back to contents page 1.2 Assessment For Cambridge International AS and A Level Psychology, candidates: • take Papers 1 and 2 only for the Cambridge International AS Level qualiication or • follow a staged assessment route by taking Papers 1 and 2 for Cambridge International AS Level qualiication in one examination series, then Papers 3 and 4 for the Cambridge International A Level qualiication in a later examination series or • take Papers 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the same examination series, leading to the full Cambridge International A Level. All components are externally assessed. Component Weighting aS level a level Paper 1 approaches, issues and debates 1 hour 30 minutes Candidates answer all questions. Short answer questions and an essay question, based on core studies. Candidates answer each question in the spaces provided on the question paper. 60 marks 50 25 Paper 2 Research methods 1 hour 30 minutes Candidates answer all questions. Section A: Short answer questions, some based on the core studies 22 marks. Section B: Scenario-based questions 24 marks. Section C: A design-based question divided into two parts 14 marks. Candidates answer each question in the spaces provided on the question paper. 60 marks 50 25 Paper 3 Specialist options: theory 1 hour 30 minutes Candidates answer two questions from two specialist options. Each specialist option is out of 30 marks. Question 1: The question is divided into three parts 12 marks. Question 2: Structured essay-based question divided into two parts 18 marks. 60 marks – 25 11 www.cie.org.ukalevel back to contents page Component Weighting aS level a level Paper 4 Specialist options: application 1 hour 30 minutes Candidates answer questions from two specialist options. Section A: Candidates answer two questions from a choice of four 30 marks. Each of these questions is based on stimulus material and is divided into four parts. Section B: Candidates answer one design-based question from a choice of four 18 marks. Each question is divided into two parts. Section C: Candidates answer one essay question from a choice of four 12 marks. 60 marks – 25 Availability This syllabus is examined in the June and November examination series. This syllabus is also available for examination in March 2018, 2019 and 2020 for India only. This syllabus is available to private candidates. Detailed timetables are available from www.cie.org.ukexamsoficers In 2018, both 9698 and 9990 will be available. Please see the inside back cover for more information. Centres in the UK that receive government funding are advised to consult the Cambridge website www.cie.gov.uk for the latest information before beginning to teach this syllabus. Combining this with other syllabuses Candidates can combine this syllabus in an examination series with any other Cambridge syllabus, except: • syllabuses with the same title at the same level • 9698 ASA Level Psychology. 12 www.cie.org.ukalevel back to contents page

2. Syllabus aims and assessment objectives

2.1 Syllabus aims The syllabus aims to: • provide an introduction to psychological concepts, theories and research indings • create an understanding of the range and limitations of psychological theory and practice • encourage candidates to explore and understand the relationship between psychological indings and everyday life • develop skills of analysis, interpretation, application and evaluation • develop an understanding of ethical issues in psychology, including the moral and ethical implications of psychological research • promote an appreciation and understanding of individual, social and cultural diversity • study psychological approaches, issues and debates and research methods • improve communication skills. 2.2 Assessment objectives With regards to psychological themes, theories, terminology, concepts ideas and processes, methods, studies and practical applications, candidates should be able to: aO1 Knowledge and understanding Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding aO2 applying knowledge and understanding Apply their knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations and real life and theoretical contexts aO3 analysis and evaluation Analyse, interpret and evaluate psychological information, ideas and evidence. 13 www.cie.org.ukalevel back to contents page 2.3 Relationship between assessment objectives and components The approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives are summarised below. The table shows the assessment objectives AO as a percentage of each component. Component aO1 aO2 aO3 Paper 1 approaches, issues and debates 58 10 32 Paper 2 Research methods 22 50 28 Paper 3 Specialist options: theory 60 40 Paper 4 Specialist options: application 40 60 2.4 Relationship between assessment objectives and qualiications The approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives are summarised below. The table shows the assessment objectives AO as a percentage of each qualiication. assessment objective Weighting in aS level Weighting in a level aO1 Knowledge and understanding 40 35 aO2 applying knowledge and understanding 30 25 aO3 analysis and evaluation 30 40