Free Cambridge A Level Psychology Notes (9990): Topic-by-Topic
You can get free Cambridge A Level Psychology notes for every 9990 topic on the Tutopiya Learning Portal, with a quiz for each topic. The table below links each topic straight to its notes and quiz, and marks whether it is AS or A Level content. Use the notes to learn the content, then check yourself with the quiz and past papers.
Key takeaways
- Free topic notes and quizzes for Cambridge International A Level Psychology (9990) are below, in syllabus order.
- Check whether each topic is AS or A Level content, because papers are split by level.
- Notes alone rarely secure an A or A*. Combine them with active recall and timed past papers.
- Other free sources, such as ZNotes and Physics & Maths Tutor, work well alongside the portal.
9990 at a glance
| Paper | Level | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Approaches, Issues and Debates | AS | The core studies from the biological, cognitive, learning and social approaches |
| Paper 2: Research Methods | AS | Research methods applied to novel scenarios |
| Paper 3: Specialist Options: Theory | A Level | Two options from clinical, consumer, health and organisational psychology |
| Paper 4: Specialist Options: Application | A Level | Applying the two chosen options to new scenarios |
Free Cambridge A Level Psychology notes by topic
| Topic | Level | Covers | Free notes | Start a quiz |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to AS psychology | AS | Introduction to AS Psychology | Free notes | Quiz |
| Biological Approach | AS | Introduction to the Biological Approach, Dement & Kleitman (Sleep and Dreams), Hassett et al. (Monkey Toy Preference), Hölzel et al. (Mindfulness & Brain Scans) | Free notes | Quiz |
| Cognitive Approach | AS | Introduction to the Cognitive Approach, Andrade (Doodling), Baron-Cohen et al. (Eyes Test), Pozzulo et al. (Line-Ups) | Free notes | Quiz |
| Learning Approach | AS | Introduction to Learning Approach, Bandura et al. (Aggression), Fagen et al. (Elephant Learning), Saavedra & Silverman (Button Phobia) | Free notes | Quiz |
| Social Approach | AS | Introduction to Social Approach, Milgram (Obedience), Perry et al. (Personal Space), Piliavin et al. (Subway Samaritans) | Free notes | Quiz |
| Research Methods | AS | Introduction & Research Methods, Methodological Concepts | Free notes | Quiz |
| Introduction to AL Psychology | A Level | Introduction to AL Psychology | Free notes | Quiz |
| Clinical Psychology | A Level | Schizophrenia, Mood Affective Disorders, Impulse Control Disorders, Anxiety Disorders and Fear Related Disorders, Obsessive - Compulsive Disorder (OCD) | Free notes | Quiz |
| Consumer Psychology | A Level | The Physical Environment, The Psychological Environment, Consumer Decision Making, The Product, Advertising | Free notes | Quiz |
| Health Psychology | A Level | The Patient Practitioner Relationship, Adherence to Medical Advice, Pain, Stress, Health Promotion | Free notes | Quiz |
| Organisational Psychology | A Level | Motivation to Work, Leadership and Management, Group Behaviour in Organisations, Organisational Work Conditions, Satisfaction at Work | Free notes | Quiz |
The whole syllabus is on the Cambridge International A Level Psychology portal page.
What good Psychology notes look like
- One page per core study. Aim, method, results, conclusion, plus strengths and weaknesses.
- Link studies to issues and debates. Nature vs nurture, ethics, ecological validity and generalisability come up repeatedly.
- Research methods as a toolkit. Keep definitions and an example for each method and design.
How to revise with free notes
- Start from the syllabus. Tick off each topic in the table as you finish its notes.
- Read, then close the notes. Write down everything you remember, then check what you missed.
- Take the topic quiz. A quick quiz after each topic shows whether the content has stuck.
- Move to past papers. Practise exam questions for that topic, then full timed papers closer to the exam.
- Mark with the mark scheme. Compare your wording with the mark scheme and add missing key terms to your notes.
Common mistakes
- Memorising studies without evaluation points
- Mixing up the details of similar studies
- Writing generic evaluation that isn’t tied to the study
Other free Psychology sources
- ZNotes: free, condensed student-written notes for many Cambridge A Level subjects. See our ZNotes alternatives for A Level.
- Physics & Maths Tutor (PMT): free notes and topic questions for many subjects. See PMT alternatives for A Level.
- Past papers: free from the exam board and archive sites. See PapaCambridge alternatives for A Level.
- Your exam board: the syllabus or specification, specimen papers and examiner reports show exactly what is assessed.
Topic deep dives on our blog
- Dement & Kleitman (Sleep And Dreams) in Cambridge International A Level Psychology (9990)
- Pain in Cambridge International A Level Psychology (9990)
- Piliavin Et Al. (Subway Samaritans) in Cambridge International A Level Psychology (9990)
When notes aren’t enough
If the same topics keep costing marks, a one-to-one tutor who teaches 9990 can find the gap quickly. Tutopiya tutors set their own rates, plans start from 4 hours a month, and the trial lesson is free with no card required.
Related
- Save My Exams alternative for Cambridge A Level Psychology
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I get free Cambridge A Level Psychology notes? +
The Tutopiya Learning Portal has free notes and a quiz for every 9990 topic, linked in the table on this page. ZNotes, Physics & Maths Tutor and the exam board's own materials are other useful free sources.
How many core studies are in Cambridge A Level Psychology? +
The AS content is built around core studies in the biological, cognitive, learning and social approaches. Check the current 9990 syllabus for the exact list for your exam year, since studies are updated periodically.
Are free notes enough for an A* in Cambridge A Level Psychology? +
Rarely on their own. Use notes to learn the content, then test yourself with quizzes and timed past papers, and compare your answers with mark schemes.
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