Measures of Central Tendency
Mean
Mean = Σx / n (sum of all values divided by number of values) Median
Middle value when ranked. For even n: average of two middle values. Mode
Most frequently occurring value in the data set. AQA A Level Psychology 7182
🧠 AQA A Level Psychology Reference Sheet 2026
Essential reference for AQA A Level Psychology — statistical test selection, key study summaries by topic, AO3 evaluation frameworks, and 16-mark essay structure.
Research Methods Key Studies AO3 Evaluation 16-Mark Essays
Our reference sheets are free to download — save this one as PDF for offline revision.
Aligned with the latest 2026 syllabus and board specifications. This sheet is prepared to match your exam board’s official specifications for the 2026 exam series.
Research Methods, Key Studies & Evaluation for AQA A Level Psychology
AQA A Level Psychology (7182) rewards precise knowledge of studies, rigorous research methods skills, and structured evaluation. This reference sheet gives you statistical formulas, core study summaries across all six topic areas, and the frameworks to write high-quality AO3 evaluation and 16-mark essays.
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All statistical tests — which to use when, and how to calculate
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Key study quick reference by topic area
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AO3 evaluation frameworks for theories and studies
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16-mark essay structure with AO1/AO3 balance guide
Research Methods — Statistical Tests & Formulas
AQA requires you to select the correct test and justify your choice — know the conditions for each.
Measures of Dispersion
Range
Range = Highest value − Lowest value Standard deviation
s = √(Σ(x − x̄)² / (n − 1)) — larger SD = greater variability Standard deviation is preferred over range as it uses all data values and is less affected by extreme scores.
Percentage & Percentage Change
Percentage
(Part / Whole) × 100 Percentage change
((New − Original) / Original) × 100 Which Statistical Test to Use
Sign test
Nominal data | Repeated measures | Looking for difference. Simplest non-parametric test. Wilcoxon T
Ordinal/interval data | Repeated measures | Looking for difference Mann-Whitney U
Ordinal/interval data | Independent groups | Looking for difference Chi-squared (χ²)
Nominal data | Independent groups | Looking for association or difference Spearman's rho (rs)
Ordinal data | Correlation study Pearson's r
Interval/ratio data | Normal distribution assumed | Correlation study Spearman's Rank Correlation
rs = 1 − (6Σd²) / (n(n²−1)) d = difference between ranks for each pair; n = number of data pairs. rs = +1 perfect positive; 0 = no correlation; −1 = perfect negative.
Chi-Squared (χ²)
χ² = Σ [(O − E)² / E] O = observed frequency, E = expected frequency. Compare calculated value to critical value at appropriate significance level and degrees of freedom.
Significance & Probability
p ≤ 0.05 = significant at 5% level (95% confident result not due to chance). For sensitive research use p ≤ 0.01. Reject H₀ if calculated value ≥ critical value (or p < α).
Key Studies Quick Reference
For each study: know the aim, method, sample, findings, and conclusions.
Social Influence
Milgram (1963)
Obedience: 65% gave 450V shock. Situational factors (authority, proximity, legitimacy) drive obedience. Asch (1951)
Conformity: 32% conformed to an obviously wrong answer. NSI and ISI explain conformity. Zimbardo (1973)
Stanford Prison Experiment: situational roles quickly shape behaviour; stopped after 6 days. Memory
Atkinson & Shiffrin (1968)
Multi-store model: sensory register → STM (7±2 items, ~30s) → LTM (unlimited capacity/duration). Baddeley & Hitch (1974)
Working memory model: central executive + phonological loop + visuospatial sketchpad + episodic buffer. Loftus & Palmer (1974)
EWT: verb choice ('smashed' vs 'hit') affected speed estimates. Leading questions distort memory. Attachment
Ainsworth (1970)
Strange Situation: secure (65%), insecure-avoidant (22%), insecure-ambivalent (13%). Bowlby (1969)
Monotropy, critical period (0–2.5 years), internal working model shapes future relationships. Harlow (1958)
Rhesus monkeys: comfort > food. Contact comfort is primary attachment mechanism. Psychopathology
Beck's Cognitive Triad
Negative views of self, world, and future → depression. CBT challenges these cognitive distortions. Seligman (1975)
Learned helplessness model of depression: repeated uncontrollable events lead to passive resignation. Biopsychology
Sperry (1968)
Split-brain studies: left hemisphere = language; right hemisphere = spatial tasks. Hemispheric lateralisation. Selye (1936)
General Adaptation Syndrome: alarm → resistance → exhaustion. Stress response to persistent stressors. AO3 Evaluation Frameworks
Every evaluative point needs: claim → evidence → link to the theory/study being evaluated.
Evaluating Research Studies (GRAVE)
G — Generalisability
Is the sample representative? Can findings be applied to wider populations? R — Reliability
Can the study be replicated? Is there inter-rater reliability (for observations)? A — Application
What are the real-world implications of the findings? V — Validity
Does the study measure what it claims? Internal validity (confounds) vs external (ecological). E — Ethics
Informed consent, right to withdraw, deception, debriefing, protection from harm. BPS guidelines. Evaluating Theories
Scientific credibility
Is the theory based on empirical, replicable evidence? Falsifiability
Can the theory be tested and potentially disproved? (Popper) Reductionism
Does the theory over-simplify by explaining behaviour through one mechanism only? Nature vs nurture
Does the theory emphasise biological (nature) or environmental (nurture) factors? Is this balanced? Determinism vs free will
Does the theory imply behaviour is determined? What are the implications? Common Evaluation Structures
Strength
A strength of [theory/study] is... This is supported by [evidence/study]... which shows... This means that... Limitation
A limitation is... Evidence from [study] suggests... This weakens the theory because... Counter
However, [alternative view/study] challenges this by... This suggests that the original theory may be... 16-Mark Essay Structure
AQA 16-mark questions are split: 6 marks AO1 (description) + 10 marks AO3 (evaluation).
Introduction (AO1)
Define key terms → briefly state what will be discussed → outline the theory or approach clearly AO1 Paragraphs — Knowledge
Describe the theory/study/approach accurately and in detail. Use precise psychological terminology. Include key researchers and study findings where relevant. AO3 Paragraphs — Evaluation
For each evaluative point: state the point clearly → provide supporting/contradicting research evidence → explain the implication for the theory → link back to the question Aim for 3–4 well-developed AO3 points rather than 6–7 brief ones. Depth beats breadth at A Level.
Conclusion
Overall assessment: 'On balance...' | Identify the strongest evaluation point | State whether the evidence broadly supports or challenges the theory | Optionally: note the direction of future research AO1/AO3 Balance Check
16-mark essays: ~6 marks AO1, ~10 marks AO3. Do not spend more than ~1/3 of your response on pure description. Evaluation is where the marks are.
How to Use This Reference Sheet
Boost your Cambridge exam confidence with these proven study strategies from our tutoring experts.
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Master Research Methods
Research Methods questions appear on every AQA Psychology paper. Know all statistical tests, their conditions, and how to interpret significance. This is the highest-value skill.
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Learn Studies Precisely
AQA rewards specific detail — know sample sizes, exact percentages, and precise conclusions. 'Milgram found that some people obeyed' earns no marks; '65% gave 450V' does.
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Evaluate Deeply, Not Broadly
Three well-developed AO3 points with evidence and implication beat six superficial ones. Always complete the evaluative chain: claim → evidence → implication.
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Practise 16-Mark Timed Responses
You have approximately 20–22 minutes for a 16-mark essay. Under timed conditions, practise planning (3 min) + writing (17 min) + checking (2 min).
Reference Sheet FAQ
Quick answers about this free PDF and how to use it for exam revision and active recall.
Is the AQA A Level Psychology Reference Sheet 2026 free to download as a PDF?
Yes. This Tutopiya formula sheet is free to use and you can download it as a PDF from this page for offline revision. There is no payment or account required for the PDF download.
What Psychology topics and equations does this formula sheet cover?
This page groups key Psychology formulas in one place for revision. Master AQA A Level Psychology (7182) with this 2026 reference sheet. Covers research methods statistical tests, key study quick reference, AO3 evaluation frameworks, and 16-mark essay structure. Always cross-check with your official syllabus and past papers for your exam session.
Can I use this instead of the official exam formula booklet in the exam?
No. In the exam you must follow only what your exam board allows in the hall—usually the official formula booklet or data sheet where provided. This page is a revision and teaching aid, not a replacement for board-issued materials.
Who is this formula sheet for (Post-Secondary)?
It is written for students preparing for assessments at Post-Secondary in Psychology, including classroom revision, homework support, and independent study. Teachers and tutors can also share it as a quick reference.
How should I revise with this formula sheet?
Work through past paper questions, quote the correct formula before substituting values, and check units and notation every time. Pair this sheet with timed practice and mark schemes so you see how examiners expect working to be set out.
Where can I get more help with Psychology revision?
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This reference sheet aligns with AQA A Level Psychology (7182) specification content.
Always support AO3 evaluation points with specific research evidence and explain the implication for the theory or study being evaluated.