Cambridge International · International A Level · 9990
Psychology — Keywords & Key Terms — Definitions Glossary (2026)
Cambridge International A Level Psychology (9990)
Topic-by-topic keywords, key terms and definitions for precise exam language—separate from our revision checklists (topic coverage) and formula sheets (equations).
Keywords & Key Terms — definitions
Examiner-style keywords and definitions organised by syllabus topic. Terms are tagged Essential (start here), Core (typical exam standard), and Advanced for harder distinctions — tick each row when you can recall it. Your progress is saved in this browser for this list.
Cambridge International International A Level Psychology (9990)
Cambridge International International A Level Psychology (9990)
Cambridge International A Level Psychology (9990)
Cambridge 9990 (2026) covers research methods, four core approaches, named core studies, and applied options (clinical, consumer, health, organisational, criminological) — A Level extends with deeper option study and synoptic evaluation.
Mark schemes: Cambridge A Level Psychology rewards precise terminology, correctly named theorists and studies (with researcher and date), and explicit links between findings and the question; vague paraphrase or unattributed claims lose A03 evaluation marks.
Active recall: 0 / 20 terms ticked
| Recalled | Topic | Level | Keyword | Definition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research methods | Core | Independent variable (IV) | The variable manipulated by the researcher. | |
| Research methods | Core | Dependent variable (DV) | The variable measured to detect an effect of the IV. | |
| Research methods | Core | Control variable | Variable held constant to prevent confounding the DV. | |
| Research methods | Core | Ecological validity | Extent to which findings generalise to real-world settings. | |
| Research methods | Advanced | Ethical considerations & BPS guidelines | Consent, deception, debrief, withdrawal, protection — per British Psychological Society code. | |
| Approaches | Core | Biological approach | Behaviour explained by genes, brain structure, and neurochemistry. | |
| Approaches | Core | Cognitive approach | Mind as information processor — memory, attention, schemas. | |
| Approaches | Core | Learning / behaviourist approach | Behaviour acquired via classical (Pavlov) and operant conditioning, plus social learning (Bandura). | |
| Approaches | Core | Psychodynamic approach | Unconscious drives and childhood (Freud) shape adult behaviour. | |
| Approaches | Advanced | Key theorists | Freud (psychodynamic), Bandura (social learning), Pavlov (classical conditioning). | |
| Core studies | Core | Milgram (1963) obedience | 65% of participants delivered max shock to authority — situational obedience. | |
| Core studies | Core | Loftus & Palmer (1974) eyewitness | Verb intensity altered speed estimates and reported broken glass — leading questions distort memory. | |
| Core studies | Core | Bandura, Ross & Ross (1961) Bobo doll | Children imitated aggressive adult models — social learning. | |
| Core studies | Core | Andrade (2010) doodling | Doodlers recalled 29% more — doodling aids attention. | |
| Core studies | Advanced | Baron-Cohen et al. (1997) eyes test | Adults with autism scored lower on theory-of-mind eye-reading task. | |
| Applied options | Core | DSM classification | Diagnostic and Statistical Manual — criteria for mental disorders. | |
| Applied options | Core | Schizophrenia | Positive (hallucinations, delusions) and negative (avolition) symptoms. | |
| Applied options | Core | Depression | Persistent low mood; explained biologically (serotonin) and cognitively (Beck's triad). | |
| Applied options | Core | Eyewitness testimony in criminology | Reliability affected by leading questions, weapon focus, and post-event information. | |
| Applied options | Advanced | Offender profiling | Top-down (FBI typology) vs bottom-up (statistical) approaches to identifying suspects. |
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Psychology (9990) — Keywords & Key Terms FAQ
- What is on this Cambridge International A Level Psychology keywords and key terms list?
- It is a topic-organised glossary of important psychology terms with short, exam-style definitions aligned to Cambridge International A Level Psychology (9990) (9990). It is designed for “define”, “state”, “outline” and “explain” questions where precise vocabulary earns marks.
- How should I use this Psychology glossary alongside past papers?
- Tick terms when you can recall them without reading the answer, then check your wording against mark schemes. Pair vocabulary practice with past papers for A Level Psychology (9990) so you apply terms in context.
- Is this the same as a revision checklist or a formula sheet?
- No. Revision checklists help you track which syllabus topics you have covered and your confidence—separate pages on Tutopiya. Formula sheets summarise equations and quantitative relationships. This page is only a definitions and key-terms glossary for Psychology.
- Can I download this Psychology keywords and key terms list for free?
- Yes. After a quick free sign-up you can download a UTF-8 CSV (opens in Excel or Google Sheets) or open a print-friendly page and save as PDF. Browsing the list on the page is free.
- Is this Psychology list aligned to the 9990 specification?
- Topic groupings and wording follow Cambridge International A Level Psychology (9990) for Cambridge International A Level. Always confirm final learning objectives and any regional options in your official specification and recent examiner reports for your exam session.
- Why focus on definitions instead of full notes?
- Mark schemes reward correct technical terms and clear links between ideas. A compact glossary lets you drill the exact language examiners expect for Psychology at A Level, separate from longer notes or topic trackers.