specification overview
OCR A-Level Psychology (H567) is a two-year linear qualification with three written papers. Component 01 covers research methods; Component 02 covers 20 named core studies (ten key themes, each with a paired classic and contemporary study) across five areas of psychology; Component 03 covers applied psychology through issues in mental health plus two chosen options. OCR is withdrawing this qualification: the final first teach date is September 2026 and final assessment is Summer 2028, with resitters directed to the replacement H569 specification.
subject content
1. Research methods
Component 01- Experimental methods, observational methods, self-report methods
- Sampling, ethics, reliability, validity
- Data analysis (descriptive and inferential stats)
2. Psychological themes through core studies
Component 02- Core studies grouped in classic/contemporary pairs around 10 key themes
- Five areas: social, cognitive, developmental, biological, individual differences
3. Applied psychology
Component 03- Compulsory issues in mental health
- Two options from: child psychology, criminal psychology, environmental psychology, Sports and exercise psychology
assessment structure
| Paper | What's assessed | Length | Marks | Weight | Question types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Component 01 (Research methods) | Research methods, data analysis, study design | 2h | 90 | 30% | Section A: Multiple choice (20 questions). Section B: Research design and response. Section C: Data analysis and interpretation. |
| Component 02 (Psychological themes through core studies) | 20 core studies (ten key themes, each with a paired classic and contemporary study) across five areas of psychology | 2h | 105 | 35% | Section A: Core studies. Section B: Areas, perspectives and debates. Section C: Practical applications. |
| Component 03 (Applied psychology) | Compulsory issues in mental health + two chosen options | 2h | 105 | 35% | Section A: compulsory issues in mental health. Section B: two options with structured and extended questions |
Component 03 requires two chosen options from child, criminal, environmental, or Sports and exercise psychology. Your school picks the two options at the start of the course.
assessment objectives
| AO | What it means | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures. | 30-35% |
| AO2 | Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures. | 30-35% |
| AO3 | Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence. | 35-40% |
key tips for success
Master the core studies
Component 02 tests 10 key themes, each with a paired classic and contemporary study. Learn each: aim, method, sample, findings, conclusions, evaluation and ethics. Extended-response essays reward comparing paired studies within a theme.
Practise research methods thoroughly
Component 01 is entirely research methods. Practise designing studies, calculating stats, evaluating validity/reliability, and applying methods to unfamiliar scenarios.
Choose Component 03 options carefully
Two options from child, criminal, environmental, Sports and exercise. Criminal is popular; Sports and exercise is unique to OCR. Your school picks.
Learn the five areas of psychology
Component 02's core studies are grouped by area: social, cognitive, developmental, biological, individual differences. Know each area's assumptions and how the core studies illustrate them.
Practise Section C application questions
Component 02 Section C (practical applications) gives you unseen scenarios and asks how psychological principles apply, while Section B tests areas, perspectives and debates. Practise linking theory to novel contexts.
AO3 rewards balanced evaluation
Every extended answer needs strengths, weaknesses, methodological critique and applied context. Practise the balanced evaluation format.
Where to next
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