Examiners mark A Level Psychology against three Assessment Objectives (AOs). Every question targets one or more of these, so high grades come from balancing them: accurate knowledge (AO1), clear application (AO2), and well-reasoned evaluation (AO3).

Below is a plain-English guide to what each AO means, how marks are awarded in practice, and how to write answers that hit the top levels.

What are the Assessment Objectives?

• AO1 — Knowledge & understanding: Accurate definitions, concepts, models and study findings written clearly and precisely. Avoid vague phrasing and unsupported claims.
• AO2 — Application: Use the material in the question (a stem/scenario, data or diagram) to show how theories/studies apply. Naming a theory isn’t enough — you must link it directly to the scenario.
• AO3 — Analysis, interpretation & evaluation: Make judgements about methods, evidence and explanations (e.g., validity, reliability, sampling, ethics, alternative theories, real-world application). Explain why each point matters.

Official wording and details live in the AQA specification: AQA A Level Psychology (7182) specification.

How marks are awarded in practice

• Short-answer questions (e.g., 2–6 marks) usually target AO1 definitions or AO2 mini-applications. Keep answers tight and use key terms.
• Longer items (e.g., 8, 12, 16 marks) are marked with levels descriptors. To reach the top level you need accurate AO1, sustained AO2 focus on the question, and well-developed AO3 with a clear line of reasoning.
• Balance matters: A great essay that forgets to apply to the stem will drop AO2 marks; an applied answer with weak definitions loses AO1.
• Mini-judgements: High-level evaluation explains why a limitation/strength changes the confidence we have in a conclusion (not just listing pros/cons).

Command words decoded (what examiners expect)

• Define / Outline / Describe → mainly AO1 (concise, precise knowledge).
• Explain / Apply → AO2 (link theory to the given stem/data; use the stem’s wording).
• Evaluate / Assess / Discuss → mostly AO3 (reasoned argument using evidence; make a supported judgement).

Practise with past papers and mark schemes to see how command words map to AOs: AQA assessment resources (past papers, mark schemes, reports).

What does top-level AO1/AO2/AO3 look like?

• AO1: Accurate definitions and study findings in your own words; key terms (e.g., “internal validity”, “operationalised variable”) used correctly.
• AO2: Frequent, explicit references to the stem (names/situations/data). Replace generic phrases with the scenario’s details.
• AO3: Developed evaluation points that are explained, not asserted (method/design → consequence for validity/reliability → impact on the conclusion). Include Issues & Debates where relevant.

Easy wins to boost each AO

• AO1: Learn one exam-ready definition per key term; keep a “key studies” sheet with author(s), method, core finding and one limitation.
• AO2: Underline stem details; echo them in your topic sentence (“In this study…”, “For these participants…”).
• AO3: Use a PEACE/PEEL model: Point → Evidence → Analysis (why it matters) → Counterpoint → Evaluation/Judgement. Weave in Issues & Debates (e.g., reductionism/holism, culture, ethics) where natural.

Common pitfalls that lose marks

• Rewriting textbook paragraphs without answering the specific question.
• Listing evaluation bullets with no explanation of impact on validity/reliability/generalisation.
• Ignoring Research Methods or basic maths embedded in topic questions.
• Forgetting a conclusion in longer “assess/discuss” items.

Related guides

External references

• AQA — A Level Psychology (7182) specification
• AQA — Assessment resources (past papers, mark schemes, examiner reports)
• British Psychological Society — student resources

Final thought

Think in AOs as you revise. Build precise AO1 notes, practise AO2 with real stems, and make AO3 judgements that explain impact on conclusions. That balance is what examiners reward.