How much maths is in A Level Psychology? (Stats & calculations)
How much maths is in A Level Psychology? (Stats & calculations)
Created:Updated: 24-August-2025
Wondering how much maths you’ll face in A Level Psychology? The headline is: there’s a steady, manageable amount—mainly inside research methods. You’ll work with data, graphs and a handful of statistical tests, and you’ll be expected to interpret results in context.
In the AQA specification, at least 10% of the overall assessment assesses mathematical skills at roughly GCSE/Level 2, applied to psychology. Most of this appears across the research-methods content that runs through all exam papers. Check the official AQA Psychology (7182) spec.
Where does the maths appear?
- Research methods on every paper (designs, data, analysis).
- Biopsychology and topic areas sometimes include data you’ll need to interpret.
- Issues & debates may reference evidence you’ll summarise or compare.
The maths you’ll actually do
- Descriptive statistics: mean/median/mode; percentages & ratios; range and standard deviation; summarising data clearly.
- Graphs & tables: reading and sketching bar charts, line graphs, histograms, scattergrams; choosing appropriate displays; spotting patterns and anomalies.
- Correlation: understanding direction/strength (positive/negative, weak/strong) and what correlation does—and doesn’t—show.
- Probability & significance: p-values (conceptual), critical values tables, Type I/Type II errors, and drawing conclusions.
- Choosing & interpreting tests (at a conceptual level): factors like design (related/unrelated), level of measurement (nominal/ordinal/interval), difference vs correlation.
Statistical tests you’ll meet (AQA)
You should recognise when a test is appropriate and how to read critical values. Typical tests include:
- Sign test (simple difference, nominal data)
- Wilcoxon signed-rank & Mann–Whitney U
- Spearman’s rho & Pearson’s r
- Chi-squared (χ²)
- t-tests (related & unrelated)
You won’t be asked to derive complex formulas from scratch—focus on selection, interpretation, and conclusions.
What you don’t need
- Calculus, trigonometry, or advanced algebra.
- Long computations without guidance—questions provide what you need.
- Programming or statistical software.
How to prepare (quick plan)
- Refresh core arithmetic: percentages, ratios, rounding/DP/SF, calculator fluency.
- Master descriptive stats: averages + spread (especially standard deviation conceptually).
- Practise with real items: past-paper research-methods questions with graphs/tables.
- Test selection drills: difference vs correlation; related vs unrelated; data level—then pick a test.
- Explain your conclusion: in plain English, link the number back to the hypothesis and study design.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many marks are maths?
AQA sets at least 10% of total A Level marks to assess mathematical skills in a psychology context. Most of these marks are in research methods.
Which calculator can I use?
A standard, non-programmable scientific calculator is typically fine, but always follow your exam centre’s rules.
Do I need GCSE Maths to cope?
It helps, but what matters is being comfortable with GCSE/Level 2 maths. If you’re rusty, a short refresher plus focused practice on research-methods questions works well.