Great Psychology essays aren’t about dumping every study you remember. Examiners reward clear structure, precise use of research, application to the question, and balanced evaluation (AO1–AO3).

Use this guide to build an essay routine you can repeat under timed conditions.

Understand what the exam wants (AO1–AO3)

• AO1 (knowledge): accurate definitions, models and findings in your own words.
• AO2 (application): link theory/studies to the exact stem or question focus.
• AO3 (evaluation): reasoned judgements about methods, evidence and explanations.

Full details: How Psychology exams are marked (AOs) · AQA spec: A Level Psychology (7182).

A simple essay blueprint (PEEL/PEACE)

• Intro (2–3 lines): define the key term(s) and state your line of argument.
• Paragraphs (x3–4): use PEEL/PEACE.
  • Point — make a claim that answers the question.
  • Evidence — a study/theory or data from the stem.
  • Application — tie the point to the stem or real example (AO2).
  • Critique — methods/validity/ethics/alternatives (AO3).
  • Evaluation/Judgement — mini-conclusion on impact.
• Conclusion (2–4 lines): weigh up the arguments and answer the question directly.

What goes into strong paragraphs?

• One clear idea per paragraph (signpost with the key word from the question).
• Exam-ready study facts: author(s), method in a phrase, core finding, one limitation/strength.
• Application that echoes the stem’s wording (names, numbers, context).
• Developed AO3: explain why a limitation changes confidence (validity/reliability/generalisation), not just list it.

Weave in Issues & Debates to lift AO3

• Nature–nurture · reductionism vs holism · determinism vs free will · cultural bias · ethics.
• Use them where they naturally fit your point (don’t bolt them on).
• Link back to consequences for evidence quality or real-world application.

Guide: Issues & Debates for AO3.

Timing & planning (so you finish!)

• Plan for 60–90 seconds: jot 3–4 bullet points (your paragraph claims) and the study names.
• Paragraph timing: spend ~3–4 minutes per PEEL/PEACE paragraph on a 16-marker, then a 2–3 line conclusion.
• Use topic sentences: “One strength/limitation is… This matters because…”

Example mini-plan (16 marks)

“Evaluate the cognitive explanation of depression.”

• Intro: define cognitive explanation (schemas, Beck/ABC), state overall view.
• P1: Beck’s negative triad — Ev: research showing negative attributional style predicts symptoms; AO3 predictive validity but correlational.
• P2: Ellis ABC — App to stem/example; AO3 treatment support (CBT effective) → practical validity; but not all patients respond.
• P3: Issues & Debates reductionism vs holistic (ignores biology); Alt: genes/monoamines; AO3 interactionist better explains relapse.
• Conc: strong explanatory & therapeutic power, but best within biopsychosocial model.

Useful language (sentence starters)

• Point: “A key argument is that…”, “One limitation of this explanation is…”
• Evidence: “Research by [Author] found…”, “The theory proposes that…”
• Application: “In this scenario, this means…”, “For these participants…”
• Evaluation: “However, the small/biased sample reduces…”, “This supports the validity because…”
• Judgement: “Overall, this suggests that… given …”

Common mistakes to avoid

• Story-telling studies with no link to the question (weak AO2).
• List-like evaluation with no explanation of impact on conclusions.
• Forgetting a conclusion on “assess/discuss” questions.
• Leaving Research Methods/maths embedded in items to the last minute.

Related guides

External references

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

Final thought

Plan fast, write in PEEL/PEACE, and balance AO1–AO3 in every paragraph. With a repeatable structure and weekly timed practice, your essay marks will climb quickly.