GCSE (9–1) PSYCHOLOGY — May 2025 PAST PAPER: Studies and Applications in Psychology
1 Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J203/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The May 2025 GCSE (9–1) Psychology Studies and Applications in Psychology 1 Paper (OCR J203/01)
provides a fully merged resource that combines the complete examination paper with its official mark
scheme. This integrated format allows learners to understand how each question is assessed, clarifying
examiner expectations and highlighting the criteria required for high-band responses. This component
assesses students’ knowledge and understanding of core psychological concepts, theories, and studies in
areas such as memory, social influence, attachment, and psychopathology. Candidates are expected to
analyse and evaluate research methods, interpret psychological data, apply theory to practical scenarios,
and construct coherent, evidence-based arguments. By pairing each question with detailed marking
guidance, the resource strengthens analytical, evaluative, and applied psychology skills. It supports
structured and precise responses, enhances understanding of research methodology, and provides focused
revision for the 2026 OCR GCSE Psychology (Studies and Applications in Psychology 1)
examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
Criminal Psychology
1
(a) Identify which punishment means a criminal will lose their freedoms, rights, and privileges.
A Community sentence
B Prison
C Rehabilitation programmes
D Restorative justice
Your answer [1]
(b) Identify which punishment involves a convicted person doing unpaid work in their local area.
A Community sentence
B Prison
C Rehabilitation programmes
D Restorative justice
Your answer [1]
(c) Identify the appropriate term for when an offender meets their victim to make the offender aware
of the consequences of their actions.
A Community sentence
B Prison
C Rehabilitation programmes
D Restorative justice
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
2 A study was conducted to see if there was a relationship between watching violent cartoons and
the number of times a child performed an aggressive act. Psychologists used a group of young
children and asked their parents how many different cartoons their child had watched that week
that contained violence. They also asked the parents to record the number of aggressive acts
their child performed throughout the same week.
The results are shown in the table.
Number of violent Number of aggressive
Participant
cartoons watched acts recorded
1 3 9
2 6 1
3 8 8
4 1 3
5 1 7
6 3 1
(a) Using the data and scenario above:
(i) Draw a scatter diagram to display the data collected. [4]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
(ii) Identify the type of correlation shown in your scatter diagram.
Tick one of the boxes to show your answer. [1]
Positive Negative No correlation
(b) Briefly explain whether or not the results found in this study support the Social Learning Theory
of Criminality.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [2]
3 Briefly explain why the Social Learning Theory of Criminality is said to focus too much on nurture.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [2]
© OCR 2025
1 Merged Question Paper & Mark Scheme [OCR J203/01]
Exam Resource Summary
The May 2025 GCSE (9–1) Psychology Studies and Applications in Psychology 1 Paper (OCR J203/01)
provides a fully merged resource that combines the complete examination paper with its official mark
scheme. This integrated format allows learners to understand how each question is assessed, clarifying
examiner expectations and highlighting the criteria required for high-band responses. This component
assesses students’ knowledge and understanding of core psychological concepts, theories, and studies in
areas such as memory, social influence, attachment, and psychopathology. Candidates are expected to
analyse and evaluate research methods, interpret psychological data, apply theory to practical scenarios,
and construct coherent, evidence-based arguments. By pairing each question with detailed marking
guidance, the resource strengthens analytical, evaluative, and applied psychology skills. It supports
structured and precise responses, enhances understanding of research methodology, and provides focused
revision for the 2026 OCR GCSE Psychology (Studies and Applications in Psychology 1)
examination.
OCR is an exempt Charity
Turn over
, 2
Section A
Criminal Psychology
1
(a) Identify which punishment means a criminal will lose their freedoms, rights, and privileges.
A Community sentence
B Prison
C Rehabilitation programmes
D Restorative justice
Your answer [1]
(b) Identify which punishment involves a convicted person doing unpaid work in their local area.
A Community sentence
B Prison
C Rehabilitation programmes
D Restorative justice
Your answer [1]
(c) Identify the appropriate term for when an offender meets their victim to make the offender aware
of the consequences of their actions.
A Community sentence
B Prison
C Rehabilitation programmes
D Restorative justice
Your answer [1]
© OCR 2025
, 3
2 A study was conducted to see if there was a relationship between watching violent cartoons and
the number of times a child performed an aggressive act. Psychologists used a group of young
children and asked their parents how many different cartoons their child had watched that week
that contained violence. They also asked the parents to record the number of aggressive acts
their child performed throughout the same week.
The results are shown in the table.
Number of violent Number of aggressive
Participant
cartoons watched acts recorded
1 3 9
2 6 1
3 8 8
4 1 3
5 1 7
6 3 1
(a) Using the data and scenario above:
(i) Draw a scatter diagram to display the data collected. [4]
© OCR 2025 Turn over
, 4
(ii) Identify the type of correlation shown in your scatter diagram.
Tick one of the boxes to show your answer. [1]
Positive Negative No correlation
(b) Briefly explain whether or not the results found in this study support the Social Learning Theory
of Criminality.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [2]
3 Briefly explain why the Social Learning Theory of Criminality is said to focus too much on nurture.
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................................................................................................................
. ................................................................................................................................................. [2]
© OCR 2025
