A-level
PSYCHOLOGY A-level
Paper 3 Issues and options in psychology
PSYCHOLOGY
Friday 5 June 2026 Morning Time allowed: 2 hours 7182/3
Materials Paper 3 Issues and options in psychology
For t per you must have:
• an 16-page Answer Book. Mark scheme
You se a calculator.
June 2026
Instructions
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen. Version: 1.0 Final
• Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is 7182/3.
• In Section A, you should answer all questions.
• In Section B, choose one topic. Answer all questions on the topic you choose.
• In Section C, choose one topic. Answer all questions on the topic you choose.
• In Section D, choose one topic. Answer all questions on the topic you choose.
• Do all rough work in your answer book. Cross through any work you do not want to be marked.
Information
• The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
• The maximum mark for this paper is 96.
• You will be marked on your ability to:
– use good English
– organise information clearly
– use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
IB/G/Jun26/G4007/V6 7182/3
, 2
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY – 7182/3 – JUNE 2026
There are no questions printed on this page
Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant
questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the
standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in
this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’
responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative
answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the
standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are
required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.
It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination
paper.
No student should be disadvantaged on the basis of their gender identity and/or how they refer to the
gender identity of others in their exam responses.
A consistent use of ‘they/them’ as a singular and pronouns beyond ‘she/her’ or ‘he/him’ will be credited in
exam responses in line with existing mark scheme criteria.
Further copies of this mark scheme are available from
information
retains the on all its publications. However, registered schools/colleges for are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own
internal use, with the following important exception: cannot give permission to schools/colleges to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third
party even for internal use within the centre.
and its licensors. All rights reserved.
2
IB/G/Jun26/7182/3
, 3
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY – 7182/3 – JUNE 2026
Section A
Issues and debates in psychology Level of response marking instructions
Answer all questions in this section. Level of response mark schemes are broken down into levels, each of which has a descriptor. The
descriptor for the level shows the average performance for the level. There are marks in each level.
Before you apply the mark scheme to a student’s answer read through the answer and annotate it (as
0 1 What is meant by a free will approach in psychology? instructed) to show the qualities that are being looked for. You can then apply the mark scheme.
[2 marks]
Step 1 Determine a level
0 2 ‘It is inappropriate to take a free will approach in psychology.’ Start at the lowest level of the mark scheme and use it as a ladder to see whether the answer meets the
descriptor for that level. The descriptor for the level indicates the different qualities that might be seen in
Outline one reason why some psychologists might say this. the student’s answer for that level. If it meets the lowest level then go to the next one and decide if it
[2 marks] meets this level, and so on, until you have a match between the level descriptor and the answer. With
practice and familiarity you will find that for better answers you will be able to quickly skip through the
lower levels of the mark scheme.
0 3 Most behaviours, like playing football, can be explained at different levels.
When assigning a level you should look at the overall quality of the answer and not look to pick holes in
Outline what psychologists mean by levels of explanation and suggest how playing small and specific parts of the answer where the student has not performed quite as well as the rest. If
football can be explained at two different levels. the answer covers different aspects of different levels of the mark scheme you should use a best fit
[4 marks] approach for defining the level and then use the variability of the response to help decide the mark within
the level, ie if the response is predominantly level 3 with a small amount of level 4 material it would be
placed in level 3 but be awarded a mark near the top of the level because of the level 4 content.
0 4 Discuss social sensitivity in psychological research. Refer to one or more topics in
your answer.
Step 2 Determine a mark
[16 marks]
Once you have assigned a level you need to decide on the mark. The descriptors on how to allocate
marks can help with this. The exemplar materials used during standardisation will help. There will be an
answer in the standardising materials which will correspond with each level of the mark scheme. This
answer will have been awarded a mark by the Lead Examiner. You can compare the student’s answer
Turn over for Section B
with the example to determine if it is the same standard, better or worse than the example. You can then
use this to allocate a mark for the answer based on the Lead Examiner’s mark on the example.
You may well need to read back through the answer as you apply the mark scheme to clarify points and
assure yourself that the level and the mark are appropriate.
Indicative content in the mark scheme is provided as a guide for examiners. It is not intended to be
exhaustive and you must credit other valid points. Students do not have to cover all of the points
mentioned in the Indicative content to reach the highest level of the mark scheme.
An answer which contains nothing of relevance to the question must be awarded no marks.
3
Turn over ►
IB/G/Jun26/7182/3
, 4
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY – 7182/3 – JUNE 2026
Section B
Section A
Relationships or Gender or Cognition and development
Issues and debates in psychology
Choose one topic from Section B. Answer all questions on the topic you choose.
0 1 What is meant by a free will approach in psychology?
Topic: Relationships [2 marks]
Marks for this question: AO1 = 2
0 5 Describe one phase of Duck’s model of relationship breakdown.
[4 marks] 2 marks for a clear and coherent outline of what is meant by a free will approach in psychology with
some detail.
1 mark for a limited/muddled explanation.
0 6 A researcher was interested in factors affecting attraction. The researcher investigated
the relationship between similarity in attitudes and levels of attraction in couples. Possible content:
There were two co-variables. • the notion that individuals are self determining, have personal agency / control
• as such, people can exercise unrestrained/open choice in how they behave
Co-variable 1: Similarity of attitude score 1–10 (a high score indicates a high level of • people are therefore not constrained by internal or external forces
attitude similarity). • epitomised by the humanistic approach.
Co-variable 2: Levels of attraction score 1–10 (a high score indicates a high level Credit other relevant material.
of attraction).
Explain why the variables above are referred to as co-variables. 0 2 ‘It is inappropriate to take a free will approach in psychology.’
[2 marks]
Outline one reason why some psychologists might say this.
[2 marks]
0 7 What level of measurement is the data collected in this study? Explain your answer.
[3 marks] Marks for this question: AO3 = 2
2 marks for a clear and coherent outline which includes some reference to the notion of scientific
0 8 Suggest an appropriate inferential test that could be used to analyse the data from emphasis on causality.
this study. 1 mark for a limited/muddled outline.
[1 mark]
Possible content:
• most approaches in psychology assume that behaviour is caused/determined by internal forces eg
0 9 The researcher concluded that there was a strong positive relationship between the biological and/or external forces eg environmental over which we have no control
two co-variables. • the notion of free will is not compatible with one of the traditional aims of psychological research, ie to
determine the cause of behaviour/causality
In your answer book, roughly sketch a graph that the researcher might produce using the • if people have free will to choose how to behave, then behaviour does not have a clearly identifiable
data they collected. Label the axes on your graph. and measurable cause
[2 marks] • use of the traditional experimental method, involving manipulation of an IV to observe the consequent
effect on some aspect of behaviour (the DV), is not easy to reconcile with the notion that human
behaviour is freely chosen and unconstrained
1 0 Describe one other study of a factor affecting attraction in romantic relationships. • it is incompatible with the idea of general laws/universality.
Refer to both procedure and findings in your answer.
[4 marks] Credit other relevant material.
1 1 Describe and evaluate the attachment theory explanation of parasocial relationships.
[8 marks]
4
IB/G/Jun26/7182/3
PSYCHOLOGY A-level
Paper 3 Issues and options in psychology
PSYCHOLOGY
Friday 5 June 2026 Morning Time allowed: 2 hours 7182/3
Materials Paper 3 Issues and options in psychology
For t per you must have:
• an 16-page Answer Book. Mark scheme
You se a calculator.
June 2026
Instructions
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen. Version: 1.0 Final
• Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is 7182/3.
• In Section A, you should answer all questions.
• In Section B, choose one topic. Answer all questions on the topic you choose.
• In Section C, choose one topic. Answer all questions on the topic you choose.
• In Section D, choose one topic. Answer all questions on the topic you choose.
• Do all rough work in your answer book. Cross through any work you do not want to be marked.
Information
• The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
• The maximum mark for this paper is 96.
• You will be marked on your ability to:
– use good English
– organise information clearly
– use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
IB/G/Jun26/G4007/V6 7182/3
, 2
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY – 7182/3 – JUNE 2026
There are no questions printed on this page
Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the relevant
questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments made at the
standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was used by them in
this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers the students’
responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same correct way.
As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’ scripts. Alternative
answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated for. If, after the
standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been raised they are
required to refer these to the Lead Examiner.
It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular examination
paper.
No student should be disadvantaged on the basis of their gender identity and/or how they refer to the
gender identity of others in their exam responses.
A consistent use of ‘they/them’ as a singular and pronouns beyond ‘she/her’ or ‘he/him’ will be credited in
exam responses in line with existing mark scheme criteria.
Further copies of this mark scheme are available from
information
retains the on all its publications. However, registered schools/colleges for are permitted to copy material from this booklet for their own
internal use, with the following important exception: cannot give permission to schools/colleges to photocopy any material that is acknowledged to a third
party even for internal use within the centre.
and its licensors. All rights reserved.
2
IB/G/Jun26/7182/3
, 3
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY – 7182/3 – JUNE 2026
Section A
Issues and debates in psychology Level of response marking instructions
Answer all questions in this section. Level of response mark schemes are broken down into levels, each of which has a descriptor. The
descriptor for the level shows the average performance for the level. There are marks in each level.
Before you apply the mark scheme to a student’s answer read through the answer and annotate it (as
0 1 What is meant by a free will approach in psychology? instructed) to show the qualities that are being looked for. You can then apply the mark scheme.
[2 marks]
Step 1 Determine a level
0 2 ‘It is inappropriate to take a free will approach in psychology.’ Start at the lowest level of the mark scheme and use it as a ladder to see whether the answer meets the
descriptor for that level. The descriptor for the level indicates the different qualities that might be seen in
Outline one reason why some psychologists might say this. the student’s answer for that level. If it meets the lowest level then go to the next one and decide if it
[2 marks] meets this level, and so on, until you have a match between the level descriptor and the answer. With
practice and familiarity you will find that for better answers you will be able to quickly skip through the
lower levels of the mark scheme.
0 3 Most behaviours, like playing football, can be explained at different levels.
When assigning a level you should look at the overall quality of the answer and not look to pick holes in
Outline what psychologists mean by levels of explanation and suggest how playing small and specific parts of the answer where the student has not performed quite as well as the rest. If
football can be explained at two different levels. the answer covers different aspects of different levels of the mark scheme you should use a best fit
[4 marks] approach for defining the level and then use the variability of the response to help decide the mark within
the level, ie if the response is predominantly level 3 with a small amount of level 4 material it would be
placed in level 3 but be awarded a mark near the top of the level because of the level 4 content.
0 4 Discuss social sensitivity in psychological research. Refer to one or more topics in
your answer.
Step 2 Determine a mark
[16 marks]
Once you have assigned a level you need to decide on the mark. The descriptors on how to allocate
marks can help with this. The exemplar materials used during standardisation will help. There will be an
answer in the standardising materials which will correspond with each level of the mark scheme. This
answer will have been awarded a mark by the Lead Examiner. You can compare the student’s answer
Turn over for Section B
with the example to determine if it is the same standard, better or worse than the example. You can then
use this to allocate a mark for the answer based on the Lead Examiner’s mark on the example.
You may well need to read back through the answer as you apply the mark scheme to clarify points and
assure yourself that the level and the mark are appropriate.
Indicative content in the mark scheme is provided as a guide for examiners. It is not intended to be
exhaustive and you must credit other valid points. Students do not have to cover all of the points
mentioned in the Indicative content to reach the highest level of the mark scheme.
An answer which contains nothing of relevance to the question must be awarded no marks.
3
Turn over ►
IB/G/Jun26/7182/3
, 4
MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY – 7182/3 – JUNE 2026
Section B
Section A
Relationships or Gender or Cognition and development
Issues and debates in psychology
Choose one topic from Section B. Answer all questions on the topic you choose.
0 1 What is meant by a free will approach in psychology?
Topic: Relationships [2 marks]
Marks for this question: AO1 = 2
0 5 Describe one phase of Duck’s model of relationship breakdown.
[4 marks] 2 marks for a clear and coherent outline of what is meant by a free will approach in psychology with
some detail.
1 mark for a limited/muddled explanation.
0 6 A researcher was interested in factors affecting attraction. The researcher investigated
the relationship between similarity in attitudes and levels of attraction in couples. Possible content:
There were two co-variables. • the notion that individuals are self determining, have personal agency / control
• as such, people can exercise unrestrained/open choice in how they behave
Co-variable 1: Similarity of attitude score 1–10 (a high score indicates a high level of • people are therefore not constrained by internal or external forces
attitude similarity). • epitomised by the humanistic approach.
Co-variable 2: Levels of attraction score 1–10 (a high score indicates a high level Credit other relevant material.
of attraction).
Explain why the variables above are referred to as co-variables. 0 2 ‘It is inappropriate to take a free will approach in psychology.’
[2 marks]
Outline one reason why some psychologists might say this.
[2 marks]
0 7 What level of measurement is the data collected in this study? Explain your answer.
[3 marks] Marks for this question: AO3 = 2
2 marks for a clear and coherent outline which includes some reference to the notion of scientific
0 8 Suggest an appropriate inferential test that could be used to analyse the data from emphasis on causality.
this study. 1 mark for a limited/muddled outline.
[1 mark]
Possible content:
• most approaches in psychology assume that behaviour is caused/determined by internal forces eg
0 9 The researcher concluded that there was a strong positive relationship between the biological and/or external forces eg environmental over which we have no control
two co-variables. • the notion of free will is not compatible with one of the traditional aims of psychological research, ie to
determine the cause of behaviour/causality
In your answer book, roughly sketch a graph that the researcher might produce using the • if people have free will to choose how to behave, then behaviour does not have a clearly identifiable
data they collected. Label the axes on your graph. and measurable cause
[2 marks] • use of the traditional experimental method, involving manipulation of an IV to observe the consequent
effect on some aspect of behaviour (the DV), is not easy to reconcile with the notion that human
behaviour is freely chosen and unconstrained
1 0 Describe one other study of a factor affecting attraction in romantic relationships. • it is incompatible with the idea of general laws/universality.
Refer to both procedure and findings in your answer.
[4 marks] Credit other relevant material.
1 1 Describe and evaluate the attachment theory explanation of parasocial relationships.
[8 marks]
4
IB/G/Jun26/7182/3
