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Paper 3 is different from Papers 1 and 2 because much of the information you need is provided for you in the exam.

You will be given several sources linked to a psychological claim. These can include graphs, tables, quantitative studies and qualitative research.

Your job is not simply to describe what the sources say. You need to interpret, analyse and evaluate the evidence and decide what conclusions can reasonably be drawn from it.

Question 1: Interpreting Data [3 marks]

The first question gives you data presented visually and asks you to explain one issue that limits its interpretation.

This could involve something about the graph itself or information that is missing and therefore makes the findings difficult to interpret.

For example, you might consider:

• labels, titles and scales
• how variables have been measured or defined
• missing information about the sample
• whether the way the data are presented could be misleading
• whether important information is needed before conclusions can be drawn

The important word here is explain. For 3 marks, you need to do more than spot a problem. You need to explain why it limits the interpretation of the data.

The markscheme moves from identifying a relevant issue at 1 mark, to describing it at 2 marks, to explaining it at 3 marks.

Question 2: Analysing Quantitative Data [6 marks]

Question 2 asks you to analyse findings and state a conclusion linked to the overall claim.

This means you need to be comfortable interpreting quantitative data.

Depending on the source, you might consider:

• mean and median
• range and standard deviation
• patterns and differences between groups
• distributions of data
• correlations
• information presented in graphs or box-and-whisker plots

Don't just list numbers. Use the data as evidence for what you are saying.

Then draw a conclusion that answers the question and is explicitly supported by the findings.

For the highest markband, the data need to be analysed in detail, with a conclusion explicitly linked to the findings.

Question 3: Evaluating Qualitative Research [6 marks]

Question 3 focuses on a research consideration in relation to qualitative research. You could be asked about credibility, avoiding bias or transferability.

In the specimen paper, students are given a focus-group study and asked how the researcher could improve the credibility of the findings. However, your question could focus on any of the three research considerations.

Depending on the question, you might think about:

• Credibility: how confidence in the findings could be increased, for example through triangulation, member checking or peer review.
• Avoiding bias: how the influence of the researcher or other sources of bias could be recognised and reduced, for example through reflexivity, researcher triangulation or checking interpretations.
• Transferability: whether and how the findings might apply to other people, groups or contexts, considering the sample, setting and cultural context of the research.

Again, application matters. Don't simply explain what credibility, avoiding bias or transferability means. Use details from the source to explain how the research consideration applies to that particular study and why it matters for the findings.

For 5–6 marks, you need detailed understanding of the research consideration and explicit reference to relevant evidence from the source.

Question 4: Evaluating the Claim [15 marks]

Question 4 brings everything together.

You are given a claim and asked to what extent the available evidence allows you to support it.

You must use:

• your own psychological knowledge
• at least three of the sources
• different points of view
• critical analysis
• a reasoned conclusion.

This is not simply a long summary of the sources.

Instead, think of yourself as building an argument.

What evidence supports the claim?

What evidence challenges or qualifies it?

How strong is that evidence?

What does your own psychological knowledge add to the argument?

Overall, to what extent is the claim justified?

Your own knowledge could include relevant psychological theories, research, concepts or methodological knowledge that helps you interpret and evaluate the claim.

For the highest markband, you need detailed and well-developed knowledge, critical analysis, effective use of at least three sources, evaluation of different points of view and a clearly reasoned conclusion.