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GCSE Psychology Revision

Research Methods

Experiments, sampling, variables, ethics and how psychologists collect and analyse data.

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When is deception in research ever acceptable?

Research Methods is a core part of GCSE Psychology. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.

Key concepts

ExperimentManipulates an independent variable to measure an effect.
HypothesisA testable prediction.
VariablesIndependent, dependent and controlled variables.
SamplingSelecting a representative group from a population.
EthicsConsent, confidentiality and protection from harm.
Data analysisDescriptive and inferential statistics.

What your exam board covers

Where Research Methods sits in each exam board's specification. Tap a board to see what it lists.

AQAResearch methodsSpec 8182

Part of: Paper 1 — Cognition and behaviour

Source: AQA GCSE Psychology (8182) specification — Subject content, accessed 23 June 2026.

EdexcelTopic 11: Research methodsSpec 1PS0
  • Variables (IV, DV, extraneous) and controlling extraneous variables
  • Aims and hypotheses (null and alternative)
  • Methods of sampling
  • Experimental and research designs
  • Reliability and validity
  • Ethical issues and how to deal with them
  • Research methods (experiments, interview, questionnaire, correlation, case study, observation)
  • Data analysis: descriptive statistics and graphs
  • Types of data (primary/secondary, qualitative/quantitative)
  • Issues and debates: ethical issues

Source: Pearson Edexcel GCSE Psychology (1PS0) specification, accessed 23 June 2026.

OCRResearch methodsSpec J203

Part of: Studies and applications in psychology 1

Source: OCR GCSE (9–1) Psychology (J203) specification, accessed 23 June 2026.

Learn Research Methods step by step

Free interactive mini-lessons: short screens, worked examples and quick checks. Pick your exam board:

Common mistakes to avoid

Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:

When is deception in research ever acceptable?✗ Never - deception is always banned.   ✓ When demand characteristics would otherwise invalidate the study, with thorough debrief and ethics approval.

Practise Research Methods — free games

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▶ Two Truths, One Lie▶ Reveal Race▶ Connections Grid▶ Falling Words▶ Word Web

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Teaching GCSE Psychology? Free interactive lessons to set as class work, homework or cover. No student login. AQA · Edexcel · OCR