OCR GCSE Psychology specification (J203)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR GCSE Psychology exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR GCSE Psychology specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official OCR GCSE Psychology (J203) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
OCR’s GCSE (9–1) in Psychology is designed to engage learners with both classic and contemporary psychological ideas, encouraging them to reflect on the self and society. This course combines scientific methods with accessible theory and real-world relevance, including a strong emphasis on mental health and practical application.
It enables learners to: • develop a broad understanding of psychological concepts, theories and evidence • build skills in critical thinking, scientific research and data analysis • explore core areas including criminal psychology, memory, development, and social influence • understand how psychology applies to everyday life and promotes wellbeing • appreciate how science is used to explore and address social, moral and cultural issues
The course was developed in consultation with Time to Change, aiming to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and build psychological literacy among young people:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.
Subject content breakdown
Component 01: Studies and Applications in Psychology 1 Criminal Psychology
- Types of crime; crime as a social construct
- Social Learning Theory and Eysenck’s Criminal Personality Theory
- Studies: Cooper & Mackie (1986), Heaven (1996)
- Rehabilitation, deterrents, restorative justice
Development
- Brain development and stages (Piaget); Dweck’s mindset; Willingham’s theory
- Studies: Piaget (1952), Blackwell et al. (2007)
- Applications in education, growth mindset, active learning
Psychological Problems
- Schizophrenia: dopamine hypothesis, brain structure, social drift
- Depression: social rank theory, ABC model
- Studies: Daniel et al. (1991), Tandoc et al. (2015)
- Use of medication, CBT, brain imaging
Component 02: Studies and Applications in Psychology 2 Social Influence
- Conformity, obedience, crowd behaviour
- Situational and dispositional factors (e.g. self-esteem, locus of control)
- Studies: Bickman (1974), NatCen (2011)
- Changing attitudes and reducing stigma
Memory
- Multi-store model; reconstructive memory; forgetting
- Brain structures: hippocampus, frontal lobe, cerebellum
- Studies: Wilson et al. (2008), Braun et al. (2002)
- Applications in advertising, cue use, memory testing
Sleep and Dreaming
- Sleep stages, pineal gland, insomnia, biological rhythms
- Theories: Freud’s theory; Activation Synthesis
- Studies: Freud (1918), Williams et al. (1992)
- Treatments: sleep hygiene, relaxation, hypothalamus role
Research Methods (Embedded in Both Papers)
- Planning: hypotheses, variables, ethics, sampling, design
- Conducting: experiments, observations, case studies, correlations
- Analysing: descriptive stats, graphs, validity, bias
- Practical tasks and statistical skills applied throughout:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
Assessment structure
Component 1: Studies and Applications in Psychology 1 (J203/01)
- Written exam: 1h 30m
- 90 marks, 50% of GCSE
- Topics: Criminal Psychology, Development, Psychological Problems, Research Methods
- Includes multiple-choice, short/medium answer, and one 13-mark extended synoptic question
- Research methods focus: design of an investigation
Component 2: Studies and Applications in Psychology 2 (J203/02)
- Written exam: 1h 30m
- 90 marks, 50% of GCSE
- Topics: Social Influence, Memory, Sleep and Dreaming, Research Methods
- Includes multiple-choice, short/medium answer, and one 13-mark extended synoptic question
- Research methods focus: application to a novel source
Assessment Objectives
- AO1: Knowledge and understanding – 35%
- AO2: Application – 35%
- AO3: Analysis and evaluation – 30%
- Research Methods: at least 20% of marks
- Maths in Research: at least 10% of marks
Grading and Delivery
- Graded 9–1
- All components must be completed in a single exam series
- Total guided learning: 120–140 hours
- Use of calculators is allowed:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR GCSE Psychology isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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