Cognitive approach: past paper questions
Real questions on cognitive approach
The newest 20 of 192 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9990/42 · February/March 2026 · Q3a[4]
Outline two of the variables these 10-point scales measured.
See it on the paper → - 9990/11 · October/November 2025 · Q5a[2]
The Group 1 sample consisted of 15 participants who were all male. Identify two other features of the Group 1 sample.
See it on the paper → - 9990/11 · October/November 2025 · Q5b[2]
Explain one strength of the revised eyes test.
See it on the paper → - 9990/11 · October/November 2025 · Q6a[3]
In the background to their study, Pozzulo et al. (line-ups) outlined the role of social factors in identification errors made by children. Outline the role of social factors in these errors.
See it on the paper → - 9990/11 · October/November 2025 · Q6b[4]
Two friends, Doris and Tony, are discussing the ethics of the study by Pozzulo et al. (line-ups). Doris says the study is ethical, but Tony says it is not ethical. Outline why you think either Doris or Tony is correct, using evidence from the study. The friend who I think is correct is because:
See it on the paper → - 9990/12 · October/November 2025 · Q8a[4]
Outline the advice you would give to Carole.
See it on the paper → - 9990/12 · October/November 2025 · Q8b[2]
Explain one reason for one piece of advice you outlined in part (a). Section B Answer all questions.
See it on the paper → - 9990/12 · October/November 2025 · Q10[10]
Evaluate the study by Pozzulo et al. (line-ups) in terms of two strengths and two weaknesses. At least one of your evaluation points must be about ecological validity.
See it on the paper → - 9990/13 · October/November 2025 · Q1a[2]
Outline how the participants were recruited in this study.
See it on the paper → - 9990/13 · October/November 2025 · Q1b[2]
Identify two features of the piece of paper given to the participants in the doodling condition.
See it on the paper → - 9990/13 · October/November 2025 · Q1c[1]
Identify how recall of incidental information was measured.
See it on the paper → - 9990/13 · October/November 2025 · Q4[4]
From the study by Pozzulo et al. (line-ups): Describe how the cartoon foils were selected.
See it on the paper → - 9990/13 · October/November 2025 · Q9a[4]
From the study by Baron-Cohen et al. (eyes test): Describe the psychology being investigated.
See it on the paper → - 9990/13 · October/November 2025 · Q9b[8]
Explain two similarities between the study by Baron-Cohen et al. (eyes test) and the study by Andrade (doodling).
See it on the paper → - 9990/11 · May/June 2025 · Q6a[3]
Describe the psychology being investigated in the study by Pozzulo et al. (line‑ups).
See it on the paper → - 9990/11 · May/June 2025 · Q9a[4]
In the study by Andrade (doodling), the sample size was 40 participants. Describe the sample of participants used in this study, other than the sample size of 40.
See it on the paper → - 9990/11 · May/June 2025 · Q9b[8]
Explain two differences between the study by Andrade (doodling) and one other study from the cognitive approach. Do not refer to the sample of participants.
See it on the paper → - 9990/12 · May/June 2025 · Q2a[2]
Identify two features of the female used as a ‘human face target’.
See it on the paper → - 9990/13 · May/June 2025 · Q6a[3]
Describe the psychology being investigated in the study by Hassett et al. (monkey toy preferences).
See it on the paper → - 9990/13 · May/June 2025 · Q6b[4]
Two friends, Madison and Zach, are discussing the validity of the study by Hassett et al. (monkey toy preferences). Madison says the study has validity, but Zach says it does not have validity. Outline why you think either Madison or Zach is correct, using evidence from the study. The friend who I think is correct is:...
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates correctly identified two of the four variables the 10-point scales measured in the Hall et al. key study, such as ‘similarity’, and ‘liking’. Some candidates went on to outline the scales used to measure these variables, such as the ‘liking’ scale ranging from ‘not at all good’ to ‘very good. Limited responses • Some candidates could not identify any of t...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 9990/42 Q3(a) (Cambridge)
Stronger responses could present a correct result with a meaningful comparison and correct data. However, this was only from a small minority of candidates. The majority of responses focused on target-present lineups. This is another example of candidates needing to read the question carefully before presenting a response. The question was about target-absent, not present. Therefore, the majority...
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9990/12 Q4 (Cambridge)
A majority of responses could clearly outline one assumption of the cognitive approach. The most popular choice was the computer analogy. There were some brief assumptions provided by some candidates with limited terminology linked to cognition. These could only be awarded partial credit. The assumptions for all four approaches are clearly outlined in the syllabus.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9990/12 Q5(a) (Cambridge)
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