Correlations: past paper questions
Real questions on correlations
The newest 20 of 193 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9990/31 · May/June 2026 · Q2b[2]
Explain one reason why the findings from the study by Grant et al. may not be applicable to everyday life.
See it on the paper → - 9990/41 · May/June 2026 · Q5a[4]
Outline two reasons why participants were excluded from the study.
See it on the paper → - 9990/41 · May/June 2026 · Q12c(i)[2]
Explain one reason for your choice of sampling technique. (c) (i)
See it on the paper → - 9990/32 · February/March 2026 · Q2a[2]
Outline the nature versus nurture debate.
See it on the paper → - 9990/32 · February/March 2026 · Q2b[2]
Explain one weakness of the nature side of this debate, including an example from the genetic explanation of fear‑related disorders.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · February/March 2026 · Q7b[2]
Suggest one reason why the data gathered on the type of accidents may not be accurate.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · February/March 2026 · Q12c(iii)[2]
Explain one reason for the way you chose to analyse your data.
See it on the paper → - 9990/13 · October/November 2025 · Q10[10]
Evaluate the study by Hölzel et al. (mindfulness and brain scans) in terms of two strengths and two weaknesses. At least one of your evaluation points must be about self-reports.
See it on the paper → - 9990/21 · October/November 2025 · Q5[2]
Sketch a graph on the axes in Fig. 5.1 to show a negative correlation between ‘time spent watching television’ and ‘attention span’. You must label the axes.
See it on the paper → - 9990/21 · October/November 2025 · Q6[6]
Describe measures of central tendency, using any example(s).
See it on the paper → - 9990/22 · October/November 2025 · Q4b(i)[2]
Describe what is meant by a ‘standard deviation’.
See it on the paper → - 9990/22 · October/November 2025 · Q4b(ii)[2]
Explain one reason why the standard deviation for the age of the adults was larger than the standard deviation for the age of the children.
See it on the paper → - 9990/22 · October/November 2025 · Q7c[2]
Lorna finds a positive correlation. She concludes that vocabulary size in children is increased by talking to toys more often. Explain why this conclusion is not correct.
See it on the paper → - 9990/41 · October/November 2025 · Q1c[4]
Explain one strength and one weakness of using multiple locations within this study.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · October/November 2025 · Q5c[4]
Explain one strength and one weakness of collecting data on patient satisfaction one week after the consultation, as done in this study.
See it on the paper → - 9990/22 · May/June 2025 · Q5[4]
In some studies, scientific equipment is used to measure variables, such as brain activity or eye movements. Suggest two weaknesses of using scientific equipment to measure variables.
See it on the paper → - 9990/22 · May/June 2025 · Q10a[10]
Describe how Dr Brent could conduct a study to investigate whether there is a correlation between how noisy wards are and the quality of patients’ sleep. Do not describe sample / sampling technique or ethical issues / guidelines in your answer.
See it on the paper → - 9990/22 · May/June 2025 · Q10b[4]
For one of the variables you have described in part (a): Explain one practical strength and one practical limitation in relation to this variable.
See it on the paper → - 9990/23 · May/June 2025 · Q3a[3]
Sketch a graph to show the results of this study. You must label the axes.
See it on the paper → - 9990/33 · May/June 2025 · Q10a[2]
Outline what is meant by the nomothetic approach, including an example from a study on preferences for practitioner clothing in non-verbal communication with patients.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Most responses demonstrated a clear understanding of the nature versus nurture debate. • These candidates outlined both nature and nurture clearly referring to the extent to which human behaviour is a result of our innate traits or environment. Limited responses • Some responses needed to provide a clearer outline of the nature versus nurture debate, with more precise ex...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 9990/32 Q2(a) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Responses demonstrating a clear understanding of a weakness of the debate, including an example from the genetic explanation of fear-related disorders. • These candidates could explain a weakness, most commonly reductionism, and how this approach does not take into account other possible causes, with an example. Limited responses • Some responses gave a basic explanation...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 9990/32 Q2(b) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Many responses suggested that accident reporting may be inaccurate because it could involve a lengthy shut-down of machinery, the accident might be considered too minor to report, or a worker may be concerned about losing their job if they have been negligent. Limited responses • Some candidates suggested that researchers might bias data to support their aims rather than...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 9990/42 Q7(b) (Cambridge)
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