Pain: past paper questions
Real questions on pain
The newest 20 of 118 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9990/31 · May/June 2026 · Q9[4]
Suggest how a doctor could use the gate control theory of pain to advise a patient on how to reduce their experience of pain.
See it on the paper → - 9990/33 · May/June 2026 · Q9[4]
Suggest how a doctor could use the gate control theory of pain to advise a patient on how to reduce their experience of pain.
See it on the paper → - 9990/41 · May/June 2026 · Q10c(iii)[2]
Explain one reason for the way you chose to analyse your data. Health Psychology
See it on the paper → - 9990/41 · May/June 2026 · Q11a[10]
Plan a study using closed questions to investigate which diagnostic features of Munchausen syndrome are most common. Your plan must include details about: • • sample of participants descriptive statistics.
See it on the paper → - 9990/41 · May/June 2026 · Q11b(i)[4]
Describe this psychological knowledge.
See it on the paper → - 9990/41 · May/June 2026 · Q11b(ii)[4]
Explain how you used two features of this psychological knowledge to plan your study.
See it on the paper → - 9990/41 · May/June 2026 · Q11c(i)[2]
Explain one reason for your choice of sample of participants. (c) (i)
See it on the paper → - 9990/41 · May/June 2026 · Q11c(ii)[2]
Explain one weakness with your choice of sample of participants.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · May/June 2026 · Q11a[10]
Plan a study using a telephone interview to gather data about differences in the way that men and women describe pain. Your plan must include details about: • • question format analysis of data.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · May/June 2026 · Q11b(i)[4]
Describe this psychological knowledge.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · May/June 2026 · Q11b(ii)[4]
Explain how you used two features of this psychological knowledge to plan your study.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · May/June 2026 · Q11c(i)[2]
Explain one reason for your choice of question format. (c) (i)
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · May/June 2026 · Q11c(ii)[2]
Explain one strength of using a telephone interview in your study.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · May/June 2026 · Q11c(iii)[2]
Explain one reason for the way you chose to analyse your data. Organisational Psychology
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · February/March 2026 · Q6a[2]
Outline the treatment of ‘acupuncture’ to manage and control pain.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · February/March 2026 · Q6b[2]
Suggest one psychological treatment that could be used to manage the acute pain of toothache.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · February/March 2026 · Q6c[4]
Explain two weaknesses of using acupuncture to manage pain. Organisational Psychology Answer all questions if you have studied this option.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · February/March 2026 · Q11a[10]
Plan a study using a controlled observation to investigate the effectiveness of mirror treatment for phantom limb pain. Your plan must include details about: • • location of the study behavioural categories.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · February/March 2026 · Q11b(i)[4]
Describe this psychological knowledge.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · February/March 2026 · Q11b(ii)[4]
Explain how you used two features of this psychological knowledge to plan your study.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates outlined the use of acupuncture as a treatment in detail such as inserting needles, leaving in place for a short time and manipulated by hand or by mild electrical pulse. Limited responses • Some candidates stated that acupuncture “involved needles” which was not sufficient to explain its use as a treatment.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 9990/42 Q6(a) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Many responses correctly suggested a psychological strategy, such as ‘attention diversion’, ‘non-pain imagery’ or ‘cognitive redefinition’ and explained how this strategy could help reduce toothache. Limited responses • Some suggestions were not psychological (as the question required) instead biochemical treatments such as ‘take pain relief medication’ were proposed. •...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 9990/42 Q6(b) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates included two weaknesses, often making points about its lack of effectiveness in treating acute versus chronic pain; that it is not a ‘self-treatment (therapist required) or that some people have a fear of needles. Limited responses • Some candidates could not provide two weaknesses or gave generic statements such as ‘there are cultural differences’ withou...
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 9990/42 Q6(c) (Cambridge)
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