Variables: past paper questions
Real questions on variables
The newest 20 of 74 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9990/21 · October/November 2025 · Q9b[2]
The independent variable is ‘with noise or without noise’ and the dependent variable is ‘learn to run through the tunnels’. Define what is meant by the terms ‘independent variable’ and ‘dependent variable’. independent variable dependent variable
See it on the paper → - 9990/23 · October/November 2025 · Q8a[2]
Outline the dependent variable in Dr Bakar’s study.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · October/November 2025 · Q7a[4]
Describe the two measures used to control individual differences in this study.
See it on the paper → - 9990/22 · May/June 2025 · Q7a(i)[1]
Explain which one of these is a participant variable.
See it on the paper → - 9990/22 · May/June 2025 · Q7b(i)[1]
Explain which one of these is a situational variable.
See it on the paper → - 9990/21 · October/November 2024 · Q6a(i)[1]
Suggest one pleasant scene that Dr Eynon could use for one of her photographs, other than a beach.
See it on the paper → - 9990/22 · October/November 2024 · Q6a[2]
Identify the two independent variables (IVs) in Mohsin’s study.
See it on the paper → - 9990/23 · October/November 2024 · Q2[2]
In a laboratory experiment, the happiness of participants is being compared in two situations: • with other people • without other people. Identify the dependent variable (DV) in this study. Justify your answer.
See it on the paper → - 9990/41 · October/November 2024 · Q12c(i)[2]
Explain one reason for your choice of dependent variable.
See it on the paper → - 9990/42 · October/November 2024 · Q11c(iii)[2]
Explain one reason for your choice of interview format. Organisational Psychology
See it on the paper → - 9990/21 · May/June 2024 · Q8a[1]
Identify the independent variable (IV) in Simon’s study.
See it on the paper → - 9990/21 · May/June 2024 · Q8b[1]
Identify the dependent variable (DV) in Simon’s study.
See it on the paper → - 9990/21 · May/June 2024 · Q9a[1]
Explain which one of these problems is a participant variable.
See it on the paper → - 9990/21 · May/June 2024 · Q9b[1]
Explain which one of these problems is a situational variable.
See it on the paper → - 9990/22 · May/June 2024 · Q7d[1]
Suggest two questions Chyou could ask to investigate factors affecting students’ subject choices. ,
See it on the paper → - 9990/22 · May/June 2024 · Q8c(i)[1]
Explain whether this problem is caused by a situational variable or a participant variable.
See it on the paper → - 9990/22 · May/June 2024 · Q8c(ii)[1]
Explain how this problem would have affected Daku’s results. ,
See it on the paper → - 9990/23 · May/June 2024 · Q9c[4]
Faiza is concerned about uncontrolled variables in her study. Suggest how two uncontrolled variables could affect the measurement of emotion. Section B Answer all questions.
See it on the paper → - 9990/32 · May/June 2024 · Q6a[2]
Outline what is meant by ‘individual and situational explanations’.
See it on the paper → - 9990/43 · May/June 2024 · Q12c(i)[2]
Explain one reason for your choice of behavioural categories.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
This question part was well answered, with a wide range of extraneous variables being identified. Some common mistakes were to identify variables that would apply equally to the young and old, such as gender or there was a lack of contextualisation to old people or reduced range.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9990/21 Q8(a)(i) (Cambridge)
This question invited candidates to suggest one variable that could affect memory in old people. Any reasonable answer that could be justified in part 8 (b)(ii) was awarded 1 mark. Answers included whether they lived alone, how active they are, whether they took medication, and their mental state such as having dementia. Gender was also suggested and awarded credit if justified in 8(b)(ii).
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9990/22 Q8(b)(i) (Cambridge)
This question part required an explanation of how the variable identified in 8(b)(i) affected memory in old people. For example, if ‘how active they are’ was suggested, then an explanation might be that ‘if they are active they might use their memories more’ (1 mark) such as remembering a bus timetable (+1 mark). Alternatively, if the old person is taking medication then a side effect might affect...
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9990/22 Q8(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
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