I've just finished updating my review of six years of AQA examiner reports, one of the most consistent issues I’m seeing is a research methods terminology mix-up.

Examiners have repeatedly flagged weaknesses in students’ understanding and use of key research methods terminology.

In five of the last six exam series I analysed, examiner reports highlighted issues around students:

• Being unable to accurately explain sampling methods

• Struggling to describe participant sampling clearly

• Confusing participant sampling with time sampling or event sampling

A huge thank you to everyone who joined the Research Methods masterclass. I hope you were able to take something really useful away from it 🙌

I’ve been going through your question responses and identifying some of the key areas that need a bit more clarification, so keep an eye out. I’m currently putting together an email to help iron those out.

📚 A resource I really recommend…

Research Methods is one of those areas where you have to go beyond the textbook.

It’s not just about knowing definitions; it’s about being able to apply your knowledge to real research scenarios.

That’s why I always recommend Tutor2u Psychology in the News. These are great for:

Come and join the waiting room, we begin soon!

Join here! https://meet.google.com/yfx-yuuo-iws

Just a quick reminder that the FREE Research Methods Masterclass is happening this evening at 20:15.

You should have received an email from me with the details, but I know emails can get missed — so here’s the link to join anyway 👇

👉 https://meet.google.com/yfx-yuuo-iws

If research methods has been feeling a bit overwhelming, this is a really good opportunity to get clearer, build confidence, and pick up marks in the exam.

🎁 I’ll also be sharing a little bonus during the session for those who attend live.

Hopefully see lots of you there this evening!

Hi everyone 👋

I’m working on the framework for the Research Methods Masterclass today and wanted to get a better feel for what you’d like the session to focus on.

We only have one hour, which feels tight when research methods can be worth at least 25% of your AQA Psychology marks 😅

So I want to make sure we focus on the areas that will help you the most.

💬 Comment below: What research methods topics do you struggle with most?

For example:

You voted… and the results are in.

The topic for our free live revision session is...

Research Methods.

This is one of the areas of A-Level Psychology that students often find the most confusing, but it’s also one of the areas where you can gain a lot of marks once things start to click!

So in this masterclass, we’ll be focusing on helping you feel much more confident with it.

📅 Wednesday 18th March