Edexcel GCSE Psychology: Theories & Additional Studies Revision Guide (Edexcel Paper 1 & 2)

This comprehensive Theories & Additional Studies Revision Guide provides clear, structured summaries of all theories and additional studies required for Edexcel GCSE Psychology Papers 1 and 2. Designed to save teachers planning time and support students with accessible explanations, this resource covers every major theoretical component of the specification.

The booklet is carefully organised into Paper 1 and Paper 2 sections (see contents page) and presents each theory using a consistent structure with clear explanations, real-world examples, and student-friendly evaluation tables. Visual diagrams (e.g., Willingham on p.10, Activation–Synthesis model on p.47) also appear throughout to support understanding and reduce cognitive load

What’s Included

Paper 1 Theories & Additional Studies

• Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development (schemas, adaptation, stages)
• Dweck’s Mindset Theory (fixed vs growth)
• Willingham’s Learning Theory (memory, practice, self-regulation)
• Bartlett’s Theory of Reconstructive Memory
• Multi-Store Model of Memory (SR, STM, LTM)
• Genetic & Cognitive Explanations of Depression
• Genetic & Learning Explanations of Addiction
• Lateralisation of Function

Paper 2 Theories & Additional Studies

• Operant Conditioning as an explanation of criminality
• Social Learning Theory (Bandura)
• Biological Explanations of Criminal Behaviour
• Eysenck’s Personality Theory (PEN model)
• Freud’s Theory of Dreaming
• Activation–Synthesis Theory

How This Resource Supports Teaching

• Excellent for revision lessons – The consistent layout helps students compare theories and build strong AO1 & AO3 knowledge.
• Ideal for intervention groups – Clear explanations make complex theories more accessible.
• Useful for homework, flipped learning, or independent revision – Students can work through topics at their own pace.
• Perfect for non-specialists – Provides accurate, ready-made notes for confident lesson delivery.
• Reduces workload – No need to prepare theory summaries or evaluation tables from scratch.

Why Teachers Will Find It Valuable

• Evaluations are concise but exam-relevant, helping students build stronger extended responses.
• The guide covers both Papers 1 and 2, making it a complete theoretical companion resource.
• All content aligns directly with the Edexcel specification and includes key studies referenced within the theories.
• The booklet is clearly formatted, printable, and student-friendly — ideal for classroom or digital use.