Cambridge International
CambridgeAS International
& A Level Psychology
AS & A Level
9990-31
Psychology
Paper9990-31
3 Specialist
Paper
Options
3 Specialist
– Mark
Options
Scheme
– May
MarkJune
Scheme
2025.pdf
May June 2025
Cambridge
Cambridge
International
Cambridge
International
AS
International
& AAS
Level
& AAS
Psychology
Level
& APsychology
Level9990-31
Psychology
9990-31
Paper9990-31
3Paper
Specialist
3Paper
Specialist
Options
3 Specialist
Options
– Mark
Options
–Scheme
Mark
–Scheme
Mark
May June
Scheme
May2025
June
May
- 2025
converted.pdf
June- 2025
converted.pdf
- converted.pdf
Cambridge International AS & A Level
PSYCHOLOGY 9990/31
Paper 3 Specialist Options: Approaches, Issues and Debates May/June 2025
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 60
Published
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.
Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2025 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level components, and some Cambridge O Level
components.
This document consists of 59 printed pages.
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 [Turn over
Cambridge
Cambridge
International
Cambridge
International
AS
International
& AAS
Level
& AAS
Psychology
Level
& APsychology
Level9990-31
Psychology
9990-31
Paper9990-31
3Paper
Specialist
3Paper
Specialist
Options
3 Specialist
Options
– Mark
Options
–Scheme
Mark
–Scheme
Mark
May June
Scheme
May2025
June
May
- 2025
converted.pdf
June- 2025
converted.pdf
- converted.pdf
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology 9990-31 Paper 3 Specialist Options – Mark Scheme May June 2025.pdf 2/24/2026, 11:22:08 AM
,Cambridge International AS & A Level PsychologyCambridge
9990-31 Paper
International
3 Specialist
AS &Options
A Level–
Psychology
Mark Scheme
9990-31
MayPaper
June 2025.pdf
3 Specialist Options – Mark Scheme May June 2025
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology
Cambridge9990-31
International
Paper 3 ASSpecialist
& A LevelOptions
Psychology
Cambridge
– Mark
9990-31
International
Scheme
Paper
May3
ASSpecialist
June
& A 2025
Level Options
-Psychology
converted.pdf
– Mark
9990-31
Scheme
Paper
May
3 Specialist
June 2025Options
- converted.pdf
– Mark Scheme May June 2025 - converted.pdf
9990/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2025
PUBLISHED
Generic Marking Principles
These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers. They should be applied alongside the
specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptions for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these
marking principles.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:
Marks must be awarded in line with:
• the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
• the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:
Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:
Marks must be awarded positively:
• marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit is given for valid answers which go beyond
the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to your Team Leader as appropriate
• marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
• marks are not deducted for errors
• marks are not deducted for omissions
• answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these features are specifically assessed by the
question as indicated by the mark scheme. The meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed instructions or in the application of generic level
descriptors.
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 2 of 59
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology
Cambridge9990-31
International
Paper 3 AS
Specialist
& A LevelOptions
Psychology
Cambridge
– Mark
9990-31
International
Scheme
PaperMay3
ASSpecialist
June
& A 2025
Level Options
-Psychology
converted.pdf
– Mark
9990-31
Scheme
Paper
May3 Specialist
June 2025Options
- converted.pdf
– Mark Scheme May June 2025 - converted.pdf
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology 9990-31 Paper 3 Specialist Options – Mark Scheme May June 2025.pdf 2/24/2026, 11:22:08 AM
,Cambridge International AS & A Level PsychologyCambridge
9990-31 Paper
International
3 Specialist
AS &Options
A Level–
Psychology
Mark Scheme
9990-31
MayPaper
June 2025.pdf
3 Specialist Options – Mark Scheme May June 2025
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology
Cambridge9990-31
International
Paper 3 ASSpecialist
& A LevelOptions
Psychology
Cambridge
– Mark
9990-31
International
Scheme
Paper
May3
ASSpecialist
June
& A 2025
Level Options
-Psychology
converted.pdf
– Mark
9990-31
Scheme
Paper
May
3 Specialist
June 2025Options
- converted.pdf
– Mark Scheme May June 2025 - converted.pdf
9990/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2025
PUBLISHED
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question (however; the use of the full mark range may
be limited according to the quality of the candidate responses seen).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:
Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should not be awarded with grade thresholds or
grade descriptors in mind.
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 3 of 59
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology
Cambridge9990-31
International
Paper 3 AS
Specialist
& A LevelOptions
Psychology
Cambridge
– Mark
9990-31
International
Scheme
PaperMay3
ASSpecialist
June
& A 2025
Level Options
-Psychology
converted.pdf
– Mark
9990-31
Scheme
Paper
May3 Specialist
June 2025Options
- converted.pdf
– Mark Scheme May June 2025 - converted.pdf
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology 9990-31 Paper 3 Specialist Options – Mark Scheme May June 2025.pdf 2/24/2026, 11:22:08 AM
, Cambridge International AS & A Level PsychologyCambridge
9990-31 Paper
International
3 Specialist
AS &Options
A Level–
Psychology
Mark Scheme
9990-31
MayPaper
June 2025.pdf
3 Specialist Options – Mark Scheme May June 2025
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology
Cambridge9990-31
International
Paper 3 ASSpecialist
& A LevelOptions
Psychology
Cambridge
– Mark
9990-31
International
Scheme
Paper
May3
ASSpecialist
June
& A 2025
Level Options
-Psychology
converted.pdf
– Mark
9990-31
Scheme
Paper
May
3 Specialist
June 2025Options
- converted.pdf
– Mark Scheme May June 2025 - converted.pdf
9990/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2025
PUBLISHED
Social Science-Specific Marking Principles
(for point-based marking)
1 Components using point-based marking:
• Point marking is often used to reward knowledge, understanding and application of skills. We give credit where the candidate’s answer
shows relevant knowledge, understanding and application of skills in answering the question. We do not give credit where the answer
shows confusion.
From this it follows that we:
a DO credit answers which are worded differently from the mark scheme if they clearly convey the same meaning (unless the mark
scheme requires a specific term)
b DO credit alternative answers/examples which are not written in the mark scheme if they are correct
c DO credit answers where candidates give more than one correct answer in one prompt/numbered/scaffolded space where extended
writing is required rather than list-type answers. For example, questions that require n reasons (e.g. State two reasons …).
d DO NOT credit answers simply for using a ‘key term’ unless that is all that is required. (Check for evidence it is understood and not used
wrongly.)
e DO NOT credit answers which are obviously self-contradicting or trying to cover all possibilities
f DO NOT give further credit for what is effectively repetition of a correct point already credited unless the language itself is being tested.
This applies equally to ‘mirror statements’ (i.e. polluted/not polluted).
g DO NOT require spellings to be correct, unless this is part of the test. However spellings of syllabus terms must allow for clear and
unambiguous separation from other syllabus terms with which they may be confused (e.g. Corrasion/Corrosion)
2 Presentation of mark scheme:
• Slashes (/) or the word ‘or’ separate alternative ways of making the same point.
• Semi colons (;) bullet points (•) or figures in brackets (1) separate different points.
• Content in the answer column in brackets is for examiner information/context to clarify the marking but is not required to earn the mark
(except Accounting syllabuses where they indicate negative numbers).
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 4 of 59
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology
Cambridge9990-31
International
Paper 3 AS
Specialist
& A LevelOptions
Psychology
Cambridge
– Mark
9990-31
International
Scheme
PaperMay3
ASSpecialist
June
& A 2025
Level Options
-Psychology
converted.pdf
– Mark
9990-31
Scheme
Paper
May3 Specialist
June 2025Options
- converted.pdf
– Mark Scheme May June 2025 - converted.pdf
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology 9990-31 Paper 3 Specialist Options – Mark Scheme May June 2025.pdf 2/24/2026, 11:22:08 AM
CambridgeAS International
& A Level Psychology
AS & A Level
9990-31
Psychology
Paper9990-31
3 Specialist
Paper
Options
3 Specialist
– Mark
Options
Scheme
– May
MarkJune
Scheme
2025.pdf
May June 2025
Cambridge
Cambridge
International
Cambridge
International
AS
International
& AAS
Level
& AAS
Psychology
Level
& APsychology
Level9990-31
Psychology
9990-31
Paper9990-31
3Paper
Specialist
3Paper
Specialist
Options
3 Specialist
Options
– Mark
Options
–Scheme
Mark
–Scheme
Mark
May June
Scheme
May2025
June
May
- 2025
converted.pdf
June- 2025
converted.pdf
- converted.pdf
Cambridge International AS & A Level
PSYCHOLOGY 9990/31
Paper 3 Specialist Options: Approaches, Issues and Debates May/June 2025
MARK SCHEME
Maximum Mark: 60
Published
This mark scheme is published as an aid to teachers and candidates, to indicate the requirements of the
examination. It shows the basis on which Examiners were instructed to award marks. It does not indicate the
details of the discussions that took place at an Examiners’ meeting before marking began, which would have
considered the acceptability of alternative answers.
Mark schemes should be read in conjunction with the question paper and the Principal Examiner Report for
Teachers.
Cambridge International will not enter into discussions about these mark schemes.
Cambridge International is publishing the mark schemes for the May/June 2025 series for most
Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge International A and AS Level components, and some Cambridge O Level
components.
This document consists of 59 printed pages.
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 [Turn over
Cambridge
Cambridge
International
Cambridge
International
AS
International
& AAS
Level
& AAS
Psychology
Level
& APsychology
Level9990-31
Psychology
9990-31
Paper9990-31
3Paper
Specialist
3Paper
Specialist
Options
3 Specialist
Options
– Mark
Options
–Scheme
Mark
–Scheme
Mark
May June
Scheme
May2025
June
May
- 2025
converted.pdf
June- 2025
converted.pdf
- converted.pdf
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology 9990-31 Paper 3 Specialist Options – Mark Scheme May June 2025.pdf 2/24/2026, 11:22:08 AM
,Cambridge International AS & A Level PsychologyCambridge
9990-31 Paper
International
3 Specialist
AS &Options
A Level–
Psychology
Mark Scheme
9990-31
MayPaper
June 2025.pdf
3 Specialist Options – Mark Scheme May June 2025
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology
Cambridge9990-31
International
Paper 3 ASSpecialist
& A LevelOptions
Psychology
Cambridge
– Mark
9990-31
International
Scheme
Paper
May3
ASSpecialist
June
& A 2025
Level Options
-Psychology
converted.pdf
– Mark
9990-31
Scheme
Paper
May
3 Specialist
June 2025Options
- converted.pdf
– Mark Scheme May June 2025 - converted.pdf
9990/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2025
PUBLISHED
Generic Marking Principles
These general marking principles must be applied by all examiners when marking candidate answers. They should be applied alongside the
specific content of the mark scheme or generic level descriptions for a question. Each question paper and mark scheme will also comply with these
marking principles.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 1:
Marks must be awarded in line with:
• the specific content of the mark scheme or the generic level descriptors for the question
• the specific skills defined in the mark scheme or in the generic level descriptors for the question
• the standard of response required by a candidate as exemplified by the standardisation scripts.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 2:
Marks awarded are always whole marks (not half marks, or other fractions).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 3:
Marks must be awarded positively:
• marks are awarded for correct/valid answers, as defined in the mark scheme. However, credit is given for valid answers which go beyond
the scope of the syllabus and mark scheme, referring to your Team Leader as appropriate
• marks are awarded when candidates clearly demonstrate what they know and can do
• marks are not deducted for errors
• marks are not deducted for omissions
• answers should only be judged on the quality of spelling, punctuation and grammar when these features are specifically assessed by the
question as indicated by the mark scheme. The meaning, however, should be unambiguous.
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 4:
Rules must be applied consistently, e.g. in situations where candidates have not followed instructions or in the application of generic level
descriptors.
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 2 of 59
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology
Cambridge9990-31
International
Paper 3 AS
Specialist
& A LevelOptions
Psychology
Cambridge
– Mark
9990-31
International
Scheme
PaperMay3
ASSpecialist
June
& A 2025
Level Options
-Psychology
converted.pdf
– Mark
9990-31
Scheme
Paper
May3 Specialist
June 2025Options
- converted.pdf
– Mark Scheme May June 2025 - converted.pdf
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology 9990-31 Paper 3 Specialist Options – Mark Scheme May June 2025.pdf 2/24/2026, 11:22:08 AM
,Cambridge International AS & A Level PsychologyCambridge
9990-31 Paper
International
3 Specialist
AS &Options
A Level–
Psychology
Mark Scheme
9990-31
MayPaper
June 2025.pdf
3 Specialist Options – Mark Scheme May June 2025
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology
Cambridge9990-31
International
Paper 3 ASSpecialist
& A LevelOptions
Psychology
Cambridge
– Mark
9990-31
International
Scheme
Paper
May3
ASSpecialist
June
& A 2025
Level Options
-Psychology
converted.pdf
– Mark
9990-31
Scheme
Paper
May
3 Specialist
June 2025Options
- converted.pdf
– Mark Scheme May June 2025 - converted.pdf
9990/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2025
PUBLISHED
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 5:
Marks should be awarded using the full range of marks defined in the mark scheme for the question (however; the use of the full mark range may
be limited according to the quality of the candidate responses seen).
GENERIC MARKING PRINCIPLE 6:
Marks awarded are based solely on the requirements as defined in the mark scheme. Marks should not be awarded with grade thresholds or
grade descriptors in mind.
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 3 of 59
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology
Cambridge9990-31
International
Paper 3 AS
Specialist
& A LevelOptions
Psychology
Cambridge
– Mark
9990-31
International
Scheme
PaperMay3
ASSpecialist
June
& A 2025
Level Options
-Psychology
converted.pdf
– Mark
9990-31
Scheme
Paper
May3 Specialist
June 2025Options
- converted.pdf
– Mark Scheme May June 2025 - converted.pdf
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology 9990-31 Paper 3 Specialist Options – Mark Scheme May June 2025.pdf 2/24/2026, 11:22:08 AM
, Cambridge International AS & A Level PsychologyCambridge
9990-31 Paper
International
3 Specialist
AS &Options
A Level–
Psychology
Mark Scheme
9990-31
MayPaper
June 2025.pdf
3 Specialist Options – Mark Scheme May June 2025
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology
Cambridge9990-31
International
Paper 3 ASSpecialist
& A LevelOptions
Psychology
Cambridge
– Mark
9990-31
International
Scheme
Paper
May3
ASSpecialist
June
& A 2025
Level Options
-Psychology
converted.pdf
– Mark
9990-31
Scheme
Paper
May
3 Specialist
June 2025Options
- converted.pdf
– Mark Scheme May June 2025 - converted.pdf
9990/31 Cambridge International AS & A Level – Mark Scheme May/June 2025
PUBLISHED
Social Science-Specific Marking Principles
(for point-based marking)
1 Components using point-based marking:
• Point marking is often used to reward knowledge, understanding and application of skills. We give credit where the candidate’s answer
shows relevant knowledge, understanding and application of skills in answering the question. We do not give credit where the answer
shows confusion.
From this it follows that we:
a DO credit answers which are worded differently from the mark scheme if they clearly convey the same meaning (unless the mark
scheme requires a specific term)
b DO credit alternative answers/examples which are not written in the mark scheme if they are correct
c DO credit answers where candidates give more than one correct answer in one prompt/numbered/scaffolded space where extended
writing is required rather than list-type answers. For example, questions that require n reasons (e.g. State two reasons …).
d DO NOT credit answers simply for using a ‘key term’ unless that is all that is required. (Check for evidence it is understood and not used
wrongly.)
e DO NOT credit answers which are obviously self-contradicting or trying to cover all possibilities
f DO NOT give further credit for what is effectively repetition of a correct point already credited unless the language itself is being tested.
This applies equally to ‘mirror statements’ (i.e. polluted/not polluted).
g DO NOT require spellings to be correct, unless this is part of the test. However spellings of syllabus terms must allow for clear and
unambiguous separation from other syllabus terms with which they may be confused (e.g. Corrasion/Corrosion)
2 Presentation of mark scheme:
• Slashes (/) or the word ‘or’ separate alternative ways of making the same point.
• Semi colons (;) bullet points (•) or figures in brackets (1) separate different points.
• Content in the answer column in brackets is for examiner information/context to clarify the marking but is not required to earn the mark
(except Accounting syllabuses where they indicate negative numbers).
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2025 Page 4 of 59
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology
Cambridge9990-31
International
Paper 3 AS
Specialist
& A LevelOptions
Psychology
Cambridge
– Mark
9990-31
International
Scheme
PaperMay3
ASSpecialist
June
& A 2025
Level Options
-Psychology
converted.pdf
– Mark
9990-31
Scheme
Paper
May3 Specialist
June 2025Options
- converted.pdf
– Mark Scheme May June 2025 - converted.pdf
Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology 9990-31 Paper 3 Specialist Options – Mark Scheme May June 2025.pdf 2/24/2026, 11:22:08 AM
