A-Level Psychology Revision — Relationships
Revise Relationships for A-Level Psychology. Step-by-step explanation, worked examples, common mistakes and exam-style practice aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), Pearson Edexcel International, OxfordAQA International, SQA, IB, AP.
At a glance
- What StudyVector is
- An exam-practice platform with board-aligned questions, explanations, and adaptive next steps.
- This topic
- Relationships in A-Level Psychology: explanation, examples, and practice links on this page.
- Who it’s for
- Students revising A-Level Psychology for UK exams.
- Exam boards
- Practice is aligned to major specifications (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), Pearson Edexcel International, OxfordAQA International, SQA, IB, AP).
- Free plan
- Sign up free to use tutor paths and feedback on your answers. Free access is 7 days uncapped, then 45 min revision/day. Pricing
- What makes it different
- Syllabus-shaped practice and progress tracking—not generic AI answers.
Topic has curated content entry with explanation, mistakes, and worked example. [auto-gate:promote; score=70.6]
Next in this topic area
Next step: Schizophrenia
Continue in the same course — structured practice and explanations on StudyVector.
Go to SchizophreniaTopic explanation
What is Relationships?
The topic of relationships in A-Level Psychology explores the formation, maintenance, and breakdown of romantic relationships, including theories such as the social exchange theory and equity theory. Students will also study concepts related to attraction, including filter theory and the role of physical attractiveness.
Board notes: This topic is covered by AQA, Edexcel, and OCR, with each board emphasizing different aspects such as cultural variations (AQA) or the role of communication in maintenance (Edexcel).
Step-by-step explanationWorked examples
Worked example 1: Core method
When answering an essay question on the social exchange theory, start by defining the theory, then discuss the concepts of rewards, costs, and comparison levels. Use research studies like Thibaut and Kelley's work to support your points, and conclude by evaluating the theory's limitations, such as its reductionist viewpoint.
Worked example 2: Exam variation
Now change one detail in the question and keep the same structure: name the Relationships idea being tested, show the method or evidence, then explain why it answers the command word. This helps A-Level Psychology students avoid memorising one surface pattern.
Worked example 3: Mark-scheme check
Finish by checking the answer against marks: one point for the correct Relationships idea, one for accurate working or evidence, and one for a precise final statement. If any step is vague, rewrite it before moving to timed practice.
Mini lesson for Relationships
1. Understand the core idea
The topic of relationships in A-Level Psychology explores the formation, maintenance, and breakdown of romantic relationships, including theories such as the social exchange theory and equity theory. Students will also study concepts related to attraction, including filter theory and the role of physical attractiven...
Can you explain Relationships without copying the notes?
2. Turn it into marks
When answering an essay question on the social exchange theory, start by defining the theory, then discuss the concepts of rewards, costs, and comparison levels. Use research studies like Thibaut and Kelley's work to support your points, and conclude by evaluating the theory's limitations, such as its reductionist viewpoint.
Underline the method, evidence, or command-word move that would earn credit in A-Level Advanced Topics & Options.
3. Fix the likely mark leak
Watch for this mistake: Confusing the social exchange theory with the equity theory when explaining relationship maintenance.
Write one correction rule before doing another practice question.
Practise this topic
Start with low-focus cards for Relationships, then move into full exam-style practice when you want the heavier session.
Mini quiz: Relationships
Three quick checks for revision practice. They are original StudyVector prompts, not official exam-board questions.
Question 1
In one A-Level sentence, explain what Relationships is testing.
Answer: The topic of relationships in A-Level Psychology explores the formation, maintenance, and breakdown of romantic relationships, including theories such as the social exchange theory and equity theory. Students will also study concepts related to attraction, including filter theory and the role of...
Mark focus: Precise definition and topic focus.
Question 2
A Relationships question asks students to apply a concept. What must the answer connect together?
Answer: It should connect the named concept or study to the scenario, then add a limitation, alternative explanation, or evaluative point.
Mark focus: Method selection and command-word control.
Question 3
A student makes this mistake: "Confusing the social exchange theory with the equity theory when explaining relationship maintenance." What should their next repair task be?
Answer: Do one Relationships question and review the mistake type.
Mark focus: Error correction and next-step practice.
Relationships flashcards
Core idea
What is the main idea in Relationships?
The topic of relationships in A-Level Psychology explores the formation, maintenance, and breakdown of romantic relationships, including theories such as the social exchange theory and equity theory. Students will als...
Common mistake
What mistake should you avoid in Relationships?
Confusing the social exchange theory with the equity theory when explaining relationship maintenance.
Practice
What is one useful practice task for Relationships?
Answer one Relationships question and review the mistake type.
Exam board
How should you use board notes for Relationships?
This topic is covered by AQA, Edexcel, and OCR, with each board emphasizing different aspects such as cultural variations (AQA) or the role of communication in maintenance (Edexcel).
Common mistakes
- 1Confusing the social exchange theory with the equity theory when explaining relationship maintenance.
- 2Failing to apply relevant research studies to support points in essay questions.
- 3Overlooking cultural differences in relationship models when discussing theories and their applicability.
Relationships exam questions
Exam-style questions for Relationships with mark-scheme style solutions and timing practice. Aligned to AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, Cambridge International (CIE), Pearson Edexcel International, OxfordAQA International, SQA, IB, AP specifications.
Relationships exam questionsGet help with Relationships
Get a personalised explanation for Relationships from the StudyVector tutor. Ask follow-up questions and work through problems with step-by-step support.
Open tutorFree full access to Relationships
Sign up in 30 seconds to unlock step-by-step explanations, low-focus question cards, instant feedback and Play routes — completely free, no card required.
Try one low-focus question
Unlock Relationships low-focus cards
Get instant feedback, step-by-step help and a calmer first run — free, no card needed.
Start free low-focus cardsAlready have an account? Log in
Step-by-step method
Step-by-step explanation
4 steps · Worked method for Relationships
Core concept
The topic of relationships in A-Level Psychology explores the formation, maintenance, and breakdown of romantic relationships, including theories such as the social exchange theory and equity theory. …
Frequently asked questions
What is the social exchange theory in relationships?
The social exchange theory suggests that relationships are maintained through a cost-benefit analysis where each partner seeks to maximize rewards and minimize costs.
How does the filter theory explain attraction?
The filter theory posits that people select partners by applying a series of filters, such as social background and shared values, to narrow down potential mates.