Psychology
Psychology is the study of human behaviour and experience.
This course will introduce you to the theories and methods of
Psychology. It offers the opportunity to look at some of the
explanations psychologists make to understand humans and their
interactions with the world. From a personal perspective you
should find the fundamental questions of the psychologist
interesting:
Why do I behave like this? Why do I feel like this?
and Why do I think like this?
These questions are explored through a series of activities
including research studies and practical work. You will study
a variety of psychological studies that represent the range of
psychologists' interests and the methods they use. A
practical examination gives you the opportunity to apply some of
these methods in your own research. The course aims to
develop both your psychological skills as well as your
psychological knowledge.
Before starting this course it would be helpful if you have some
communication and numeracy skills. A GCSE grade C in English
would be beneficial. Psychologists use statistical data in
their research and analysis so numeracy skills are helpful.
Psychology has close ties with a range of disciplines.
Other subjects that go well with Psychology are Biology and
Mathematics. Students of Psychology may use their
qualification to study the subject or related disciplines at a
higher level, or go on to work in a variety of different
fields.
The AS level comprises of two units. In the first unit
students will be expected to develop knowledge and understanding of
concepts, theories and studies in relation to Cognitive Psychology
including Memory, Developmental Psychology and Research
Methods. Topics such as memory models, eye witness testimony,
explanations of child attachment and the impact of day care on
children's social development will be studied. In unit 2
students will be expected to develop the same skills with regard to
Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual
Differences. Topics such as the body's response to stress,
explanations of why people conform to authority and definitions of
abnormality will be studied.
At A level students will study Biological Rhythms and
Sleep, Relationships and Eating Behaviour. There will also be
a synoptic paper as well as more research methods.
Lessons are often based around practical activity but you will
also be required to take notes from a variety of sources e.g.
video, OHP, handouts and textbooks. You will also make use of
the school's extensive ICT resources.