Psychology
Psychology is a social science that studies the mind and behaviour of individuals. It is a fascinating subject which is new to most students. It is suitable for a diverse range of students who wish to develop their interests and enjoyment in Psychology, fostering its value in lifelong learning.
The Psychology Department is a very popular department in the Academy and has excellent examination results, which are well above the national average.
Psychology is defined as “the scientific study of the mind and behaviour”. Psychologists are concerned with increasing their knowledge and understanding of people and behaviour, and then applying their knowledge and understanding to bring about change for the better. This course involves: -
Acquiring a critical knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories and methods of research.
- Acquiring skills of analysis and evaluation.
- Acquiring competence in designing and carrying out research and analysing the data collected using a variety of statistical techniques.
what will i study?
AS |
TOPIC ONE |
TOPIC TWO |
TOPIC THREE |
Unit 1 (PSYB1) Introducing Psychology (usually taught Sept-Dec) |
Biopsychology & Key Approaches. In this section you will study the history of psychology and the main approaches in psychology, including the biological approach. |
Methods of Research. Introduces the planning and implementation of psychological research, the use of representing data through descriptive statistics, graphs and tables and the ethical issues involved in using participants in research. |
Explaining Gender. This section looks at the different psychological explanations for gender including typical and atypical chromosome and hormonal development and the effects of the environment on gender development. |
Unit 2 (PSYB2) |
Autism. This section looks at the definitions, explanations and treatment of people with autism. |
Social Cognition. This section looks at factors affecting impression formation, attribution, attitudes and prejudice. |
Remembering and Forgetting. This section looks at how our memory works by investigating three models of memory and also explores reasons why we forget. |
Units 1 & 2 are assessed through 2 x 1.5hr written exams. Unit 1 exam will be taken in January, Unit 2 exam taken in June. Both units comprise AS level award.
A2 |
TOPIC ONE |
TOPIC TWO |
TOPIC THREE |
Unit 3 (PSYB3) |
Mood Disorders and Schizophrenia. Looks at the symptoms, forms, explanations and treatments of depression and schizophrenia. |
Moral Development. Examines how children develop their moral reasoning and their understanding of right and wrong. |
Forensic Psychology. Examines the definition of crime, offender profiling, the explanation for criminal behaviour, treatment of offenders and the role of custodial sentencing. |
Unit 4 Perspectives, Issues & Debates (usually taught Jan-June) |
Approaches. |
Issues & Debates. Examines the strengths and limitations of the scientific approach and the key debates in psychology, for example nature/nurture. It also examines whether psychology is a science. |
Methods of Research. Provides students with an understanding of the concept of statistical significance, the use of inferential statistics and the appropriate use of different types of statistical test. |
Units 3 & 4 are assessed through 2 x 2hr written exams. Unit 2 exam will be taken in January, Unit 4 exam taken in June. Both units comprise A2 level award.
The Examination Board is AQA Specification B for Psychology.
Useful Websites
-
www.aqa.org.uk AQA Specification B information including the psychology
syllabus; past papers & mark schemes. -
www.nelsonthornes.com An Interactive Psychology site for students.
-
www.macmillan-academy.org.uk Post 16 Psychology Independent Learning. Post 16 Website links & Academy Intranet.
Recommended Reading
- AQA AS Psychology B Student’s Book Author(s): Mark Billingham, Sarah Ladbrook, SueStandring, Regina Teahan. Nelson Thornes.
- AQA A2 Psychology B Student’s Book Author(s): Mark Billingham, Sarah Ladbrook, Sue Standring, Regina Teahan.Nelson Thornes.
- AQA (B) Psychology For AS. Author (s) Donald Pennington & Julie McLoughlin. Hodder & Stoughton.
- AQA (B) Psychology For A2. Author(s) Donald Pennington & Julie McLoughlin
Hodder & Stoughton. - AQA (B) Psychology Student Unit Guides. Phillip Allan Updates.
If you require any further information please contact:
Mrs R Hussain
Head of Department
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