Psychology

As we are all social beings who interact constantly with other individuals and consequently need to understand how and why individuals behave as they do, Psychology has universal relevance regardless of which profession you decide to undertake. Psychology offers an exciting and interesting new area of study for any girls entering the Sixth Form.

The AS and A Level Course

Examination Board: AQA
What will I study?

The following themes run through both the AS and the A2 courses:-

  • How Science Works, specifically the concepts, principles and theories that form the subject content. The procedures associated with the valid testing of ideas and, in particular, the collection, interpretation and validation of evidence. The role of the scientific community in validating evidence and also in resolving conflicting evidence.
  • Psychological theories, concept and research
  • Cultural, social and contemporary issues relating to psychology

Topics for special study at AS are:-

In Unit 1 you will study

  • Cognitive Psychology (Models of Memory and Memory in Everyday Life)
  • Developmental Psychology (Attachment and Impacts of Everyday life on Attachment)
  • Research Methods (Methods and Techniques, Investigation Design and Data Analysis and Presentation)

In Unit 2 you will study:

  • Biological Psychology (Stress as a Bodily Response, Stress in Everyday Life)
  • Social Psychology (Social Influence including Conformity and Obedience and Social Influence in Everyday Life)  
  • Individual Differences (Defining and Explaining Psychological Abnormality and Treating Abnormality)

Topics for special study at A2 are:-

In Unit 3 you will study:
Topics in Psychology which include

  • Aggression (Social Psychological Approaches to Explaining Aggression, Biological Explanations of Aggression, Aggression as an adaptive response),
  • Eating Behaviour (Factors Influencing Attitudes to Food and Eating Behaviour, Biological Explanations of Eating Behaviour and Eating Disorders)
  • Relationships (The Formation, Maintenance and Breakdown of Romantic Relationships, Human Reproductive Behaviour and Effects of Early Experience and Culture on Adult Relationships)

In Unit 4 you will study:
Psychopathology

  • Clinical Characteristics, Classification, Aetiology (Investigation into the cause of the condition) and Treatment of either Schizophrenia, Depression or Phobias

Psychology in Action which include one of the following

  • Media Psychology (Media Influences on Social Behaviour, Persuasion, Attitude and Change and the Psychology of ‘Celebrity’.
  • The Psychology of Addictive Behaviour (Models of Addictive Behaviour, Factors Affecting Addictive Behaviour and Reducing Addictive Behaviour

Psychological Research and Scientific Method

The Application of Scientific Method in Psychology, Designing Psychological Investigations and Data Analysis and Reporting on Investigations.

Do I need any particular skills or background knowledge? The specification builds on, but does not depend upon, the knowledge, understanding and skills specified in GCSE Psychology. No prior knowledge of psychology is necessary. It is suggested, however, that candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skills equivalent to those required to gain at least Grade C in GCSE Mathematics, English and Science.
How will I be examined? Assessment will take the form of written examinations at both AS and A2 level. Examinations for both AS Units will consist of structured compulsory questions on the areas covered including short answer questions, stimulus material and one or more 12 mark extended writing questions. The duration of each examination is 1½ hours. Whilst Unit 3 at A2 level has an examination of 1½ hour duration consisting of three essay type questions and Unit 4 has an examination of 2 hours duration consisting of one essay style question and two structured questions.
Will the subject go with the other subjects I am studying? Psychology complements many other subjects particularly Biology, Politics, Sociology, Ethics and Philosophy, Economics and Business Studies.
What courses in Higher and Further Education are there? There are literally hundreds of degree and sub-degree courses available in the Social Sciences. Psychology can be studied as a discipline in its own right but also can be combined with linked areas such as Biology, Criminology, Sociology, Health and Human Sciences, Applied Sciences or Economics.
How useful will this subject be for me? The broad range of topics covered and the skills you have gained will prove useful in a variety of areas. Particularly if you are considering careers in which an understanding of human developmental, social and emotional behaviour is a valuable asset. Examples would be market research, human resource management, health care professions, teaching professions, social work and educational or child psychologists. Psychology is a subject which, by its very nature, relates directly to all areas of human experience and thus has a true value in the process of lifelong learning and consequently lays an appropriate foundation for further study of Psychology or related subjects in higher education.

Why Study Psychology?

The broad range of topics covered and the skills you acquire will prove useful in a variety of areas, particularly if you are considering any career where people interact as customers, clients or colleagues (i.e. every profession!)

An increasing number of professional courses such as medicine, law and management include psychology.

Psychology is accepted as an entrance qualification across the range of both arts and science subjects, so consequently does not limit choice!

Psychology teaches understanding of people's feelings and what motivates and influences them as well as the causes and consequences of their behaviour. Application of this knowledge enables individuals to plan and control their lives.

What courses are available in Higher Education?
There are literally hundreds of degree and sub-degree courses available in the Social Sciences.  Psychology is often combined with linked areas such as Criminology, Sociology, Health and Human Sciences, Applied Sciences or Economics.

Useful links

Useful Psychology Links
AQA Website www.aqa.org.uk   
The British Psychological Society www.bps.org.uk
American Psychology Association www.apa.org
S-cool Revision Site www.s-cool.co.uk

Is the following picture a 'word' or a 'face'?

Psychology Illusion