Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. A subject which we can all relate to from our own experiences. The course examines research attempting to address issues such as: How can we improve our memory? How can we bring about social change? How can we treat phobias? A topic based approach to the subject is adopted enabling students to develop knowledge and understanding of the core areas in Psychology. The emphasis is on scientific analysis involving interpretation and evaluation of data using statistics. Students will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of classroom experiments gaining first-hand experience of research
Method of assessment
All terminal examinations, there is no coursework component.
Year 13 – Assessment is by three two hour written examinations at the end of the course
Paper One – Introductory Topics in Psychology: Social Influence, Memory, Attachment and Psychopathology
Paper Two – Psychology In Context: Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, Research Methods
Paper Three – Issues and Options in Psychology: Issues and Debates in Psychology, Relationships, Aggression, Schizophrenia.
Topic areas covered
• Year 12: Memory, eyewitness testimony, attachment, animal studies, phobias, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, conformity, obedience, research methods.
• Year 13: Split brain patients, biological rhythms, relationships, aggression, schizophrenia and issues and debates, such as free will versus determinism, nature versus nurture.
