Psychology
A Level
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QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO START THE COURSE.
- 6+ in a science (6+ in biology if triple science is studied)
- 6+ in psychology (if studied)
- 6+ in maths
- 6+ in English language
IS THIS COURSE FOR YOU?
To help you decide whether psychology is for you, consider the following questions.
1. Are you interested in scientific understanding of human behaviour?
2. Are you comfortable working with data (analysis and interpretation)?
3. Are you confident engaging with a range of theoretical approaches and considering the strengths and weaknesses of each?
As a result you might feel that the course is not for you or it definitely is for you. Alternatively, the questions might stimulate you to do further research or test out trying something new.
YEAR 12 COURSE SPECIFICATION
Cognitive Psychology includes:
* Models of memory: multi-store and working memory model
* Types of long term memory
* Explanations for forgetting
* Factors affecting the accuracy of eye-witness testimony
Developmental Psychology includes:
* Caregiver-infant interactions in humans
* Animal studies of attachment
* Explanations of attachment
* Ainsworth’s strange situation study and types of attachment
* Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation
Social Psychology includes:
* Types of conformity
* Conformity to social roles
* Explanations for obedience
* Explanations for resisting social influence
* Minority influence
* The role of social influence processes in social change
Approaches in Psychology:
* The origins of psychology and psychology as a science
* The behaviourist approach
* The cognitive approach
* The biological approach
Biopsychology:
* The divisions of the nervous system
* The structure and function of neurons
* The function of the endocrine system
* The fight or flight response
Psychopathology:
* Definitions of abnormality
* The characteristics of phobias, depression and OCD
* The behaviourist approach to explaining and treating phobias
* The cognitive approach to explaining and treating depression
* The biological approach to explaining and treating OCD
Research Methods:
* Experimental methods
* Observational techniques
* Self-report techniques: questionnaires and interviews
* Correlations
* Scientific process – sampling, variable control, ethical issues
* Quantitative and qualitative data
* Primary and secondary data including meta-analysis
* Descriptive statistics
* Graphs
* Distributions
* Statistical testing – the sign test
YEAR 13 COURSE SPECIFICATION
Research methods
Options from:
* Biopsychology
* Issues and debates in psychology
* Gender
* Schizophrenia
* Forensic psychology
* Aggression
* Relationships
* Stress
LEARNING AND SKILLS
* Critical reading, analysing and selecting of key information from long Psychological texts
* Designing and carrying out research
* Drawing appropriate graphs and tables based on research data
* Using maths concepts and formulae
* Analysing and interpreting data from research to draw conclusions
* Logical structuring and coherent wording in extended writing
* Drafting and redrafting extended writing based on feedback
* Reading around the subject eg newspapers, reading list (provided)
* Application of psychological theory and research to real life events
These are just some of the skills you will learn during the course
EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT
EXAM BOARD: AQA SPECIFICATION A
|
UNITS |
TYPE OF ASSESSMENT |
DURATION |
WEIGHTING |
|
Paper1: memory, attachment and psychopathology |
Written exam |
2 hours |
33.3% |
|
Paper 2: approaches in psychology, biopsychology, research methods |
Written exam |
2 hours |
33.3% |
|
Paper 3: issues and debates in psychology, 3 option choices |
Written exam |
2 hours |
33.3% |
All written exams include multiple choice, short answer and extended writing.
Students are assessed on the following objectives:
AO1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures
AO2 Apply knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes, techniques and procedures
AO3 Analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information, ideas and evidence
A level: AO1 30-33%, AO2 30-33 % AO3 36-38%
FUTURE PROSPECTS
Psychology is a useful A level for any higher education course. It bridges many science courses and art and humanities courses by developing skills and knowledge useful in both: essay writing, analytical thinking and carrying out research. It provides a route into health related careers, mental health such as counselling, education related careers, sports, psychology, criminal psychology in the law and justice system, also in media and advertising.