Psychology GCSE

This level of Psychology has recently been introduced to Sixth Form students. It affords them the ideal opportunity to gain an extra GCSE or as an introduction to Psychology before considering doing it as an A-level subject.

Special Features: · Based on the AQA syllabus · Gives an introduction to Psychology to students of all ages · Presents opportunities for in depth study of selected areas · Provides for teaching focused on areas such as Cognitive Psychology, Social Psychology and Developmental Psychology · Offers a good basis for further study at Advanced Level

Aims: A course such as this should encourage the students to:

· Develop an understanding of the interdependence of individual, groups, institutions and societies; the nature and significance of co-operation and conflict, and continuity and change; the nature and significance of individual and social differences in their own and other societies. · Acquire, select and handle information (making use of information and communication technology where appropriate), to analyse critically its nature and source and to base judgements and arguments on evidence. · Reflect on their own experiences of the social world in which they live and acquire knowledge and develop skills which enable them to play informed roles within the community.

Assessment Written Paper: 80% of total marks/125 marks

Foundation Tier: 2 hours of short answers or structured questions The paper comprises: · Section A: Cognitive Psychology · Section B: Social Psychology · Section C: Developmental Psychology · Section D: Pro – Anti Social Behaviour

Coursework: 20% of total marks/40 marks One report of 1000 words A practical investigation.

Subject Content: · Cognitive Psychology - Memory - Learning - Perception

· Social Psychology - Forming Impressions of other people - Prejudice and Discrimination - Social Influence

· Developmental Psychology - Attachment / Separation - Cognitive Development - Sex Identity / Gender Identity

· Pro and Anti Social Behaviour - Development of Moral Behaviour - Prosocial Behaviour - Antisocial Behaviour

· Research Methods - Methods of Investigation - Methods of Control - Ethical Considerations

This is a one year course. Any student accepted into the sixth form would be welcome on the course.

There will be a piece of coursework to be done between December and February and an examination in June. Successfully completing a GCSE in 10 months requires good attendance and regular homework.

Psychology AS and A Level

We follow the AQA specification which has been designed to develop breadth of knowledge, critical thinking skills and an appreciation of the relationships between different aspects of the subject. It encourages candidates to take a broad view of Psychology by covering all core areas within AS whilst allowing for the study of some of the core areas in greater depth in A2

The syllabus lays an appropriate foundation for further study of Psychology or related subjects in higher education. In addition it offers a worthwhile course for candidates of various ages and from diverse backgrounds in terms of general education and lifelong learning. Equally, material studied would be useful for candidates intending to pursue business careers

This subject is suitable for the diverse range of candidates who wish to develop their interest and enjoyment in Psychology, fostering its value in lifelong learning

It is not necessary for students to have studied GCSE Psychology before commencing work in this subject and no prior knowledge of Psychology is necessary. It is desirable for students to have achieved Grades A-C in GCSE, or the equivalent in English and Maths.

AIMS

At AS and A Level It encourages students to:

· Study psychological theories, research, terminology, concepts, studies and methods. · Develop skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation. · Develop an understanding of different areas of Psychology, including the core areas of Cognitive, Social, Developmental, Physiological Psychology and Individual Differences and Research methods. · Design and report psychological investigations, and analyse and interpret data. · Develop an understanding of ethical issues in Psychology, including the ethical implications of psychological research

Psychology AS - Outline

SUBJECT CONTENT

AS LEVEL

MODULE 1: COGNITIVE AND DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY

· Human Memory - Short term memory - Long term memory - Forgetting - Eyewitness testimony

DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

· Attachments in Development - The development and variety of attachments - Deprivation and Privation - Effects of Day Care

MODULE 2: PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES

PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

· Stress - Stress as a bodily response - Sources of stress - Stress Management

INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES

· Abnormality - Defining psychological abnormality - Biological and psychological models of abnormality - Eating Disorders

MODULE 3: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY AND RESEARCH METHODS

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

· Social Influence - Conformity and Minority Influence - Obedience to Authority - Ethical Issues

RESEARCH METHODS

· Quantitative and Qualitative research methods - Experiments - Investigations using correlational analysis - Naturalistic observations - Questionnaire surveys - Interviews

· Research design and implementation - Aims and hypothesis - Research designs - Factors associated with research design - Selection of participants - Relationship between participants and researchers

· Data Analysis - Analysis of qualitative data - Measures of central tendency and dispersion - The nature of positive and negative correlations and the interpretation of correlation coefficients - Graphs and charts

Psychology A2 - Outline

MODULE 4: SOCIAL, PHYSIOGICAL, COGNITIVE, DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE PSYCHOLOGY

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

· Social Cognition - Attribution of Causality - Social Perception - Prejudice and Discrimination

· Relationships - Attraction and formation of relationships - Maintenance and dissolution of relationships - Cultural and sub-cultural differences in relationships

· Pro- and – Anti- Social Behaviour - Nature and causes of aggression - Altruism and bystander behaviour - Media influences

DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

· Cognitive Development - Development of thinking - Development of measured intelligence - Development of moral understanding

· Social and Personality Development - Personality development - Gender Development - Adolescence

· Adulthood - Early and middle adulthood - Family and relationships in adulthood - Cognitive changes in adulthood

COMPARATIVE PSYCHOLOGY

· DETERMINANTS OF ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR - Evolutionary explanations of animal behaviour - Classical and operant conditioning - Social learning in non-human animals

· ANIMAL COGNITION - Animal navigation - Animal communication and language - Memory

· EVOLUTIONARY EXPLANATIONS OF HUMAN BEHAVIOUR - Human reproductive behaviour - Evolutionary explanations of mental disorders - Evolution of intelligence

MODULE 5: INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES AND PERSPECTIVES

· ISSUES IN THE CLASSIFICATION AND DIAGNOSIS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ABORMALITY - Classificatory systems - Multiple personality disorder - Culture-bound syndromes

· PSYCHOPATHOLOGY - Schizophrenia - Depression - Anxiety disorders

· TREATING MENTAL DISORDERS - Biological (somatic) therapies - Behavioural Therapies - Alternatives to biological and behavioural therapies

MODULE 6: COURSEWORK