Students : Curriculum : Science : Psychology
Introduction
AS/A Level Psychology is a heavily subscribed and highly successful subject
at Nailsea School. Students taking the course regularly achieve above their predicted
grades and in general, above the national standard for the subject.
Who can do AS/A Level Psychology?
Anyone who has good grades in a range of
GCSE subjects, preferably English, Science and Humanities. A student who has
followed a course in Child Development will also have a good grounding in some
aspects of this course, and it is a good progression from that particular GCSE
course.
What is involved?
The study of Psychology will give you an insight into why
people think and behave as they do. The subject will appeal to those students
who want to find out more about human behaviour and enjoy investigating this
for themselves while also looking at some of the research and explanations provided
by psychologists past and present. The course will also introduce students to
the methods of investigation used by psychologists which will then be put into
practice in the A2 Module 6 Coursework section of the specification.
AS and A2 Psychology
Specification followed: AQA `A’
The specification can be viewed in detail at www.aqa.org.uk.
AS Psychology
The AS qualification is made up of three modules each examined as three separate
units, and focuses on the following.
Module One
- Cognitive Psychology – The study of how we come to understand the
world around us using such processes as attention, memory and thought.
- Human Memory
(a) short term memory and long term memory
(b) remembering and
forgetting.
- Critical
issue – Eyewitness Testimony.
- Developmental Psychology – The study
of the physical, intellectual, social and emotional changes that occur in a person
over time.
- Attachments in development
(a) The development of a variety of attachments
(b) Deprivation and Privation.
- Critical issue – Day care and its effects
on the cognitive and social development of infants.
Module Two
- Physiological Psychology – the study of how our physiology
affects our behaviour.
- Stress
(a) Stress as a bodily response
(b) Sources of stress.
- Critical issue – Stress Management.
- Individual Differences – The study of abnormal behaviour, its courses
and treatment.
- Abnormality
(a) Defining psychological abnormality
(b) Biological and psychological
models of abnormality.
- Critical issue – Eating Disorders.
Module Three
- Social Psychology – The study of individual behaviour in
the social context.
- Social influence
(a) Majority conformity and minority influence
(b) Obedience to authority.
- Critical Issue – Ethical issues in psychological research.
Research Methods – A study of the research methods used by psychologists
and how data is analysed.
Throughout the study of A/S Psychology students are introduced to key research
studies and will need to know them well. Students will also carry out small research
projects to support learning.
A2 Psychology
This again comprises of 3 modules one of which is coursework
(Module 6). The coursework is one report of an investigation carried out by individual
candidates or a small group of candidates. It is centre assessed and AQA moderated.
Module
Four
We chose from a variety of optional topics which deepen understanding gained
in the A/S.
Social Psychology
Pro and anti-social behaviour
- Nature and courses of aggression
- Altruism and bystander behaviour
- Media influences on pro and anti-social behaviour
Physiological Psychology
Biological rhythms, sleep and dreaming
- Biological
rhythms
- Sleep – theories and studies of sleep
- Dreaming – nature of dreams,
theories of functions of dreams
Developmental Psychology
Social and Personality Development
- Personality development
- Gender Development
- Adolescence
Module Five
Individual Differences
Psychopathology – the study of the characteristics and courses of mental
disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
Perspectives
- (a) Issues and Debates
We opt to study the following debates in psychology
- Free will and determinism
- Reductionism
- Nature – Nurture
- Psychology as a science
This section will appeal to students who enjoy arguing for and against a concept
and/or those who enjoy philosophy.
- (b) Approaches
Students will be required to apply their knowledge and understanding of approaches
to a novel situation or psychological phenomenon, eg, explain why people enjoy
watching horror films, go rock climbing or are football fans.
Commitment
As well as committing yourself to work hard at a very enjoyable
and interesting course, there are some financial commitments you might need to
consider.
Text books are provided, but you may wish to buy your own or invest in copies
of supplementary tests. At present, the main AS text is approximately £12.
There is an excellent magazine written especially for AS/A Level students which
at present costs £10.95 per year.
Psychology Conferences may be attended, and these cost approximately £13.00.
Career Prospects
Very wide ranging. Direct entry to Psychology degree leading
to further training in Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Organisational
Psychology, Criminology.
Complimentary careers include: Art, Physio and Psycho Therapy, Armed and Civilian
forces, Management training, Health and Community (Nursing, Teaching, Social
work, Probation and Careers).
The ability to understand the basis of human behaviour and motivation and
to be able to discuss, debate and value alternative perspectives is relevant
to most work situations.
Useful websites
|
