Psychology

CIE

Are you interested in finding out why people behave the way they do? Psychology is the scientific study of human and animal behaviour. It aims to encourage an interest in and appreciation of behaviour through exploration of research and studies.

Psychology A level aims to:

• Provide an introduction to psychological concepts, theories, research and

applications.

• Develop skills of analysis, interpretation, application and evaluation.

• Develop an understanding of ethical issues in psychology.

SUBJECT COMBINATION AND PROGRESSION

Psychology sits comfortably with the arts, humanities and science. Due to the amount of reading and writing in the course, we strongly recommend that students have at least a Grade 6 GCSE English Language or Literature. The majority of students progress into degrees not only in Psychology but also Law, Business, Management and Medicine.

COURSE OVERVIEW - CIE syllabus 9990 (2021-2023)

Through 12 core studies, students learn about the methods, approaches and perspectives of Psychology.

AS level

Paper 1

Approaches, issues and debates

This paper will consist of short answer, multiple choice and extended responses. This paper will not have sections. The paper will examine candidates’ knowledge of the core studies.

50% of AS Grade

25% of A level

60 marks

1 hour 30 minutes

Written Exam

Paper 2

Research methods

Candidates answer all questions.

Section A: Short answer questions, some based on the core studies (22 marks)

Section B: Scenario- based questions (24 marks)

Section C: A design-based question divided into two parts (14 marks)

60 marks

50% of AS Grade

25% of A level

1 hour 30 minutes

Written Exam

A2 level

Paper 3

Specialist options: theory

Candidates answer two questions from two specialist options. Each specialist option is out of 30 marks.

Question 1: The question is divided into three parts (12 marks)

Question 2: Structured essay-based question divided into two parts (18 marks)

60 marks

25% of A level

1 hour 30 minutes

Written Exam

Paper 4

Specialist options; application

Candidates answer questions from two specialist options.

Section A: Candidates answer two questions from a choice of four (30 marks). Each of these questions is based on stimulus material and is divided into four parts.

Section B: Candidates answer one design-based question from a choice of four (18 marks). Each question is divided into two parts.

Section C: Candidates answer one essay question from a choice of four (12 marks).

60 marks

25% of A level

1 hour 30 minutes

Written Exam

AS Topics

• Biological approach

• Cognitive approach

• Social approach

• Learning approach

Key concepts studied:

• Nature versus nurture Key Concept

• Ethics in psychological research

• Choice of psychological research methods

• No one view of psychology is definitive

A - Level Topics

Chose two from;

• Psychology and abnormality

• Psychology and consumer behaviour

• Psychology and health

• Psychology and organisations

Relevance of psychology in contemporary society

Where can Psychology take you?