Embedded Files
VCE Psychology provides students with a framework for exploring the complex interactions between biological, psychological and social factors that influence human thought, emotions and behaviour. In undertaking this study, students apply their learning to everyday situations including workplace and social relations. They gain insights into a range of psychological health issues in society. In VCE Psychology students develop a range of inquiry skills involving practical experimentation and research, analytical skills including critical and creative thinking, and communication skills. Students use scientific and cognitive skills and understanding to analyse contemporary psychology-related issues, and communicate their views from an informed position.
VCE Psychology provides for continuing study pathways within the discipline and leads to a range of careers. Opportunities may involve working with children, adults, families and communities in a variety of settings such as academic and research institutions, management and human resources, and government, corporate and private enterprises. Fields of applied psychology include educational, environmental, forensic, health, sport and organisational psychology. Specialist fields of psychology include counselling and clinical contexts, as well as neuropsychology, social psychology and developmental psychology. Psychologists also work in cross-disciplinary areas such as medical research or as part of on-going or emergency support services in educational, institutional and industrial settings.
Unit 1: How are behaviour and mental processes shaped?
Unit 1: How are behaviour and mental processes shaped?
In this unit students examine the complex nature of psychological development, including situations where psychological development may not occur as expected. Students examine the contribution that classical and contemporary knowledge from Western and non-Western societies, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, has made to an understanding of psychological development and to the development of psychological models and theories used to predict and explain the development of thoughts, emotions and behaviours. They investigate the structure and functioning of the human brain and the role it plays in mental processes and behaviour and explore brain plasticity and the influence that brain damage may have on a person’s psychological functioning.
A student-directed research investigation into contemporary psychological research is undertaken in Area of Study 3. The investigation involves the exploration of research, methodology and methods, as well as the application of critical and creative thinking to evaluate the validity of a research study by analysing secondary data. The investigation draws on the key science skills and key knowledge from Area of Study 1 and/or Area of Study 2.
Area of Study 1 - What influences psychological development? On completion of this unit the student should be able to discuss complexity of psychological development over the life span, and evaluate ways of understanding and representing psychological development.
Area of Study 2 - How are mental processes and behaviour influenced by the brain ? On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the role of the brain in mental processes and behaviour and evaluate how brain plasticity and brain injury can change biopsychosocial functioning.
Area of Study 3 - How does contemporary psychology conduct and validate psychological research ? On completion of this unit the student should be able to identify, analyse and evaluate the evidence available to answer a research question relating to contemporary psychology.
Unit 2:How do internal and external factors influence behaviour and mental processes?
Unit 2:How do internal and external factors influence behaviour and mental processes?
Area of Study 1 - How are people influenced to behave in particular ways? On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse how social cognition influences individuals to behave in specific ways and evaluate factors that influence individual and group behaviour.
Area of Study 2 - What influences a person's perception of the world? On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain the roles of attention and perception, compare gustatory and visual perception and analyse factors that may lead to perceptual distortions.
Area of Study 3 - How do scientific investigations develop understanding of influences on perception and behaviour? On completion of this unit the student should be able to adapt or design and then conduct a scientific investigation related to internal and external influences on perception and/or behaviour and draw an evidence-based conclusion from generated primary data.
Unit 3: How does experience affect behaviour and mental processes?
Unit 3: How does experience affect behaviour and mental processes?
Area of Study 1 - How does the nervous system enable psychological functioning? On completion of this unit the student should be able to explain how the structure and function of the human nervous system enables a person to interact with the external world and analyse the different ways in which stress can affect nervous system functioning.
Area of Study 2 How do people learn and remember? On completion of this unit the student should be able to apply biological and psychological explanations for how new information can be learnt and stored in memory, and provide biological, psychological and social explanations of a person’s inability to remember information.
Unit 4: How is mental wellbeing supported and maintained?
Unit 4: How is mental wellbeing supported and maintained?
Area of Study 1 - How does sleep affect mental processes and behaviour? On completion of this unit the student should be able to analyse the demand for sleep and evaluate the effects of sleep disruption on a person’s psychological functioning.
Area of Study 2 - What influences mental wellbeing? On completion of this unit the student should be able to discuss the concept of mental wellbeing, apply a biopsychosocial approach to explain the development and management of specific phobia, and discuss protective factors that contribute to the maintenance of mental wellbeing.
Area of Study 3 - How is scientific inquiry used to investigate mental processes and psychological functioning? On completion of this unit the student should be able to design and conduct a scientific investigation related to mental processes and psychological functioning, and present an aim, methodology and method, results, discussion and conclusion in a scientific poster
University Pathways:
University Pathways:
Psychology (General or Clinical)
Leads to careers in mental health, counselling, or clinical practice (postgraduate study usually required).
Health Sciences
Useful for roles in health promotion, rehabilitation, or health education.
Social Work or Human Services
Psychology supports understanding of behaviour, trauma, and development
Education
Particularly valuable for teaching, student wellbeing, or educational psychology roles.
Criminology or Criminal Justice
Insight into criminal behaviour, forensic psychology, or rehabilitation.
Nursing or Allied Health
Psychological understanding supports patient care, especially in mental health or pediatrics.
Business (HR, Marketing, Organisational Psychology)
Understanding motivation, decision-making, and behaviour is useful in managing people and workplace culture.
TAFE Pathways:
TAFE Pathways:
Mental Health or Community Services
Work in support roles in mental health clinics, crisis centres, or community programs.
Youth Work or Aged Care
Psychological knowledge helps support emotional and cognitive wellbeing.
Disability Support or Welfare Work
Apply understanding of behaviour and cognition in practical care settings.
Allied Health Assistance
Supporting therapists and professionals in physical and mental health services.
Page updated
Report abuse