Psychology
9990| AS/A-Level
Overview
Psychology is the scientific study of human thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. A Level Psychology aims to encourage an interest in and appreciation of psychology by providing an opportunity to review several important research studies in psychology and look at the ways in which psychology has been applied. Both the learning of psychological knowledge and the development of psychological skills will be emphasized in this subject.
Cambridge International AS and A Level Psychology is accepted by universities and employers as proof of knowledge and ability. This syllabus aims to encourage an interest in and appreciation of psychology through an exploration of the ways in which psychology is conducted. This exploration includes:
a review of a number of important research studies
an opportunity to look at the ways in which psychology has been applied.
The syllabus uses a wide variety of assessment techniques that will allow learners to show what they know, understand and are able to do. The emphasis is on the development of psychological skills as well as the learning of psychological knowledge.
What is A Level Psychology all about and why should you study it?
Immersion Week.mp4Course Content
AS Level Psychology focuses on 12 core studies from four different areas of psychology including biological, cognitive, learning, and social. The exploration of the association between content of studies and the research methods will provide students with a broad understanding of how psychologists study thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
A Level Psychology focuses on studying how psychology is applied in two of the following four areas: Clinical Psychology, Consumer Psychology, Health Psychology, and Organisational Psychology. Both Levels will also consider different issues and debates in psychology such as the application of psychology to everyday life, individual and situational explanations, nature versus nurture, the use of children in psychological research, the use of animals in psychological research, cultural bias, reductionism, psychometrics, determinism, and longitudinal research.
Assessment
Paper 1: Approaches, Issues, and Debates (1 hour 30 minutes)
Paper 2 : Research Methods (1 hour 30 minutes)
Paper 3: Specialist options: Approaches, Issues and Debates (1 hour 30 minutes)
Paper 4 : Specialist options: Application and Research Methods (1 hour 30 minutes)
Progression
A Level Psychology will provide a good foundation for the study of Psychology or related courses in higher education. It is suitable for students aiming to pursue careers in which an understanding of human nature is needed or further study in social sciences.