Psychology - Higher
SCQF Framework
SCQF Level: 6
SCQF Credit Points: 24
Skills Framework
Delivering Centre
Vale of Leven Academy
Purpose and Aims
The course enables candidates to develop an understanding of the psychological study of the human mind and behaviour in a range of contexts, and enhances their ability to use evidence to explain behaviour.
The course develops candidates’ understanding of psychology as the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. Psychology is a research-based subject, and it provides the opportunity to conduct practical research, including working with human participants in accordance with ethical standards.
Candidates develop:
knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, theories, and terminology
the ability to use thinking skills when analysing, evaluating and applying knowledge and understanding of psychology
understanding of the role of research evidence in explaining human behaviour
research skills to select, organise, interpret and evaluate information
the ability to plan and carry out psychological research, using appropriate methods and according to ethical and scientific standards
communication and numeracy skills used in psychology
Recommended Entry
Entry to this course is at the discretion of the centre.
Candidates should have achieved the National 5 Psychology course and National 5 English or equivalent qualifications and/or experience prior to starting this course. This must include National 5 English and a National 5 Science or Social Subject.
Higher Psychology will be delivered in August 2024. In the following school year (Session 25/26) the course will be a National 5 only class progressing to a Higher class the following year. Please see Mrs Smith if you have any questions about this.
Progression
Candidates can progress to further study in Psychology, social studies, social sciences or related areas as well as employment or training
Career Options
Further Information
Course Content
The Higher Psychology course has three areas of study:
Individual behaviour - For Individual Behaviour, Candidates cover the topic of Sleep and Dreams. Candidates will analyse individual behaviour, investigate topics associated with Sleep and Dreams and learn how these topics can be explained using psychological theories and research evidence. Candidates evaluate and apply theories to show an understanding of individual human behaviour
Social behaviour - For Social Behaviour candidates cover the topics of Conformity and Obedience and Aggression. Candidates analyse how interaction with others shapes social behaviour. They investigate psychological explanations for social behaviour, and use research evidence to analyse how the thoughts, feelings and behaviours of individuals are influenced by their social environment. Candidates apply psychological knowledge and understanding to explain examples of everyday social behaviour.
Research - Candidates understand and apply the research process and research methods used in psychology. They develop the skills required to conduct and evaluate psychological research. Candidates also develop numerical skills and an understanding of psychological terminology. This area of study is not assessed in a separate section of the question paper, however questions relating to research can be asked in any of the sections of the question paper. In addition, candidates must carry out research for the assignment.
Course Assessment Structure
Question paper 60 marks
The question paper assesses candidates’ use of skills and their knowledge and understanding of psychological theories, concepts and topics. Candidates must use psychological explanations and research evidence to respond to questions. The question paper enables candidates to demonstrate the following skills, knowledge and understanding:
analysing and evaluating psychological concepts, theories, and evidence
applying knowledge and understanding of psychology to analyse and explain human behaviour
analysing and understanding the research process in psychology, including the ability to evaluate methods and explain ethical and scientific standards
using research evidence to explain human behaviour
The question paper has 3 sections: All sections have 20 marks allocated. The question paper accounts for 67% of the overall course assessment mark.
Assignment 40 marks
The assignment assesses candidates’ use of research and communication skills appropriate to psychology. Candidates carry out their own primary research, based on a topic they have studied, and produce a psychological research report. The assignment enables candidates to demonstrate the following skills, knowledge and understanding:
interpreting and evaluating descriptive statistics in psychological research
using research skills to generate, select, organise, interpret, analyse and evaluate information in psychology
using communication skills to present information, including a report on psychological research
The Assignment is completed over a period of time and submitted at a time agreed with the class teacher to meet the Submission date set by the SQA. The Assignment accounts for 33% of the overall course assessment mark.