Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. It seeks to understand how individuals think, feel, and act, as well as the factors that influence these processes. As an interdisciplinary field, psychology draws on knowledge from diverse areas such as biology, neuroscience, sociology, and anthropology. By employing scientific methods like experimentation, observation, and surveys, psychologists aim to uncover the underlying principles that govern human behaviour. A-Level Psychology is a challenging and rewarding subject that can open up a world of opportunities. If you're interested in human behaviour, problem-solving, and making a difference in the world, then psychology could be the perfect subject for you.

What will I study?

Year 12 Core Topics

• Approaches in Psychology: This module introduces you to the major psychological approaches, including the biological, cognitive, behavioural, psychodynamic, and humanistic approaches. You'll learn about the key theorists, concepts, and research methods associated with each approach.

• Research Methods: This module covers the scientific methods used in psychological research. You'll learn about different research designs (e.g., experiments, correlations, case studies), data collection techniques, data analysis, and statistical methods.

• Biopsychology: This module explores the biological basis of behaviour, including topics such as the nervous system, the endocrine system, genetics, and neurotransmitters.

• Clinical Psychology and Mental Health' : This module focuses on the nature, causes, and treatment of mental disorders. You'll learn about different diagnostic systems, major mental disorders, and therapeutic interventions.

• Attachment: This module examines the development of emotional bonds between infants and caregivers. You'll learn about attachment theory, different attachment styles, and the impact of attachment on later development.

• Memory: This module explores how information is encoded, stored, and retrieved from memory. You'll learn about sensory memory, short-term memory, long-term memory, forgetting, and memory disorders.

• Social Influence: This module investigates how individuals are influenced by the presence of others. Topics may include conformity, obedience, group dynamics, persuasion, and social cognition.

Year 13 Core Topics

 Issues and Debates

Nature vs. Nurture:

1. • This debate explores the extent to which genetic factors (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) influence human behaviour.

Free Will vs. Determinism:

1. • This debate considers whether human behaviour is determined by internal or external forces, or if individuals have the freedom to choose their actions.

Reductionism vs. Holism:

1. • This debate explores whether it's more beneficial to study human behaviour by breaking it down into smaller components (reductionism) or by considering the whole person and their context (holism).

Idiographic vs. Nomothetic Approaches:

1. • This debate focuses on whether it's more important to study individuals in depth (idiographic approach) or to identify general laws of behaviour that apply to everyone (nomothetic approach).

Ethical Issues in Psychological Research:

1. • This debate considers the ethical implications of psychological research, such as informed consent, deception, protection from harm, and confidentiality.

We also cover 3 option units:

Relationships: This topic delves into the complexities of human connections, exploring factors that influence attraction, the development and maintenance of relationships, and the processes involved in relationship breakdown.

Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder characterized by a range of symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking, and impaired emotional responses. The A-Level Psychology course explores various theories and explanations for this condition.

Addiction: Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite negative consequences. A-Level Psychology explores the various factors that contribute to addiction and the different approaches to treatment.

By studying these topics, you'll gain a deeper understanding of human behaviour, mental health, and the complex factors that contribute to psychological disorders.

How will I be assessed?

Three written examinations, each paper is 2 hours and 96 marks in total.

 Each paper is worth 33% of the final A Level grade.

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology

Paper 2: Psychology in Context

Paper 3: Issue & Options in Psychology

Where might it lead?

A-Level Psychology is a great foundation for a variety of university courses, including:

• Psychology

• Medicine

• Law

• Education

• Social work

• Business

• Journalism

Employers value the skills that psychology students develop, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication.