Stage 1 Psychology

Stage 1 Psychology - Length | Semester (10 credits) or Full Year (20 credits)

Psychology aims to describe and explain both the universality of human experience and individual and cultural diversity. It also addresses the ways in which behaviour can be changed. It offers a means for making society more cohesive and equitable; that is, psychology offers ways of intervening to advance the well-being of individuals, groups, and societies. However, every change also holds the possibility of harm. The ethics of research and intervention are therefore an integral part of psychology.

An inquiry approach to psychology enables students to define the scope of their learning by identifying investigable questions, deconstructing and designing their research using scientific approaches, using data, and analysing and critiquing their findings. 

Content

The topics in Stage 1 Psychology provide the framework for developing integrated programs of learning through which students extend their skills, knowledge, and understanding of the three strands of science.

The three strands of science to be integrated throughout student learning are:

• science inquiry skills

• science as a human endeavour

• science understanding

The topics for Stage 1 Psychology are:

• Topic 1: Cognitive Psychology

• Topic 2: Neuropsychology

• Topic 3: Lifespan Psychology

• Topic 4: Emotion

• Topic 5: Psychological Wellbeing

• Topic 6: Psychology in Context (for example forensic psychology, cyberpsychology or exercise and sport psychology) 

• Topic 7: Negotiated topic (may expand on an existing topic or introduce a new area of study)

For a 10-credit subject, students study a selection of concepts from at least two topics.

Assessment

Students provide evidence of their learning through three or four assessments. Each assessment type has a weighting of at least 20%. 

Assessment Type 1: Investigations Folio
Students undertake:

• One psychological investigation 

• One investigation with a focus on science as a human endeavour

Assessment Type 2: Skills and Applications Tasks
Students undertake:

• at least one skills and applications task