Psychology

Units 1-2 

As a science, Psychology aims to describe, explain and predict thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Through the use of scientific research methods, students will be able to develop skills in analytical and critical thinking. Students analyse research methodologies associated with classic and contemporary theories, consider ethical issues associated with the conduct of research and apply these methods when conducting group and/or individual investigations. 

UNIT 1 

In Unit 1 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.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES Group discussions and activities, reading and note taking, worksheets, conducting and reporting research experiments, visual presentations, multimedia investigations and practice exam questions. 

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED Being organised and remaining up to date with all reading, class work and homework, succinctly presenting and analysing information and complying with safety and ethical guidelines. 

ASSESSED TASKS The assessment tasks can range from annotated visual displays, tests, analysis of and write up of research, written report on an experiment. 

UNIT 2

In Unit 2, students evaluate the role social cognition plays in a person’s attitudes, perception of themselves and relationships with others. Students explore a variety of factors and contexts that can influence the behaviour of individuals and groups, recognising that different cultural groups have different experiences and values. Students are encouraged to consider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s experiences within Australian society and how these experiences may affect psychological functioning.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES Group discussions and activities, reading and note taking, worksheets, conducting and reporting research experiments, visual presentations, multimedia investigations and practice exam questions. 

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED Being organised and remaining up to date with all reading, class work and homework, succinctly presenting and analysing information and complying with safety and ethical guidelines. 

ASSESSED TASKS The assessment tasks can range from annotated visual displays, tests, analysis of and write up of research, written report on an experiment and end of semester written examination. 

Units 3-4

 As a science, Psychology aims to describe, explain and predict thoughts, feelings and behaviour. Through the use of scientific research methods students will be able to develop skills in analytical and critical thinking. 

UNIT 3 

The nervous system influences behaviour and the way people experience the world. In this unit students examine both macro-level and micro-level functioning of the nervous system to explain how the human nervous system enables a person to interact with the world around them. They explore how stress may affect a person’s psychological functioning and consider the causes and management of stress. Students investigate how mechanisms of memory and learning lead to the acquisition of knowledge, the development of new capacities and changed behaviours. They consider the limitations and fallibility of memory and how memory can be improved. 

LEARNING ACTIVITIES Group discussions and activities, reading and note taking, worksheets, conducting and reporting research experiments, visual presentations, collaborative work projects and exam preparation. 

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED Organisation, application of time management skills to remain up to date with all reading, class work and homework, succinctly analysing and presenting information. 

ASSESSED TASKS The assessment tasks can range from annotated visual displays, tests, analysis of and write up of research, written report on an experiment. 

UNIT 4 

Consciousness and mental health are two of many psychological constructs that can be explored by studying the relationship between the mind, brain and behaviour. In this unit students examine the nature of consciousness and how changes in levels of consciousness can affect mental processes and behaviour. They consider the role of sleep and the impact that sleep disturbances may have on a person’s functioning. Students explore the concept of a mental health continuum and apply a biopsychosocial approach, as a scientific model, to analyse mental health and disorder. They use specific phobia to illustrate how the development and management of a mental disorder can be considered as an interaction between biological, psychological and social factors. 

LEARNING ACTIVITIES Group discussions and activities, reading and note taking, worksheets, conducting and reporting research experiments, visual presentations, collaborative work projects and exam preparation. 

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED Organisation, application of time management skills to remain up to date with all reading, class work and homework, succinctly analysing and presenting information. 

ASSESSED TASKS The assessment tasks can range from annotated visual displays, tests, analysis of and write up of research, written report on an experiment and end of semester written examination. 

VCAA ASSESSMENT –The overall Study Score will consist of: School Assessed Coursework (40%) and 2 ½ hour written examination in November (60%).