Psychology
Each of us is a student of human behaviour. From infancy to old age, we continually probe and search our own and others’ behaviours, trying to make some sense of if all. Psychology is the formal science of studying people. Psychology touches virtually every aspect of our lives. For example, how does the way our parents raised us affect the way we raise our own children? What is the best way to break a drug dependency? Can a man care for an infant as ably as a woman? Can you recall childhood experiences in more detail under hypnosis? What effect does prolonged stress have upon your immune system? How effective is Psychotherapy in treating depression? Psychologists are working on these and many other questionsPsychology also affects our life through its influence on laws and public policy. Psychological theories and research have influenced laws concerning discrimination, capital punishment, pornography, sexual behaviour and the conditions under which individuals may not be responsible for their actions. An introductory course in Psychology should give you a better understanding of why people think and act as they do, and provide insights into your own attitudes and reactions. It should also help you evaluate the many claims made in the name of Psychology.
The approach to Psychology at AS and A2 is as follows:
AS Units and Assessments
The AS consists of three units or modules
Unit 1 - Introductory Psychology
This includes: Approaches - the different ways of looking at the mind; Research Methods; - the different techniques applied in studying psychology; Psychology of Gender - as an example to consider the approaches and methods used in its study and understanding.
Unit 2 - Social and Cognitive Psychology
A selection of topic areas within these two fields.
Unit 3 - Practical Investigation
A study based on one of the areas in the first two units
A2 Units and Assessment
The A2 consists of three units
Unit 4 - Child Development and Options
This includes aspects of moral, social and cognitive development in children. The options are chosen from Atypical Psychology, Health Psychology or Contemporary Topics in Psychology.
Unit 5 - Perspectives, debates and methods in Psychology
This is more or less an over-view module and rather akin to a synoptic paper.
Unit 6 - Coursework
A study based upon work from the A2.
At AS, the papers are offered in June and at A2 the papers are offered in January and June. One third of the AS and A2 is coursework based, which is externally marked or moderated, rather than assessed by examination.
Each module requires intensive study of theories and practical assessment, and so good GCSE passes in Mathematics and Science are basic requirements. A willingness to work hard and use a great deal of common sense are also essential.