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 it 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 questions.
Psychology 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 two 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 and individual differences
Social influence, remembering and forgetting anxiety disorders.
A2 Units and Assessment
The A2 consists of two units
Unit 3 - Child Development and Options
This includes cognitive development in children, mood disorders and schizophrenia, and cognition and the law.
Unit 4 - Approaches, debates and methods in Psychology
More or less an overview module and rather akin to a synoptic paper.
At AS, the papers are offered in June and at A2 the papers are offered in January and June.
Each module requires intensive study of theories and methodological analysis, so good GCSE passes in mathematics and science are basic requirements. A willingness to work hard and argue a point well are also essential prerequisites.