AS Psychology
This subject may be offered at more than one Southern Consortium school site. The teaching of this subject may be at any one of the sites listed below.
The information on this webpage is a guide only. Topics, units and course content may vary from those listed below.
AS Psychology @ SRS
Psychology plays a major role in our everyday lives. Every time we analyse why people do things, react to a dangerous situation or feel hurt by the things someone says, we can analyse our actions using psychological methods. Psychology is the study of the mind and behaviour and this A Level course will appeal to students who enjoy exploring issues such as: why people behave in certain ways; how much influence our genes have in determining over levels of intelligence, and how humans develop thought processes.
Psychology is a rigorously academic subject and will require strong debating, analytical, essay writing and research skills. Psychology is a human science. This means it uses study techniques from both the humanities and sciences.
What Do We Do?
|
|
Name |
Details |
Assessment |
|
Unit 1 |
Cognitive psychology
Social psychology
Research Methods
|
Memory Models of memory Eyewitness testimony Attachments Deprivation and privation Daycare How psychologists carry out research |
Examined (likely to be in January) 1.5 hours Worth 50% of AS and 25% of full A level |
|
Unit 2 |
Biological psychology
Social psychology
Individual differences |
How stress affects us Sources of stress Stress management Conformity & obedience Why people don’t obey Psychological abnormality Approaches to explaining abnormality |
Examined (in May) 1.5 hours Worth 50% of AS and 25% of full A level |
What topic areas do we study?
‘Psychology’ is a broad term that includes different opinions about how we develop into the people we become, the ways in which we think and the effects of the environment or our genes. We will be starting with ethical issues – ‘Is it right to conduct a psychological experiment on individuals without their knowledge?’ – this is the type of crucial question which we discuss within this topic. Alongside this, you will be studying Social Psychology - why do we obey authority, why do we conform to the majority, what influence can an individual have in society.
As you can see from the above, AS psychology covers a range of interesting topics. There are even more if your progress to A2 psychology.
What Next?
An A Level in Psychology can be studied alongside almost any other subject. Obvious links include other Human Studies such as Sociology, History, Government and Politics, Philosophy, Biology, Media Studies and English Literature. It also is useful to study alongside any of the natural sciences as well as sports subjects. The qualification is widely recognised and highly regarded by universities. The skills and knowledge you will acquire on this course can also be well translated into most fields of work. Examples of possible careers include: Marketing, Public Relations, Advertising, Human Resources, Social Work, Teaching and specific psychological fields, such as, clinical psychology, educational psychology, criminology… to name just a few.
Where Can I Find Out More Information?
Use the following websites:
www.s-cool.co.uk and www.aqa.org.uk
The Small Print: What Can I Expect?
A well organised and interesting course in which students are expected to take a mature and thoughtful approach to study. Lessons will need to be reinforced by reading and homework tasks. Independent study will, like all Advanced courses, play a major part in your learning. Most of all you can expect a deeper understanding of what makes people who they are and what they do!
AS Psychology @ JRCS
Outline of the course
Psychology is the study of the human mind and behaviour. It looks at how individuals learn and develop. There is also the opportunity to study theories of human behaviour. The course includes the study of psychological theories, research, terminology, concepts and methods.
Skills you will develop include:
- skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation.
- an understanding of different areas of Psychology, including the core areas of Cognitive, Social, Developmental, Physiological Psychology and Individual Differences and Research Methods.
- design and report psychological investigations,
- analyse and interpret data,
- an understanding of ethical issues in Psychology, including the ethical implications of psychological research.
Assessment
Both the AS and A2 are assessed through examinations. Unit 4 (at the end of A2) tests the students’ knowledge of aspects of the whole course. A2 exams require longer, more structured pieces of writing than the AS exams.
|
AS level |
Name |
Details |
Assessment |
|
Unit 1 |
Cognitive psychology
Social psychology
Research Methods
|
Memory Models of memory Eyewitness testimony Attachments Deprivation and privation Daycare How psychologists carry out research |
Examined (likely to be in January) 1.5 hours Worth 50% of AS and 25% of full A level |
|
Unit 2 |
Biological psychology
Social psychology
Individual differences |
How stress affects us Sources of stress Stress management Conformity & obedience Why people don’t obey Psychological abnormality Approaches to explaining abnormality |
Examined (in May) 1.5 hours Worth 50% of AS and 25% of full A level |
Careers and further study
Psychology is a useful subject if you are thinking of working in any of a variety of areas including social services, health, education, police and human resources. There are many Higher Education opportunities in this area.
Being familiar with psychological ideas can help in any area of employment, unemployment and leisure – as you consider your own behaviour and motivations and become involved in working with other people.
The skills of independent learning and research enable you to be a successful student – whatever your area of interest.
AS Psychology @ DP
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour, and therefore has relevance for all of us. Through established research and theories it aims to make sense of how individuals behave. Psychology uses principles from disciplines such as Biology, Maths and Philosophy to determine what causes individuals to respond differently in similar situations and how past history and experience can lead to behaviour considered outside the normal range or deviant.
This course is both challenging and rewarding, and will appeal to students who are intrigued by the diversity of human behaviour and who will enjoy exploring topics such as:
Memory
How do we remember? Why do we forget?
Attachments and Maternal deprivation
How do we form bonds with others? What are the effects of emotional deprivation?
Stress
What causes us to be stressed? How can we manage our stress?
Abnormal psychology
How do we decide what is abnormal? How are conditions such as Schizophrenia or eating disorders managed?
Research and Methodology
How do psychologists collect data/evidence and how do they make sense of it?
Psychology is a subject that will require the student to develop skills in debate, discussion, critical thinking, analysis, essay writing and research..
An A Level in Psychology can be studied alongside any of the other human studies, including Sociology, Philosophy, Biology, Media Studies and English Literature. As a social science, Psychology will allow the student to develop essential skills for success in the workplace, such as forming and maintaining positive relationships and understanding what motivates the behaviour of others.
An A Level qualification in Psychology provides a foundation for a number of career choices, such as Health and Social Care services, Advertising, Public Relations, Teaching, Human Resources and specific psychological fields such as Clinical Psychology, Educational Psychology and Criminology.
This course will require a mature and responsible attitude to study and the student will be expected to undertake independent study to support directed learning. Successful students will find this course enriching and beneficial to their future success.
Where Can I Find Out More Information?
http://www.s-cool.co.uk/topic_index.asp?subject_id=14&d=0