Psychology
Psychology Advanced GCSE
Psychology is described as the study of human behaviour and experience.
Psychologists have attempted to answer the following questions:
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Do make people make good witnesses?
Can we communicate with animals?
Where do phobias come from?
Can your brain change in response to experience?
Psychologists propose theories that attempt to explain
behaviours they have observed. These explanations or
theories can often produce hypotheses, or testable
statements.
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During this course students will have the opportunity to:
Study a range of perspectives, approaches, issues and debates and research designs in psychology from the early 20th century until modern day. Students will evaluate original studies and carry out their own research.
At A2 students are able to specialise in two areas such as Forensics and Health in addition to studying research methods.
During this course students will study the following units:
AS Unit G541: Psychological Investigations
Throughout the year students will study a range of methods that are used to carry out research in psychology. These methods include: Self report, Observation, Correlation and Experiment.
Students will be asked to answer a range of questions relating to: an outline of an existing piece of research, data produced by a piece of research; an outline of a proposal of research
AS UNIT G542: Core Studies
15 studies are covered as examples from the 5 approaches. For each one students will learn:
· The background of the study ( the context- why it happened)
· The theory supporting the study and the psychological perspective which applies
· Other research which is relevant to the study and methods used in the studies
· The way the results are analysed and presented and conclusions that are drawn
· Strengths and limitations of the studies and psychological issues illustrated
· Evaluations of all of the above
A2 Unit G543 The 0ptions (Forensics and Health )
A2 Unit G544 Approaches and Research Methods in Psychology
Section A: Research methods the design of a practical
Section B: Structured Synoptic Questions on Approaches, Perspectives, Methods, Issues and Debate
Independent Learning
Students will be required to read extensively in preparation for the lessons as much of the A level is based around studying previous work, some of which involved lengthy research papers. It is also vital students have an understanding of statistical analysis. Although a science, the subject appeals equally to those who enjoy structured essays which are assessed in the exam. The pace of psychology is very fast – we can cover a study a week, so there is a heavy work load.
The subject appeals to students who enjoy debates and analysis and those who are prepared to play an active part in lessons.
The examination for this specification is
OCR AS H168 A2 H568
