Psychology
Psychology is the science of mind and behaviour. It uses the research methods of the sciences (particularly experiments) to investigate the human mind and to find out about and make sense of human behaviour. It seeks answers to such questions as the following: why do people behave the way they do? Would you be likely to help someone if they collapsed on a subway train? Are the brains of taxi drivers different from the brains of non-taxi drivers? Why do people develop phobias? Will children imitate aggressive behaviour?
WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
The AS units will cover:
· 15 Core Studies that span the range of the subject – these will cover such areas as obedience, autism, gambling, Multiple Personality Disorder and dreaming.
· The Research Methods that Psychologists use – you will become familiar with questionnaires and observation as ways of collecting data, as well as with experiments and correlation studies.
The A2 units will cover:
· Applied Psychology – you will study Health and Clinical Psychology (including stress, healthy living and the diagnosis and treatment of dysfunctional behaviour) and Forensic Psychology (including why people turn to crime, how to interview suspects and witnesses, and how juries reach verdicts.)
· Approaches and Research Methods in Psychology – you will design investigations of your own and you will debate such questions as whether Psychology is a science and whether our behaviour is the result of our genetic inheritance or our upbringing. This will involve consideration of the different approaches that Psychologists have taken in their attempts to explain human behaviour.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
Psychology is an academic subject and will therefore require quiet reading, note-taking and essay writing. Lessons will be varied. Class activities could include the following:
· discussions and debates
· experiments
· role-play
· videos
· student presentations
HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?
The course will be assessed through four examinations. There will be two for the AS part of the course (one in January and one in May) and two for the A2 part of the course.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED TO TAKE THE COURSE?
It is unlikely that you will have studied Psychology at GCSE but this should not stop you considering this subject at A level. The main qualification you need is an interest in the subject. You should have at least a grade C in CGSE English Language, Mathematics and Science.
WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS COULD I DO WITH PSYCHOLOGY?
Psychology combines well with practically all other subjects.
AND AFTER THE COURSE?
The A level in Psychology should give you a greater understanding of human behaviour. It should also help you develop a wide range of transferable skills. These will include:
· data collection and analysis
· identifying weaknesses in research
· written and oral communication
· construction of arguments
· research design
The skills and knowledge of Psychology are relevant to any career involving contact with other people. Whilst they will be particularly relevant to such careers as teaching, medicine, personnel management and social work, they are also relevant to careers in business, customer relations, the police, journalism and the law. An A level in Psychology can help you into work but is also recognised as a sound preparation for University.
View the Psychology page on the OCR Website.
