Shelley College: Psychology

Head of Department: Mr J Williams

Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour of humans and animals. Psychologists go beyond the common sense approach in that they are concerned to examine closely the evidence on which such theories are based.  They consider alternative explanations and conduct research to test the theories.

Psychology will be enjoyed by thoughtful students who are interested in why people behave as they do. As a subject, Psychology will also develop essay writing, analytical, mathematical and scientific skills. Students considering Psychology must be prepared to work hard as there is a wide range of material in the AS and A2 year. Specifically students should have good grades in GCSE Science, Maths and English as there will be an element of these subjects in AS and A2 Level Psychology.

AS Examination
Unit 1:  Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods
The cognitive section of this unit focuses upon the importance of human memory. Students will study models concerning how the human memory system works and operates, specifically looking at the multi-store model of memory and the working memory model. Students will then apply this knowledge to how memory is used in everyday life by looking at eyewitness testimony and memory improvement techniques.

The developmental section of this unit focuses upon early social attachment in humans. Students will look at how young children form attachments to their caregivers, the different types of attachment and the problems caused when attachments are broken. Students will then apply this knowledge to everyday life by looking at the implications on children’s development and policies for child care practices.

The research methods section underpins the whole of psychology. Students will learn how psychologists conduct different types of research and the problems they encounter doing so.
Within each section students will be expected to develop their knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and studies and be able to effectively analyse and evaluate these.

Unit 2:  Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual
The biological section of this unit focuses upon stress. Students will look at the human body’s physiological response to stress and how this can lead to illness. Students will then examine the different causes of stress, how people respond to stress differently and how stress can be dealt with.

The social section of this unit focuses upon social influence. Students will learn to what extent humans will conform and obey those around them and why this occurs. Students will examine why some people are able to resist such pressures and what implication this has for social change.

The individual differences section focuses upon psychopathology (abnormality). Students will examine different ways in which abnormal behaviour can be recognised and defined. They will learn how the biological, psychodynamic, behavioural and cognitive approach attempt to explain why abnormalities occur and also the treatments associated with each approach. Within each section students will be expected to develop their knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and studies and be able to effectively analyse and evaluate these.

AS Psychology involves 2 separate exams, one for each unit. Unit 1 is a 1 hour 30 minute exam where students will be expected to answer structured compulsory questions based on Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods. Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one 12-mark question requiring extended writing in which quality of written communication (QWC) will be assessed.

Unit 2 is a 1 hour 30 minute exam where students will be expected to answer three compulsory structured questions, one based on the Biological Psychology content, one based on the Social Psychology content and one based on the Individual Differences content. Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one or more12-mark question requiring extended writing in which QWC will be assessed.

Unit 4 – Topics in Psychology
Biological Rhythms and Sleep: Students will learn about the different biological rhythms influencing the human body, including circadian, infradian and ultradian rhythms, and the consequences of disrupting these (e.g. jet lag). Students will then examine the stages which occur during sleep and different theories proposed for why people need to sleep at all. This will then lead to students looking at different sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep walking.

Relationships: This topic will examine the progress of romantic relationships from formation through to dissolution, looking at the different explanations for each stage. Students will study the relationship between sexual selection and reproductive behaviour and evolutionary explanations of parental investment in their children. Finally students will investigate how culture and early experience have an impact on these aspects of human relationships.

Eating behaviour: This topic looks at factors influencing people attitudes towards food and eating such as culture, mood and health. Students will learn about the biological and evolutionary factors involved in eating behaviours. Possible psychological and biological causes for eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and obesity, will also be examined.

Within each of these topics students will be expected to develop their knowledge, understanding, skills of analysis and evaluation in relation to relevant theories and studies, develop an understanding of the major approaches in psychology (cognitive, biological, behavioural and psychodynamic) through their study and develop an appreciation of issues and debates as relevant to each topic studied: for example, issues of bias, including gender and culture, the role of animals in research, ethical issues, the nature/nurture debate, free will and determinism and reductionism.

Unit 5 Psychopathology, Psychology in Action and Research
Section A: Psychopathology
In this unit students will be expected to develop their knowledge, understanding and evaluation skills in relation to schizophrenia. Students will learn about its clinical characteristics, issues surrounding its diagnosis, biological/psychological explanations and treatments.

Section B: Psychology in Action
In this section students will study addictive behaviour. Students will be expected to develop their knowledge, understanding and critical thinking, apply their knowledge and understanding of research methods and develop an appreciation of the relationship between research and practice in psychology in everyday life in relation to the contemporary issue of addictive behaviour.

Section C: Psychological Research and Scientific Method
Students will be expected to extend their knowledge, understanding and skills of research design, data analysis and data interpretation and reporting gained at AS and develop an understanding of the nature of science and scientific method. Within this unit there will be significant opportunities for students to undertake and write up their own pieces of psychological research.