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Psychology

The Psychology A Level provides students with an in depth understanding of human behaviour and the tools used to study human behaviour. During the A Level students will be introduced to a wide range of research related to human behaviour. Psychology students will think critically to assess the validity of the research. In addition students will apply their understanding of human behaviour to a range of scenarios taken from the real world. This subject is unique because it requires such a varied skill set, therefore students will develop their scientific, mathematical and literacy skills throughout the course. The range of topics covered along with the wide range of skills required to succeed will make Psychology both an interesting and challenging subject that students enjoy. The curiosity of students will be piqued and many will want to know more, seeking content that goes beyond the specification.

Principles

Through studying Psychology, students:

Have a firm understanding of a wide range of psychological research (theories and studies)
Critically analyse research
Interpret and analyse data effectively
Use their understanding of research methods to design effective research
Develop their oracy skills through debate
Apply their understanding of psychological research to real life scenarios
Develop their extended writing skills
Use independent skills to develop their understanding

Key Stage 5 content

Research Methods: The study of the tools used to study human behaviour, an understanding of research methods lays the foundation for critically evaluating research presented throughout the course.

Social influence: The study of the way in which individuals change their behaviour to meet the demands of a social environment, this includes conforming and obeying.

Memory: The study of the structure of memory, how accurate eyewitness testimony is and explanations for forgetting.

Attachment: The study of why and how bonds develop between infants and their primary caregivers and the consequences of attachments being disrupted.

Psychopathology: The study of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), depression and phobias, including why people develop those conditions and how they are treated. What it means to be ‘abnormal’ is also discussed.

Approaches in Psychology: The different ways of explaining human behaviour including the biological, cognitive, behaviourist and psychodynamic approaches.

Biopsychology: The study of biological factors which affect human behaviour for example the impact of hormones and the structure of the brain.

Issues and debates in psychology: The study of key issues that impact psychological research such as cultural bias and debates such as the nature-nurture debate.

Option A: Relationships: The study of how relationships develop and break down, as well as the difference between face to face and virtual relationships.
Option B: Eating behaviour: The study of eating disorders and how eating preferences develop, including both social and biological explanations.
Option C: Aggression: The study of why people are aggressive including both social and biological explanations.