A Level Psychology
Social Sciences


What will you be working towards?
Code | PSYC |
Qualification Type | GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent |
Qualification Level | Not Set |
Course type | Full Time |
Overview
Psychology gives us explanations for why we think, feel and behave in the ways we do. Ultimately we want to provide explanations for our behaviour, but because Psychology is a science we need support our explanations with researched evidence about people and their experiences in the world. By doing investigative research students will learn to evaluate claims about human behaviour and distinguish fact from opinion.
Details
AS PSYCHOLOGY Component 1: Psychological Research methods
Students will be involved in planning, conducting, writing, analysing, evaluating and reflecting upon a number of experimental and non-experimental techniques used in Psychology to investigate and study behaviour. At AS Level, this component is assessed through written examination (1hr and ½) and marked out of 75 and is worth 50% of AS Level. There will be a 10% mathematics requirement, students will have to show knowledge and understanding of inferential and statistical techniques used in Psychological Research Methods.
- Experiment 3. Self-Report
- Observation 4. Correlation
Component 2: Psychological Themes through Core studies
This Linear AS Level introduces some of the central areas of investigation in Psychology organised in key themes. Each key theme is represented by a classic and a contemporary core piece of investigated research in Psychology. 5 pairs of which are studied at AS, 10 pairs of studies at A2. Each piece of research or core study is taken from one of the five approaches used in Psychology to explain behaviour. Each core study raises interesting Psychological issues, debates, themes and evaluations.
This component at AS is assessed by written examination (1hr and ½) and marked out of 75 and is worth 50% of AS Level.
Examples of key themes studied:
- Responses to people in authority
- External influences on children’s behaviour
- Obedience
- Aggression, Learning
- Memory
- Regions of the brain
- Eyewitness Testimony, Content Dependent Memory
- Understanding disorders – Autism, Phobias
Both Components examined in June after year one of teaching.
A Level PSYCHOLOGY
Component 1:
Psychological Research methods
See description on left. At A Level, this component is assessed through written examination (2hrs) and marked out of 90.
Component 2:
Psychological Themes through Core studies
See description on left. 10 pairs of studies are taught at A Level. This component is assessed through written examination (2hrs) and marked out of 105.
Component 3:
Options in Applied psychology
Section A: Issues in mental Health
Covers historical explanations, the defining and categorisation of mental illness. The different Psychological explanations of mental disorders – for example affective, psychotic and anxiety disorders and a range of Psychological techniques used to treat them.
Section B: Sports Psychology
This option allows students to analyse the relative effectiveness of techniques in enhancing performance and mental health in sport. It covers anxiety, motivation, and personality in sport, alongside coaching, performance and leadership.
Crime Psychology
Covers a range of Psychological explanations of criminal behaviour/ the involvements of collecting and processing Forensic evidence, police and interviewing techniques. Persuasion in the courtroom, factors that influence the juries’ decision, reducing crime and crime prevention. This component is only assessed at A Level through written examination (2hrs) and marked out of 105.
How will it be delivered?
All 3 Components examined in June after two years of teaching.
Entry requirements
Due to the demanding nature of the course a grade 5 is required in both (GCSE) Mathematics and English Language or Literature.
Your next steps...
Many students go into careers that involved working with people: teaching, education, child care, social worker, communications, HR.