AS/A2 Psychology

AS/A2 Psychology
AS/A2

Psychology is the study of individuals and their interaction with the environment. It is primarily concerned with why people behave the way they do. Psychologists base their theories of human nature on evidence; through research, they investigate the relationships between the ways that people think, the ways they feel, and the ways they behave. Why are some children more aggressive than others? Is it because of the way that their parents brought them up or is aggression in their genes? What role do violent television programmes play? How much influence do friends have? There is no single â€-correct' answer to such questions; humans are extremely complex, and there are many different theories to explain their behaviour. You will explore and judge these different theories, determining how well they explain what people do. You will gain an understanding of the range and limitations of psychological theory and practice, exploring the relationship between psychological findings and everyday life.

AS Course Content
1. Core Studies

You look at five approaches to Psychology:

Cognitive Psychology: how human thought processes operate and influence our behaviour

Developmental Psychology: how children develop psychologically and the effects of early childhood experience

Psychology of Individual Differences: how can we explain mental and emotional disturbance and how do factors like gender and ethnicity affect behaviour?

Physiological Psychology: the connection between behaviour and experience, and biological changes in the body

Social Psychology: how social environment affects behaviour

Assessment: examination (70%)
2. Psychological Investigations

You will conduct several small studies using different research methods. You will explore the strengths and weaknesses of a range of different approaches.

Assessment: examination (30%)

A2 Course Content
1. Options in Applied Psychology

You study two of the following:

Health & Clinical Psychology: health promotion; sources and management of stress; dysfunctional/unhealthy behaviour; types and treatments of disorders.

Forensic Psychology: criminal behaviour; eye-witness testimony; offender profiling; the psychology of the courtroom; punishment and treatment of offenders.

Psychology of Sport & Exercise: the role of personality; performance issues; roles of teams, audiences and coaches; the relationship between sport and mental/physical health, including body image and drug abuse.

Assessment: examination (70%)
2. Approaches and Research Methods in Psychology

You will undertake several mini-projects to increase your knowledge of approaches, perspectives, issues and debates in Psychology.

Assessment: examination (30%)

Is Psychology for me?

You will enjoy and benefit from Psychology if you:

· are interested in the way human think, feel and interact with each other

· would like to work in this area in the future

· have the ability to analyse theoretical concepts and to examine issues logically and systematically

· can express yourself well, both in discussion and on paper

· are keen to carry out independent investigative research, including extensive reading and using the Internet.

Psychology and your future

The study of Psychology at this level can lead to a range of further studies and careers in Clinical, Educational, Forensic, Health or Occupational Psychology. Psychology degrees are also useful in many careers involving working with people.

How does Psychology differ from Sociology?

Both subjects try to explain human behaviour: Psychology examines that of individuals, whereas Sociology examines groups, societies and cultures. To explain why someone committed a crime, Psychologists might look at that person's unique traits, thinking and experience. Sociology might examine the links between poverty, class and crime.