Psychology

What is Psychology?

Psychology is the science of thought, behaviour and experience. It uses the methods of natural science to answer questions about ourselves and others. For example,

Why do we find it easier to remember pop lyrics than a small maths equation?

Why do we get stressed out?

What influence does childhood experience have on current relationships?

Why do cats come running at the sound of a tin opener

It is attractive to people curious about people, but beware it is only a new science, and will probably leave you with as many questions as answers.

Will it go with my other subjects?

Psychology combines well with most art, humanities and science subjects. Since it employs critical analysis, research & report writing skills and statistical techniques.  

How is it assessed?

Assessment is through 2 end of year examinations.

AS Assessment for Unit 1 and Unit 2 is by a 1 hour and 30 minute exam consisting of short answer questions, and an extended writing task;

Unit 1 Topics:

“Cognitive” Psychology, including memory, eyewitness testimony

“Developmental” Psychology looking at childhood development and day-care

“Research Methods” including experiments, observations and case studies.

Unit 2 Topics:

“Biological” Psychology, including factors and management of stress

“Social” Psychology, including social influence, conformity, and obedience.

“Individual Differences” including what sometimes makes people abnormal

A2 Assessment for Units 3 and 4 are by 2 papers containing longer essay style questions in the final exam ;

Unit 3 and 4 Topics:

Biological Rythms

Depression

The Psychology of Addiction

Research methods including inferential statistics and issues in research.

Do I have the right qualifications?

Entry Requirement, usual A’level entry requirements apply including a C grade in English, Maths and preferably double Science.

Are all Psychologists shrinks?

Despite its newness Psychology is very influential across the whole of society. For example, Psychologists are employed in marketing, by the police, and by schools. There are 50 subdivisions to psychology including, child psychologists, industrial, cognitive, and social psychologists as well as clinical psychologists and psychiatrists.