Psychology

Course summary

Psychology is a new and exciting subject about our thoughts, feelings and behaviours. You will ask questions such as does cannabis cause schizophrenia? What makes a serial killer? And if the experiences you had before the age of five really do shape the person you are today? A Level Psychology will give you an understanding of the way people think and why people behave in certain ways. Through studying Psychology you will understand how to read scientific research articles and how to describe this research. You will develop communication, evaluation and critical thinking skills and the ability to present these views in an essay. You will develop a good understanding of the methods and techniques used in social science including statistical analysis. In year 12 you will study a range of topic areas in psychology including how others influence us, how we remember and why we forget, how we form attachments and how does our biology affect our behaviour. You will also explore some psychological disorders, their causes and treatments and look at the ways psychologists scientifically study and research people. In year 13 you will explore the symptoms, causes and treatments for schizophrenia, what makes someone a criminal and why some romantic relationships last and others don’t.