Psychology

Course summary

Psychology is the study of human behaviour and what causes individuals to behave in the way they do, looking at a variety of different approaches to explain their behaviour. In the first year, students will study for the first of three exams: Introductory Topics in Psychology. In this paper, students will learn about the Psychology of Memory, Psychopathology, Attachment and Social Influence. Students will be discussing questions such as how babies attach to a caregiver and what effect early attachment has on future development. They will study what makes the majority of people conform to societal rules and expectations whilst others prefer to be in the minority and show their individuality. In the second exam paper, students look at Psychology in Context; within this unit, they look at Biopsychology, Research Methods and Approaches within Psychology. This paper tests the student's understanding of the scientific processes used within Psychology and how the different approaches seek to explain a variety of human behaviours from perspectives such as behavioural and biological. It is important to note that Research Methods is worth 25% of the entire grade. In the second year, students will build upon their knowledge and understanding from their first year. Students will learn from a range of options including Schizophrenia, Aggression and Relationships as well as Issues and Debates within Psychology. They will have to take a total of 3 exams at the end of their second year where they will be tested using a variety of multiple-choice, short-answer and extended writing questions.