Psychology

Assessment

S There are two exams at AS each worth 50% of the AS qualification. Each exam lasts 1 hour 30 minutes and is worth 72 marks. The exams consist of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions. Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology: (Social influence, Memory , Attachment) Ever wondered why people obey orders which can have disastrous consequences? This topic will help you explore the role of the group, and individuals, on the behaviour and attitudes of others. What is your earliest memory? We will look at how the human memory works and introduce you to theories of human memory. Do childhood experiences affect adult behaviour? This topic presents theories on the formation of childhood attachments and taps into some of the large debates in Psychology such as the role of nature and nurture in human behaviour. Paper 2 – Psychology in context: (Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, Research Methods) Are we blank slates? This topic will introduce you to key approaches in Psychology which have different ways of explaining complex human behaviour. It will also address key biological mechanisms in human behaviour. What does it mean to be 'normal'? This topic explores what ‘abnormality’ is and looks at the characteristics and treatment of phobias, depression, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. You will also learn about, and gain experience of, the methods that Psychologists use in their research. You will look at how the data from research is analysed and interpreted. A Level At A-level there are three exams, which last 2 hours and are worth 96 marks each. The exams consist of multiple choice, short answer and extended writing questions. Paper 1 – Introductory topics in Psychology: (Social influence, Memory, Attachment, Psychopathology) Paper 2 – Psychology in context: (Approaches in Psychology, Biopsychology, Research methods) What is fight and flight? In biopsychology you will look at the physiological make-up and responses of the human body. Paper 3 – Issues and options in Psychology: (Relationships, Schizophrenia, Aggression, Issues & Debates in Psychology) What makes someone attractive? How do you diagnose and treat Schizophrenia? What makes someone aggressive? All of these questions will be answered in these topics. In issues and debates you will develop your skill of analysis and evaluation through a discussion of key ideas in Psychology