Psychology

There are two exams for the AS qualification

  • Component 1Psychology: Past to Present. 1hr 45mins, 80 marks, worth 50%
  • Component 2Psychology: Investigating Behaviour. 1hr 45mins, 80 marks, worth 50%

Organisation and Expectations

  • There will be a lot of handouts during this course so you need to be organised.Make sure you file away your handouts regularly so that you don’t lose anything. It’s recommended that you buy a folder specifically for psychology.
  • All the worksheets and PowerPoints used in class are available electronically through the student shared area.
  • It is expected that you attend every lesson and that you arrive punctually and prepared with your folder and textbook. Unless specifically told by me, assume that you need to bring your textbook to every lesson. You may also be asked to read an article or book chapter in preparation for a lesson. It is vitally important that this is done, as the information will be needed to complete class work, and you may be tested on the content.
  • If you miss any lessons, it is your responsibility to catch up. Likewise, should you lose any of the worksheets it is your responsibility to print off new copies.
  • It is expected that all work set is handed in on the date due. Should you feel that you will be unable to complete a piece of work for a set date, speak to your teacher to arrange an extension. Should work not be handed in on time, and no extension has been requested, expect to spend a lunchtime catching up.
  • Should you require any extra help understanding the topics covered in class, or would like guidance on exam technique or homework, I would be more than happy to arrange a one on one session at lunchtime/after school. Again, this is your responsibility to know when to ask for help.

Assessment Objectives

In the exams, you will be tested on three different assessment objectives. These can be seen as “skills” which you develop throughout your A Level.

AO1: Knowledge and understanding

This is testing your understanding of psychological theories and concepts. Questions that test this assessment objective tend to use terms such as “outline” and “describe”. This is the easiest of the AOs, as it relies upon the accurate remembering and recall of facts.

AO2: Application

This tests your application of knowledge. You will need to be able to apply your knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, processes and procedures in a theoretical or practical context. This could mean applying the theories you have learned about to explain a novel scenario, or to the analysis of research data.

AO3: Analyse, interpret and evaluate

This AO requires you to be able to analyse, interpret and evaluate a range of scientific information, ideas and evidence. You may be asked to make judgements and reach conclusions, or to develop and refine practical designs and procedures.

The ability to be able to study independently is essential in this subject and candidates must take the time to work on their abilities to:

• understand the scientific nature of Psychology;

• acquire knowledge and a critical understanding of psychological theories,approaches, concepts, core studies and methods;

• acquire and develop skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation;

• understand psychological methodology and a range of research methods(both quantitative and qualitative);

• develop an understanding of different areas and applications of Psychology;

• design and report psychological investigations, and analyse and interpretdata;

• appreciate the significance of ethical issues in Psychology;

• develop skills that enhance the ability to participate more effectively in adultlife.

We will follow the WJEC psychology specification, which can be found on the WJEC website – Resources for every of unit can also be found in the student shared area.

Essential textbook– AS - The Complete Companions for WJEC: Year 1 and AS Psychology Student Book (PSYCHOLOGY COMPLETE COMPANION)

Essential textbook – A2 -The Complete Companions: Eduqas and WJEC Year 2 Psychology Student Book (PSYCHOLOGY COMPLETE COMPANION)

GENERAL TEXT BOOK

Cardwell M. (20003) "The Complete A-Z Psychology Handbook" 3rd edition, Hodder and Stoughton

General book that can apply to all the syllabus good for a range of definitions, e.g. different research methods correlation, experiment, quasi experiments types of data qualitative and quantitative.