PSYCHOLOGY (AQA)

AS Course Outline

What Is Psychology?

Psychology Psychology at AS does not require previous GCSE experience of the subject. It will be suited to students who have an interest in both human behaviour and the workings of the mind. Psychology has the advantage of both being considered a science subject but also as having immediate appeal for those who are more inclined towards subjects such as English Literature, History and Modern Languages.

Psychology strives to understand why people behave and think in certain ways, examining all aspects and stages of life. If you are interested in such issues as why people are independent or obedient, how early experiences in childhood may affect you as an adult, how memory works, what leads people to become mentally ill, and many more, then Psychology is the ideal choice.

At AS, students will develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the core areas of psychology (social, cognitive, developmental, biological and individual differences) through a range of topics, chosen for their accessibility and popularity. These include memory, infant attachment, stress, conformity and abnormality.

Students will also learn how psychology functions as a science and how best to design studies in order to test explanations of behaviour.

What Skills Will Students Develop When Studying Psychology?

Psychology enables students to become more aware of the variety and complexity of the human mind and students will also gain a better understanding of their own personality as well as the personalities of those around them.

Through Psychology, students will develop new strategies for learning and will be able to approach revision and exams with a fresh, new perspective.

Students will also learn how to express themselves in both concise and more discursive ways and will develop evaluative skills that will be essential for their future academic success.


PSYCHOLOGY (AQA) AS Specification

Unit One
90 minutes 72 marks 50% of AS Exam

Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods
This exam deals with:

  • Cognitive psychology, including memory and eyewitness testimony.
  • Developmental psychology, including early social development, attachment and the effects of day care.
  • Research methods, in the context of the topic areas.

Candidates will be expected to answer all questions which include short answer questions, questions relating to stimulus material and one 12-mark question requiring extended writing.

Unit Two
90 minutes 72 marks 50% of AS Exam

Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences
This exam deals with:

  • Biological psychology, including stress, factors affecting stress, coping with stress and managing stress.
  • Social psychology, including conformity, obedience and independent behaviour.
  • Individual differences, including definitions of abnormality, approaches and therapies.

Candidates will be expected to answer all questions which include short answer questions, questions relating to stimulus material and one 12-mark question requiring extended writing.

Structure of the Course
This course will be taught for 6 lessons per week. Homework will be set on a regular basis and investigations will be conducted as often as possible. Students will receive both class and revision notes but the reading of textbooks as an accompaniment is highly recommended.

Recommended Reading
Psychology AS-The Complete Companion, Cardwell and Flanagan (2nd Rev Ed)

Fees and Dates