AS Course Outline
What Is 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 Board) AS Specification |
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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.
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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)
