Psychology

Examining Board - AQA Specification A

Subject Content

Psychology is one of the most popular Advanced Level courses. It seeks to be a scientific study of what people do and why they do it. Psychology tries to analyse behaviour in an objective manner, often using quantitative information. In an interactive way, Psychology attempts to understand real-life situations using techniques and theories developed by psychologists in the past. In many ways, it is a Life Science, like Biology or Medicine.

Methods of Study

You will experience a wide range of study methods, developing your skills and knowledge through a combination of teacher lead and self-directed learning activities. These will include teacher-led note taking, discussions and debates (both in small and whole group forums), class presentations, video material and the annotation of handouts. There will be a topic review at the beginning of each lesson, student led activities and whole class psychological ‘experiments’ as well as assessment and marking exercises.

What work will I have to do independently?

  • Wider research (texts, published research, internet, television public awareness)
  • Carry out a psychological investigation-research design and collection of data, statistical analysis of data and interpretation of findings
  • Complete exam style questions
  • Peer assessment.

Methods of Assessment

Psychology is taught in four units:

AS UNITS AND SCHEMES OF ASSESSMENT

  • Unit 1: Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods.
  • Unit 2: Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences. 

Units 1 and 2 will be assessed by a 1 hour 30 minutes examination. 
50% of the total AS marks, 25% of total A Level mark.

A2 UNITS AND SCHEMES OF ASSESSMENT

  • Unit 3: Topics in Psychology – Biological rhythms and sleep; Relationships; Eating behaviour. 
    Unit 3 will be assessed by a 1 hour 30 minutes examination.
  • Unit 4: Psychopathology, Psychology in Action and Research Methods. 
    Unit 4 will be assessed by a 2 hour examination.

Each unit forms 25% of the total A level marks.

Entry Requirements

There are no specific requirements other than standard College entry requirements.