A level Psychology13/11/2008 - Katie Sanders-Pope |
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Psychology is the study of mental processes and human and animal behaviour. The AS course is designed to give you an overview of the topics studied by psychologists and the ways in which they carry out their research. The A2 course is designed to show you how psychological knowledge can be used to understand and change people’s behaviour in the real world. What will I learn? The course is divided into four modules; two are studied for the AS-Level and two in the A2 year. In one of the modules at AS-Level, we look at 15 topics and for each topic we focus on one piece of research carried out by a psychologist. These include: how reliable is the testimony of eye witnesses? can more than one person co-exist in the same body? For each of these investigations, you need to know: the reason why the study was carried out the way in which the study was carried out an evaluation of the study For the second module, you will become familiar with four techniques for carrying out investigations, by taking part in studies and/or carrying out your own studies. In the A2 course, one module focuses on Applied Psychology, we look at two areas, ‘Forensic Psychology’ and ‘Psychology of Sport and Exercise’. Topics in Forensic Psychology include: offender profiling explanations of criminal behaviour treatment programmes for offenders. In Sport and Exercise Psychology, the topics include: motivation in sport how anxiety affects performance the relationship between exercise and health. For each topic we learn about the research carried out by psychologists, we learn how to evaluate this evidence and we learn to apply this knowledge. The second module has two parts: Research Methods – in which you demonstrate your ability to design a practical project Approaches in Psychology – in which you will focus on a range of perspectives and issues that affect Psychology. How will I be assessed? The Examination Board for this course is OCR. AS assessments: Module 1 Psychological Investigations 1 hour exam Worth: 30% of AS Level 15% of A Level Module 2 Core Studies 2 hour exam Worth: 70% of AS Level 35% of A Level A2 assessments: Module 3 Applied Psychology 1½ hour exam Worth: 25% of A Level Module 4 Approaches and Research Methods 1½ hour exam Worth: 25% of A Level What are the entry requirements? No specific requirements What extra costs may be involved? There are no compulsory additional costs however there is the opportunity to purchase Psychology Review, the A’ level psychology magazine and there may be the chance to attend psychology conferences. Future Opportunities A level Psychology is an excellent introduction in a career in Psychology, including counselling, sports, educational or forensic. Psychology bridges between the arts and science based subjects combining well with subjects such as Sociology, Biology, Communication Studies and Law. A highly regarded subject, A’ Level Psychology can lead students to university or employment. |
