Psychology

Psychology

Psychology studies how the human mind works. It ranges widely over the nature of thought and memory, the development of our emotions and relationships, the role of the brain, the influence of genes and upbringing, and the study of psychopathology (mental disorders and their treatment). At A Level, you are required not just to study the theories, but do some research, and for this, it is important to note that you will need to be able to understand and analyse data using maths, esp. statistics and graphs. The course also covers questions of how psychological research should be done, and alternative theories of how to explain the mind and behaviour.

Why choose it?

It offers an exploration of the human mind and how best to study and explain it.  It will help you to develop critical thinking skills, understand analysis, independent thinking and research skills. It combines elements of science, social science and the humanities.

Representative core areas of study

There are core areas of study in the AQA syllabus, which we are likely to take, and which is largely representative of all the syllabuses at A Level. That said, the course delivered may not be exactly as below, but it should be approximate.

• Social Influence: this involves looking at why and how people are influenced- either through conforming or obedience and how minority groups can impact the group decision.
• Memory: understanding how memory works and different models of memory used in psychology. We will also look at how memory is not accurate and how this can affect eye witness testimonies.
• Attachment: studying caregiver and infant interactions, attachment theories and their impacts on relationships.
• Psychopathology: this is where we will study definitions, treatments and approaches to abnormalities, such as OCD.
• Approaches in Psychology: tracing the origins and history of Psychology; understanding the main approaches used within the discipline.
• Biopsychology: exploring the nervous system, synaptic transmission and the fight, flight freeze response.
• Research methods: understanding how psychology is conducted. (including material like: experimental methods, design, ethics and statistics).

One option from each category below will be studied, for instance: Relationships, Schizophrenia and Forensic Psychology.

• Option 1: Relationships, Gender or Cognition and Development
• Option 2: Schizophrenia, Eating behaviour or Stress
• Option 3: Aggression, Forensic Psychology or Addiction

In relation all these areas, and the optional topics listed above, students will study diverse research methods, such as experiment, observation, and self-report; the nature of psychology as a scientific method; and how to handle and interpret data.

Other details

The course is counted as a science by many universities, although it would more accurately be described as a social science.  We currently offer it as an AS Level in the Extended Curriculum, and have a number of staff who are interested in teaching it.  Psychology is often used by students as a bridging subject between the humanities and arts and the sciences, and this is a valid and strong approach, accepted by Oxbridge and Russell Group Universities. Combinations of subject choices might include History, Psychology and Biology; Art, Psychology and English; or Chemistry, Psychology and French. Many others are possible.