Psychology

Board and Syllabus

We will be studying the OCR syllabus and using a modular route which will contain three examinations if the candidate wishes to obtain AS Psychology at the end of the first year, and five examinations and coursework if the candidate wishes to obtain A level Psychology at the end of the second year. We will be covering twenty of the most famous and notorious studies that form the basis of the course, together with a series of practical assignments, which will form part of the coursework.

Psychology AS level is taken as a one year course and the candidate can take three examinations of 1 hour each at the end of the first year. These results can be banked as part of the A2 course leading to A level Psychology or the candidate can stop studying at the end of the first year having completed AS Psychology.

Content of the AS Modules

1. Core Studies 1

The Core Studies have been selected to reflect the five core areas clearly defined in the Subject Criteria for Psychology. They are arranged under the headings of: -

• Cognitive Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Physiological Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• The Psychology of Individual Differences

In Core Studies 1 the candidate is tested on their knowledge and understanding of the twenty studies covered. In particular they are asked questions about: -

- the information in the studies
- the methods used in the studies
- the way the results are analysed and presented - the conclusions that can be drawn from the studies
- the general psychological issues illustrated by the studies
- evaluations of all the above

2. Core Studies 2

Using the same core studies from Unit 1 the candidate is asked to explore the themes and perspectives of the studies, paying attention to areas involving ethnocentric bias, nature and nurture, and social control among many others.

3. Psychological Investigations

This module concentrates on work conducted during practical activities. Candidates complete a practical folder based on four specified practical activities. The examination contains questions about these activities and their methodology.

Content of the A2 Modules

4. Psychology Research Report (Coursework)

Candidates produce two pieces of work; a practical project and an assignment. The first is a report of about 1,400 words on a piece of practical work carried out by the candidate. The second is an assignment of approximately 1000 words which relates psychological theory and evidence to a real-life event.

5. The Specialist Choices

Candidates are required to study how Psychology is applied in two of the following areas:

• Psychology and Education
• Psychology and the Environment
• Psychology and Health
• Psychology and Sport
• Psychology and Organisations
• Psychology and Crime

They are asked to describe and evaluate two of these areas in the light of psychological theories, studies and evidence. We study Psychology and Health and Psychology and Crime.

End of Year 1 - candidates take three exams: Core studies 1, Core Studies 2 and Psychological Investigations. Each exam is 1 hour.
End of Year 2 - two exams of 1.5 hours each on each of the specialist choices, as well as the course work outlined above. An illuminating course.

Teachers

Mrs S. Izzet, BSc, Open Mrs B. Nuttall-Owen, BSc (Hons), Durham, PGCE Miss Aoife-Jane Murphy, BA (Hons), Dublin; H.Dip Ed (Hons); NUI

 

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