AS Psychology
At AS Level you will learn about several key areas in Psychology and you will learn about the different perspectives such as:
Cognitive Psychology - This approach studies the mental processes such as memory, perception, thinking, reasoning, problem solving and language. It attempts to answer questions such as 'is eye witness testimony a reliable source of information?' We also look at visual illusions.
Social Psychology - This approach looks at social behaviour and has a lot of relevant to many of the news stories which occur each day. We look at prejudice and discrimination, helping behaviour and aggression.
Physiological Psychology - This approach considers the extent to which behaviour and experience is determined by our biology. Here we look at the structure of the brain and nervous system and attempt to answer questions such as 'are criminal's brains different to non-criminal's brains?'
Individual Differences - This approach looks at the changes that occur throughout our lives. It looks at the differences between people. We look at intelligence and look at definitions of normality and abnormality Individual Differences - This approach looks at the changes that occur throughout our lives. It looks at the development of thinking, problem solving and language.
In each of the above areas you will look at several studies that have already been carried out in Psychology and what the findings tell us about people and society.
At this level you will also start to question the research that is presented to you, for example you might ask whether the research was carried out in a reliable or ethical way.
You will also carry out some of your own research into different areas of Psychology using different methods.
Assessment
3 exams in May
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