For Pupils
Psychology
The Year 13 Psychology Group
The aims of the Psychology programme at AS and A2 level are to encourage candidates to:
a) psychological theories, research terminology, concepts, studies and methods
b) develop skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation
c) develop an understanding of different areas of psychology including the core areas of Cognitive, Social, Development, Physiological and Individual Differences and Research Methods
d) design and report psychological investigations, analyse and interpret data
e) develop an understanding of ethical issues in Psychology, including the ethical implications of psychological research.
What is Psychology?
Psychology is the science of behaviour and experience.
The term science refers to the objective study of something. Psychologists study behaviour, what people and animals do. Behaviour includes being aggressive or kind, thinking or seeing, breathing or walking, growing up and getting old.
In both the AS and A2 exams, three main skills will be examined.
A01 Is concerned with knowledge and understanding, students are required to provide factual information to psychological theories.
A02 Is concerned with analysing and evaluating research evidence.
A03 Is concerned with designing, conducting and reporting psychological investigations (this is only assessed in the Research methods question)
AS Level Scheme of Assessment
Module One PUA1
33⅓% of the total AS marks
Written Unit 1 hour.
This unit will be divided into two equally weighted sections.
Section A Cognitive Psychology:
Which studies memory aspects, forgetting, eye witness testimony.
Section B Development Psychology:
Studies attachments in development, effects of privation and deprivation.
Module Two PYA2
33⅓% of the total AS marks
Written Unit 1 hour.
Section A Physiological Psychology, focusing on stress.
Section B Individual Differences, definitions and models of abnormality and eating disorders.
Module Three PYA3
33½% of the total AS marks.
Written Unit 1 hour
Section A Social Psychology, focusing on social influence, conformity, obedience, ethnical issues.
Section B Research Methods (mathematics section).
A2 Level
Module 4 PYA4 (15%) (1½ hours)
3 main sections
A Relationships and Interpersonal Attraction
B Pro and Anti Social Behaviour
C Biological Rhythms
Module 5 PYA5
20% of the total A level mark
Written Unit 2 hours
Section A three questions, one from each sub section of the subject content, Candidates answer one.
Section B Perspectives Issues and Debates
Section C Approaches in Psychology
Module 6 PYA6
15% of the total A level mark
60 marks
The coursework component will be based upon assessment of the Project Brief and report of one psychological investigation.
