AS and A Level
“If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” Abraham Maslow
“It all depends on how we look at things, and not on how they are themselves” Carl Gustav Jung
Psychology is the study of mind and behaviour. It is a science concerned with understanding what makes people think, behave and interact in the ways that they do. As the two quotes above suggest, we need suitable tools and ways of seeing if we are to really make sense of the range of states of mind and behaviours that make up our complex everyday worlds. The study of Psychology provides us with a toolkit of viewpoints, theories and methods with which to undertake this sense-making process.
It is a fascinating field of study in its own right. It also equips students with a range of knowledge, understandings and skills that opens doors to many university courses and career areas. A caution however! Whilst the study of Psychology might be interesting and fun it remains a serious academic subject that applies rigorous scientific methods and principles to understanding mind and behaviour. It is a demanding course well suited to students who are intellectually curious and who are prepared to work hard at understanding its many interesting and challenging concepts. Students should have a minimum of a C Grade in English at GCSE. Universities regard Psychology as a science. Since Psychology bridges the Science – Social Science – Humanities divide, at A level it can be studied together with other Science, Arts, Humanities or Social Science subjects.
At AS
There are two courses at AS level:
PSYA1 - Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods. 50% of AS – Exam 1hr 30 mins
PSYA2 - Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences. 50% of AS – Exam 1 hr 30 mins
The PSYA1 course is in three parts. You will need to know…
Cognitive Psychology
We study two important theories on the nature of human memory, what strategies can be used to improve memory and memory in everyday life. This includes a consideration of the accuracy of Eye Witness Testimony such as that used in courts of law.
Developmental Psychology
We look to explain how early childhood experiences (attachment) can impact on children’s learning and social development, including aggression and peer relations. We explore how these experiences can vary in different cultures and what the effects are of institutionalisation and cases where attachment is disrupted.
Research Methods
The main aim in this section is to understand how Psychology uses a variety of experimental and other research methods to investigate human mind and behaviour. The various methods are compared and evaluated so that students can both design their own experiments and critically analyse other people’s research. This is a very useful introduction to “how science works”.
The PSYA2 unit is also in three parts:
Biological Psychology – Stress
We study how the body responds to stress, including an understanding of stress-related illness. We investigate life changes, daily hassles, workplace stress and how different personality types are more or less prone to stress. We look into various psychological and physiological stress management therapies and drug treatments.
Social Psychology – Social Influence
We study explanations of how and why people conform and obey. We investigate social influence in everyday life – why do some people behave independently, how do they resist pressures to conform and obey and how is this influenced by social change?
Individual Differences - Psychopathology (Abnormality)
We define abnormality and deviation from behaviour expected in society. We ask why some people deviate from ideal mental health but we also question whether there are limitations to the ways psychological abnormality is defined. We are interested in the various approaches Psychology takes to understanding abnormality – biological, psychodynamic, behavioural and cognitive approaches. We study how abnormality is treated by the different therapies including psychoanalysis, systematic de-sensitisation and cognitive behavioural therapy.
At A2 level, students enjoy considerable choice of topic to suit their areas of interest.
You may choose three topics from:
Biological rhythms and sleep
Perception
Relationships
Aggression
Eating behaviour
Gender
Intelligence and learning
Cognition and development
You will also study Psychopathology, where you will develop a detailed understanding of one of the following disorders:
schizophrenia
depression
anxiety disorders (either phobic disorders or obsessive compulsive disorder)
There can be little doubt that what Psychology offers to A-level students is interesting, rewarding and very useful in terms of entry into almost all university courses or other further study options.
Specification = AQA Psychology A - AS 1181, A level 2181
Click here to download the current specification for this A level course.
