Psychology
Psychology
Teaching Staff:
- Mr J Sturt (Head of Psychology, Deputy Head of Sixth Form) jsturt@klbschool.org.uk
- Dr D Harrison
Examinations Board
OCR
AS specification H168
A2 specification H568
Course Outline
Psychology is defined as the ‘study of mind and behaviour.’ Psychologists attempt to try and understand and explain people’s behaviour from a variety of perspectives. These perspectives form the basis of the first year where we will be looking at three core studies under each of the following headings:
- Cognitive psychology
- Social psychology
- Physiological psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Psychology of Individual Differences
A2 will involve students integrating various areas of the subject, and seeing the connections and contrasts between them when applied. The applied areas will be Forensic Psychology and Psychology of education.
In addition to the above there is the opportunity for students to experience a range of data collection techniques and to develop an awareness of data and how it can be analysed.
Assessment
AS Level
One 1 hour written paper on research methodology – 30% of AS
One 2 hour written paper on the core studies – 70% of AS
A2 Level
One 1 ½ hour written paper on Approaches and Research methods in Psychology – 25% of A2
One 2 hour written paper on Applied areas of Psychology – 25% of A2
Career Possibilities
Psychology provides a good grounding for further study or careers involving work in areas such as health and social care, personnel, management, prison and probation services. Educational psychology and criminal psychology are two areas of specialisation which relate specifically to the A2 content.
