PSYCHOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY GCSE EXAM BOARD AQA COURSE CODE

PSYCHOLOGY

PSYCHOLOGY GCSE: EXAM BOARD AQA (COURSE CODE 8182) What does an ideal PSYCHOLOGY student look like? In order to study Psychology you will need strong literacy skills. This is because the extended writing questions require you to make clear, structured arguments and be able to support them with experimental evidence, whilst also writing concisely. In addition you will need to have a sound understanding of mathematics. Data analysis is a compulsory theme which runs throughout the course and you will need to feel confident in your ability to interpret results from averages, tables and graphs, in order to draw conclusions about what research is telling you. It is also very important that you have an interest in Science, particularly Biology. A large percentage of the subject’s marks rely on the comprehension of basic scientific principles, such as the understanding of a control, compared with a manipulated variable. Furthermore, many of the topics you will study require you to understand the brain and its components at quite detailed biochemical and structural levels. This means you should have an interest in the anatomy of the brain and its cellular structure, as well as an interest in the human behaviour it controls. Most importantly, while Psychology, ‘the study of human behaviour, is naturally and undoubtedly interesting to most people, the GSCE is demanding and challenging and requires you to commit fully to each topic with equal enthusiasm. Therefore, if you feel you would struggle with, or not enjoy, the skills outlined above, Psychology may not be for you. What does the course entail? Students are expected to draw on knowledge and understanding of the entire course of study to show a deeper understanding of the following topics. Topics of study include; Memory (Cognitive Psychology), Perception (Cognitive Psychology), Development (Developmental Psychology), Research methods, Social influence (Social Psychology), Language, thought and communication, Brain and neuropsychology (Biological Psychology) & Psychological problems. How will students be assessed? Assessment is examined over two papers (End of year 11) and each are 1 hr 45 mins long and worth 100 marks each. Each of the 8 topics you will study, are worth 25 marks. Both exam papers consist of two multiple choice questions, short answer questions and extended answer questions. PAPER 1: 50% Cognition and behaviour: Memory, perception, development and research methods. PAPER 2: 50% Social context and behaviour: Social influence, language, thought and communication, Brain and neuropsychology & Psychological problems. Where can this lead to? The skills gained from studying Psychology GCSE prepare you excellently for many Sixth form subjects and post school options. There are limitless career opportunities that studying Psychology can aid with, including; Medicine/Psychiatry, Clinical/ forensic Psychology, Rehabilitation centres, Business development, Accountancy, Human resources, Occupational therapy, Nursing , Teaching (And more. )