Psychology

AQA Specification 7182

Psychology involves the scientific study of the mind, particularly human behaviour and mental processes. Different theories and related research evidence are studied in areas such as mental health, child development, criminal behaviour, eye-witness testimony and group interaction. You will learn to apply theory to everyday situations and think critically about research. You will also develop an understanding of the origins of psychology, the main approaches that have influenced its development, key issues such as gender bias and ethics in research, and philosophical debates such as nature/nurture. Psychology inspires students to ask questions about their world and understand that there are no easy answers. It is a subject that utilises and develops a wide range of academic skills as well as encouraging greater understanding, empathy and sensitivity in relation to others. Studying the subject at A Level provides an excellent overview into all the main areas of psychological theory and research. The course involves a significant amount of reading and extended writing. There is also a strong science component running through the course as well as some mathematics. Each exam has an equal weighting of 33.3% of the A Level. All papers contain a range of questions including multiple choice, short answer and essay questions.

Requirements: 7 in English Language and at least one science subject at GCSE, 6 in Mathematics at GCSE

Paper 1 Introductory Topics in Psychology (7183/1) Written exam 2 hours

Paper 2 Psychology in Context (7182/2) Written exam 2 hours

Paper 3 Issues and Options in Psychology (7182/3) Written exam 2 hours Social influence Memory Attachment Psychopathology

Approaches in psychology Biopsychology Research methods

Issues and debates in psychology Option 1: Relationships or Gender or Cognition and Development Option 2: Schizophrenia or Eating Behaviour or Stress Option 3: Aggression or Forensic Psychology or Addiction

Psychology is an exciting subject for me as it offers a way of studying the unique nature of the individual and explores the wonderful world of the mind and brain. Lyla