PSYCHOLOGY - HIGHER LEVEL

PSYCHOLOGY - HIGHER LEVEL

Aims:

• develop an understanding of the biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors affecting mental processes and behaviour • apply an understanding of the biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors affecting mental processes and behaviour to at least one applied area of study • understand diverse methods of inquiry • understand the importance of ethical practice in psychological research in general and observe ethical practice in their own inquiries • ensure that ethical practices are upheld in all psychological inquiry and discussion • develop an awareness of how psychological research can be applied to address realworld problems and promote positive change.

Course description:

The study of Psychology at Tanglin offers students a fascinating insight into the diverse influences on human behaviour. Students are introduced, through a variety of studies, to the notion of humans as biological systems and how physiological influences such as our brain structure, hormones and inherited characteristics can have a profound influence on our behavior. The course also focuses upon the cognitive influences on human behaviour through the study of processes such as memory and perception. Social influence, that is how the presence and behaviour of one or a few people affect the behaviour and attitudes of another individual, as well as the power of culture in determining behaviour, are also a central focus of the course. Higher level students will study extension material on each of the core topics. For the first option, Higher Level students will study Developmental Psychology which focuses on how we develop an identity, including attachment, gender, social roles and theory of mind. The second option will focus on Abnormal Psychology, the study of mental disorders such as depression and anorexia and how these are diagnosed and treated. This course would suit anyone with a curiosity for learning more about the diversity of factors that influence why we behave as we do.

Requirements:

Although there is no need to have studied Psychology before, an interest in understanding the complexities of human behavior is a must. Detailed background reading of studies, independent research, self-motivation and enthusiasm for discussing topical issues are expectations for study of this subject.

Career Path:

Psychology is useful in a variety of career paths and professions where interactions with others are important. Occupations such as journalism, advertising, law, marketing and nursing all welcome students of Psychology. As well as being invaluable in most professions, the study of Psychology is a useful tool for life as it helps foster analytical thought and an appreciation of what motivates others.

5 TERM OVERVIEW

Core Content: Term 1

• The biological level of analysis/ • Abnormal Psychology

Terms 2

• The cognitive level of analysis/ • Abnormal Psychology

Term 3

• The sociocultural level of analysis/ • Abnormal Psychology

Term 4

• Psychology of Human Relationships • Internal Assessment – students conduct an experimental study • Qualitative research methodology

Term 5

• Psychology of Human Relationships • Qualitative research methodology Option Topics: Developmental Psychology and Abnormal Psychology

Internal Assessment:

20% on one experimental study

External Assessment:

80% Examination • Paper 1: Core material: 3 compulsory short answer questions; one extended response question from a choice of three questions (40%) • Paper 2: Option topic: For each of the two option topics studied, students choose one essay from three titles (20%) • Paper 3: Three compulsory questions on research methods (20%)

Comparison between this course and A-Level

In both courses, the diverse influences on human behavior are investigated through the study of different approaches, studies and research methodologies. There are some differences in the content, options available and mode of assessment as follows:

• The IB course enables students to conduct and write up a piece of coursework which forms part of the final assessment. • In A-Level Evidence of Practice is conducted within the curriculum and write up is in within the written exam. • There is an increased emphasis on cultural influences on behaviour in IB. • The choice of optional subjects differs, with Human Relationships and Abnormal

Psychology being topics for IB. • Assessment for IB incorporates essay-style responses.

Contact for further information:

Ms Stephanie Palmer: stephanie.palmer@tts.edu.sg Ms Rosemary Leusner: rosemary.leusner@tts.edu.sg