Psychology

Psychology

Introduction

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and human behaviour. Psychologists observe and conduct experiments to find out more about the way people act and interact. They try to understand what motivates, challenges or changes us and use this understanding to help us tackle personal and social problems.

Aims

The aims of the course is to engage students as they explore human behaviour and: • Develop an understanding of themselves and others • Develop knowledge and understanding of core areas of psychology: biological, social, cognitive, developmental and individual differences • Understand the methodologies and the basis of how psychology works • Develop an understanding of the contribution of psychology to individual, social and cultural diversity • Gain hands-on experience of carrying out ethical, investigative activities to aid their understanding

Content overview

Section A: Compulsory topics • Development – How did you develop? • Memory – How does your memory work? • Mental disorders – How would psychological problems affect you? • The brain and neuropsychology – How does your brain affect you? • Social influence – How do others affect you?

Section B: Options • Sleep and dreaming – Why do you need to sleep and dream? • Criminal psychology – Why do people become criminals?

Section C: Research methods

Scheme of Assessment

Paper 1: Compulsory topics. Written paper [1 hour 45 min – 55%]

The topics in Section A are examined in this paper. The paper consists of multiple-choice, short-open and extended-open questions.

Paper 2: Options. Written paper [1 hour 20 min – 45%]

The topics on Section B and C are examined in this paper. The paper consists of calculations, multiple-choice, short-open and extended-open questions.

There is no coursework requirement. There are no different tiers of entry. This GCSE qualification will be graded on a nine-grade scale from 9 to 1.

Suitability

The good news is that this will be a new subject for you so you will not have to have any prior knowledge of psychology. Psychology is the study of mind and behaviour and, through your own experiences, you will already have an understanding of how individuals and groups function.

Successfully completion of this course will be an advantage for students who choose to study Psychology in the sixth form, although it is not a requirement.

Link to the specification: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-gcses/psychology-2017.html