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Psychology A Level Syllabus

The AS Level consists of 6 modules, 4 for each unit, (an additional module on psychological methodology is included in unit 1, which will allow you to assess the studies in the other two parts). The modules are further broken down into clear subject topics. At the end of each topic is a set of key words, which you should be able to define as a revision exercise, as well as activities throughout the text to ensure understanding of important aspects of the topic. Topic coverage may vary in length and difficulty depending on the level of detail and information required. You will need to study the modules in the sequence provided. There are three tutor marked assignments associated with each unit which should be sent to your tutor, as well as an introductory assignment to introduce yourself to your tutor. Like the majority of academic subjects at A level, Psychology has its own distinct set of terms. You will be expected not only to recognise and understand these terms in examination papers, but be able to use them correctly in your answers. Psychology also contains many examples of research and theories, and you will be required to know methodological details and results of many of these. Students are recommended to have a notebook or index cards to develop a file of key words and studies/researchers as you go along in order to help with revision and evaluation skills. This new specification (from September 2008) reflects the changes that the Qualifications Curriculum Authority have implemented to classify psychology as a science. This means that in addition to the psychological subject matter in previous specifications students are now required to study psychological research and methodology as an integral part of the course rather than in isolation. The new format also reduced the number of units to be studied from 6 to 4, with 2 being studied at AS level and 2 at A2.

AS Examinations
Unit 1 PSYA1 Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods = 50% of the total AS marks, 25% of the total A2 marks. Length of exam: 1 hour 30 minutes Structured compulsory questions based on Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods. Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one 12-mark question requiring extended writing in which QWC (quality of written communication) will be assessed. Available January and June.

Unit 2 PSYA2 Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences = 50% of the total AS marks, 25% of the total A2 marks. Examination Length: 1 hour 30 minutes. Three compulsory structured questions: one based on the Biological Psychology content, one based on the Social Psychology content and one based on the Individual Differences content. Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one or more 12-mark questions requiring extended writing in which QWC will be assessed. Available January and June.

A2 Examinations
Unit 3 PSYA3 Topics in Psychology = 25% of the total A Level marks Examination Length: 1 hour 30 minutes Three essay-style questions chosen from eight topics; the following four are available in this course: (c) Relationships (d) Aggression (g) Intelligence and learning (h) Cognition and development QWC will be assessed in each essay. Available January and June. Unit 4 PSYA4 Psychopathology, Psychology in Action and Research Methods = 25% of the total A Level marks. Examination Length: 2 hours Three sections: Psychopathology: One essay-style question on Depression. QWC will be assessed in this essay. Psychology in Action: One question on Addiction Research Methods: One compulsory structured question. Available January and June

Assessment Objectives
All questions are set in order to test a students ability to demonstrate the following assessment objectives. The course has 3 assessment objectives. AO1 - Recognise, recall and show understanding of scientific knowledge, select, organise and communicate relevant information in a variety of forms AO2 - Analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge, apply knowledge and processes to unfamiliar situations, assess the validity, reliability and credibility of scientific information AO3 - Describe ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques and processes, know how to make, record, and communicate valid observations, analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate the methodology and investigative activities in a variety of ways

Weighting of Assessment Objectives in Units


The 3 assessment objectives above are weighted slightly differently with the different units, with emphasis moving from description to analysis, evaluation and practical skills which become increasingly important throughout the course. In Unit 1, AO1, AO2 and AO3 are weighted equally. In Unit 2, AO1 and AO2 are weighted approximately double that of AO3. In Unit 3, AO1 is worth 9/25, AO2 12/25 and AO3 4/25. In Unit 4, AO1 is worth 6/25, AO2 8/25 and AO3 10/25. (Numbers have been rounded). The topics have been arranged for ease of understanding and topic coverage so may be of different length and difficulty. You will need to study them in sequence. The AS course is laid out as follows: Unit 1 Topic 1 Introduction Topic 2 Psychology, psychologists and research methods. Initial assignment. Introduction to Tutor. Investigation design, data, data analysis and preparation. Assignment 1 Section A Topic 3 Memory. Models of memory and memory in everyday life. Assignment 2 Section B Topic 4 Early social development. Attachment. Attachments in everyday life. Assignment 3

Unit 2

Topic 5

Biological psychology. Stress as a bodily response. Everyday stress. Assignment 4

Topic 6

Social Influence and social influence in everyday life. Assignment 5

Topic 7

Psychopathology. Definitions and explanations. Treatment of abnormality. Assignment 6

Topic 8

Preparing for the AS exam.

The A2 course is laid out as follows: Unit 3 Topic 9 Relationships

Topic 10 Agression Assignment 7 Topic 11 Intelligence and learning Assignment 8 Topic 12 Cognition and development Assignment 9 Unit 4 Topic 13 Psychopathology. Depression Assignment 10 Topic 14 Psychology in action. Addiction. Assignment 11 Topic 15 Psychological research and scientific method.

This course covers all the content of the AQA Psychology A course (2180). You can find the full syllabus for this course at www.aqa.org.uk.

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