Psychology

Assessment

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology 2 hours written exam 33.3% of the A level, 96 marks Social Influence – exploring what research has shown us about whether people conform and obey and what makes them do this; explaining why some people don’t conform and in what situations people don’t obey. Memory – studying the models of memory that have been suggested by psychologists; investigating why we forget; applying our knowledge to eyewitness testimony and its accuracy. Attachment – reflecting on the relationship between babies and their caregivers, in particular their mothers; explaining why attachments are necessary and how they form. Psychopathology- a consideration of how abnormality is defined, and how different perspectives explain and treat disorders, including phobias, depression and OCD Paper 2: Psychology in Context 2 hours written exam, 33.3% of the A level, 96 marks Approaches in Psychology – comparing and contrasting the different views found in psychology, for example biological psychologists, vs humanist psychologists, vs cognitive psychologists. Biopsychology – Identifying key features of the human body, such as the central nervous system and the endocrine system, as well as looking at the fundamental structures of the brain; understanding how our physiology is of importance in psychology. Research Methods ­– learning how psychologists conduct research and carrying out practical research of our own. Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology 2 hour written exam, 33.3% of full A-level, 96 marks Issues and Debates in Psychology ­– developing an understanding of the key issues and debates in psychology, such as the nature-nurture debate, culture bias, and gender bias. One from: Relationships; Gender; Cognition and Development – At Loxford we have chosen ‘gender’’ where we will consider the gender spectrum, stereotyping, and the different influences on gender development One from: Schizophrenia; Eating Behaviour; Stress. At Loxford we have chosen ‘schizophrenia’, where we will investigate the nature of schizophrenia, as well as comparing possible explanations and treatments. One from: Aggression; Forensic Psychology: Addiction. At Loxford we have chosen ‘forensic psychology’, where we will learn about ways in which crime is measured, factors that lead to criminal behavior, and rehabilitation and recidivism.