Psychology (Y12-13)
Exam Board AQA (A level)
Subject aims
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behaviour. While you might understand what psychology is, many people are not quite so sure about what psychology does. What purpose does psychology serve? What are its goals?
Psychology Describes Behaviour
One of the first goals of psychology is simply to describe behaviour. Through describing the behaviour of humans and other animals, we are better able to understand it and gain a better perspective on what is considered normal and abnormal.
Psychology Explains Behaviour
As you might imagine, psychologists are also interested in explaining behaviour in addition to merely describing it. Why do people do the things they do? What factors contribute to development, personality, social behaviour, and mental health problems?
Psychology Predicts Behaviour
Not surprisingly, another primary goal of psychology is to make predictions about how we think and act. Once we understand more about what happens and why it happens, we can use that information to make predictions about when, why, and how it might happen again in the future.
Psychology Changes Behaviour
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, psychology strives to change, influence, or control behaviour to make constructive and lasting changes in people’s lives.
Marketers and businesses often use the understanding gained from psychological research to try to influence and persuade buyers to behave in certain ways. For example, they might design advertising campaigns designed to make a message appeal to a target audience. By tailoring their messaging to specifically appeal to a certain type of buyer, those individuals are often more likely to respond.
Curriculum Overview
Y12 | Y13 |
The history of psychology The perspectives of psychology Cognitive, behaviourism, social learning theory Research methods Social influence Attachment Memory and forgetting | Schizophrenia Forensic psychology Child cognitive development Psychodynamic perspective Humanistic perspective Inferential statistics Psychological debates |
Subject Staff
Miss L.A Dudley
Useful links
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/psychology/as-and-a-level/psychology-7181-7182
https://www.simplypsychology.org/
Extra-Curricular
Potential for trip to London’s natural history museum and Jack the ripper tour of Whitechapel murders
Examination booster workshops with Tutor to you, usually held in Manchester.
The Department will consider ideas, thoughts and suggestions if alternative trips can be viable.