Introduction and useful information... Page 2. Expectations... Page 3. Specification & Exam structure... Page 4, 5. Timeline for lessons...

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1 1 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide Contents Introduction and useful information Page 2 Expectations Page 3 Specification & Exam structure Page 4, 5 Timeline for lessons Page 6 Progress Plans Page 7-19 Further Reading List Page 20 1

2 2 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide Welcome to AS Psychology This year you will be studying a variety of areas in psychology. There is no coursework and you will have 2 examinations in the summer. Throughout the year you will have end of topic tests which are based on past paper questions. These will be used to assess your progress and inform regular target setting. Your progress will tracked continuously and will be reviewed in October, December and February based on homework, classwork, test grades and general effort. If you are considered to be underperforming then appropriate steps will be taken to identify and address any issues. The exam board is: AQA Psychology Further information including past papers and mark schemes can be found at: You will be issued with our course text book as an e-book: AQA Psychology for A-level Year 1 & AS by Flanagan, Berry, Jarvis & Liddle. There are paper copies of this book in the library. Username: Password: SMILLHILLCHS STUDENT This course guide contains a lot of important information. You must keep it in your folders. Psychology is a fascinating subject and we hope that you enjoy studying it. Miss Whitten Psychology Head of Department 2

3 3 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide Expectations The psychology department expects excellent, mature and respectful behaviour during lessons. Your classwork and homework must always show good effort and be completed to the best of your abilities You must keep an organised folder of your work and bring it to every lesson. If you are absent you must contact your teacher to find out what you have missed and what is required of you to catch up. Mobile phones must be on silent and out of sight during lessons. Letters will be sent home if your behaviour, effort or attitude is preventing your progress or the progress of other students. Remember... it is your A-level and your future 3

4 4 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide Specification & Exam Structure Specification & Exam Structure Specification at a glance 2.2 A-level Subject content Compulsory content 1 Social influence - Year 12 2 Memory - Year 12 3 Attachment - Year 12 4 Psychopathology - Year 12 5 Approaches in psychology - Year 12 6 Biopsychology - Year 12 and Year 13 7 Research methods - Year 12 and Year 13 8 Issues and debates in psychology Year 13 Optional Option 1 9 Relationships Year 13 Option 2 12 Schizophrenia Year 13 Option 3 15 Aggression Year 13 4

5 5 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide Assessments 5

6 6 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide A level Year 1 Psychology Course Outline Timetable AWN JWT September week 2 Lesson 1. Introduction and folders etc Introduction and folders etc Lesson 2-15 (approx. 13 lessons) HALF TERM October October Lesson 1-14 Approaches Research methods: data Attachments Research Methods: Methods of research Scientific processes Social Influence Up to and including resistance Christmas Holidays Week 1-3 Finish Attachments Social influence: Minority influence Social change Week 4-6 Psychopathology Memory Half Term February Week 1-5 (approximately 10 Psychopathology Memory lessons) Easter Holidays Week 1-4 Revision Revision Mr Reynolds will also be teaching your lessons once every 2 weeks. He will be focussing on research methods exam question practice. There will be mock examinations mid-way in the second term after the Christmas Holidays. 6

7 7 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide MHCHS Progress Planner PSYCHOLOGY A-level (AQA, Paper 1) Introductory Topics in Psychology Memory The knowledge and understanding challenge: How does our memory work? You will be expected to know how the multi-store model of memory and the working memory model explain how our memory works, including the key features of our memory (coding, capacity and duration). Are there different types of memory? You will be expected to explain the different types of long term memory (episodic, semantic and procedural). Why do we forget? You will be expected to explain different explanations of forgetting (proactive and retroactive interference and retrieval failure due to the absence of cues). Are eyewitness testimonies accurate? You will be expected to outline and evaluate research into different factors that can impact the accuracy of eyewitness testimonies (misleading information including leading questions and post event discussion and anxiety). How can the accuracy of eyewitness testimonies be improved? You will be expected to use research to explain how the accuracy of eyewitness testimonies can be improved including describing and evaluating the use of cognitive interviews. Can you apply all of the above to a novel scenario? 7

8 8 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide MHCHS Progress Planner PSYCHOLOGY A-level (AQA, Paper 1) Introductory Topics in Psychology Attachment The knowledge and understanding challenge: What is an attachment and why do we form attachments? You will be expected to explain caregiver-infant interactions in humans including reciprocity and interactional synchrony. Are there stages to forming an attachment? You will be expected to describe the stages of development identified by Schaffer and research into this area including Schaffer & Emerson s study. You will also be required to evaluate the strengths and limitations of the theory and research. Can we have more than one attachment? What about dad? You will expected to explain multiple attachments and the role of the father. Do animals form attachments in the same way as humans? Can animals tell us anything about human attachments? You will be expected to describe animal studies of attachment including Lorenz and Harlow. You must be able to consider the strengths and limitations of this animal research including issues of generalising to humans. How do you get attached? You will be expected to outline and evaluate how learning theory believes attachments are formed. Are we designed to naturally form attachments? You will be expected to describe and evaluate Bowlby s (evolutionary) explanation of attachment including the concepts of a critical period and an internal working model. Is there just one type of attachment and how can we investigate them? You will be expected to describe how Ainsworth s Strange Situation is used to investigate attachments and consider its strengths and limitations. You will be expected to explain three different types of attachment: secure, insecure-avoidant and insecure-resistant. Do all cultures have the same attachments? You will be expected to outline and evaluate research into cultural variations in attachment including Van Ijzendoorn. What happens if you are deprived an attachment with your mother? You will be expected to describe and evaluate Bowlby s theory of maternal deprivation. What can Romanian orphan studies tell us about attachments? You will be expected to use Romanian Orphan studies and other institutions to explain and evaluate the effects of institutionalisation on attachments. Do your childhood experiences effect your adult relationships? You will be expected to outline and evaluate the influence of early attachment on childhood and adult relationships, including the role of an internal working model. 8

9 9 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide Can you apply all of the above to a novel scenario? MHCHS Progress Planner PSYCHOLOGY A-level (AQA, Paper 1) Introductory Topics in Psychology Social Influence The knowledge and understanding challenge: What is conformity? You will be expected to outline and explain research support for the three types of conformity: internalisation, identification and compliance. Why do we conform? You will be expected to outline and evaluate informational social influence and normative social influence as explanations for conformity. Do we always conform? What might affect our likelihood of conforming? You will be expected to outline and evaluate research into the variables affecting conformity including group size, unanimity and task difficulty as investigated by Asch. Can our stereotypes influence our behaviour? You will be expected to describe and evaluate Zimbardo s research into social roles. Why do we do as we are told? You will be expected to outline and evaluate explanations for obedience: agentic state and legitimacy of authority. Why don t we always do as we are told? You will be expected to describe and evaluate how situational variables affect obedience including proximity, location and uniform, as investigated by Milgram. Are some people more obedient than others? You will be expected to describe and evaluate the dispositional explanation for obedience: the authoritarian personality. What makes it easier to resist social influence? You will be expected to describe and evaluate explanations for resistance to social influence, including social support and locus of control. Can one person change the world? You will be expected to explain and evaluate minority influence, including reference to consistency, commitment and flexibility and the role of social influence processes in social change. Can you apply all of the above to a novel scenario? 9

10 10 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide MHCHS Progress Planner PSYCHOLOGY A-level (AQA, Paper 1) Psychology in Context Psychopathology The knowledge and understanding challenge: What is normal? You will be expected to explain and evaluate definitions of abnormality: deviations from social norms, failure to function adequately and deviation from ideal mental health. How do you know someone has a phobia? You will be expected to describe and evaluate the behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of phobias. How do you know someone has depression? You will be expected to describe and evaluate the behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of depression. How do you know someone has OCD? You will be expected to describe and evaluate the behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). How does the behavioural approach explain and treat phobias? You will be expected to describe and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining and treating phobias: the two-process model, including classical and operant conditioning; systematic desensitisation, including relaxation and use of hierarchy; flooding. How does the cognitive approach explain and treat depression? You will be expected to describe and evaluate the cognitive approach to explaining and treating depression: Beck s negative triad and Ellis s ABC model; cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), including challenging irrational thoughts. How does the biological approach explain and treat OCD? You will be expected to describe and evaluate the biological approach to explaining and treating OCD: genetic and neural explanations; drug therapy. Can you apply all of the above to a novel scenario? 10

11 11 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide MHCHS Progress Planner PSYCHOLOGY A-level (AQA, Paper 2) Psychology in Context Approaches The knowledge and understanding challenge: Who was the first psychologist? You will be expected to explain the origins of psychology including Wundt and introspection. Is psychology a science? You will be expected to build on your knowledge of the origins of psychology and introspection to explain the emergence of psychology as a science. Do all psychologists think the same things? You will be expected to outline the learning, cognitive and biological approaches and consider the evaluations (strengths and weaknesses) of the approaches. Specifically you will be expected to be able to discuss: Learning approach Behaviourist approach including classical conditioning, Pavlov s research, operant conditioning, types of reinforcement and Skinner s research. Social learning theory including imitation, identification, modelling, vicarious reinforcement, the role of mediational influences and Bandura s research. Cognitive approach The study of internal mental processes The role of schema The use of theoretical and computer models to explain and make inferences about mental processes The emergence of cognitive neuroscience Biological approach The influence of genes, biological structures and neurochemistry on behaviour Genotype and phenotype, genetic basis of behaviour, evolution and behaviour Psychodynamic approach The role of the unconscious The structure of personality, that is ID, ego and superego, defence mechanisms including repression, denial and displacement, psychosexual stages Humanistic psychology Free-will, self-actualisation and Maslow s hierarchy of needs, focus on the self, congruence, the role of conditions of worth The influence on counselling psychology Can I compare these approaches? 11

12 12 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide MHCHS Progress Planner PSYCHOLOGY A-level (AQA, Paper 2) Psychology in Context Biopsychology The knowledge and understanding challenge: Can something which does not touch you change your body s physical processes? You will be expected to describe the divisions of the nervous system: central and peripheral (somatic and autonomic), the structure and function of sensory, relay and motor neurones, the process of synaptic transmission, including reference to neurotransmitters, excitation and inhibition, the function of the endocrine system: glands and hormones, the fight or flight response including the role of adrenaline. Do sections of the brain each have their own jobs? You will be expected to outline localisation of function in the brain: motor, somatosensory, visual, auditory and language centres; Broca s and Wernicke s areas. Is one side of your brain more dominant than the other? You will be expected to explain hemispheric lateralisation and split brain research. Can your brain change and mend itself? You will be expected to explain plasticity and the functional recovery of the brain after trauma. How is the brain studied? You will be expected to explain ways of studying the brain: scanning techniques, including functional magnetic resonance imaging (fmri); electroencephalogram (EEGs) and event-related potentials (ERPs); post-mortem examinations. How does your body know what to do and when to do it? You will be expected to explain biological rhythms: circadian, infradian and ultradian and the difference between these rhythms. Why do we sleep at night? You will be expected to explain the effect of endogenous pacemakers and exogenous zeitgebers on the sleep/wake cycle. Can you apply all of the above to a novel scenario? 12

13 13 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide MHCHS Progress Planner PSYCHOLOGY A-level (AQA, Paper 2) Psychology in Context Research Methods The knowledge and understanding challenge: How do psychologists find things out? You will be expected to describe and evaluate (strengths and limitations) of: Experimental method. Types of experiment, laboratory and field experiments; natural and quasi experiments. Observational techniques. Types of observation: naturalistic and controlled observation; covert and overt observation; participant and non-participant observation Self-report techniques. Questionnaires; interviews, structured and unstructured Correlations. Analysis of the relationship between co-variables. The difference between correlations and experiments Content analysis Case studies What does the scientific process involve? You will be expected to outline and apply: Aims: stating aims, the difference between aims and hypotheses Hypotheses: directional and non-directional Sampling: the difference between population and sample; sampling techniques including: random, systematic, stratified, opportunity and volunteer; implications of sampling techniques, including bias and generalisation Pilot studies and the aims of piloting Experimental designs: repeated measures, independent groups, matched pairs Observational design: behavioural categories; event sampling; time sampling Questionnaire construction, including use of open and closed questions; design of interviews Variables: manipulation and control of variables, including independent, dependent, extraneous, confounding; operationalisation of variables Control: random allocation and counterbalancing, randomisation and standardisation. Demand characteristics and investigator effects Ethics, including the role of the British Psychological Society s code of ethics; ethical issues in the design and conduct of psychological studies; dealing with ethical issues in research The role of peer review in the scientific process The implications of psychological research for the economy Reliability across all methods of investigation. Ways of assessing reliability: test-retest and inter observer; improving reliability Types of validity across all methods of investigation: face validity, concurrent validity, ecological validity and temporal validity. Assessment of validity. Improving validity Features of science: objectivity and the empirical method; replicability and falsifiability; theory construction and hypothesis testing; paradigms and paradigm shifts Reporting psychological investigations. Sections of a scientific report: abstract, introduction, method, results, discussion and referencing 13

14 14 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide Is there just one type of data and how can we analyse the different types? You will be expected to identify and apply the different types of data and analysis and consider their strengths and limitations: Quantitative and qualitative data; the distinction between qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques Primary and secondary data, including meta-analysis Descriptive statistics: measures of central tendency mean, median, mode; calculation of mean, median and mode; measures of dispersion; range and standard deviation; calculation of range; calculation of percentages; positive, negative and zero correlations Presentation and display of quantitative data: graphs, tables, scattergrams, bar charts, histograms Distributions: normal and skewed distributions; characteristics of normal and skewed distributions Analysis and interpretation of correlation, including correlation coefficients Levels of measurement: nominal, ordinal and interval Content analysis and coding. Thematic analysis How do psychologists decide whether to accept or reject their hypotheses? You will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of inferential testing and be familiar with the use of inferential tests: Introduction to statistical testing; the sign test Probability and significance: use of statistical tables and critical values in interpretation of significance; Type I and Type II errors Factors affecting the choice of statistical test, including level of measurement and experimental design. When to use the following tests: Spearman s rho, Pearson s r, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, related t-test, unrelated t-test and Chi-Squared test Can you apply all of the above to a novel scenario? Areas highlighted in grey will be taught in Year 13 14

15 15 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide MHCHS Progress Planner PSYCHOLOGY A-level (AQA, Papers 1, 2 & 3) Introductory Topics in Psychology, Psychology in Context & Issues and options in psychology The skills challenge: You will develop your ability to show your understanding of psychology through three key skill areas: AO1 Description of psychological knowledge Can I recall the psychological knowledge? AO2 Application of psychological knowledge Can I use the psychological knowledge to explain a given scenario? AO3 Evaluation of psychological knowledge Can I consider the value of the psychological knowledge? The skills will be assessed at A-level with examination questions ranging from 1 to 16 marks. How will you be assessed? How will I find out what you can do already? Your ALIS data will be used to set progress targets. Lessons and homework will draw on prior knowledge and skills. You will practice exam questions in lessons and apply your knowledge to scenarios. How will I help you to consolidate old and develop new skills? You will receive individual written feedback and whole class feedback for every written question you produce and make the necessary improvements in class. You will receive written and verbal feedback on classwork as appropriate to the task and make necessary improvements in class. You will do at least 2 of each type of exam question during the course depending on your needs. These will be completed in class or for homework depending where appropriate. You will complete one assessed written homework per topic. How will I know what progress you have made? You will have a test using examination questions at the end of each topic. You will complete one assessed written homework per topic You will complete a full mock in exam conditions at the end of the unit. 15

16 16 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide To achieve mastery: You can recall, apply and evaluate psychological knowledge clearly and accurately. You can make relevant points and develop them with clearly explained psychological knowledge which are contextualised effectively where relevant You will be able to apply your psychological knowledge effectively by outlining a concept and linking it to the context. You can write clearly structured PEE paragraphs using detailed knowledge to answer 16 mark examination questions You spell and use grammar and punctuation with considerable accuracy Question Styles: 1. Multiple Choice Questions (1 mark) 2. Short-answer questions such questions may require description, application and/or evaluation. These questions are worth 8 marks or less. 3. Longer essay questions - such questions may require description and evaluation and possibly also application. These questions are worth marks. AO1 Mark scheme outline, describe, explain, identify, name, state... AO1 questions can vary in length from 1 to 6 marks. The descriptors at each level follow the pattern shown below: level Marks Description Knowledge is accurate and detailed. The answer is clear, organised and coherent Specialist terminology is used effectively (correct and accurate) Knowledge is evident and focused on the specific wording of the question There are a few inaccuracies Mostly clear, organised and coherent Some appropriate use of specialist terminology Knowledge is limited and lacks detail. Answer is unclear, inaccurate and disorganised in places No specialist terminology or it is used incorrectly 0 No relevant information You do not have to fulfil all the criteria in a particular level. It is the level that best describes the answer. 16

17 17 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide AO2 mark scheme AO2 questions can vary in length from 1 to 6 marks. The descriptors at each level follow the pattern shown below: level Marks Description Knowledge related to the scenario is clear and generally well detailed Application to the scenario is mostly clear and effective The answer is clear, organised and coherent Specialist terminology is used appropriately Knowledge is evident There is some effective application of the knowledge to the scenario Lacks clarity in places Some appropriate use of terminology Knowledge is limited. No application to the scenario or it is inappropriate Answer lacks clarity and has inaccuracies No terminology or it is inappropriate 0 No relevant information AO3 Mark scheme analyse, evaluate, discuss (describe & evaluate), justify, comment on, compare... AO3 questions can vary in length from 1 to 6 marks. The descriptors at each level follow the pattern shown below: 4 mark AO3 question Level Marks Description Evaluation is relevant, well explained and focused on the specific question rather than just being a general criticism The answer is coherent with effective use of specialist terminology (in other words the specialist terms work!) Evaluation is relevant but there is limited explanation and/or limited focus Specialist terminology is not always used appropriately Award 1 mark for answers consisting of a single point briefly stated or muddled 0 No relevant content 17

18 18 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide 6 mark AO3 question level Marks Description Evaluation is clear and effective (in other words the evaluations work!) Answer is clear and coherent Effective use of specialist terminology Evaluation is mostly effective Answer is mostly clear and coherent Some appropriate use of specialist terminology Lacks detail/explanation. Answer lacks clarity, has inaccuracies and is disorganised in places. No specialist terminology or used inappropriately 0 No relevant information Mark scheme used for A-level essay questions 18

19 19 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide In a 16 mark essay question there are 6 marks AO1 and 10 marks AO3 (the AO3 may also include AO2 marks) level Marks Description Knowledge is accurate and generally well detailed Evaluation is thorough and effective (in other words the evaluations work!) Answer is mostly clear, coherent and focused on the question Specialist terminology is used effectively (in other words the specialist terms work!) Minor detail and/or expansion of argument is sometimes lacking Knowledge is present but lacks focus on the question in places Occasional inaccuracies Evaluation is mostly effective Answer is mostly clear and organised Knowledge is present Specialist terminology is mostly used appropriately Focus is mainly on description Any evaluation is only partly effective Knowledge is limited Answer is unclear, has many inaccuracies and is disorganised in places Specialist terminology is used inappropriately in places Evaluation is limited, poorly focused on the question or absent Answer is unclear, has many inaccuracies and is disorganised No specialist terminology or inappropriately used 0 No relevant information 19

20 20 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide Psychology Super-Curricular The key to success in Psychology is an appreciation that it is not just text on a page but that it is an integral part of life Visits Science museum Look out for exhibitions on Psychology topics. Freud Museum 20 Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SX Universities send out opportunities throughout the year to attend lectures in your own time. I will keep you updated. Reading Journals Psychology Review is an excellent journal that is published for A-level Psychology Students Books There are numerous fascinating books that involve psychology. Psychopathology The Shock of the Fall Nathan Filer About a young man with Schizophrenia Henry s Demons: Living with Schizophrenia Patrick and Henry Cockburn A dad s account of son s mental illness An Unquiet Mind Kay Jamison Account of Bipolar Disorder by an academic who is bipolar Sectioned: a life interrupted John O Donahue Story of a 16 year-old who was given ECT for manic depression The Rosie Project Graeme Simsion Fiction story of a man with Autism The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time Mark Haddon Mystery novel narrated by a young boy who has Asperger s Syndrome 20

21 21 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide I m Eve Chris Sizemore Account of Multiple Personality Disorder/Dissociative Identity Disorder Electroboy: A Memoir of Mania Andy Berhman ECT and Bipolar Brain on Fire Sussanah Cahalan True story of a journalist who wakes up in hospital with no recollection of anything Addiction Go Ask Alice Anonymous True life story showing the devastating effect of drug abuse Forensic Psychology Jigsaw man Paul Britton First-hand account by this forensic psychologist of some of the most famous murders in the UK including Jamie Bulger, Rachel Nickell Picking up the pieces Paul Britton Forensic psychologist who introduces the psychological and forensic principles that he uses to get inside the deepest recesses of criminal minds Attachment Genie Russ Rymer An account of Genie s emergence from her tragic childhood strapped to a potty chair Memory Dominic O'Brien- How to Develop a Perfect Memory Frances Yates- The Art of Memory Kenneth Higbee- Your Memory Social Psychology The Lucifer Effect Phillip Zimbardo How good people turn evil Schindler s List - Thomas Keneally George Orwell Stanley Milgram- The Individual in a Social World: Essays and Experiments Nature Vs Nurture We Need to Talk About Kevin Lionel Shriver Does a mother s dislike of her own son send him off the rail so that he kills his classmates? 21

22 22 A Level Year 1 Psychology Course Guide Neuropsychology The Man who Mistook his Wife for a Hat Dr Oliver Sacks Oliver Sacks recounts the stories of patients lost in the bizarre, apparently inescapable world of neurological disorders Research 'Elephants on Acid and other Bizarre Experiments' - Alex Boese Excellent accounts of some of the most important and interesting experiments in psychology including what would happen if an elephant was given the largest single dose of LSD. 'Bad Science' - Ben Goldacre Lifts the lid on quack doctors, flaky statistics, scaremongering journalists and evil pharmaceutical corporations. 'Opening Skinner's Box: Great Psychological Experiments of the Twentieth Century' - Laura Slater Lauren Slater sets out to investigate the twentieth century through a series of ten fascinating, witty and sometimes shocking accounts of its key psychological experiments. Websites There is a vast range of useful psychology websites and online videos. Below is a sample of what is available: TED Talks AQA BPS (British Psychological Society) BBC documentaries Channel 4 documentaries ctive_search_seeall 22