Aims of the Course
The aims of the A level in Psychology are to enable students to:
- study psychological theories, research, terminology, concepts, studies and methods
- develop skills of analysis, interpretation and evaluation
- develop an understanding of different areas of Psychology, including the core areas of Cognitive, Social, Developmental, Physiological Psychology and Individual Differences and Research Methods
- design and report psychological investigations, and analyse and interpretdata
- develop an understanding of ethical issues in Psychology, including the ethical implications of psychological research
Scheme of Assessment
The Advanced Level examination is in two parts: Advanced Subsidiary (AS) – 50% of the total award and A2 – 50% of the total award. The course is comprised of six modules. The AS will comprise three teaching and learning modules and the A2 will comprise a further three teaching and learning modules. Each module, apart from coursework, is assessed through an exam. One unit is a research project and is assessed by coursework
| AS Level Modules |
|
Unit 1
Comprises 33.33% of the total AS marks and 16.67% of the total A Level marks.
2 structured questions chosen from Cognitive Psychology and Developmental Psychology.
(Candidates must answer one question from each section). |
Unit 2
Comprises 33.33% of the total AS marks and 16.67% of the total A Level marks.
2 structured questions chosen from Physiological Psychology and Individual Differences.
(Candidates must answer one question from each section). |
Unit 3
Comprises 33.33% of the total AS marks and 16.67% of the total A Level marks.
1 structured question chosen from Social Psychology. 1 short answer question on Research Methods. |
| 1hr Written Examination |
1hr Written Examination |
1hr Written Examination |
| A2 Level Modules |
|
Unit 4
Comprises 15% of the total A2 Level marks.
3 essays: 1 essay chosen from 3 in each of:
- Social Psychology
- Physiological Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Development Psychology
- Comparative Psychology
(no more than two questions from each section |
Unit 5
Comprises 20% of the total A2 Level marks (20% synoptic)
Individual Differences: 1 essay chosen from 3.
Perspectives: Issues & debates, 1 essay chosen from 4.
Approaches: 1 structured question chosen from 2. |
Unit 6
Coursework 15% of the total A2 Level marks.
1 report of an investigation, 2000 words maximum, centre-assessed and AQA-moderated. |
| 1hr30m Written Examination |
2hr Written Examination |
Written Coursework
2000 words |
|
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