Psychology

These revision sessions are particularly recommended for students following the EDEXCEL specification, although individual topics will also be relevant to those following the AQA specification. The structure of the course is as follows:

Topic 1 (AS) – Cognitive Psychology:  Research Methods, Models of memory, Theories of forgetting, Classical and Contemporary studies, Key Issue and Practical

Topic 2 (AS) – Social Psychology:  Research Methods, Milgram & his Variations, Agency theory, Social Impact Theory, Social Identity Theory, Realistic conflict Theory, Classical and Contemporary studies, Key Issue and Practical

Topic 3 (AS) – Biological Psychology:  Research Methods, Central Nervous System, Effects of Drugs, Brain Structure, Evolution, Aggression, Hormones, Classical and Contemporary studies, Key Issue and Practical

Topic 4 (AS) – Learning approach: Research Methods, Classical & Operant Conditioning, Social  Learning  Theory,  Bandura,  Phobias  &  Treatments,  Classical  and  Contemporary studies, Key Issue and Practical

Topic 5 (AS) –Issues & Debates: Synoptic paper for topics 1-4. Only required for students continuing with Psychology onto year 2.

Topic   6   (A2)   –   Research   Methods:   Laboratory,   Field   and   Natural   experiments, Observations, Case studies, Cross cultural and Longitudinal studies,  twin studies and interviews.

Topic 7 (A2) – Criminal Psychology: Explanations of criminal behaviour, treatments, cases.

Topic 8 (A2) – Child Psychology:  Explanations of attachment; types of attachment; cultural variations; effects of disruption of attachment; day care.

Topic 9 (A2) – Clinical Psychology: Clinical characteristics, diagnosis, explanations and treatment for schizophrenia, depression or anxiety disorders.

Topic 10 (A2) – Issues & Debates: Synoptic paper