Psychology A level - AQA 7181; 7182
This is one of the new Linear A levels
Subject content
Compulsory topics
1 Social influence – Types of conformity; Obedience to authority; minority influence.
2 Memory – Models of memory; Forgetting; Eye witness testimony – how reliable is it and can it be improved?
3 Attachment - Explanations of attachment; Influence of attachment on development
4 Psychopathology- Definitions of abnormality; phobias and their treatment; Depression, OCD and CBT
5 Approaches in Psychology – Outline and comparison of the 5 main approaches in Psychology; Learning
approach; Cognitive approach; Biological approach; Psychodynamic approach; Humanist approach
6 Biopsychology – Nervous system; Endocrine system; fight or flight; study of the brain; Biological rhythms
7 Research methods – Experiments; Self reports; Observation; Correlation; Content analysis; Case studies; The
Scientific process; Data handling and analysis; Inferential testing
8 Issues and debates in psychology – free will/determinism; nature/nurture/; holism/ reductionism; ethics;
gender and cultural bias
Options: The exact optional topics we study may change from year to year but we intend to study the following
9. Relationships – Evolutionary theory of selection; theories of attraction; virtual relationships
10. Schizophrenia – Biological and psychological explanations of schizophrenia; treatments including drugs, CBT
and social interaction
11. Forensic Psychology – Explanations of crime; Dealing with crime; Offender profiling
Assessment procedures
Optional content 9. 10
and 11 above
Qualities and skills essential for studying Psychology
To be a successful psychology student you need to have an interest in human interaction and behaviour. The course
requires both mathematical and literacy skills as well as biological approaches. You will need to have strong
independent skills and as the subject is quite heavy on content and so an ability to learn and use facts is also
essential.
Entrance requirements
To study Psychology at A level you need to have a grade B in English and Maths. We will also consider your grade in
science.
What can I do after I study Psychology?
A level psychology is a valuable qualification for any career that involves understanding why individuals may act in
certain ways in certain situations. It is therefore useful for careers such as occupational psychology, educational
psychologist, clinical psychologist as well as professions such as social work, teaching and health care.
Additional information
If you need any more information please see Miss Douglas (Head of Department) or Miss Taylor and Mr Jarvis.