Psychology

Course summary

Paper 1: Introductory Topics in Psychology: Social Influence Research into conformity and obedience. Why do people follow others? decide to resist the influence of others? How can a minority change the views of the majority? Memory: Short- and long-term memory. Why do we forget? Attachment: The development of bonds between a primary caregiver and a child, and the effects of deprivation. Psychopathology: What is abnormality, what causes it and how can we treat it? The disorders discussed are phobias, depression and OCD. Paper 2: Psychology in Context: Approaches in Psychology There are 5 main approaches to investigating behaviour; Behaviourism, Cognitive, Biological, Psychodynamic and Humanist. Biopsychology: The nervous system, in particular how the brain works. Research Methods: The methods used by psychologists to design research, collect and analyse data. Paper 3: Issues and Options in Psychology: Options in Psychology: Relationships, Forensic Psychology and Stress. Issues and Debates: The key debates include the discussion of Ethics, Nature vs Nurture, Reductionism and Determinism.