Psychology

Course summary

Psychology is about asking questions and evaluating our answers. Why do we think, feel and behave the way we do? How should we conduct psychological research that is scientific, ethical, and has practical applications? The emphasis in the course is on teaching pupils practical skills required for conducting research, evaluative skills needed to challenge established findings, and exploring the major theoretical approaches Psychology uses to explain human behaviour. Pupils will use these skills in looking at how Psychology is applied to everyday life. In all tasks we encourage a spirit of independent enquiry and a strong reliance upon scientific method. Psychology carefully and effectively bridges the gap between the sciences and humanities. It requires rigorously collected empirical evidence to be critically analysed in the form of extended answers, building on arguments and current debates.