Psychology

Course summary

Psychology is everywhere. In a sense, we are all amateur psychologists. However, studying Psychology at A Level is about setting aside our intuitions and using the objective tools of science to discover how the mind really works. It is concerned with all aspects of behaviour (normal and abnormal) and the thoughts, feelings and motivations underlying such behaviour. If you are interested in the workings of the brain, group behaviour, child development, relationships and psychological disorders such as schizophrenia, this is for you. The course also looks at how Psychology is applied in wider settings such as mental health, counselling and the importance of memory in the court of law. The broad specification covers a wide range of topics such as the workings of the brain, how early attachments affect future relationships and implications of psychological disorders. Psychology crosses the division between the sciences, arts and humanities and therefore can complement and enhance the study of all other subjects. Studying Psychology gives the student an in-depth understanding of how the mind works including the influence of neurotransmitters and hormones on human behaviour. Studying Psychology uses research methods to both analyse and explain behaviours. Big claims are made in Psychology and it is our job to weigh up such claims: in this you will become expert.