Length: Semester
Recommended background: Successful completion of a full year of Year 10 Science
Content:
Stage 1 Psychology can be studied as two independent 10-credit subjects. Either A, B or both can be selected.
Psychology aims to describe and explain universal human experiences, as well as the diversity within populations. It addresses the ways in which behavior, thoughts and feelings can be studied and changed. It also offers ways to advance the wellbeing of individuals, groups and societies.
Psychology is based on evidence gathered as a result of planned investigations following the principles of scientific inquiry. The skills learnt through Psychology are parallel to those learnt in other science subjects: how to be a critical consumer of information; how to identify psychological processes in everyday experiences; how to apply knowledge to real-world situations; how to investigate psychological issues; and how to be an effective communicator. The ethics of research and intervention are also an integral part of psychology.
The topics for Stage 1 Psychology A are:
Science Inquiry Skills (research methods) and ‘Science as a Human Endeavor’ are integrated throughout the course and assessments.
This course leads to Stage 2 Psychology.
Assessment:
Student performance will be determined according to the subject’s Performance Standards as described in the Subject Outline. Grades A to E will be used for reporting purposes.
Skills and Application Tasks (40%): Assignment (Eyewitness Testimonies), Exam
Investigation Folio (60%): Science as a Human Endeavor Research Task (Criminology – Eyewitness Testimonies), Deconstruct and Design Investigation (Music and Memory)