Length: Full Year

Recommended background: Successful completion of at least one semester of Stage 1 Psychology

Content:

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 Stage 2 course includes the following topics:

• Psychology of the Individual (personality)
• Psychological Health and Wellbeing
• Social Influence
• Organisational Psychology
• Learning

‘Science Inquiry Skills’ are also integrated throughout the course, to further students’ skills in ethical research methods by undertaking, designing and evaluating guided investigations.

This course leads to a potential university pathway (via an ATAR).

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.

School-based assessment:

• Assessment Type 1: Investigations Folio (30%) – Deconstruct and Design Investigation, ‘Science as a Human Endeavour’ Investigation
• Assessment Type 2: Skills and Applications Tasks (40%) – two assignments, one test

External assessment:

• Assessment Type 3: Examination (30%) – Three specific topics are assessed in the exam: Social Influence, Learning, Science Inquiry Skills