New GCEs for 2008
GCE Psychology A (2180)
AS outline
At AS, candidates will develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the core areas of psychology (social, cognitive, developmental, biological and individual differences) through a range of topics, chosen for their accessibility and popularity.
The AS specification has 2 units:
Unit 1: Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods
Topic list
- Cognitive psychology, including memory and eyewitness testimony
- Developmental psychology, including early social development, attachment and the effects of day care
- Research methods, in the context of the topic areas.
Assessment
| Written Paper: | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Weighting: | 50% of total AS 25% of total A Level marks |
Structured compulsory questions based on Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods.
Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one 12 mark question requiring extended writing in which QWC will be assessed.
Unit 2: Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences
Topic list
- Biological psychology, including stress, factors affecting stress, coping with stress and managing stress
- Social psychology, including conformity, obedience and independent behaviour
- Individual differences, including definitions of abnormality, approaches and therapies.
Assessment
| Written Paper: | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Weighting: | 50% of total AS 25% of total A Level marks |
Three compulsory structured questions; one based on Biological Psychology content, one based on Social Psychology content and one based on the Individual Differences content.
Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one 12 or more mark question requiring extended writing in which QWC will be assessed.
Key documents
