3.1 Cognition and behaviour

Students will be expected to:
  • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological ideas, processes, procedures and theories in relation to the specified Paper 1 content
  • apply psychological knowledge and understanding of the specified Paper 1 content in a range of contexts
  • analyse and evaluate psychological ideas, information, processes and procedures in relation to the specified Paper 1 content and make judgements, draw conclusions and produce developments or refinements of psychological procedures based on their reasoning and synthesis of skills
  • evaluate therapies and treatments including in terms of their appropriateness and effectiveness
  • show how psychological knowledge and ideas change over time and how these inform our understanding of behaviour
  • demonstrate the contribution of psychology to an understanding of individual, social and cultural diversity
  • develop an understanding of the interrelationships between the core areas of psychology
  • show how the studies for topics relate to the associated theory.
Knowledge and understanding of research methods (see Research methods ), practical research skills and mathematical skills (see Appendix A: mathematical requirements ) will be assessed across all topic areas in Paper 1. These skills should be developed by studying the specification content and through ethical, practical research activities, involving:
  • designing research
  • conducting research
  • analysing and interpreting data.

By carrying out practical research activities, students will manage associated risks and use information and communication technology (ICT).

3.1.1 Memory

3.1.2 Perception

3.1.3 Development

3.1.4 Research methods

3.1.4.1 Data handling