Overview

You will learn about the historical developments that led to psychology becoming an independent field of study. You will explore several historical approaches that attempted to define the way that we view the mind and brain, and learn about some of the problems associated with them.

You will then explore some modern day topics – such as the origins of anti-social behaviour, and whether these are learned from our environment or are something we are born with; and what different types of memory we have, and whether our memory is as good as we think it is. You will explore the biological components of the brain, and what might happen when those areas are damaged. Finally, you will look into theories of how our minds develop throughout our childhood.

Students are introduced to the historical approaches in Psychology: - Structuralism - Functionalism - Gestalt - Behaviourism - Psychodynamic / Freudian - Humanistic

Alongside modern approaches: - Cognitive - Social - Biological - Evolutionary - Developmental - Clinical - Forensic

Social Psychology: the main focus is on anti-social behaviour, especially aggression. - Social Learning Theory - Relative deprivation - Environmental stressors - Media influences being the most thorough review

Cognitive Psychology: the main focus is on human memory - Nature and structure of memory - Memory capacity, duration and encoding - Short and Long Term memory - Multi-Store Model - Working Memory Model, - Conscious (episodic/semantic) and unconscious (priming/procedural) Memory - Reconstructive memory and eye witness testimony.

Biological Psychology: the main focus is on learning structures: - Lobes - Lateralization - Neurons - Language Processing (Wernicke & Broca's Areas) - Language Deficits (Aphasia)

Developmental Psychology: the main focus is on Cognitive Development: - Piaget - Vygotsky

Students consider methods commonly used in undertaking research in Psychology and the ethical questions these raise.

Assessment Strategy

Threshold (40-49% / D- to D+) Has shown knowledge of key areas and principles but there is a weakness in understanding the subject area. Work shows limited evidence of background study and research. Answer is only poorly focussed on question and with some irrelevant material and poor structure. Some arguments are presented but lack coherence.

Satisfactory (50–59% / C- to C+) Has shown knowledge of the key areas and principles and the main elements of the subject area are understood. Work shows limited evidence of background study and research. Answer is focussed on question but also with some irrelevant material and weakness in structure. Arguments are presented but lack coherence.

Good (60-69% / B- to B+) Has shown a strong knowledge and understands most of the subject area. Work shows evidence of background study and research. Answer is focussed, has a good structure, and contains coherent arguments.

Excellent (70%-100% + / A- to A*) Has shown a comprehensive knowledge and detailed understanding of the subject area. Work shows extensive background study and research. Answer is highly focussed, well-structured and contains logically presented and defended arguments.

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the main theoretical approaches to the study of Psychology and of the subject’s development over time

• Discuss modern fields of psychology such as Social, Cognitive, and Developmental Psychology

• Explain how studies within Psychology can be applied to the resolution of problems for individuals or society