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PSYCHOLOGY

OVERVIEW

Psychology is the science of mind and behaviour.  It is the scientific study of how people (and sometimes animals) behave and how their minds work.

Psychologists try to step away from themselves, from their own humanity, and examine without bias what it means to be human. Just as marine biologists attempt to study and understand marine life, so too do psychologists attempt to study and understand humans. This is one of the reasons that psychology is so popular. After all, who doesn’t like to learn about themselves?

Psychologists use the same methods as other scientists.  They aim to find out about human behaviour by conducting research.

To be successful as a psychologist you need to develop three types of thinking:

  1. Critical thinking – looking for strengths and weaknesses, particularly in studies and theories
  2. Creative thinking – designing studies and coming up with your own explanations for psychological phenomena
  3. Practical thinking – applying psychological knowledge and ideas to explain real life

MEET THE STAFF

Mrs. C. McAtee

AIMS

  • Support the school’s curriculum, aims and policies.
  • Provide high quality learning and teaching.
  • Stimulate interest in Psychology and enthusiasm in studying it founded in enjoyment of the subject and the way it is taught.
  • Develop an appreciation of the factors that can influence human behaviour.
  • Emphasise the importance of studying human behaviour in a scientific and objective way.
  • Develop the skills needed to analyse, critically evaluate and rigorously conduct psychological research.
  • Provide students with top quality education which will equip them for studying at third level in general and in Psychology in particular.
  • Promote an understanding of the importance of Psychology in society.
  • Equip students with skills which will enhance the opportunities to gain employment.
  • Develop the ability to communicate knowledge and understanding of psychological topics clearly and accurately.
  • Gain fluency and confidence in the use of psychological terminology and methods.
  • Develop an understanding of ethical issues in Psychology, including the ethical implications of psychological research.
  • Develop essential study skills and to achieve maximum success in external examinations.
  • To be self-evaluating and reflective practitioners.

KEY STAGE 5

AS / A Level Psychology

Psychology subject description at AS / A Level.

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