Specification
Examination Board: The WJEC (The Welsh Joint Examinations Committee)
A level GCE in Psychology
SUMMARY OF ASSESSMENT
This specification is divided into a total of four units, 2 units to gain an AS level and a further 2 units for A level.
AS (2 units)
| PY 1 20% 1 hour 15 minutes Written Paper 60 marks (80 UMS) | |||
| Approaches in Psychology
Candidates answer five compulsory questions based on Approaches in Psychology. |
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| PY 2 30% 1¾ hours Written Paper 90 marks (120 UMS) | |||
| Psychology: Core Studies and Applied Research Methods
Section A and Section B questions are based on the Core Studies and candidates answer three compulsory questions in each section. Section C is based on Research Methods and candidates answer one question from a choice of two. UNIT 1 (PY 1) – APPROACHES IN PSYCHOLOGY Four major psychological approaches form the basis of this Unit: The Biological (Physiological/Medical) approach, the Psychodynamic approach, the Behaviourist approach, and the Cognitive approach. For each of these approaches it will be necessary to focus upon:
Students will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how each approach has been applied to a theory and a therapy. Students should also be able to assess critically each approach in terms of its strengths and weaknesses and in terms of similarities and/or differences with other approaches. In addition, it will be necessary to explain and evaluate the methodology of each approach. The theories and therapies relevant to each approach are set out in the table below: |
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| Theory | Approach | Therapy | |
| Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome | BIOLOGICAL | Psychosurgery or Chemotherapy | |
| Social Learning Theory of Aggression | BEHAVIOURIST | Aversion Therapy or Systematic Desensitisation | |
| Freud’s theory of personality development | PSYCHODYNAMIC | Dream analysis or free association | |
| Attribution theory | COGNITIVE
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or Rational emotive therapy
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UNIT 2 (PY 2) – PSYCHOLOGY: CORE STUDIES AND APPLIED RESEARCH METHODS
The core theme for this unit is psychological research. It is designed to encourage students to explore the nature and practice of psychological enquiry. The unit comprises two parts: the Core Studies and Applied Research Methods.
Core Studies
The ten Core Studies cover research drawn from the main areas of Psychology. The focus for the Core Studies is for students to be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of psychological research, reflecting the diversity of psychological enquiry.
Students will also be expected to be able to assess critically each of the Core Studies in terms of its methodology and in terms of complementary/alternative research findings.
The following table illustrates how the Core Studies cover the main areas of Psychology: Social, Physiological, Cognitive, Developmental Psychology and Individual Differences
| SOCIAL | PHYSIOLOGICAL
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COGNITIVE | DEVELOPMENTAL | INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES |
| Asch (1955) | Rahe et al (1970) | Gardner & Gardner (1969)
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Langer and Rodin (1976) | Buss (1989) |
| Milgram (1963) | Bennett-Levy and Marteau (1984) | Loftus & Palmer (1974) | Gibson & Walk (1960) | Rosenhan (1973) |
Resources
Within the department, students will have access to a range of text books and the internet. In addition to text books available in the department. There will be additional reading sources available on the school website, as well as class notes and resources aimed to support students through the course.
Full Specification – http://www.wjec.co.uk/uploads/publications/16912.pdf?language_id=1
Past Papers – http://www.wjec.co.uk/qualifications/qualification-resources.html?pastpaper=true&subject=Psychology&level=gceasa
Specimen paper and Mark Scheme-http://www.wjec.co.uk/uploads/publications/16912.pdf?language_id=1