Psychology A/T
“When I look at the world I’m a pessimist. When I look at people I’m an optimist” - Carl Rogers
Psychology is the study of the human mind and behaviour. Students develop an understanding of themselves and others by exploring the interactions between the individuals and groups as well as the roles of biological and environmental factors.
Students develop skills which promote higher-order thinking and apply evidence-based research for understanding and interpreting human behaviour. Stu-dents develop analytical and critical thinking skills and learn to question and challenge assumptions about human behaviour. They develop skills to communicate effectively and present logical and coherent arguments.
The study of Psychology enables learners to understand how individuals think, feel and act within different contexts. Such knowledge has the potential to empower and enhance individual abilities and facilitate awareness of the human condition, along with tolerance and respect for others. Students develop their knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and perspectives to explain cognition and behaviour. They analyse the nature and purpose of psychology and develop in-sights into types of behaviour across a range of contexts.
Course Patterns
Unit 1: Individual Differences
Unit 2: Into the Mind
Unit 3: Psychology of Wellness
Unit 4: Psychology in Society
There are no compulsory or pre-requisite units in this course. The units shown are classified A and T. Unit 5: Independent Study is possible for T students on application.
Units
In each unit students examine at least two electives for the semester to explain human behaviour as an outcome of influences and interactions. Students explore the assumptions, applications and limitations of psychological research and literature related to the unit.
Unit 1: Individual Differences
Students study individual differences in human cognition and behaviour. Through their studies, students explore the nature of the individual and how these differences relate to society. The key conceptual understandings covered in this unit are: differences in mental abilities and intelligence, personality, development, learning and motivation.
Examples of elective content: Introduction to Psychology and Personality
Unit 2: Into the Mind
Students study the biological basis of human cognition and behaviour. Through their studies, students explore how heredity, environmental and biological factors influence behaviour. The key conceptual understandings covered in this unit are: sensation and perception, consciousness, memory, emotion and neuroscience.
Examples of elective content: Cognitive psychology, consciousness and perception
Unit 3: Psychology of Wellness
Students study the factors that influence physical and mental wellbeing. Through their studies, students explore how heredity, environmental and biological factors influence physical and mental well-being. The key conceptual understandings covered in this unit are: positive psychology, mental health, stress, resilience and coping and human relationships.
Examples of elective content: Positive psychology and mental health
Unit 4: Psychology in Society
Students study the role of psychology in society. Through their studies, students explore how individual perceptions and interaction influence social relationships. The key conceptual understandings covered in this unit are: attitudes, prejudice, forensic psychology, human relation-ships, organisational psychology and social influences.
Examples of elective content: Attitudes, Prejudice and forensic Psychology