11 Psychology A

SUBJECT OVERVIEW

Psychology A is based on the evidence gathered as a result of planned investigations following the principles of scientific inquiry. By emphasising evidence-based procedures including observation, experimentation, and experience, this subject allows students to develop useful skills in analytical and critical thinking and in making inferences.

The skills learnt through Psychology are parallel to those learnt in other science subjects: how to be a critical consumer of information; how to identify psychological processes at work in everyday experiences; how to apply knowledge to real-world situations; how to investigate psychological issues; and how to be an effective communicator. Psychology aims to describe and explain both the universality of human experience and address the ways in which behaviour can be changed. However, every change also holds the possibility of harm. The ethics of research and intervention are therefore an integral part of psychology. 

An inquiry approach to psychology enables students to define the scope of their learning by identifying investigable questions, deconstructing and designing their research using scientific approaches, using data, and analysing and critiquing their findings. 

This course may include the history, development, use and nature of science in the following topics:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Emotion
• Lifespan psychology