Psychology A Level Syllabus

The AS Level consists of 6 modules, 4 for each unit, (an additional module on psychological
methodology is included in unit 1, which will allow you to assess the studies in the other two
parts). The modules are further broken down into clear subject topics. At the end of each
topic is a set of key words, which you should be able to define as a revision exercise, as well
as activities throughout the text to ensure understanding of important aspects of the topic.
Topic coverage may vary in length and difficulty depending on the level of detail and
information required. You will need to study the modules in the sequence provided. There are
three tutor marked assignments associated with each unit which should be sent to your tutor,
as well as an introductory assignment to introduce yourself to your tutor.

Like the majority of academic subjects at A level, Psychology has its own distinct set of
terms. You will be expected not only to recognise and understand these terms in examination
papers, but be able to use them correctly in your answers. Psychology also contains many
examples of research and theories, and you will be required to know methodological details
and results of many of these. Students are recommended to have a notebook or index cards to
develop a file of key words and studies/researchers as you go along in order to help with
revision and evaluation skills.

This new specification (from September 2008) reflects the changes that the Qualifications
Curriculum Authority have implemented to classify psychology as a science. This means that
in addition to the psychological subject matter in previous specifications students are now
required to study psychological research and methodology as an integral part of the course
rather than in isolation. The new format also reduced the number of units to be studied from 6
to 4, with 2 being studied at AS level and 2 at A2.

AS Examinations

Unit 1 – PSYA1

Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods = 50% of the total
AS marks, 25% of the total A2 marks.

Length of exam: 1 hour 30 minutes

Structured compulsory questions based on Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology

and Research Methods. Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one 12-mark
question requiring extended writing in which QWC (quality of written communication) will
be assessed.

Available January and June.

Unit 2 – PSYA2

Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences = 50% of the total AS
marks, 25% of the total A2 marks.

Examination Length: 1 hour 30 minutes.

Three compulsory structured questions: one based on the Biological Psychology content, one
based on the Social Psychology content and one based on the Individual Differences content.
Questions include short answer, stimulus material and one or more 12-mark questions
requiring extended writing in which QWC will be assessed.

Available January and June.

A2 Examinations

Unit 3 – PSYA3

Topics in Psychology = 25% of the total A Level marks

Examination Length: 1 hour 30 minutes

Three essay-style questions chosen from eight topics; the following four are available in this
course:
(c) Relationships
(d) Aggression
(g) Intelligence and learning
(h) Cognition and development

QWC will be assessed in each essay.

Available January and June.

Unit 4 – PSYA4

Psychopathology, Psychology in Action and Research Methods = 25% of the total A Level
marks.

Examination Length: 2 hours

Three sections:
Psychopathology: One essay-style question on Depression. QWC will be assessed in this
essay.
Psychology in Action: One question on Addiction
Research Methods: One compulsory structured question.

Available January and June

Assessment Objectives

All questions are set in order to test a student’s ability to demonstrate the following
assessment objectives. The course has 3 assessment objectives.

AO1 - Recognise, recall and show understanding of scientific knowledge, select, organise
and communicate relevant information in a variety of forms

AO2 - Analyse and evaluate scientific knowledge, apply knowledge and processes to
unfamiliar situations, assess the validity, reliability and credibility of scientific information

AO3 - Describe ethical, safe and skilful practical techniques and processes, know how to
make, record, and communicate valid observations, analyse, interpret, explain and evaluate
the methodology and investigative activities in a variety of ways

Weighting of Assessment Objectives in Units

The 3 assessment objectives above are weighted slightly differently with the different units,
with emphasis moving from description to analysis, evaluation and practical skills which
become increasingly important throughout the course.

In Unit 1, AO1, AO2 and AO3 are weighted equally.

In Unit 2, AO1 and AO2 are weighted approximately double that of AO3.
In Unit 3, AO1 is worth 9/25, AO2 12/25 and AO3 4/25.
In Unit 4, AO1 is worth 6/25, AO2 8/25 and AO3 10/25.
(Numbers have been rounded).

The topics have been arranged for ease of understanding and topic coverage so may be of
different length and difficulty. You will need to study them in sequence.

The AS course is laid out as follows:

Unit 1 Psychology, psychologists and research methods.

Topic 1
Introduction Initial assignment. Introduction to Tutor.
Topic 2 Investigation design, data, data analysis and preparation.
Assignment 1
Section A Topic 3 Memory. Models of memory and memory in everyday life.
Assignment 2
Early social development. Attachment. Attachments in everyday
Section B Topic 4
life.
Assignment 3
 Biological psychology. Stress as a bodily response. Everyday
Unit 2 Topic 5
stress.
Assignment 4
Topic 6 Social Influence and social influence in everyday life.
Assignment 5
Psychopathology. Definitions and explanations. Treatment of
Topic 7
abnormality.
Assignment 6
Topic 8 Preparing for the AS exam.

The A2 course is laid out as follows:

Unit 3 Topic 9 Relationships

Topic 10 Agression
Assignment 7
Topic 11 Intelligence and learning
Assignment 8
Topic 12 Cognition and development
Assignment 9
Unit 4 Topic 13 Psychopathology. Depression
Assignment 10
Topic 14 Psychology in action. Addiction.
Assignment 11
Topic 15 Psychological research and scientific method.

This course covers all the content of the AQA Psychology A course (2180). You can find the
full syllabus for this course at www.aqa.org.uk.