Stage 2 Psychology 2023

Assessment Cover Sheet

Student Name: Village:

Assessment Name: Assessment Type: Weighting

Science as a Human
Endeavour Task (SHE) Investigations Folio 15%
Social Influence
Purpose of Assessment:

The Science as a Human Endeavour Task enables students to:

 Develop and apply knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts in diverse contexts.
 Evaluate ethical practices, procedures, and results, and analyse evidence to formulate and justify conclusions.
 Explore and understand psychological science as a human endeavour.
 Communicate knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, using appropriate terms, conventions, and
representations.

Description of Assessment:

You will investigate a contemporary example of how psychological science interacts with society. Students select and explore a
recent discovery, innovation, issue, or advancement liked to Social Media as part of the Social Influence topic. Students choose at
least one of the SHE concepts and consider how the SHE concept(s) is demonstrated in their choice. They will draw conclusions
based on their focus and the impacts that Social Media have on different individuals, organisations, groups, social influence
phenomenon and concepts. Students will then analyse and synthesise information from different sources to explain the science
relevant to the focus of their investigation, show its connections to science as a human endeavour, and develop and justify their
conclusions.

Assessment Conditions:

 1,500 words maximum or equivalent 9 minutes multimodal (i.e., oral presentation, video etc.)
 One draft must be shown to your teacher for verification prior to submission.
 Throughout the investigation: use appropriate psychological terms and appropriately acknowledge sources using
footnotes and bibliography using Harvard referencing conventions.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS ASSESSED

Investigation, Analysis and Evaluation Knowledge and Application
3 1,2,3,4
Teacher Comments:

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Overall Grade:
The key concepts of science as a human endeavour in the study of Psychology are:

Communication and Collaboration

 Science is a global enterprise that relies on clear communication, international conventions, and review and verification
of results.
 Collaboration between psychologists and stakeholders advances research and understanding. It requires shared evidence
from many sources in a multidisciplinary approach.

Development and Application

 Developments in research and technology lead to advances in psychological understanding.
 The application of psychological understanding can enable scientists to develop solutions, design actions, and evaluate
and respond to economic, sociocultural, and environmental factors.

Influence
 Psychological knowledge and its application are both influenced by, and influence economic, sociocultural, religious,
ideological, political, and environmental perspectives in a local, national, and global context.
 The use of psychological knowledge may have positive, negative, or unexpected consequences that require monitoring,
assessment, and evaluation. The use of psychological knowledge must take into account risks and ethical considerations.

Possible starting points for the investigation could include, for example:

 The announcement of a discovery in the field of psychological science related to social media
 An expert’s point of view on a controversial innovation of social media in Psychology
 A TED talk based on social media and its impacts (positive and/or negative)
 A psychological article from a scientific publication or journal article
 Public concern about social media that has environmental, social, economic, or political implications
 Changes in government funding for psychology-related purposes
 Innovative directions in new and upcoming psychological research related to social media.

Possible SHE Topic examples:

 Social Media and a Social Influence concept i.e., persuasion, impression management, self-presentation, conformity,
obedience, cognitive dissonance etc.
 Social Media and addiction
 Social Media and its connection to mental health
 The reduction of social media correlating to reduce levels of seasonal depression and increased wellbeing
 Ethical concerns with social media in regard to user privacy, content and personal information
 The increase of online bullying, ‘trolling’ and ‘cancel culture’ leading to deindividuation
 Social Media and the effects of deindividuation influencing protests on a global scale
 How social media can increase/decrease prejudice
 High vs. low self-monitors in relation to social media usage
 The benefits of social media usage to promote community i.e., online gaming, reduce social isolation etc.
 How COVID19 has influenced and affected social media usage
 How social media contributes to compliance to COVID19 regulations
 Another aspect of social media as negotiated with your teacher

Outline of Report Structure:

 Based on your investigation and research, prepare a scientific report, which must include the use of scientific
terminology and:
 An introduction to identify the focus of the investigation and the key concept(s) of science as a human endeavour that it
links to
 Relevant psychological terminology, concepts or background
 An explanation of how the focus of the investigation illustrates the interaction between science and society
 A discussion of the purpose, potential impact, or application of the focus of the investigation, e.g. further development,
effect on quality of life, environmental implications, economic impact, intrinsic interest
 A conclusion
 Citations and referencing
Process:

Part A: Article Stimulus

□ Find an article that describes current research, a recent discovery or topical issue related to the psychology of interest to
you related to social media (see previous page for suggestions or talk to Mrs C about other topic ideas.)
□ this article should contain psychological content that you will be able to understand.
□ demonstrates some aspects of Science as a Human Endeavour. Go through the articles, videos and identify the SHE
concepts. Consider the technology, ethics, benefit to humans, costs, environmental concerns etc. of this topic of interest.

Part B: Refinement of information for your chosen focus

□ Search for further articles/data/videos/case studies/research that you could use to support your chosen topic.
□ Highlight and summaries the SHE concepts explored within these articles. Identify any links to technology, ethics,
benefit to humans, costs, environmental concerns.
□ Try to find at least 5 sources that link to your focus topic and illustrate the relevant SHE concept(s) of your choice.

Note: Part A and B are part of the planning of the task and not included in the word count.

Part C: Report Writing

An overview your SHE Report should be set out as follows:

Section, Word Structure Completed

Count and PS
Paragraph 1 –  Set the scene, draw the reader in i.e., what is your core topic/issue?
Introduction  Summarise the key points you will be making in the report (I should clearly
see in the intro what SHE concepts you have focused on) and summarise the
100-150 words main findings i.e., future developments and considerations.
KA1 & KA3
Paragraph 2 –  Give an in depth explanation of the science that sits behind your scientific
Psychological discovery/advancement/issue/concept.
Background  Include a diagram/image (if applicable) to support your psychological
explanation - make sure you label the diagram/photograph appropriately and
200-300 words include a reference. i.e., Figure 1 – rates on social media and mental health.
KA1 & IAE3  

Paragraph 3 –  Choose two (maximum) of the SHE concepts that support your topic.
SHE Concepts  Discuss how elements of your topic relate directly to your chosen SHE
concepts
500-600 words  Use the terms of your SHE concepts as much as possible.
KA3
Paragraph 4 – Future  Discuss what needs to happen next with your scientific
developments and development/advancement i.e., further research? Funding? uses? problems
considerations etc...but the focus is not on the now it’s on what needs to happen to move
this work forwards or what may stop it from moving forwards. 
200-250 words
KA3
Paragraph 5 –  Summarise the key points made in the report and draw your final conclusion
Conclusion in regard to what the future now holds for this development/advancement. 
 Make sure that you are thorough and actually leave the reader knowing
200 words where things stand at the moment. 
KA1 & KA4
 Appropriate quantity and quality of information sources
 Communication of key concepts
 Use of appropriate psychological terms
 Appropriate data and diagrams (only where applicable)
Communication  Grammar, spelling, sentence construction
 Appropriate length and balance
KA4 & IAE3  A properly formatted Bibliography using Harvard referencing  
 At least 5 references - A+ standard would have 10+ references
 Don't forget to reference! Use footnotes (not endnotes!) with full Harvard
citations.
 File name: SACEID-2PSG20-AT1-SHE Task
Performance Standards Assessed – Science as a Human Endeavour Task
Investigation, Analysis and Knowledge and Application
Evaluation
A Demonstrates deep and broad knowledge and understanding
of a range of psychological concepts.

Applies psychological concepts highly effectively in diverse

Systematically analyses and interprets data and evidence contexts.
to formulate logical conclusions with detailed
justification. Critically explores and understands in depth the interaction
between science and society.

Communicates knowledge and understanding of psychology

coherently, with highly effective use of appropriate terms,
conventions, and representations.
B Demonstrates some depth and breadth of knowledge and
understanding of a range of psychological concepts.

Applies psychological concepts mostly effectively in

Logically analyses and interprets data and evidence to diverse contexts.
formulate suitable conclusions with reasonable
justification. Logically explores and understands in some depth the
interaction between science and society.

Communicates knowledge and understanding of psychology

mostly coherently, with effective use of appropriate terms,
conventions, and representations.
C Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of a general
range of psychological concepts.

Undertakes some analysis and interpretation of data and
evidence to formulate generally appropriate conclusions
with some justification.
Applies psychological concepts generally effectively in
diverse contexts.
Explores and understands aspects of the interaction between
science and society.

Communicates knowledge and understanding of psychology

generally effectively, using some appropriate terms,
conventions, and representations.
D Demonstrates some basic knowledge and partial
understanding of psychological concepts.
Describes data and undertakes some basic interpretation Applies some psychological concepts.
to formulate a basic conclusion.
Partially explores and recognises aspects of the interaction
between science and society.

Communicates basic psychological information, using some

appropriate terms, conventions, and/or representations.
E Demonstrates limited recognition and awareness of
psychological concepts.
Attempts to describe results and/or interpret data to Attempts to apply psychological concepts.
formulate a basic conclusion.
Attempts to explore and identify an aspect of the interaction
between science and society.

Attempts to communicate information about psychology.