Exam Board
AQA
What will you study?
Memory
– Processes of memory: encoding (input) storage and retrieval (output)
– Structures of memory
– Memory as an active process
Research Methods including data handling
Development
– Early brain development
– Piaget’s stage theory and the development of intelligence
– The role of Piaget’s theory in education
– The effects of learning on development
Perception
– Sensation and perception
– Visual cues and constancies
– Gibson’s direct theory of perception – the influence of nature
– Visual illusions
– Gregory’s constructivist theory of perception – the influence of nurture
– Factors affecting perception
Social influence
– Conformity
– Obedience
– Prosocial behaviour
– Crowd and collective behaviour
Brain and neuropsychology
– Structure and function of the nervous system
– Neuron structure and function
– Structure and function of the brain
– An introduction to neuropsychology
Useful tips and resources
– There are extended writing / essay questions worth 9 marks
– Psychology is scientific with the study of the brain; structure of the brain and function of different parts, nervous system, neurons, synaptic transmission etc.
– Psychology is heavily based on research methods which means learning about how experiments are designed and conducted
– The key assessment objectives are knowledge, application and evaluation
– You will have end of topic tests as well as termly assessments
– You will be provided with the log-on details for the digital textbook once you start the course
– Learndojo has useful booklets that reduce the content down to what you need to learn (as the textbook is too detailed) – https://learndojo.org/gcse/aqa-psychology/
– PsychBoost is a brilliant YouTube channel with content videos for the whole course – https://www.youtube.com/@PsychBoost
– Save my exams has past questions and useful tips to help refine exam skill – https://www.savemyexams.com/gcse/psychology/aqa/19/
What super curricular activities can KS3 students engage with at school?
There are hundreds of TED Talks relating to Psychology, here are some of my favourite that link to the GCSE:
9 Myths about Psychology
Nancy Segal
Alison Gopnik
Beau Lotto
Nathan Jacobs
Elizabeth Loftus
There are some fantastic podcasts to listen to here
Two great books to get you excited about Psychology are:
Opening Skinner’s Box – Lauren Slater
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat – Oliver Sacks
