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Topic title: Approaches in Psychology

Year group: 12

When taught: Term 1

What are we learning?

  • The origins of psychology as a subject, focussing on Wundt.
  • The Behaviourist Approach, including the work of Pavlov & Skinner.
  • Social Learning Theory, including the work of Bandura.
  • The Cognitive Approach, focusing on the role of schema and the use of theoretical and computer models.
  • The Biological Approach, focusing on the influence of genetics, evolution, brain structure, and hormones & neurotransmitters.

Why is this important to know?

  • This is essential psychological knowledge that underpins all other theoretical content in the subject.
  • It is important for students to understand that there are different branches of psychology, and that they can explain the same behaviour or condition from very different viewpoints.

Where does this link into our past and future learning?

  • This is one of the first topics we learn in psychology because the content is referred back to in all other topics.
  • For example, students will study learning theories of attachment, cognitive explanations of addiction, and biological explanations of OCD.

How will we be assessed on this topic?

  • Students will sit a formal exam on this topic in the summer. This section makes up 24 marks and 30 minutes of Paper 2 at AS and A Level. They will be asked questions varying in size from multiple choice up to 12 mark essays at AS and 16 mark essays at A Level.
  • There will also be mid topic and end of topic tests on the unit when we study it.
  • Students will also have recap tests / questioning / exam questions on this topic during most lessons.

What makes a strong piece of work in this topic?  What are teachers hoping to see?  

  • A detailed description of the content.
  • Sustained evaluation that is fully ‘PEEEL’ed.
  • Using specific research examples to support the points they are making.
  • Using correctly key terminology

What key words are there in this topic?

Quizlet. Click here

What can I try if I want to stretch and challenge myself on this topic?

  • There is an extension challenge set for this unit. This consists of 4 interesting tasks such as videos to watch, podcasts to listen to, articles to read and online courses to complete with a feedback task at the end. Please see your subject teacher to access this sheet.

What wider reading can be done on this topic?

  • There are several Psychology Review Magazine articles relevant to this topic that you can read to extend your knowledge. Please speak to your subject teacher for copies.