Psychology

This is a two-year course with 3 modules which are all examined at the end of Y13. The following information relates to the updated OCR specification which will be first taught in September 2026.

Psychology is the study of human behaviour and experience. This course will introduce you to the theories and methods of psychology. It offers the opportunity to look at some of the explanations psychologists use to understand humans and their interactions with the world. Form a personal perspective you should find the fundamental questions of the psychologist interesting:

Why do I behave like this?

Why do I feel like this?

Why do I think like this?

These questions are explored through a series of activities including research studies and practical work. You will study a variety of psychological studies that represent the range of psychologists’ interest and the methods they use. A practical examination gives you the opportunity to apply some of these methods in your own research. The course aims to develop both your psychological skills as well as your psychological knowledge.

Component 1: Research methods

This introduces the world of psychological research methods. Students are required to conduct their own practical work which they reflect on in the exam.

You will develop a knowledge and understanding of the processes of planning, conducting, analysing and reporting psychological research across a range of experimental and non-experimental methods and techniques and also gain an awareness of associated strengths and weaknesses. You will also be expected to carry out mathematical procedures and statistical analysis on your own data.

You will learn about the five main techniques for collecting/analysing data. These are:

• self report
• experiment
• observation
• correlation
• case study

Component 2: Psychological themes through core studies

This introduces key themes and core studies in psychology.

Section A: Core studies

You will learn about 15 different pieces of psychological research, evaluating them in relation to their methodological issues as well as their practical applications and their contribution to Psychology as a science.

You will look at:

• how the two studies are similar and how they are different
• the strengths and weaknesses of the different research methods
• the strengths and weaknesses of different types of data
• how each core study relates to its key theme and to the area of psychology it is placed within.

The studies include:

• an experiment which explores the mental world of autistic people
• a staged collapse on a tube train to see what factors influence people's decisions to help
• disobedience and whistle blowing
• improving adherence of children with rewards

Section B: Areas, perspectives and debates

You will have to understand and evaluate some of the areas and debates within psychological research, recognising which studies demonstrate a particular area/perspective/debate.

Areas include: Social, cognitive, developmental, biological, individual indifferences

Perspectivies: Behaviourist, psychodynamic

Debates include: Nature/nurture, freewill/determinism, usefulness of research, ethical considerations, psychology as a science

Section B questions will ask you to generate an extended discussion, recognising the inter-relationship between different areas, perspectives and debates in psychology.

Section C: Practical applications

You will apply your knowledge and understanding of psychology to a novel source. The source could be a newspaper or magazine article, a blog, a diary entry, email exchange or equivalent written source.

You will be asked to link it to a psychological issue and use evidence to make a suggestion relating to the source.

Component 3: Applied psychology

Section A: Issues in mental health

This is a compulsory section which provides an introduction to the topic of mental health. It includes:

• Mental health - What is mental health? The medical model. Alternatives tot he medical model. Modern approaches to mental health
• Child Psychology - Pre-adult brain development. Perceptual development. Development of attachment
• Criminal Psychology - Turning to crime. Building a case. In the courtroom. Managing offenders.

You will cover the background to each topic, a key piece of research and how it can be applied in the real world.

You will gain an understanding of the methodological issues and debates in psychology which run throughout the component eg. nature/nurture debate, ethical considerations, Psychology as a science, freewill/determinism

Component 1 Research Methods

Exam 2 hours 33.3%

Section A - multiple choice questions

Section B - Research design and response relating to source material given.

Section C - Data analysis and interpretation

Component 2 Psychological themes through core studies

Exam 2 hours 33.3%

Section A - Short answer questions on the core studies

Section B - Areas, perspectives and debates: a structured essay question

Section C - Practical applications: longer answer questions relating to a novel source

Component 3 Applied Psychology

Exam 2 hours 33.3%

Section A - Issues in mental health

Section B - Criminal Psychology, Child Psychology

Both sections have questions requiring extended written responses.

The course demands a high standard of verbal and written English, creative thought, analytical skills and numerical ability. A grade 5 in English and Maths and at least a grade 5 in one Science is required to study Psychology at A level. However, it is also important to have an interest in people and in what motivates them to behave in certain ways.

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Sixth Form option blocks

Psychology has particular relevance for students interested in careers working with people such as Nursing, Police Force, Human Resource Management, Teaching, Marketing, Medicine and Social Work.

There are various career options in the field of professional Psychology such as: Health, Educational, Clinical, Forensic, Sport, Occupational Psychology and Counselling. All require a Psychology degree and further training.