Stage 2 Psychology

SACE CREDITS: 20 credits

KEY CONTACT: Sarah Shillabeer and Kerry Pinchbeck

RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND: Stage 1 Psychology A and or Stage 1 Psychology B

COURSE CONTENT:
This subject sits between the life sciences and the humanities, with two consequences. First, psychology can, as a discipline, emphasise connections to either the sciences or the humanities. Second, it draws teachers and students whose backgrounds and interests lie both in the humanities and in the sciences.

Psychology is based on evidence gathered as a result of planned investigations following the principles of the scientific method. The study of Psychology builds on the scientific method by involving students in the collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data. By emphasising evidence-based procedures (that is, observation, experimentation, and experience), this subject allows students to develop useful skills in analytical and critical thinking and in making inferences.

The distinctive benefits of studying Psychology derive from its subject matter. In general, the skills learnt through Psychology are parallel to those learnt in other science subjects: how to be a critical consumer of information; how to identify psychological processes at work in everyday experiences; how to apply knowledge to real-world situations; how to investigate psychological issues; and how to be an effective communicator.

Psychology aims to describe and explain both the universality of human experience and individual and cultural diversity. It does this through the systematic study of behaviour, the processes that underlie it, and the factors that influence it. Through such study, students come to better understand themselves and their social worlds.

An inquiry approach to psychology is suggested. This will enable students to define the scope of their learning by identifying investigable questions, designing their research using scientific approaches, collecting data, and analysing and critiquing their findings. The issues that arise during investigations should be informed by the application of key scientific ideas, skills, concepts, and understanding.

Topics include:
1. Science inquiry skills
2. Psychology of the individual
3. Psychological health and wellbeing
4. Organisational psychology
5. Social Influence
6. The psychology of learning

ASSESSMENT:
Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through the following assessment types.

Assessment Types
1. Investigations Folio: one psychological investigation + one SHE task
2. Skills and Applications Tasks (at least 4)
3. External: E-exam inclusive of only topics 5 and 6 as well as science inquiry skills and Science as a human endeavour (SHE) concepts.