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Psychology GCSE

AQA GCSE
Psychology is the science of the mind; the study of, among other things, how our thought processes work, why we behave the way we do and how we learn.
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Overview

Ever wondered why we think and act the way we do or what shapes our individual personalities? If you’d love to gain a deeper understanding of the human thought process as well as gain a unique insight into the forces that shape our everyday interactions, GCSE psychology is the course for you.

Not only is it a great option if you’d like to study this subject at A-level or university, but the skills you’ll gain will also come in handy for numerous careers such as teaching, policing, probation work, and counselling.

What you will learn

  1. Unit 1 - Course Introduction

    • Introduction to Psychology
    • About Paper 1 Cognition and Behaviour
    • About Paper 2 Social Context and Behaviour
    • Recommended Reading List

  2. Unit 2 - Aided and Unaided Observations

    • Processes of memory
    • Encoding, storage and retrieval
    • Long-term and short-term memory
    • Structures of memory
    • Memory as an active process
    • Factors affecting memory

  3. Unit 3 - Perception

    • Processes of memory
    • Perception and sensation
    • Visual cues and depth perception
    • Visual illusions and theories of perception
    • Gibson’s direct theory and Gregory’s constructivist theory
    • Factors affecting perception
    • Culture, emotion, motivation and expectation

  4. Unit 4 - Development

    • Early brain development
    • Piaget’s theory
    • The theory of conservation and egocentrism
    • Stages of cognitive development
    • Application in education
    • Effects of learning on development
    • Dweck’s mindset theory of learning
    • The role of praise and self-efficacy
    • Learning styles
    • Willingham’s learning theory

  5. Unit 5 - Research Methods

    • Designing data
    • Starting out hypotheses and variables
    • Extraneous variables
    • Types of the experiment
    • Experimental designs
    • Sampling methods
    • Ethical considerations
    • Designing research
    • Interviews and questionnaires
    • Correlations
    • Case studies
    • Reliability and validity
    • Types of data
    • Descriptive statistics
    • Interpretation and display of quantitative data
    • Computation

  6. Unit 6 - Social Influence

    • Conformity
    • Asch’s study
    • Social and dispositional factors
    • Obedience
    • Milgram’s study
    • Milgram’s agency theory (social factors)
    • Adorno’s theory (dispositional factors)
    • Prosocial behaviours
    • Piliavin’s subway study
    • Social and dispositional factors
    • The crowd and collective behaviour
    • Deindividualisation
    • A case study
    • Social and dispositional factors

  7. Unit 7 - Language, Thought and Communication

    • Language and thought
    • Piaget’s theory
    • The Sapir-Whorf hypotheses
    • A review of the world
    • Human and animal communication
    • Von Frisch’s bee study
    • Human versus animal communication
    • Non-verbal communication
    • Eye contact
    • Body language
    • Personal space
    • Explanations of non-verbal behaviour
    • Evidence of nature: Darwin’s evolutionary theory
    • Non-verbal response: innate or learned?
    • Evidence of nurture: Yoki’s study of emoticons

  8. Unit 8 - The Brain and Neuropsychology

    • Structure and function of the nervous system
    • The structure of the nervous system
    • The function of the nervous system
    • The autonomic nervous system
    • The James Lang theory of emotion
    • Neuron structure and function
    • neuron and electrical transmission
    • Synapses and chemical transmission
    • Hebb’s theory of learning
    • Structure and function in the brain
    • The localisation of function in the brain
    • Penfield’s study of the interpretive cortex
    • Introduction to neuropsychology
    • Cognitive neuroscience
    • Neurological damage
    • Scanning techniques to identify brain functioning
    • Tulving “gold” memory study

  9. Unit 9 - Psychological Problems

    • An introduction to mental health
    • Effects of mental health problems
    • Depression
    • Types of depression and diagnosing depression
    • Theories of depression: biological
    • Theories of depression: psychological
    • Therapies for depression: medication
    • Therapies for depression: CBT
    • Therapies for depression: Wiles study
    • Addiction
    • Characteristics of addiction and diagnosing addiction
    • Theories of addiction: biological
    • Theories of addiction: psychological
    • Therapies for addiction: aversion therapy
    • Therapies for addiction: self-management

  10. Unit 10 - Preparing for the GCSE examination: Paper 1 & 2

    • Paper 1 – Cognition and Behaviour
    • Paper 2 – Social Context and Behaviour
    • Revision tips

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AQA qualifications are internationally recognised and taught in 30 countries around the world, highly valued by employers and universities and enable young people to progress to the next stage of their lives. AQA qualifications suit a range of abilities and include GCSE courses, IGCSE courses and A-level courses.

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this home learning course, you will receive a GCSE in Psychology (8182), issued by AQA. This syllabus has been chosen specifically because it is best suited to distance learning.

How is this course assessed or examined?

You’ll be required to complete the two GCSE standard written exams, all of which must be taken in the same session.

  • Paper 1: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of GCSE, 100 marks.
  • Paper 2: 1 hour 45 minutes, 50% of GCSE, 100 marks.

We provide a guaranteed exam space in one of our partner exam centres around the UK. Check where your closest exam centre is.

During your course, there is no coursework to complete but you will be required to complete nine assignments and one introductory. These do not contribute to your final grade but provide you with an opportunity to submit work to your tutor for marking and feedback. This will help you to gauge your progress as you work through the course.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this level two course; however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write in English

Course code: X808

Psychology GCSE

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Include exams (+£410)

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Frequently Asked Questions

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How to get a 9 in Sociology GCSE?

To achieve a 9 in GCSE Sociology, you must revise well and commit an appropriate amount of time to study. We provide unlimited tutor support and various learning materials to help you achieve your desired grade.

Is GCSE Sociology harder than IGCSE Sociology?

IGCSEs are generally considered more complex than GCSEs as they cover a wider variety of subjects. However, both courses are designed to provide students with an enriching learning experience. 

Can GCSEs be done online?

Yes! We offer several GCSE courses which can be studied online, at a pace that suits you, from the comfort of your own home. Learn without limits with Oxbridge. 

How many GCSE Psychology exams are there?

You will be required to complete two exams.  

Do you need GCSE Psychology to do A-level psychology?

Although you do not need a Psychology GCSE, it is worth noting that taking a GCSE in Psychology will give you a strong foundation in the basics of psychology, which will be helpful when you study the A-level course.

Is GCSE Psychology worth studying?

Yes! You will not only gain a highly rated qualification but also embark on a journey of self-discovery. GCSE Psychology provides a foundational understanding of human behaviour, mental processes, and their influencing factors. This knowledge is valuable in various fields and everyday life.

How respected is Psychology GCSE?

Yes – GCSE Psychology is very much valued by universities and employers. It demonstrates your ability to think outside the box, a valuable skill.

Can I study GCSE Psychology online?

Yes! With Oxbridge, you can study online, at home, at a suitable pace. You will have unlimited tutor support to help you throughout your studies. 

What does GCSE Psychology consist of?

In GCSE Psychology, you will gain insight into the human mind and how it influences behaviours. You will be challenged to think uniquely about different people’s thinking methods and how they function. Psychology is a fascinating course which covers various topics – here is what you can expect to study with GCSE Psychology: 
  • Aided and Unaided Observations 
  • Perception 
  • Development 
  • Research Methods 
  • Social Influence 
  • Language, Thought and Communication 
  • The Brain and Neuropsychology  
  • Psychological Problems 

How do I choose what GCSEs to take?

Selecting GCSEs is a highly personal decision that will be influenced by factors such as your educational and career goals, your skills and strengths, and the subjects you enjoy (or don’t enjoy). To help you decide on the right GCSEs for you and your future, we’ve written a detailed guide on choosing GCSE subjects.

Why study Spanish IGCSE online?

This distance learning course follows the Edexcel syllabus and has been designed specifically to be studied online, in your own time, at your own pace. You’ll receive well-structured assignments, which will help develop your skills and knowledge in preparation for your exams. Suena bien?

Why study GCSE Psychology online?

This GCSE course has been written to the latest specifications and designed to give you the best possible chance of success; you’ll be given a clear induction and well-structured assignments to help you to develop the skills and knowledge you need to prepare for the exam.