Length: Full Year

Recommended background: Successful completion of at least one semester of Stage 1 Psychology

Content:

Stage 2 Psychology is a 20-credit subject. Psychology aims to describe and explain both universal human experiences, as well as individual and cultural diversity. It addresses the ways in which behavior, thoughts and feelings can be studied and changed. It also offers ways to advance the wellbeing of individuals, groups and societies.

Psychology is based on evidence gathered as a result of planned investigations following the principles of scientific inquiry. 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 in everyday experiences; how to apply knowledge to real-world situations; how to investigate psychological issues; and how to be an effective communicator. The ethics of research and intervention are also an integral part of psychology.

The topics for Stage 2 Psychology are:

• Topic 1: Psychology of the Individual
• Topic 2: Psychological Health and Wellbeing
• Topic 3: Organisational Psychology
• Topic 4: Social Influence
• Topic 5: The Psychology of Learning

Only two topics will be assessed in the external examination: Social Influence and The Psychology of Learning.

An inquiry approach will enable students to study Science as a Human Endeavor, as well as Deconstructing and Designing their own research; collating data, analysing and critiquing their findings. The issues investigated will come from topics 1, 2 and 3: Personality, Wellbeing, and Organisational Psychology.

Assessment:
Student performance will be determined according to the subject’s Performance Standards as described in the Subject Outline. Grades A+ to E- will be used for reporting purposes.

School-based assessment:

• Assessment Type 1: Investigations Folio (30%)
• Assessment Type 2: Skills and Applications Tasks (40%)

External assessment:

• Assessment Type 3: Examination (30%)