Term 1
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Psychopathology [4.1.4]
- Definitions of abnormality
- The characteristics of phobias, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- The behavioural approach to explaining and treating phobias.
- The cognitive approach to explaining and treating depression
- The biological approach to explaining and treating OCD
- Skills gained: Applying knowledge to new situations and critical analysis of research, theories and application
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Term 2
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Social influence and Approaches [4.1.1]
- Types of conformity. Explanations for conformity, and variables affecting conformity.
- Conformity to social roles.
- Explanations for obedience
- Explanations of resistance to social influence.
- Minority influence
- The role of social influence processes in social change.
- Skills gained: Applying knowledge to new situations and critical analysis of research, theories and application
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Term 3
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Research Methods [4.2.3]
- Knowledge and understanding of research methods, practical research skills and mathematical skills will be assessed.
- These skills should be developed through study of the specification content and through ethical
- Practical research activities, involving:
- designing research
- conducting research
- analysing and interpreting data.
- In answering questions on Issues and debates in psychology students will be expected to illustrate their answers with knowledge and understanding of topics studied elsewhere in the specification as appropriate.
- In carrying out practical research activities, students will manage associated risks and use information and communication technology (ICT).
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Term 4
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Memory [4.1.2]
- The multi-store model of memory.
- Types of long-term memory.
- The working memory model.
- Explanations for forgetting.
- Factors affecting the accuracy of eyewitness testimony.
- Improving the accuracy of eyewitness testimony.
- Skills gained: Applying knowledge to new situations and critical analysis of research, theories and application
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Term 5
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Attachment [4.1.3]
- Caregiver-infant interactions in humans. Stages of attachment and the role of the father.
- Animal studies of attachment
- Explanations of attachment
- Ainsworth’s ‘Strange Situation’. Cultural variations in attachment
- Bowlby’s theory of maternal deprivation. Romanian orphan studies: effects of institutionalisation.
- The influence of early attachment on childhood and adult relationships
- Skills gained: Applying knowledge to new situations and critical analysis of research, theories and application
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Term 6
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Biopsychology [4.2.2]
- The divisions of the nervous system
- The structure and function of sensory, relay and motor neurons. The process of synaptic transmission
- The function of the endocrine system
- The fight or flight response
- Localisation of function in the brain and hemispheric lateralisation. Plasticity and functional recovery of the brain after trauma.
- Ways of studying the brain
- Biological rhythms
- Skills gained: Applying knowledge to new situations and critical analysis of research, theories and application
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