Psychology
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The Psychology ATAR course enables students to understand that psychology is an evidence-based discipline following the principles of scientific inquiry; collect, process, evaluate and critically interpret information from a range of scientific sources; demonstrate an understanding of theories and models of psychological concepts that exist simultaneously and continue to evolve; critically evaluate psychological concepts, interpretations, claims and conclusions with reference to empirical evidence; apply knowledge, understandings and skills in familiar and unfamiliar contexts to explain thoughts, feelings and behaviours; design, conduct and evaluate practical science inquiry tasks relevant to psychological knowledge and understandings and develop the appropriate skills and processes to communicate their understanding of human behaviour to a range of audiences.
The Psychology ATAR course has two interrelated strands: 1. Psychological knowledge and understanding, and 2. Science inquiry. The organisation of the strands provides an opportunity to integrate content in flexible and meaningful ways. The Psychological knowledge and understanding strand provides the contexts through which particular Science inquiry skills can be developed and understood. The same Science inquiry skills are included in each of the units to provide a common focus for the teaching and learning of content in the Psychological knowledge and understanding strand. |
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Psychology ATAR WACE Breadth & Depth Requirement:
List B
Prerequisite
70% in Science Standard and 60% in Science Extended.
Unit 1
Biological and lifespan psychology
This unit introduces psychology as an inquiry-based discipline. Students begin to learn concepts associated with psychological theories, studies and models, which develop and change over time, to explain human emotion, cognition and behaviour. Students learn the basic structure of the central nervous system and some effects of this structure on the way humans think, feel and behave. They are introduced to several methods used to study the brain.
The unit introduces lifespan psychology with a key focus on adolescent development. Students have the opportunity to understand the impact of developmental change on human thoughts, feelings and behaviours. They extend their understanding of developmental processes through learning the role of attachment and identifying stages of development according to specified theorists. Science inquiry skills developed during Year 7–10 Science are further developed in this unit as students apply these skills to understanding and analysing psychological studies.
Unit 2
Attitudes, stereotypes and social influence
This unit focuses on the influence of others on human behaviour, cognition and emotion. Students explore the function and effect of attitudes and apply the tripartite model of attitude structure to develop a more complex understanding. Students explore theories of cognitive dissonance, social identity and attribution with reference to relevant psychological studies, and apply these theories to real-world experiences.
The unit introduces social influences. Students learn the role of stereotypes and the relationship between attitudes, prejudice and discrimination in a range of areas. They learn about the relationship between social influence and the development of prosocial and antisocial behaviours. Students extend their understanding of Science inquiry and the way psychological knowledge develops over time and in response to ongoing research.
