Does this subject contribute to an ATAR? Yes (General subject)
How many credits does this subject contribute towards QCE? 4
What is Psychology?
Psychology provides opportunities for students to engage with concepts that explain behaviours and underlying cognitions.
Students examine individual development in the form of the role of the brain, cognitive development, human consciousness and sleep. They investigate the concept of intelligence; the process of diagnosis and how to classify psychological disorder and determine an effective treatment; and the contribution of emotion and motivation on individual behaviour. They examine individual thinking and how it is determined by the brain, including perception, memory, and learning. They consider the influence of others by examining theories of social psychology, interpersonal processes, attitudes and cross-cultural psychology.
Students learn and apply aspects of the knowledge and skill of the discipline (thinking, experimentation, problem-solving and research skills), understand how it works and how it may impact society.
What makes a student suited to Psychology?
Students who achieve success in Psychology are those who:
- have an interest in how the human brain works
- enjoy creative scientific thinking and are able to apply their knowledge in practical situations
- are willing to commit to regular at home study
What prerequisites must students meet in order to take this subject?
Minimum C standard for core Math, English and Science.
What is the cost of this subject?
Psychology textbook (available in Student Resource Scheme)
What materials or equipment do I need for this subject?
- 2 x A4 Exercise books (minimum 96 pages)
What do students study in this subject and how are they assessed?
| | | Unit Overviews | Assessment |
| Year 10 | Semester 1 | Introduction to Psychology
Functions of the brain | Research investigation (20%)
Unseen examination (30%) |
| | Semester 2 | Sports Psychology
Motivation and learning
Emotions and consciousness | Student experiment (20%)
Unseen examination (30%) |
| Year 11 | Unit 1 | Individual development Psychological science A The role of the brain Cognitive development Human consciousness and sleep | Formative internal assessment 1: 10%
• Data test
Formative internal assessment 2: 20%
• Student experiment |
| | Unit 2 | Individual behaviour Psychological science B Intelligence Diagnosis Psychological disorders and treatments Emotion and motivation | Formative internal assessment 3: 20%
• Research investigation
Formative internal assessment: 50%
• Examination |
| Year 12 | Unit 3 | Individual thinking Localisation of function in the brain Visual perception Memory Learning | Summative internal assessment 1 (IA1): 10%
• Data test
Summative internal assessment 2 (IA2): 20%
• Student experiment |
| | Unit 4 | The influence of others Social psychology Interpersonal processes Attitudes Cross-cultural psychology | Summative internal assessment 3 (IA3): 20%
• Research investigation
Summative external assessment (EA): 50%
• Examination
|