OVERVIEW
Psychology Level 3 comprises five (5) compulsory areas of study:
Module |
1 |
2
|
3 |
4 |
5 |
Module Titles |
Research and Inquiry |
Individual Differences |
Psychobiological Processes |
Human Learning |
Remembering |
Parts |
|
One (1) of:
A – Gender
or
B – Intelligence
or
C – Personality
|
One (1) of:
A – Visual Perception
or
B – Consciousness
|
|
|
Recommended time (%) |
20 |
20
|
20 |
20 |
20 |
COURSE DETAILS
MODULE 1: RESEARCH AND INQUIRY (20%)
MODULE OVERVIEW
In this module learners are introduced to the development of psychology from its philosophical beginnings to a scientific study of the human mind and behaviour. They explore the scope of psychology and how the understanding of human behaviour relies predominantly on current research. This is worked through the content of the other four (4) modules and forms the basis of the Investigative Project. Learners consider how psychologists seek empirical evidence based on scientific observation and how human behaviour is studied from biological, behavioural, cognitive and socio-cultural perspectives. They examine the contribution that classical and contemporary studies have made to the development of different psychological theories that are used to predict and explain the human mind, and behaviours associated with particular stages of development over a lifespan.
Learners assess research methodologies associated with classical and contemporary theories, studies and models; consider ethical issues associated with the conduct of research and the use of findings; and apply appropriate research methods when undertaking their own investigations.
KEY CONTENT
- Scientific method: defining a problem, reviewing the literature, proposing a hypothesis, choosing a research design, collecting the necessary data, analysing the results and drawing conclusions
- Experimental research: construction of hypotheses; identification of independent and dependent variables, experimental and control conditions, placebos – single-blind and double-blind studies
- Sampling procedures in the selection of subjects: random, opportunistic and stratified
- Techniques of qualitative and quantitative data collection: case studies, experimental method, observational studies, surveys, interviews and secondary sources
- Statistics: calculation of percentages and mean; construction of tables, bar charts, pie charts and line graphs; understanding of correlation coefficient, generalisation of findings to other populations (external validity)
- Ethical principles and professional conduct: the role of the experimenter; protection and security of data and participants’ rights; confidentiality; voluntary participation; withdrawal rights; informed consent procedures; use of deception in research; debriefing; use of animals in research; role of ethics committees.
ETHICAL STUDY AND RESEARCH PRACTICE
Ethical considerations underpin the beliefs and values of a caring, compassionate society and are reflected in the social inquiry model. Learners develop the capacity to form and make ethical judgements in two ways. They learn about key psychological theories and the way in which the rights, integrity and propriety of people, who are subject to research, are held in high regard. They also explore and apply ethical guidelines when planning, conducting, processing and interpreting the outcomes of the research methodology.
As part of this course learners will be involved in activities that include experimental investigations using human subjects. Teachers and schools have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that learners follow ethical principles at all times when undertaking such inquiries.
This course focuses on four (4) key ethical considerations:
- Voluntary participation
- Informed consent
- Privacy
- Confidentiality of data.
Further advice on sources of information about the principles for ethical study and research practice can be found in Appendix 2. A sample ethics consent form is available in the Supporting Documents below.
THE SOCIAL INQUIRY APPROACH
The social inquiry approach can be represented by the following diagram:
Social Inquiry Skills
|
Skills |
Questions to be considered |
1. Planning and Organising |
- What time frame am I working to?
- What time, resources and equipment do I need?
- What steps do I need to undertake?
- What do I need to negotiate with my teacher?
|
2. Defining and Questioning |
- What is my topic and is it manageable?
- What are my research questions?
- What do I need or want to know about it?
- What do I already know about it?
- What literature review do I need to do?
- What hypothesis do I construct?
- What are the parameters or design for the research?
|
3. Researching |
- What research methodology should I use?
- What primary and/or secondary resources can I use?
- How do I know the information is valid and reliable?
- What empirical evidence do I need to collect?
- What techniques of quantitative and qualitative data collection do I employ?
- What experimental research should I conduct?
- What sampling procedures should I use?
- Have I considered the ethical considerations required of me and my research?
- What deficiencies are there in my research?
|
4. Analysing and Evaluating |
- How is the information relevant to the question?
- What other information do I need?
- How should I record and summarise the research data?
- What statistical processes should I perform?
- What connections can I make between empirical evidence, psychological concepts and theories?
- What parts support/do not support my hypothesis?
- What possible reasons or conclusions can I propose?
- What recommendations do I suggest and on what evidence?
|
5. Reflecting
|
- What solution have I found to my question(s), hypothesis or research method?
- Do new questions or suggestions arise?
- Am I being objective?
- What else is important?
- What recommendation would I make?
- What have I learnt that can inform future learning?
|
6. Communicating
|
- What is my main point or result I need to report?
- What is my audience and what format will I use?
- What are my findings or conclusions?
- What are my recommendations or implications?
- What evidence do I have to support this?
- How best should I display my quantitative date, e.g. tables, graphs, diagrams?
- What terms, concepts and theories do I need to use?
- Have I used these appropriately?
- What are the requirements for academic integrity?
See TASC’s Authenticity and Academic Integrity: A Guide.
|
MODULE 2: INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES (20%)
MODULE OVERVIEW
One (1) of the following parts will be studied:
A. Gender
B. Intelligence
C. Personality.
What makes a person an individual? What makes a person a unique person? Why isn’t everyone the same? What is gender and gender identity? What does being intelligent mean? Does everyone think in the same way?
Questions such as these prompt exploration of the attributes linked to gender and intelligence, and the traits associated with personality. One area is selected and learners investigate the interactive process between the environment and genetic potential.
Differences between individuals can also be ascribed to differences in gender, intelligence and personality, but conceptions of gender, intelligence and personality and their methods of assessment are contested. Differences between individuals, groups and cultures can be analysed in varied ways through different psychological perspectives informed by both classical and contemporary theories.
Learners explore scientific ways of describing, measuring and classifying gender, intelligence and personality. They assess classical and contemporary theories of gender, intelligence and personality that provide evidence in support of the biological, environmental and interactionist perspectives. They compare the research methods used in the development of these theories.
Learners study aspects of psychological research and may apply these to their own investigations. They consider associated ethical issues including the use of standardised psychological tests.
PART A – GENDER
KEY IDEA
There are different theories/perspectives (environment versus biology) of gender and different methodologies used in its analysis and evaluation.
KEY CONTENT
The concept of gender and factors that influence gender, including the interaction of genetic and environmental factors.
Concept of Gender – terms include sex, gender, gender stereotypes, gender roles, gender identity, androgyny, intersex condition, gender differences, biological differences, environmental differences, interactions.
Factors that influence Gender – the interaction of genetic and environmental factors.
Theories/perspectives of Gender influences (classical and contemporary approaches).
Genetic argument/biological influences
- Chromosomes
(Examples to be studied will include)
- Klinefelters Syndrome
- The Batista Family (Imperto McGinley et al 1974)
- Hormones
(Examples to be studied will include)
- Money and Ehrhardt (1972): androgens and how prenatal hormones shape gender differences (e.g. CAH Condition)
- AIS Females
- Brain difference/Cognitive ability
(Examples to be studied will include)
- Harasty (1999): how brain difference reflects verbal abilities of males and females
- Kimura (1987): how differences in brain organisation are responsible for gender differences in verbal and spatial ability.
Environmental argument (social influences) – a range of the following may be covered
- Evolutionary Theory (Sociobiological Theory)
- Social Learning Theory – Bandura (1977)
- Social Role Theory – Eagly (1987)
- Cognitive Development theory – Kohlberg (1966, 1969)
- Gender Schema Theory – Bem (1981)
- Socio-cultural influences – Impact of Socialisation – Fagot (1978)
- Cultural Relativism - Mead.
Interactionist argument
The following will also be investigated throughout this module*:
- strengths and limitations of methodologies used to describe and classify gender
- research methods and ethics associated with investigations into gender.
*The dot points referred to will be integrated in Module 1: Research and Inquiry (Refer to Module Overview). They will be investigated as part of the IP process (when the topic rotation dictates Module 2, Individual Differences and if the topic ‘Gender’ has been selected for the IP by the learner).
PART B – INTELLIGENCE
KEY IDEA
There are different theories (environment versus biology) of intelligence and different methodologies used in its measurement.
KEY CONTENT
The concept of intelligence and factors that influence intelligence, including the interaction of genetic and environmental factors.
Concept of Intelligence – terms include: intelligence; reaction range; intellectual potential; correlation; deprivation; enrichment; validity and reliability of testing; cultural bias; biological (genetic) influences; environmental influences; interaction.
Strengths and limitations of scientific methodologies used to measure intelligence, including:
- Intelligence factor Quotient (IQ)
- Stanford-Binet test
- Wechsler’s Intelligence scales.
Classical and contemporary approaches to describing intelligence, including:
- Spearman (1904) ‘g’, ‘s’ – 2 factor theory
- Howard Gardner’s (1983) – theory of multiple intelligence
- Robert Sternberg’s (1985) – triarchic theory of intelligence.
Factors that influence intelligence including
- interaction of genetic and environmental factors.
- Bouchard and McGue’s (1981) twin studies
- Scarr & Weinberg (1983) – the Minnesota Adoption studies
- Scarr and Weinberg (1978) – interaction and reaction range
- Turkheimer (2003) – socioeconomic status and IQ
- environmental influences
- Deprived and enriched environments
- Flynn Effect.
The following will also be investigated throughout this module*:
- research methods and ethics associated with investigations into intelligence.
*The dot point referred to will be integrated in Module 1: Research and Inquiry (Refer to Module Overview). It will be investigated as part of the IP process (when the topic rotation dictates the Individual Differences module and if the topic ‘Intelligence’ has been selected for the IP by the learner).
PART C – PERSONALITY
KEY IDEA
There are different theories (environment versus biology) of personality and different methodologies used in its measurement.
KEY CONTENT
The concept of personality, including characteristic patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviours of an individual, and the influence of genetic and environment factors.
Concept of Personality – terms include: personality, characteristic patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviours of an individual, self, validity and reliability of testing, hereditability, biological influences, environmental influences, interaction.
Strengths and limitations of scientific methodologies used to measure personality, including the use of personality and aptitude inventories in vocational selections and workplace settings
- Projective tests
- Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).
Classical and contemporary approaches to describing personality, including factors that influence personality including heritability and the interaction of genetic and environmental factors.
- Psychodynamic theory – (heavily focuses on the biological causes of personality)
- Sigmund Freud (1940)
- Carl Jung (1933)
- Humanist theories – (focuses on the role of each person’s conscious life experiences and choices in personality development)
- Rogers (1980) – Person Centred theory
- Maslow (1968)
- Behaviourist Theories – (based on the theories of learning and focuses on the effect on the environment on behaviour)
- Social cognitive theories – (explains personality in terms of how a person thinks about and responds to one's social environment)
- Bandura (1986)
- Mischel (1973) – self and situational self
- Rotter (1978) – Internal/external location
- Trait theories – (more concerned with the end result i.e. the characteristics not the process that causes personality. Although some trait theorists assume that traits are biologically determined others make no such assumption)
- Allport (1936)
- Cattell (1940) – 16 Personality Factor Model
- Eysenck (1990) – PEN Model
- Costa and McCrae (2004) – NEO-PI/Five Factor Model.
The following will also be investigated throughout this module*:
- research methods and ethics associated with investigations into personality.
*The dot point referred to will be integrated in Module 1: Research and Inquiry (Refer to Module Overview). This dot point will not be assessed in the external exam: it would be investigated as part of the IP (when the topic rotation dictates the Individual Differences module and if the topic ‘Personality’ has been selected for the IP by the learner).
MODULE 3: PSYCHOBOIOLOGICAL PROCESSES (20%)
MODULE OVERVIEW
One (1) of the following parts will be studied:
A. Visual Perception
B. Consciousness.
An overview of ‘Sensation’ is required as it presents background information about the eye as a sensory organ and how the eye works. This content is not externally assessed.
SENSATION (BACKGROUND INFORMATION)
- Basics of how the eye works and anatomy
- Reception – the eye as a sensory organ
- Sensation functions as a data reduction system through the processes of attention, thresholds, feature detection and sensory adaption
- Colour vision
- The senses go beyond raw data.
PART A – VISUAL PERCEPTION
Learners investigate how visual perception allows the individual to make sense of the world. ‘Perception’ examines the organising and interpreting of sensations into meaningful patterns.
Learners explore how the brain actively selects, organises and integrates information and how this is influenced by the nature of the stimuli, principles of perceptual organisation and interpretation, and the individual’s expectations. The latter are shown to be influenced by the individual’s subjective experiences or perceptual set. Learners study how visual perception consists of two main processes; sensory processes and cognitive processes and how these processes interact to provide meaning.
KEY IDEA
Research has informed the different psychological perspectives that are used to explain visual perception.
KEY CONTENT
- Characteristics of the visual perceptual system and the visual processes involved in detecting and interpreting visual stimuli
- reception
- transduction
- transmission
- selection
- organization
- interpretation
- Concept of perceptual principles including sensation, perception, Gestalt Principles, visual constancies, distance and depth cues
- Top-down and bottom-up processes: major theories proposed by Gregory (1970) and Gibson (1966)
- Hypothesis testing nature of perception
- Neisser (1976) analysis by synthesis model (interactionist theory)
- Application of psychological perspectives to explain visual perception:
- subjective nature of perception
- role of attention
- the effect of psychological factors on perceptual set
- context
- culture
- past experience
- emotion
- motivation
- distortions of visual perceptions by illusions.
The following will also be investigated throughout this module*:
- research methods and ethics associated with the study of visual perception.
*The dot point referred to will be integrated in Module 1: Research and Inquiry (Refer to Module Overview). It will be investigated as part of the IP process (when the topic rotation dictates Module 3, Psychobiological Differences and if the topic Part A, Visual Perception has been selected for the IP topic by the learner).
PART B – CONSCIOUSNESS
What is consciousness? How is normal waking consciousness (NWC) distinguished from altered states of consciousness (ASC)? What happens when we sleep?
This area of study focuses on the role of the functioning brain and the nervous system in relation to awareness of self, the environment and behaviour. Learners explore the relationships between consciousness and thoughts, feelings and behaviour by comparing the characteristics of normal waking consciousness with altered states of consciousness focusing primarily on sleep and dreaming.
Learners explore the contribution that classical and contemporary research has made to this area and how to interpret behaviours and states of mind from psychological perspectives. They consider the ethical principles associated with the techniques used to investigate brain function and to measure states of consciousness. Learners apply appropriate methods of psychological research and ethical principles to their own investigations.
KEY IDEA
It is important to be able to distinguish between normal waking consciousness (NWC) and altered states of consciousness (ASC)*.
*The external examination focuses only on the ASC of sleep. As negotiated with their provider, learners may investigate another form of ASC in their Investigative Project.
KEY CONTENT
- Concepts of NWC, including consciousness, stream of consciousness, continuum of consciousness, and the ASC, including daydreaming and alcohol-induced alteration, in terms of levels of awareness, content limitations, controlled and automatic processes, perceptual and cognitive distortions, emotional awareness, self-control and time orientation
- Attention – selective and divided
- Sleep as an ASC
- Purpose of sleep
- Characteristics and patterns of the stages of sleep, including rapid eye movement (REM) and the non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stages
- Methods used to establish level of alertness in NWC and within the stages of sleep:
- measurement of physiological responses including electroencephalograph (EEG), electromyograph (EMG), electro-oculargraph (EOG), heart rate, body temperature and galvanic skin response (GSR)
- the use of sleep laboratories, video monitoring and self-reports
- The effects of total and partial sleep deprivation:
- loss of REM and NREM sleep
- sleep recovery patterns including amount of sleep required, REM rebound and microsleeps
- sleep-wake cycle shifts during adolescence compared with child and adult sleep including delayed onset of sleep and need for sleep
- Comparisons of the theories of sleep and dreaming:
- sleep
- restoration (repair)
- survival (adaptive/evolutionary)
- dreams
- wish-fulfilment (Freud) – psychodynamic view
- activation-synthesis (Hobson & McCarley (1977)) – biological view
- problem-solving – extensions of waking life (Cartwright (1977)) – cognitive view
- reverse learning (Crick and Mitchison 1983).
The following will also be investigated throughout this module*:
- research methods and ethics associated with NWC and ASC.
*The dot point referred to will be integrated in Module 1: Research and Inquiry (Refer to Module Overview). This dot point will not be assessed in the external exam: it would be investigated as part of the IP (when the topic rotation dictates Module 3, Psychobiological Processes and if the topic Part B, Consciousness has been selected for the IP topic by the learner).
MODULE 4: HUMAN LEARNING (20%)
MODULE OVERVIEW
How do we learn? How important are role models in shaping behaviour? How can humans’ behaviour be modified?
This module explores the characteristics of learning as a process that plays a part in determining behaviour. Learners examine different types of learning: classical conditioning, operant conditioning, observational learning and social cognitive learning.
Behaviours not dependent on learning, including reflex actions, fixed action patterns and behaviours due to physical growth and development (maturation) are also explored.
As learners assess the contribution that classical and contemporary studies have made, they consider the techniques used to gather data and associated ethical implications. They apply appropriate methods of psychological research and ethical principles when undertaking their own research investigations.
KEY IDEA
There are a number of different theories that are applied to explain human learning.
KEY CONTENT
Conditioning Theories:
- Classical conditioning learning theory:
- classical conditioning as informed by Ivan Pavlov: roles of neutral, unconditioned, conditioned stimuli; unconditioned and conditioned responses; generalisation, discrimination, extinction
- human applications of classical conditioning: emotional conditioning responses (as informed by Watson & Raynor), acquisition of phobias, one trial learning, graduated exposure, systematic desensitisation, aversion therapy, flooding
- Operant conditioning learning theory: trial-and-error learning
- three-phase model of operant conditioning as informed by B F Skinner: positive and negative reinforcement, response cost, punishment and schedules of reinforcement, primary and secondary reinforcement
- human application of operant conditioning: shaping, token economies, learned helplessness (Seligman 1972), Two-factor learning (Hobart-Mowrer 1947).
Comparisons of classical and operant conditioning in terms of the processes of acquisition, extinction, stimulus generalisation, stimulus discrimination, spontaneous recovery, role of learner, timing of stimulus and response, and nature of response (reflexive/voluntary).
Social Cognitive Theories:
- Observational learning
- Observational learning (modelling) – processes in terms of the role of attention, retention, reproduction, motivation, reinforcement as informed by Albert Bandura’s (1977) social learning theory
- Indirect learning through observation, vicarious classical and operant conditioning, consequences (rewards and punishments), vicarious reinforcement and cognitive processes; types of models, characteristics of model
- Cognitive learning
- Cognitive learning including classical, operant, observational and cognitive forms. The role of cognitive processes in learning – learning sets, transfer of learning (positive and negative), insight learning, latent learning and cognitive maps, problem solving as an application of cognitive learning (Maier, 1931). Learning versus performance.
The following will also be investigated throughout this module*:
- research methodologies and ethical principles associated with the study of learning.
*The dot point referred to will be integrated in Module 1: Research and Inquiry (Refer to Module Overview). It will be investigated as part of the IP process (when the topic rotation dictates Module 4, Human Learning).
MODULE 5: REMEMBERING (20%)
MODULE OVERVIEW
Why do we remember some things and forget others? How are memories formed? Can memory be improved? These questions highlight the characteristics of memory as a cognitive process.
Memory is essential to identity because it connects past experiences to the present and shapes the future by enabling humans to adapt to daily changes in their environment. Learners investigate the retention of experiences and learning as memory and the factors that affect retention and recall of information. They study the processes involved in storing information in memory to explain the complexity of memory, factors that affect memory and its decline with age, and the cause of forgetfulness. Learners examine models that explain processes and types of memory, consider how to measure retention of memory and investigate techniques for improving and manipulating memory.
As they examine the contribution that classical and contemporary studies have made to this area, learners consider the techniques used to gather data and associated ethical implications. They apply appropriate methods of psychological research and ethical principles when undertaking their own research investigations related to memory.
KEY IDEA
There are a number of theories that explain the processes involved in storing information in memory as well as factors that affect its retention. The effectiveness of techniques for improving and manipulating memory are also examined.
KEY CONTENT
MEMORY
Memory and information processing:
- encoding, storage and retrieval of information
- encoding information through selective attention
- storage of information in the sensory memory, short-term and long-term memory.
Models for explaining human memory:
- Atkinson & Shiffrin’s (1968) multi-store model stores information in three (3) separate but linked stages – sensory memory, short-term (working memory) and long-term memory
- Baddeley and Hitch’s (1974) model of working memory – central executive, phonological loop, visuo-spatial sketchpad, episodic buffer (2000)
- levels of processing as informed by Craik and Lockhart (1972); Craik and Tulving (1975)
Concepts explaining memory organization and processing:
- organisation of long-term memory including:
- declarative (episodic and semantic) and procedural memory
- semantic network theory (Collins and Quillian 1969)
- consolidation theory
- rehearsal – elaborative and maintenance
- effect of misleading questions on eye-witness testimonies including the reconstructive nature of memory informed by the work of Loftus (1974)
- false memory, confabulation (Bartlett 1932).
FORGETTING
- forgetting curve (Ebbinghaus 1885)
- forgetting theories
Psychological explanations of forgetting:
- non-organic
- failure to encode
- retrieval failure: (tip of the tongue phenomenon) cue dependent and state/context dependent forgetting
- interference theory: retroactive and proactive
- motivated forgetting (repression and suppression)
- decay theory
Physiological explanations of forgetting:
- organic
- memory decline over the lifespan
- amnesia (retrograde and anterograde)
- Examples such as Alzheimer’s disease, Korsakoff’s syndrome.
Concepts of forgetting include:
- serial position effect
- pseudo forgetting
- failure to encode
Various techniques for improving recall:
- attention to material
- elaboration
- organisation
- consolidation
- mnemonic devices including acronyms, acrostics, narrative chaining, method of loci and peg word method.
The following will also be investigated throughout this module:
- research methodologies and ethical principles associated with the study of memory.
*The dot point referred to will be integrated in Module 1: Research and Inquiry (Refer to Module Overview page 5). This dot point will not be assessed in the external exam: it would be investigated as part of the IP (when the topic rotation dictates Module 5, Remembering).