Units 1 & 2 Psychology

Unit 1: How are behaviour and mental processes shaped?

In this unit students examine the complex nature of psychological development, including situations where psychological development may not occur as expected. Students examine the contribution that classical and contemporary knowledge from Western and non-Western societies, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, has made to an understanding of psychological development and to the development of psychological models and theories used to predict and explain the development of thoughts, emotions and behaviours. They investigate the structure and functioning of the human brain and the role it plays in mental processes and behaviour and explore brain plasticity and the influence that brain damage may have on a person’s psychological functioning.

A student-directed research investigation into contemporary psychological research is undertaken.

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​​Key Skills Achieved

• Develop aims and questions, formulate hypotheses and make predictions 
• Plan and conduct investigations 
• Comply with safety and ethical guidelines
• Generate, collate and record data
• Analyse and evaluate data and investigation methods 
• Construct evidence-based arguments and draw conclusions
• Analyse, evaluate and communicate scientific ideas

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Assessment 

• Coursework 60%
• End of Semester Examination 40%

Unit 2: How do internal and external factors influence behaviour and mental processes?

In this unit students evaluate the role social cognition plays in a person’s attitudes, perception of themselves and relationships with others. Students explore a variety of factors and contexts that can influence the behaviour of individuals and groups, recognising that different cultural groups have different experiences and values. Students are encouraged to consider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s experiences within Australian society and how these experiences may affect psychological functioning.

Students examine the contribution that classical and contemporary research has made to the understandings of human perception and why individuals and groups behave in specific ways. Students investigate how perception of stimuli enables a person to interact with the world around them and how their perception of stimuli can be distorted.

A student-adapted or student-designed scientific investigation is undertaken .

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​​Key Skills Achieved

• Develop aims and questions, formulate hypotheses and make predictions 
• Plan and conduct investigations 
• Comply with safety and ethical guidelines
• Generate, collate and record data
• Analyse and evaluate data and investigation methods 
• Construct evidence-based arguments and draw conclusions
• Analyse, evaluate and communicate scientific ideas

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Assessment 

• Coursework 60%
• End of Semester Examination 40%

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Prerequisites:

‍N/A

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‍Recommendations:

‍N/A