GCSE Psychology Home Study Course

Specification
AQA GCSE Psychology (4182)
Two written papers (Unit 1 and Unit 2).
First examination for Unit 1 is June 2010. Both Unit 1 and Unit 2 will be offered in June 2011.
Learning Outcomes:
The student will be able to:

• 
  learn about the interdependence and interactions of individuals, groups, institutions and entire societies


• 
  develop the ability to critically reason and analyse the nature and source of psychological theories


• 
  gain an understanding of social, developmental and cognitive psychological approaches to the individual and groups


• 
  learn about various different types of research methods and techniques and how to present results and theories

Course Content
Unit 1: Making Sense of Other People (41801)
Modules:

• 
  Memory


• 
  Processes of Encoding


• 
  Explanations of Memory


• 
  Processes of forgetting


• 
  Eyewitness Testimony


• 
  Practical applications


• 
  Non-verbal Communication


• 
  Distinctions between verbal and non-verbal communication


• 
  Types of non-verbal communication


• 
  Evaluation studies


• 
  Personal space


• 
  Practical Implications


• 
  Development of Personality


• 
  Definition of Personality


• 
  Temperament.


• 
  Eysenek’s Type theory


• 
  Personality Scales


• 
  Antisocial Personality Disorders (APD)


• 
  Evaluation and research into APD.


• 
  Stereotyping, Prejudice and Discrimination


• 
  Definitions of stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination.


• 
  Explanations of terms and methodology.


• 
  Sherif, Aronson, Elliot and Harwood.


• 
  Evaluation of reduction of prejudice and discrimination.


• 
  Research Methods


• 
  Theoretical material.


• 
  Methodology


• 
  Methods of Investigation


• 
  Scientific methods and techniques to test objectivity.


• 
  Formulation of testable hypotheses to promote enquiry.


• 
  Ecological Validity.


• 
  Methods of Control, Data Analysis and Data Presentation


• 
  Experimental Designs


• 
  Target Populations


• 
  Samples and sampling methods


• 
  Random allocation.


• 
  Graphical Representations.


• 
  Ethical Considerations


• 
  Issues within Psychological research

Unit 2: Understanding Other People ( 41802)
Modules:

• 
  Learning


• 
  Classical Conditioning.


• 
  Operant Conditioning.


• 
  Conditioning Procedures.


• 
  Social Influence


• 
  Conformity


• 
  Obedience


• 
  Social Loafing


• 
  Deindivuation


• 
  Bystander Intervention


• 
  Research studies related to Social Influence.


• 
  Sex and Gender


• 
  Sex Identity


• 
  Gender Identity


• 
  Psychodynamic Theory


• 
  Social Learning Theory


• 
  Gender Schema Theory


• 
  Gender Development


• 
  Aggression


• 
  Explanations of aggression.


• 
  Biological


• 
  Psychodynamic


• 
  Social Learning


• 
  Development of Aggressive Behaviours


• 
  Ways of reducing aggression.


• 
  Research Methods


• 
  Theoretical material.


• 
  Methodology


• 
  Methods of Investigation


• 
  Survey Methods


• 
  Observation Methods


• 
  Case Study


• 
  Ecological Validity


• 
  Methods of Control, Data Analysis and Data Presentation


• 
  Target Populations


• 
  Correlation


• 
  Calculations


• 
  Graphical Representations


• 
  Ethical Considerations


• 
  Issues within Psychological research

There are also 16 course assignments to complete
Assessment Description:
The GCSE assessment consists of two examinations as follows:
Unit 1 (41801): Making Sense of Other People


1 hour 30 minutes examination 80 marks. All questions must be answered.
Unit 2 (41802): Understanding Other People


1 hour 30 minutes examination, 80 marks. All questions must be answered.
Please check your specification as details may be subject to change by the awarding body.
Study Time
To complete this course it will take in the region of 100 study hours which can be spread over a 12 month period to suit the student.
Pre-requisites
No previous study is required to access any of our GCSE courses, but they do require basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Support and Benefits
Full tutor support is available via email by fully qualified professionals.
Exam Dates and Information


Exams are in June of each year and the latest dates for enrolment is December.
If you start your course after December then it is unlikely you can take your exam in June unless your tutor agrees and you can find a centre, they will require late registration fees.
Further Reading and Book List


Qualifications
UK Open Learning offers a range of GCSEs and all the course materials map to the very latest criteria laid down by the awarding bodies.
When you have taken your exams you will be awarded a grade which ranges from A – G with G being the lowest.
You will need to take GCSEs to progress onto A Levels and employers look for Maths and English as a minimum requirement for most jobs.

Taking Exams
UK Open Learning in conjunction will give whatever help we can with examination information and finding an exam centre, but entering examinations is entirely the responsibility of the student, and the contract for sitting examinations is between the student and the exam centre. We are not an exam centre so you must read all the information in your course pack carefully and be prepared to travel to a centre which is willing to accept external candidates.
Please do not ask us to provide you with a list of your nearest centres when enquiring about your course as we do not have this information available; you need to contact the awarding body.
Visit AQA
http://web.aqa.org.uk/admin/p_private/
Funding
UK Open Learning does not have access to any funding so if you require a subsidised course please contact your Learn Direct Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do your courses meet the latest syllabus changes?
A. yes, all our course materials meet any changes and will be updated free of charge if further changes are made.
Q. Why do I have to find a centre myself?
A. We have students all over the UK and Europe and it is impossible for us to arrange dates and times for individual students.
Q. What if I cannot find an examination centre?
A. If you wish to gain the qualification then be prepared to travel it is worth it!