Cambridge AS & A Level- Psychology

by Nandana Surendran

Cambridge International AS and A Level Psychology learners develop their appreciation of the subject by exploring the ways in which psychology is conducted. As part of their studies, learners also review important research; this provides an insight into the ways in which psychology has been applied, thereby leading to a better understanding of key approaches, research methods and issues and debates.

The syllabus reflects four core areas of psychology, namely biological, cognitive, learning and social; it also relates psychology to abnormality, consumer behaviour, health and organisations.

Aims of the Syllaus

The syllabus aims to-
• Provide an introduction to psychological concepts, theories and research findings
• Create an understanding of the range and limitations of psychological theory and practice
• Encourage candidates to explore and understand the relationship between psychological findings and everyday life
• Develop skills of analysis, interpretation, application and evaluation
• Develop an understanding of ethical issues in psychology, including the moral and ethical implications of psychological research
• Promote an appreciation and understanding of individual, social and cultural diversity
• Study psychological approaches, issues and debates and research methods
• Improve communication skills.

Sylabus

Cambridge International AS and A Level Psychology provides candidates opportunities to consider approaches, issues and debates and research methods that underpin all aspects of psychology.

At AS Level candidates focus on 12 core studies. The core studies illustrate a wide range of research methods used in psychology, such as experiments, observations, self-reports and case studies. By exploring the relationship between the content of the study and the research methods, the candidate will gain a broad understanding of how psychologists study experiences and behaviours and why the research took place. Candidates for Cambridge International A Level Psychology study the AS Level content and two of the following options-

1. Abnormality
This specialist option considers the definitions, symptoms, causes and treatments of a variety of mental disorders.

2. Consumer behaviour
This specialist option reflects the society in which we live and looks at both seller and purchaser as well as the design of consumer environments.

3. Health
This specialist option focuses on application to everyday life health issues, including pain and stress.

4. Organisations
This specialist option considers the world of work, and how individuals and groups within an organisation function and influence each other and have an impact on the organisation itself.

These A Level options are diverse in nature but each specialist option is balanced and equivalent in terms of content and demand. The original studies are referenced for teachers but it is not necessary for candidates to study the original publication. An overview or general summary of each study is sufficient.

Objectives of the Assessment

With regards to psychological themes, theories, terminology, concepts (ideas and processes), methods, studies and practical applications, candidates should be able to-
1. Knowledge and understanding
Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding

2. Applying knowledge and understanding
Apply their knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations and real life and theoretical contexts

3. Analysis and evaluation
Analyse, interpret and evaluate psychological information, ideas and evidence.

Assessment

For Cambridge International AS and A Level Psychology, candidates:
• Take Papers 1 and 2 only (for the Cambridge International AS Level qualification)
(or)
• Follow a staged assessment route by taking Papers 1 and 2 (for Cambridge International AS Level qualification) in one examination series, then Papers 3 and 4 (for the Cambridge International A Level qualification) in a later examination series
(or)
• take Papers 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the same examination series, leading to the full Cambridge International A Level.

All components are externally assessed.

COMPONENTS

Paper 1 Approaches, Issues and Debates
Candidates answer all questions.
Short answer questions and an essay question, based on core studies.
Candidates answer each question in the spaces provided on the question paper.
1 hour 30 minutes
Total 60 marks
AS Level- 50%
A Level– 25%

Paper 2 Research Methods
Candidates answer all questions.
Section A: Short answer questions, some based on the core studies (22 marks).
Section B: Scenario-based questions (24 marks).
Section C: A design-based question divided into two parts (14 marks).
Candidates answer each question in the spaces provided on the question paper.
1 hour 30 minutes
Total 60 marks
AS Level- 50%
A Level– 25%

Paper 3 Specialist options: Theory
Candidates answer two questions from two specialist options. Each specialist option is out of 30 marks.
Question 1: The question is divided into three parts (12 marks).
Question 2: Structured essay-based question divided into two parts (18 marks).
1 hour 30 minutes
Total 60 marks
A Level– 25%

Paper 4 Specialist options: Application
Candidates answer questions from two specialist options.
Section A: Candidates answer two questions from a choice of four (30 marks). Each of these questions is based on stimulus material and is divided into four parts.
Section B: Candidates answer one design-based question from a choice of four (18 marks). Each question is divided into two parts.
Section C: Candidates answer one essay question from a choice of four (12 marks).
1 hour 30 minutes
Total 60 marks
A Level– 25%

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