GCSE Psychology
Distance Learning 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
Learning at Home 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
Learning at Home in conjunction with the awarding body 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.

Funding
Learning at Home 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!

Q. How much are exam fees?
A. These vary from centre to centre so you should check with them directly as we do not have access to the information.

Q. Are the courses paper based or on-line?
A. All our courses are paper based and come in attractive sturdy folders.

Q. How do I contact my tutor?
A. Tutors are all working Teachers or Lecturers so contact is by email only.

Q. Why can I not take my exams at when I have completed the course and have to wait?
A. Exams are taken at the same times as schools and colleges and are not flexible.

Q. I want to take my exams but there are only a few months to study, is this possible?
A. Depending on the time of year, it is sometimes impossible to complete your studies in a short space of time as your work has to be marked and checked.