3. Before we begin…
Fold a piece of paper in 3 to create a name card. Write your (preferred) name on the front. Make sure it is clear and bold so I can see it!

4. Find the On the table are summaries of 4 studies.
One of the studies is a fake.
Can you guess which one?
Be prepared to give a reason for your answer.

5. 1 2 3 4

6. Were you listening in your induction session?
Where do you go to view your timetable?
What does ILP stand for?
Why is it important to wear a lanyard?
What is a ‘target grade’ and why is it important?
What are SMART targets? Why are they important?
What is the ‘Right Choice Period’?
What are progress review meetings?

7. Getting to know one another…
Take it in turns to pick a ‘card.’
Ask the question on it to the other people on your table.
Ask me anything – within reason!

8. Getting to know one another…
Personal information sheet

9. A level Psychology - Topics
Year 1
Year 2
Approaches
Biopsychology
Schizophrenia
Forensic psychology
Gender
Issues and debates
Research methods
Approaches
Memory
Attachment
Social influence
Psychopathology
Biopsychology
Research methods

10. The AQA Psychology Specification
3 Exam Papers
Each exam: 2 hours
Each worth: 96 marks
33.3% of final A level mark
Key skills:
AO1 = Description
AO2 = Application
AO3 = Evaluation
Assessment: MCQ, short answer questions and essay-style questions
At least 25% of the marks for your A level come from questions on research methods
At 10% of the overall marks come from questions that assess your maths skills

11. How will I be assessed throughout the course?
You will have 4.5 hours of homework to complete per week.
Exam questions
End of topic mini mocks (24 marks)
Mock and progression examination (Christmas and summer)

12. sdcpsychology.weebly.com

13. Homework: due in w/c 17th September
A (past - tests past knowledge and skills): As part of your summer homework you were asked to research the 5 main approaches in psychology. Using those notes, answer the following exam question: ‘Outline one of the approaches in psychology.' (4 marks) B (present - tests recent learning): This week, you will be given an overview of the origins of psychology. From this lesson, your homework is to create a timeline of the approaches for your notes. C: (future – prepares you for future learning): Revise for the baseline assessment you will sit in lesson 3 next week. This will examine aspects of your summer homework and maths skills.
For further guidance, see the psychology website

14. What textbook will I need?
You must purchase a first year A level textbook within the first 2 weeks You will also need to buy a folder and a pack of dividers.

15. Digi-book: ‘Green haired girl textbook’
Username: SSUSSEXDOWNSEASTBOURNE
Password: student

16. Expectations of the department You should …
…complete all homework …participate fully in all class activities …respect your classmates and your teacher …not disrupt the class when teacher or classmates are talking …bring your folder, completed tasks and homework and a working pen to each class …stay off mobile phones (unless use is permitted by a teacher) …not be late. If the lesson has started, you must knock on the door and wait for the teacher to open it at a time that will not disrupt the class. …not leave the class if you don’t understand something. Ask your peers, or a teacher and if it is still unclear, go to a subject extension

17. Ellie.Lumsden@sussexdowns.ac.uk - Elle
– Corinne (Monday only)
Based in classroom 220
Psychology staff contact info:

18. Year 1 Research Methods
What the AQA spec says:
You must demonstrate knowledge of the features of science
Identify the key features of scientific investigations.
Review the main research methods used in psychology.

19. What is Psychology? Psychology is the scientific
study of mind and behaviour:
How we think, feel, act and interact

20. - What are the features of science?
But …what is science?
In pairs/small groups, note down what ‘science’ is – what criteria make the study of something scientific?
- What are the features of science?

21. Features of science
Match the terms to the statements to identify the key features of science.
Replicability
Hypothesis testing
Objectivity
Prediction
Control
Empirical
Scientific evidence is gathered through direct observation and experience rather than reasoned argument or belief.
Scientific observations should be recorded without bias or influence by other factors of people.
Scientific observations should take place under strict conditions that minimise the influence of extraneous variables.
Scientists should be able to use results and knowledge gained from research to envisage future behaviour.
Scientific theories generate precise statements that can be tested to either strengthen the support for a theory, or disprove it.
Scientific investigations should be tested again to give confidence to results and ensure results are reliable.
Empirical
Objectivity
Control
Prediction
Hypothesis testing
Replicability

22. The Scientific Cycle

23. Can you remember the research methods used by psychologists?
The scientific method refers to the use of methods that are objective, systematic and replicable.
Can you remember the research methods used by psychologists?
Experimental
Non-experimental
Lab experiment
Field experiment
Natural experiment
Observation
Interview
Questionnaire
Correlation
Case study
Content analysis

24. Next week: the experimental method
Learning Check
1. What is the exam board for your A level Psychology qualification?
2. How much of your final exam mark will be based on questions covering research methods?
3. Where will you find details of your weekly homework?
4. What do you need to purchase for psychology in the next two weeks?
5. Can you identify and explain at least 3 features of science?
Next week: the experimental method