Psychology is the scientific study of human cognition, emotion, and action. Psychology addresses questions by deconstructing patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaviour, as well as identifying and challenging assumptions, theories, and conventions.

Topics:

Examining ethical issues in psychological practice

This topic standard involves examining ethical issues and standards in psychological practice. This is done by looking at well known psychological experiments from the past and measuring them against the current NZ and British Code of ethics.

How do different psychological approaches explain a behaviour?

Psychological approaches refers to ways of thinking about people and how they function. Different approaches may offer different explanations for behaviours such as addiction. Examples of psychological approaches include; behavioural, biological, cognitive, sociocultural, humanistic, evolutionary and psychodynamic.

Conduct psychological research with guidance

Ākonga will learn to carry out and present scientific research on memory through selecting and recording data, interpreting and reporting on the findings and reaching a conclusion. 

How is theory used in different fields of psychological practice?

Ākonga will learn about real life settings and careers for psychologists such as clinical, developmental, organisational, forensic, sports, environmental and education and the relevant theories used in those fields.

Assessment:

The course involves four assessments that are all internally assessed, offering a total of 18 credits. These credits can also count towards literacy credits and UE reading credits.

Entry requirements:

Merit level in Level 1 literacy-rich courses such as those found in History, Geography, Classical Studies and English as well literacy-rich standards in other subjects. Alternatively in consultation with the HOD.

Contact:

Please contact Mr Meredith for more information mea@cghs.school.nz