Level 2 - Psychology
Course Description
Psychology is the engaging and systematic study of human behaviour and mental processes. Students will develop an understanding of the unique approach to understanding modern psychology while learning about psychological research and ethical considerations in psychology.
In Term 1 students will explore the topic of addiction and how addiction is explained through the biological, cognitive and sociocultural approaches to psychology. Students will have the opportunity to explore a type of addiction that they are interested in and then apply it to all three approaches to psychology. There is an opportunity to submit the assessment for this topic via an oral presentation or a written assignment.
In Term 2 students will learn about the importance of ethical practices in psychology. The topic of ethics will cover the history of ethics in psychology and also how ethics are applied in psychological settings in Aotearoa. Students will then conduct a psychological experiment that meets the ethical guidelines. The assessment includes a practical experiment and a written report.
In Term 3 and Term 4 students will explore clinical and forensic psychology. In the clinical field, students will learn about focuses on the diagnosis of abnormal behaviour and the use of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) as a treatment for abnormal behaviour. Students will have the opportunity to explore a type of abnormal behaviour that they are interested in, such as depression, and then apply it to the theory of CBT. In the forensic field, students will learn about the understanding and prevention of criminal behaviour and the use of psychodynamic therapy as a treatment for criminal behaviour. Students will have the opportunity to explore a type of criminal behaviour that they are interested in and then apply it to the theory of psychodynamic therapy. There is an opportunity to submit the assessment for this topic via an oral presentation or a written assignment.
Pre-requisites
There are no pre-requisites for this course.
Course Specific Costs
None
Pathway
Clinical psychologist, educational psychologist, school counsellor, psychology professor, social service specialist, forensic psychologist, psychiatrist and medical doctor.
Credit Information
You will be assessed in this course through all or a selection of the standards listed below.
External
NZQA Info
Psychology 2.1 - Examine different psychological approaches used to explain a behaviour
NZQA Info
Psychology 2.3 - Conduct psychological research with guidance
NZQA Info
Psychology 2.4 - Examine how theory is used in fields of psychological practice
NZQA Info
Psychology 2.5 - Examine ethical issues in psychological practice
Disclaimer
Specific course content may change from what has been advertised in order to remain current and meet students' needs.
The school has the right to make the best decision based on both staffing, and overall student interest, when preparing the final timetable.