Psychology

The study of Psychology is about the science of the human mind and behaviour. Students will explore how the individual is affected by a range of factors including genetics, the environment and our cognitive processes.

Psychology focuses on many different perspectives that have studied human behaviour, each offering a unique approach. We will explore the biological, behaviourism, cognitive, psychodynamic, and humanistic approaches. Students will study a range of topic, including how mental disorders are created e.g. phobias and Schizophrenia, s well as the effect these have on the individual and appropriate treatments for them. They will explore the reasons why individuals become complicit in horrific incidents in the 20th century such as the Holocaust; how such evil can be committed, and to reflect on whether these causes are biological or whether social pressures compel people to do such things. The key issues in Psychology are discussed constructively and with a developmental focus. We examine the subject material with sensitivity and understanding, which is necessary should students follow a career into health disciplines

Underpinning all Psychological theory is a firm foundation of rigorous research. Students will develop research skills and knowledge of the methodologies available for the investigation of human behaviour. These are as varied as the topics studied, and range from the laboratory experiments devised by the early behavioural and cognitive Psychologists, to the in-depth case studies conducted by Sigmund Freud in his development of Psychoanalytical theory. There is also a strong focus on the use of both quantitative and qualitative data and the implementation of descriptive and inferential statistics.

Students will be able to analyse the world and individuals around them in new ways, incorporating a variety of approaches and asking questions about the nature of human agency. It brings about empathy, tolerance and an appreciation of how interconnected and complex our lives are as humans.

For more information please contact Helen Pinder hpinder@stokepark.coventry.sch.uk