The WJEC Eduqas AS in Psychology is designed to introduce students to the fundamental principles of psychology, including core concepts, theories, and research methods. This qualification encourages students to develop a scientific understanding of human behavior and an appreciation of the diverse approaches to studying psychology.

Aims and Objectives:

• Develop Scientific Knowledge: Gain a thorough understanding of psychological theories, research methods, and how these are applied to real-life behavior.

• Apply Research Methods: Understand and evaluate different research techniques used in psychology, including both qualitative and quantitative methods.

• Foster Critical Thinking: Develop the ability to critically assess psychological research, consider ethical issues, and apply knowledge to a range of psychological contexts.

Qualification Overview:

• Duration: Teaching from 2015, assessment from 2016.

• Assessment Components:

  • Component 1: Psychology: Past to Present (50% of qualification)

  • Component 2: Psychology: Investigating Behaviour (50% of qualification)

Key Topics Covered:

1. Component 1: Psychology: Past to Present:

   • Five Approaches in Psychology: Biological, Psychodynamic, Behaviourist, Cognitive, and Positive psychology.

   • Classic Research: Exploration of influential studies, such as Raine et al. (1997) on brain abnormalities in murderers, and Bowlby (1944) on juvenile thieves.

   • Contemporary Debates: Discussions on topics like the ethics of neuroscience, the role of mothers in infant care, and the application of conditioning techniques to control behavior.

   • Therapies: Study of therapies like drug therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness, evaluating their effectiveness and ethical considerations.

2. Component 2: Psychology: Investigating Behaviour:

   • Research Methods: Understanding the principles of psychological research, including experimental designs, sampling methods, and data analysis.

   • Social and Developmental Psychology: Analysis of research like Milgram’s (1963) study on obedience and Kohlberg’s (1968) work on moral development.

   • Ethical Issues: Understanding confidentiality, deception, informed consent, and the ethical treatment of both human and animal participants in research.

Assessment:

• Component 1: Written examination (1 hour 45 minutes), covering psychological approaches, research, and contemporary debates.

• Component 2: Written examination (1 hour 45 minutes), focused on research methods and applying knowledge to novel research scenarios.

Grading:

• Grades: A to E, with U for unclassified results.

• Resit Opportunities: Candidates must resit all components in the same series if required.