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Overview
Psychology is the study of human behaviour. The emphasis of this course is on helping students understand the theoretical concepts and research methods associated with Psychology.
This course is an introduction to the major theories in Psychology and introduces approaches to explain human behaviour. It attempts to explain why we behave in the way that we do and explores questions such as:
Why do people take risks?
Why do good people do bad things?
Why do people become addicts?
How do psychologists research ideas?
Psychology addresses big questions and interesting contexts, it encourages in-depth, informed, critical thinking, meaning that it can play an important role in developing the understandings, attitudes, and skills that enable students to become positive, well-informed citizens.
What will I learn?
Approaches - students analyse different psychological theories and apply their knowledge to explain addiction. .
Forensic Psychology - students investigate explanations of human aggression, theories of crime and the application of theories to murders.
Sports Psychology - student investigate psychological theories of motivation and performance of elite athletes.
Ethical issues in Psychological research - Students examine the cost vs benefit of famous unethical studies that psychologically and physically harmed their participants.
Psychological Research: Students will conduct a psychological investigation and then write up a report, presenting the findings.
Term 1
Ethical issues in Psychological research - Students examine the cost vs benefit of famous unethical studies, that psychologically and physically harmed their participants. Psychology 2.5 - Examine ethical issues in psychological practice.
Term 1/2
Addiction - students analyse psychological theories and apply their knowledge to explain addiction. Psychology 2.1 - Examine different psychological approaches used to explain a behaviour.
Term 2 /3
Psychological Research - students will design and conduct an investigation. Psychology 2.3 - Conduct psychological research with guidance.
Term 3 / 4
Forensic Psychology: Students investigate explanations of human aggression, theories of crime and the application of theories to murders. Psychology 2.4 - Examine how theory is used in fields of psychological practice.
Term 4
This term is used to finish the Term 3 course and tidy up any incomplete work.
What should I have done already?
Students choosing this course will need to have gained a Merit endorsement at NCEA Level One, have a strong scientific background and be very competent in reading, writing and statistical analysis. Performance in Level One English and Science may also be used as an indicator of students' suitability for this course. Individual students who do not meet the above requirements may make a case to study L2 Psychology, entry will then be at the discretion of the Head of Social Sciences.
Assessment outline
Assessment regulations
The internal achievement standards will be assessed after the appropriate topics have been taught. There will be no reassessment opportunity for these standards. You will only be given the opportunity to improve on your efforts if you get small things wrong that you can be fixed with no further teaching or learning occurring (resubmission) that will bring your grade from a Not Achieved to Achieved. Because there is no reassessment, if you do not submit the assessment on the due date you have failed the standards.
It is vital that you read and understand the rules relating to NCEA in the section on NZQA Information.
Where does this course lead?
This course leads directly into Level 3 Psychology. Psychology provides training in a number of skills which can be applied to many career areas including health services, law, social work, teaching, politics, sales, marketing, management and human resources. It provides basic knowledge to ensure you will be an informed member of New Zealand society and a valued employee.
People who specifically study to be a Psychologist are also employed in a wide range of workplaces, and many practise privately as independent consultants within their specialised area. These ares of specialisation within the field of psychology are - clinical, counselling, community, educational, forensic, health and organisational.
Indicative costs
For all indicative course costs please see the Course Costs Page.
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