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Psychology

“The Christian faith of the early scientists gave them more than presuppositions; it also gave them motivation. They believed that in studying nature they were discovering the wisdom and power of the Creator and were thus honouring Him.” James F. Jekel

OVERVIEW

This study enables students to:

  • Apply psychological models, theories and concepts to describe, explain and analyse observations and ideas related to human thoughts, emotions and behaviour
  • Examine the ways that a biopsychosocial approach can be applied to organise, analyse and extend knowledge in psychology
  • Understand the cooperative, cumulative, evolutionary and interdisciplinary nature of science as a human endeavour, including its possibilities, limitations and political and sociocultural influences
  • Develop a range of individual and collaborative science investigation skills through experimental and inquiry tasks in the field and in the laboratory
  • Develop an informed perspective on contemporary science-based issues of local and global significance
  • Apply their scientific understanding to familiar and to unfamiliar situations, including personal, social, environmental and technological contexts
  • Develop attitudes that include curiosity, open-mindedness, creativity, flexibility, integrity, attention to detail and respect for evidence-based conclusions
  • Understand and apply the research, ethical and safety principles that govern the study and practice of the discipline in the collection, analysis, critical evaluation and reporting of data
  • Communicate clearly and accurately an understanding of the discipline using appropriate terminology, conventions and formats.

Through studying VCE Psychology, we hope to better understand ourselves in order to further develop our God-given potential (Psalm 139:13-16). Our God has created an orderly world and we strive to interpret this as best we can (Genesis 1:14). By having a better understanding of our behaviour and the behaviours of others, we can relate more effectively in our personal and professional lives. Our physical health is affected by our mental, emotional and spiritual well-being (Proverbs 16:24). It is vital that we understand all of these facets in life and how they interact with each other.

SUBJECT LENGTH

  • 9 periods a cycle. This subject runs year long.

TOPICS INCLUDE

UNIT 1: HOW ARE BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL PROCESSES SHAPED?

  • How Does The Brain Function?
  • What Influences Psychological Development?
  • Student-Directed Research Investigation

UNIT 2: HOW DO EXTERNAL FACTORS INFLUENCE BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL PROCESSES?

  • What Influences A Person’s Perception Of The World?
  • How Are People Influenced To Behave In Particular Ways?
  • Student-Directed Practical Investigation

UNIT 3: HOW DOES EXPERIENCE AFFECT BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL PROCESSES?

  • How Does The Nervous System Enable Psychological Functioning?
  • How Do People Learn And Remember?

UNIT 4: HOW IS WELLBEING DEVELOPED AND MAINTAINED?

  • How Do Levels Of Consciousness Affect Mental Processes And Behaviour?
  • What Influences Mental Wellbeing?
  • Practical Investigation

PREREQUISITES

  • Booklist items
  • Levy costs

ASSESSMENT

UNIT 1

Outcome 1: Test (20% overall mark)

Outcome 2: Empirical Research Activity on Piaget’s Theory of Development (20% overall mark)

Outcome 3: Report of an investigation (30% overall mark)

Examination (30% overall mark)

UNIT 2

Outcome 1: Test and Visual perception annotated presentation (25% overall mark)

Outcome 2: Social behaviour media analysis (25% overall mark)

Outcome 3: External influences on behaviour scientific poster (25% overall mark)

Examination (25% overall mark)

UNIT 3 (16% of study score)

Outcome 1 (50% of Unit 3 result) of one from:

  • Annotations Of At Least Two Practical Activities From A Practical Logbook
  • Evaluation Of Research
  • A Report Of A Student Investigation
  • A Visual Presentation
  • A Response To A Set Of Structured Questions
  • A Test

(Approximately 50 minutes or not exceeding 1000 words for each task)

Outcome 2 (50% of Unit 3 result) of one from:

  • annotations of at least two practical activities from a practical logbook
  • evaluation of research
  • a report of a student investigation
  • a visual presentation
  • a response to a set of structured questions
  • a test

(Approximately 50 minutes or not exceeding 1000 words for each task)

UNIT 4 (24% of study score)

Outcome 1 (1/3 of Unit 4 result) of one from:

  • annotations of at least two practical activities from a practical logbook
  • evaluation of research
  • a report of a student investigation
  • a visual presentation
  • a response to a set of structured questions
  • a test

(Approximately 50 minutes or not exceeding 1000 words for each task)

Outcome 2 (1/3 of Unit 4 result) of one from:

  • annotations of at least two practical activities from a practical logbook
  • evaluation of research
  • a report of a student investigation
  • a visual presentation
  • a response to a set of structured questions
  • a test

(Approximately 50 minutes or not exceeding 1000 words for each task)

Outcome 3

  • A structured scientific poster according to the VCAA template (not exceeding 1000 words)

EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT

The level of achievement for Units 3 and 4 is also assessed by an end-of-year examination. The examination will contribute 60%.

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:7-10