The AQA A Level Psychology syllabus covers a comprehensive range... Show more
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AQA A Level Psychology Paper 2 Topics
This page outlines the main topics covered in AQA Psychology Paper 2, which is an essential component of the AQA A Level Psychology specification. The content is divided into three major sections, each exploring advanced concepts and methodologies in psychology.
Research Methods
This comprehensive section focuses on the various techniques and approaches used in psychological research. Key areas of study include:
- Experimental method
- Variables and sampling techniques
- Experimental design and types of experiments
- Ethical issues in psychological research
- Pilot studies
- Observational design and techniques
- Self-report design and techniques
- Correlations, data analysis, and statistical testing
- Peer review, psychology, and the economy
Highlight: Understanding research methods is crucial for critically evaluating psychological studies and conducting original research.
Approaches in Psychology
This section explores different theoretical perspectives in psychology, providing a broad understanding of how psychologists approach the study of human behavior and mental processes. Topics covered include:
- Origins of psychology
- The behaviourist approach
- Social learning theory
- The cognitive approach
- The biological approach
- The psychodynamic approach
- The humanistic approach
- Comparison of approaches
Example: The cognitive approach focuses on mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving, while the biological approach emphasizes the role of genetics, brain structure, and neurochemistry in behavior.
Biopsychology
The final section of Paper 2 delves into the biological basis of behavior and mental processes. Key topics include:
- Studying the brain
- Brain localization and lateralization
- Brain plasticity and functional recovery
- The endocrine system
- The nervous system
- Biological rhythms
- Neurons and synaptic transmission
Vocabulary: Biopsychology, also known as behavioral neuroscience, is the study of how biological processes influence behavior and mental processes.
Quote: "The brain is wider than the sky." - Emily Dickinson, highlighting the complexity and vastness of the human brain, which is a central focus of biopsychology.
This comprehensive curriculum provides students with a solid foundation in psychological theory, research methods, and practical applications, preparing them for further study in psychology or related fields.
AQA A Level Psychology Paper 1 Topics
This page outlines the main topics covered in AQA Psychology Paper 1, which forms a crucial part of the AQA A Level Psychology specification. The content is divided into four major sections, each exploring fundamental concepts in psychology.
Social Influence
This section examines how individuals are affected by others and social situations. Key areas of study include:
- Types and explanations of conformity
- Conformity studies Asch & Zimbardo
- Obedience and factors affecting it
- Resistance to social influence
- Minority influence and social change
Highlight: Understanding social influence is crucial for explaining human behavior in group settings and societal contexts.
Memory
The memory section explores how information is processed, stored, and retrieved in the human mind. Topics covered are:
- Coding, capacity, and duration of memory
- The multi-store model of memory
- Types of long-term memory
- The working memory model
- Explanations for forgetting
- Factors affecting eyewitness testimony
Example: The multi-store model of memory, proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin, explains how information moves through different stages of memory processing.
Attachment
This section focuses on the development of emotional bonds and their impact on human relationships. Key topics include:
- Introduction to attachment
- Schaffer's stages of attachment
- Animal studies of attachment
- Explanations of attachment: learning theory and Bowlby's theory
- Ainsworth's strange situation
- Cultural variations in attachment
- Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation
- Romanian orphan studies
- Influence of early attachment on later relationships
Definition: Attachment refers to the emotional bond formed between an infant and their primary caregiver, which has long-lasting effects on social and emotional development.
Psychopathology
The final section of Paper 1 explores mental disorders and their treatments. Topics covered are:
- Definition of abnormality
- Phobias
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Behavioural approach to explaining and treating phobias
- Cognitive approach to explaining and treating depression
- Biological approach to explaining and treating OCD
Vocabulary: Psychopathology is the scientific study of mental disorders, including their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
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4.8/5
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
AQA Psychology Paper 1 and 2 Checklist with Answers
The AQA A Level Psychology syllabus covers a comprehensive range of topics across two papers, providing students with a thorough grounding in key psychological concepts and research methods. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking and analytical skills while... Show more
AQA A Level Psychology Paper 2 Topics
This page outlines the main topics covered in AQA Psychology Paper 2, which is an essential component of the AQA A Level Psychology specification. The content is divided into three major sections, each exploring advanced concepts and methodologies in psychology.
Research Methods
This comprehensive section focuses on the various techniques and approaches used in psychological research. Key areas of study include:
- Experimental method
- Variables and sampling techniques
- Experimental design and types of experiments
- Ethical issues in psychological research
- Pilot studies
- Observational design and techniques
- Self-report design and techniques
- Correlations, data analysis, and statistical testing
- Peer review, psychology, and the economy
Highlight: Understanding research methods is crucial for critically evaluating psychological studies and conducting original research.
Approaches in Psychology
This section explores different theoretical perspectives in psychology, providing a broad understanding of how psychologists approach the study of human behavior and mental processes. Topics covered include:
- Origins of psychology
- The behaviourist approach
- Social learning theory
- The cognitive approach
- The biological approach
- The psychodynamic approach
- The humanistic approach
- Comparison of approaches
Example: The cognitive approach focuses on mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving, while the biological approach emphasizes the role of genetics, brain structure, and neurochemistry in behavior.
Biopsychology
The final section of Paper 2 delves into the biological basis of behavior and mental processes. Key topics include:
- Studying the brain
- Brain localization and lateralization
- Brain plasticity and functional recovery
- The endocrine system
- The nervous system
- Biological rhythms
- Neurons and synaptic transmission
Vocabulary: Biopsychology, also known as behavioral neuroscience, is the study of how biological processes influence behavior and mental processes.
Quote: "The brain is wider than the sky." - Emily Dickinson, highlighting the complexity and vastness of the human brain, which is a central focus of biopsychology.
This comprehensive curriculum provides students with a solid foundation in psychological theory, research methods, and practical applications, preparing them for further study in psychology or related fields.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
AQA A Level Psychology Paper 1 Topics
This page outlines the main topics covered in AQA Psychology Paper 1, which forms a crucial part of the AQA A Level Psychology specification. The content is divided into four major sections, each exploring fundamental concepts in psychology.
Social Influence
This section examines how individuals are affected by others and social situations. Key areas of study include:
- Types and explanations of conformity
- Conformity studies Asch & Zimbardo
- Obedience and factors affecting it
- Resistance to social influence
- Minority influence and social change
Highlight: Understanding social influence is crucial for explaining human behavior in group settings and societal contexts.
Memory
The memory section explores how information is processed, stored, and retrieved in the human mind. Topics covered are:
- Coding, capacity, and duration of memory
- The multi-store model of memory
- Types of long-term memory
- The working memory model
- Explanations for forgetting
- Factors affecting eyewitness testimony
Example: The multi-store model of memory, proposed by Atkinson and Shiffrin, explains how information moves through different stages of memory processing.
Attachment
This section focuses on the development of emotional bonds and their impact on human relationships. Key topics include:
- Introduction to attachment
- Schaffer's stages of attachment
- Animal studies of attachment
- Explanations of attachment: learning theory and Bowlby's theory
- Ainsworth's strange situation
- Cultural variations in attachment
- Bowlby's theory of maternal deprivation
- Romanian orphan studies
- Influence of early attachment on later relationships
Definition: Attachment refers to the emotional bond formed between an infant and their primary caregiver, which has long-lasting effects on social and emotional development.
Psychopathology
The final section of Paper 1 explores mental disorders and their treatments. Topics covered are:
- Definition of abnormality
- Phobias
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Behavioural approach to explaining and treating phobias
- Cognitive approach to explaining and treating depression
- Biological approach to explaining and treating OCD
Vocabulary: Psychopathology is the scientific study of mental disorders, including their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user