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:

1. Experimental method
2. Variables and sampling techniques
3. Experimental design and types of experiments
4. Ethical issues in psychological research
5. Pilot studies
6. Observational design and techniques
7. Self-report design and techniques
8. Correlations, data analysis, and statistical testing
9. 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:

1. Origins of psychology
2. The behaviourist approach
3. Social learning theory
4. The cognitive approach
5. The biological approach
6. The psychodynamic approach
7. The humanistic approach
8. 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:

1. Studying the brain
2. Brain localization and lateralization
3. Brain plasticity and functional recovery
4. The endocrine system
5. The nervous system
6. Biological rhythms
7. 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.