Online Handbook

Psychology at Bedford Modern School

Psychology is about asking questions and evaluating our answers. Why do we think, feel and behave the way we do? How should we conduct psychological research that is scientific, ethical, and has practical applications?

AS outline

At AS, candidates will develop a broad knowledge and understanding of the core areas of psychology (social, cognitive, developmental, biological and individual differences) through a range of topics, chosen for their accessibility and popularity.

The AS specification has 2 units:

Unit 1: Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Research Methods

Topic list

•Cognitive psychology, including memory and eyewitness testimony

•Developmental psychology, including early social development, attachment

  and the effects of day care.

•Research methods, in the context of the topic areas.

Unit 2: Biological Psychology, Social Psychology and Individual Differences

Topic list

•Biological psychology, including stress, factors affecting stress, coping with stress and managing stress

•Social psychology, including majority and minority influence, obedience and independent behaviour

•Individual differences, including definitions of abnormality, approaches and therapies.