Please note this is a draft version until the course is fully published.
An extensive set of electronic resources is in development. Details will be provided in a later version of this Scheme of
Work.
Unit 3 – Topics in psychology
Topic Learning Objectives Print Resources (Subheadings) Page
Number
Introductory chapter on approaches, issues and debates
Approaches ix–xiii
- The biological approach
- The behavioural approach
- The cognitive approach
- The psychodynamic approach
Issues and debates
- Psychology as science
- Reductionism in psychology
- Free will and determinism
- Nature and nurture
- Ethical issues
- The use of non-human animals in psychological
research
- Gender bias
- Cultural bias
Biological rhythms and sleep
Chapter 1 – Biological rhythms
Introduction understand the different types of Different types of biological rhythm 4–10
biological rhythm and their - Circadian rhythms
distribution throughout the living - Infradian rhythms
world - Ultradian rhythms
understand the roles of endogenous Endogenous pacemakers and exogenous zeitgebers
pacemakers and exogenous - Introduction
zeitgebers in the control of biological Light, endogenous pacemakers and sleep
rhythms
Research study: Stephan and Zucker (1972)
be aware of relevant research - Methodological issues
studies and their findings, and be - Ethical issues
able to evaluate them.
Research study: Siffre (1975)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
Infradian rhythms
Disrupting understand the consequences of Introduction 11–14
biological rhythms disrupting biological rhythms Shift work
use research findings on the effects Jet lag
of shift work and jet lag to assess
the consequences of disrupting Conclusions
biological rhythms
use research findings to understand
methods of reducing the effects of
shift work and jet lag.
Chapter 2 – Sleep states
Nature of sleep describe and evaluate the use of the Introduction 15–19
electroencephalograph in sleep Types of sleep
research - Non-REM sleep (NREM)
understand the different stages of - Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep
sleep, in particular the - Dreaming
characteristics of REM and NREM Sleep and biological rhythms
2
sleep
describe the patterning of REM and
NREM through the night.
Functions of sleep understand the evolutionary Introduction 20–28
approach to sleep and how to Evolutionary explanations
evaluate relevant research evidence - Ecological factors
understand the restoration theory of - Research evidence
the functions of sleep and how to Research study: Lesku et al. (2006)
evaluate relevant research evidence - Methodological issues
consider evidence for memory - Ethical issues
consolidation during sleep. - Evaluation
Restoration theories
- Research evidence
- Physical exercise and sleep
- Effects of sleep deprivation
- Evaluation
- The sleep laboratory
- Horne’s restoration theory
Research study: Horne and Pettitt (1985)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
- Evaluation
Memory consolidation
Lifespan changes understand changes in sleep Introduction 29–30
in sleep patterns over the lifespan How sleep patterns change
consider implications of changes in Conclusions
sleep patterns over the lifespan.
Chapter 3 – Disorders of sleep
Insomnia understand the classification of Types of disorders 31–37
sleep disorders Insomnia
explain the differences between - Diagnostic criteria for insomnia
primary and secondary insomnia - Primary insomnia
understand some of the - Secondary insomnia
explanations for insomnia and the - Explanations and treatments for insomnia
role of personality. - Drugs
- Stimulus control therapy
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Over-arousal
Research study: Gregory et al. (2006)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
- Causes of insomnia – conclusions
Personality factors and genetics
- Clinical anxiety
- Chronotype
Other sleep describe symptoms of sleep Sleep apnoea 38–41
disorders disorders, including sleep apnoea, Narcolepsy
narcolepsy and sleepwalking
Sleepwalking
understand explanations for sleep
disorders such as sleep apnoea, Nightmares and night terrors
narcolepsy and sleepwalking.
Biological rhythms How science works: practical activity 41
end of topic
Perception
Chapter 4 – Theories of perceptual organisation
Introduction understand the basic processes The visual system 44–47
involved in vision Methods of investigation
describe and evaluate some of the
methods used to investigate
perception.
3
Direct and indirect understand the distinction between Bottom-up and top-down processing 48–58
theories of bottom-up and top-down processing - Bottom-up processing theories
perception describe and evaluate Gibson’s - Top-down processing theories
direct theory of perception Gibson’s bottom-up direct theory of perception
describe and evaluate Gregory’s - The optic array
indirect theory of perception. - Movement
- Invariant information
- Texture gradient
- Optic flow patterns
- Horizon ratio
- Direct perception
- Commentary
Gregory’s top-down theory of perception
- Size constancy
- Gregory’s explanation of the Müller-Lyer illusion
- Commentary
Chapter 5 – Development of perception
The nature–nurture understand the nature–nurture Introduction 59–62
debate debate and, in particular, how it The nature–nurture debate in visual perception
relates to explanations of perceptual
development Neonate studies
describe methods used to
investigate the nature–nurture
debate and understand their
strengths and limitations.
The development of understand what is meant by depth Introduction 63–72
perceptual abilities and distance perception The development of depth and distance perception
describe and evaluate research into - Primary cues
the development of depth - Secondary cues
perception in humans Research study: Gibson and Walk (1960)
understand what is meant by visual - Methodological issues
constancies - Ethical issues
describe and evaluate research into - Overlap and familiar size
the development of visual Visual constancies
constancies in human infants
Research study: Bower (1966)
understand the contribution of - Methodological issues
cross-cultural research to the - Ethical issues
nature–nurture debate
Cross-cultural studies
describe and evaluate cross-cultural - The Müller-Lyer illusion
studies of visual perception. - Two or three dimensions?
- The effect of artistic conventions
- Myopia
Summary
Chapter 6 – Face recognition and visual agnosias
Introduction understand the importance of face Face recognition 73–75
recognition research and some of its - Familiar faces
applications - The processing of faces
understand the difference between
feature analysis and holistic theories
of face recognition
understand the debate about
whether face recognition is a highly
specialised mechanism.
Theories of face understand the difference between Feature analysis and holistic processing 75–78
recognition feature analysis and holistic Bruce and Young’s theory of face recognition
processing
Evaluation of the model
describe the components of the
Bruce and Young model of face
recognition
evaluate the Bruce and Young
model of face recognition.
4
Visual agnosias define what is meant by visual Prosopagnosia 79–80
agnosias, in particular - Is face recognition a specialised process?
prosopagnosia - What happens to non-human animal recognition in
understand how the study of people people with prosopagnosia?
with prosopagnosia contributes to - Are the processes of face recognition independent?
face recognition research.
Perception end of How science works: practical activity 81
topic
Relationships
Chapter 7 – Romantic relationships theory
Theories describe how relationships start and Getting relationships started 84–92
the processes involved in attraction - Contact
understand the importance of - Physical appearance
rewards and needs in the formation - Similarity of attitudes and social background
of relationships The formation of relationships
discuss economic explanations of - Filter model
how people regulate their - Reward/need theories
relationships and why they Should I stay or should I go?
sometimes split up - Social exchange theory
explain the models of how - Interdependence theory
relationships break down - Evaluation
- Investment model
understand difficulties and - Equity theory
challenges of research in this area.
Research study: van Yperen and Buunk (1990)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
How do relationships end?
Thinking about methods
Chapter 8 – Human reproductive behaviour
Sexual selection understand why certain physical Introduction 93–100
and human features are attractive to men and - The evolutionary basis of physical attraction
reproductive women Partner selection
behaviour describe what men and women Differences in reproductive behaviours
seek in potential partners - How can these differences be explained?
explain differences in the - Parental investment theory
reproductive behaviour of men and - Evaluation of parental investment theory
women - Sexual strategies theory
understand the explanations for Research study: Norman and Kenrick (2006)
behaviours given by parental - Methodological issues
investment theory and sexual - Ethical issues
strategies theory. - Evaluation of sexual strategies theory
Chapter 9 – Effects of early experience and culture on adult relationships
The influence of understand how early attachments Introduction 101–106
childhood and may influence adult relationships The continuity hypothesis
adolescent understand the differences between - Relationships with peers
experiences horizontal and vertical relationships - Continuities to adult relationships
explain how attachments may - Continuities to adulthood
influence relationships with peers Research study: Hazan and Shaver (1987)
and how relationships with friends - Methodological issues
and peers may impact on later - Ethical issues
relationships. - The limits to continuity
5
The nature of understand the meaning of the term Introduction 107–109
relationships in ‘culture’ The psychology of arranged marriages
different cultures describe how marriages are - Arranged marriages in collectivist cultures
arranged - Arranged marriages in individualistic cultures
explain the findings of research into Relationships as economic alliances
arranged marriages in both
collectivist and individualistic
cultures
describe economic marriage
practices including the dowry and
bride price.
Relationships end How science works: practical activities 110–111
of topic
Aggression
Chapter 10 – Social psychological approaches to explaining aggression
Social understand social psychological Introduction 114–123
psychological theories of aggression Social learning theory
theories explain the cause of aggression - Bandura’s social learning theory
according to the social learning - Supporting his theory: Bandura’s Bobo doll studies
theory Research study: Bandura, Ross and Ross (1961)
evaluate social learning theory. - Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
- Evaluation of Bandura’s social learning theory
- Positive points
- Negative points
Deindividuation
- Evaluation of the deindividuation theory
Cue arousal
Research study: Berkowitz and LePage (1967)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
- Evaluation of cue arousal theory
Relative deprivation
- Evaluation of relative deprivation theory
Evaluation of social psychological explanations
Explanations of understand what is meant by Introduction 124–128
institutional institutional aggression Situational forces
aggression explain potential causes of Individualistic (dispositional) causes
institutional aggression
Evaluating explanations of institutional aggression
understand how to evaluate - Security forces
theoretically the explanations for - Terrorism
institutional aggression.
Chapter 11 – Biological explanations of aggression
The role of genetic understand how biological and Introduction 129–131
factors physiological processes affect Is aggression caused by genetics?
aggressive behaviour - Evaluation of genetic factors in aggressive behaviour
understand how biological
explanations of behaviour are split
into genetic, biochemical and neuro-
anatomical explanations
describe the various biological and
physiological processes that lie
behind aggressive behaviour
evaluate the effectiveness of the
various biological explanations of
the cause of aggression.
6
The role of neural understand the effect of hormones Hormonal influences on aggressive behaviour 132–137
and hormonal on aggressive behaviour Serotonin and aggression
mechanisms in understand how hormones and Evaluation of neural and hormonal factors in
aggression selected neurotransmitters can aggressive behaviour
influence aggressive behaviour
Brain structure and aggression
evaluate the contribution of research
into neural and hormonal influences Evaluating the brain structure argument
on aggressive behaviour.
Chapter 12 – Aggression as an adaptive response
Evolutionary understand how evolutionary What is evolutionary psychology? 138–142
explanations of psychology explains aggression Aggressive behaviour by animals
human aggression explain how jealousy and infidelity Aggressive behaviour by humans
can influence aggressive behaviour
Evolutionary explanations of human aggression
understand how to evaluate - The influence of infidelity on aggressive behaviour
evolutionary explanations of - The influence of jealousy
behaviour.
Group display of understand the nature of group Classic theories 143–147
aggression in display in humans - Freud
humans understand psychologists’ attempts - Influence from the group
to explain group display in humans - Convergence theory and emergent norm theory
- Value-added theory
be able to apply the notions of group
display to specific examples of Evaluation of theories of crowd behaviour
crowd behaviour. - Sports crowds
- Lynch mobs
- No aggression here: crowd celebrations
Aggression end of How science works: practical activity 148–149
topic
Eating behaviour
Chapter 13 – Biological explanations of eating behaviour
The role of neural understand the role of neural The digestive tract 152–158
mechanisms mechanisms involved in controlling Insulin and glucagon
involved in eating and satiation
Neural mechanisms and eating behaviour
controlling eating evaluate research into the - Signals for starting a meal
and satiation mechanisms of feeding and
satiation Research study: Cummings et al. (2004)
- Methodological issues
outline and evaluate research into - Ethical issues
evolutionary explanations of food
preference. - Signals stopping the intake of food – meal size
- Signals controlling food intake – body weight
- Back to the hypothalamus
Conclusions
Evaluation
Evolutionary describe evolutionary explanations Taste and smell 159–163
explanations of of food preference Evolutionary origins of the human diet
food preference evaluate research into evolutionary Evaluation
explanations of food preference.
Chapter 14 – Eating behaviour
Factors influencing understand the role of learning and Introduction 164–170
attitudes to food familiarisation in the development of Development of food preferences
and eating food preferences - Familiarity and preference – the role of learning
behaviour describe the role of parents and - Parental attitudes and food preferences
peers in the development of food Research study: Nicklaus et al. (2004)
preferences - Methodological issues
understand and evaluate the - Ethical issues
relationship between food and Food preferences in the adult
emotional states such as depression - Attitudes to health
understand the role of cultural - Social factors
factors in food preferences. Food and emotion
Culture and food
7
Explanations for understand the aims of dieting Introduction 171–176
the success or describe and evaluate cognitive Why do so many females want to lose weight?
failure of dieting models of dieting behaviour Does dieting work?
understand the biology of body Research study: Herman and Mack (1975)
weight regulation in the context of - Method
dieting - Results
describe and evaluate different - Conclusions
methods of weight loss. - Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
Evaluation
Weight loss – pharmacological and surgical techniques
Chapter 15 – Eating disorders
Diagnosis and understand the symptoms of Introduction 177–185
classification anorexia nervosa and bulimia Categories and symptoms
nervosa
Anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN)
understand and evaluate
psychological explanations of Psychological causes
anorexia nervosa and bulimia Research study: Bardone-Cone et al. (2008)
nervosa - Methodological issues
understand and evaluate biological - Ethical issues
explanations of anorexia nervosa Psychodynamic interpretations of eating disorders
and bulimia nervosa. Biological explanations
- Evolutionary approaches
- The adapted to flee famine hypothesis (AFFH)
- Genetics of eating disorders
Research study: Holland et al. (1984)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
- Serotonin and eating disorders
An integrated approach to eating disorders
Obesity understand methods of defining Introduction 186–190
obesity Psychological, social and lifestyle explanations
describe and evaluate - Evaluation
psychological, social and lifestyle Biological explanations
changes that may contribute to - Evolution and obesity
obesity - Evaluation
describe and evaluate biological - Genetics and obesity
explanations of obesity. - Physiological factors
Bringing it all together
Eating behaviour How science works: practical activity 191
end of topic
Gender
Chapter 16 – Biological influences on gender
Introduction and understand the meaning of the Introduction 194–200
some key terms terms ‘sex’, ‘gender’, ‘androgyny’ Research study: Bem (1974)
and ‘gender dysphoria’ - Methodological issues
describe the differences between - Ethical issues
male and female genes, hormones The relationship between sex and gender
and brain structures
Biological differences between males and females
understand the types of evidence - What makes a baby a boy or a girl?
used to link sex differences to - From genes to hormones to brain differences
gender differences - From biological differences to gendered behaviour
understand the relationship between Commentary
sex and gender according to the
biological approach.
8
Evolutionary describe the parental investments Introduction 201–203
explanations of made by males and females Parental investment theory
gender roles explain how behavioural differences - Parental investment and behavioural differences
may have been linked to Commentary
reproductive success
understand the criticisms that have
been made of the evolutionary
account of gender differences.
Chapter 17 – Social contexts of gender roles
Social influences understand how reinforcement from The behavioural perspective 204–209
on gender roles parents and peers may influence The role of reinforcement by parents and peers
gendered behaviours
Research study: Lytton and Romney (1991)
explain how observational learning - Methodological issues
from role models is important in - Ethical issues
development of gender
- Peers and reinforcement
be able to describe how
experiences at school might The role of observational learning
reinforce gendered behaviours. - Parents as models
- Television and magazines
- The impact of schools
- Commentary
Cross-cultural explain ways of classifying different Distinguishing different kinds of cultures 210–212
studies of gender cultures Gender roles in other cultures
roles describe studies which show gender - Individualistic versus collectivist cultures
role development in collectivist Differences within cultures
cultures - Commentary
understand difficulties in assessing
the role of culture in gender role
development.
The biosocial explain what is meant by biosocial Introduction 213–214
approach to gender theory The start of gendering – labelling of sex
development be able to describe how concepts of - Differential treatment
gender are constructed The constructed nature of gender
understand the critique of gender - Commentary
research offered by social
constructionists.
Chapter 18 – Psychological explanations of gender development
Cognitive theories describe cognitive explanations of How do children develop an understanding of gender? 215–220
how children develop an Cognitive explanations of gender development
understanding of gender (including - Cognitive developmental theory
Kohlberg) and gender schema - Gender schema theory
theory
Research study: Campbell et al. (2000, 2004)
assess the evidence on which - Methodological issues
cognitive theories are based. - Ethical issues
- Where do gender schemas come from?
Research study: Tenenbaum and Leaper (2002)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
- Evaluation of gender schema theory
Psychological explain what is meant by androgyny, Introduction 221–223
androgyny and the androgyny hypothesis and Explaining androgyny
gender dysphoria gender dysphoria
Research into gender dysphoria
describe research into the link
between androgyny and mental Research study: Drummond et al. (2008)
health - Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
understand models of the
development of androgyny explain
research into dysphoria.
Explain research into dysphoria
Gender end of topic How science works: practical activity 224
Intelligence
9
Chapter 19 – Theories of intelligence
Intelligence explain what is meant by the term What do we mean by intelligence? 228–238
‘intelligence’ Research study: Sternberg et al. (1981)
understand the differences between - Methodological issues
hierarchical and multi-factorial - Ethical issues
models of intelligence Theories of the nature of intelligence
describe the evidence on which - Uni-factorial and hierarchical models
theories are based - Hierarchical models
understand difficulties in drawing - Multi-factorial models
conclusions from evidence - Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences (1983, 1999,
2006)
describe methods of testing - The search for general versus multiple intelligence
intelligence and the advantages and
disadvantages of different tests. Research study: Visser, Ashton and Vernon (2006)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
- Sternberg’s triarchic theory: an information processing
approach (1985, 1997)
- Evaluation: implications for education
Measuring intelligence: the psychometric approach
- The statistical approach to intelligence
- The Wechsler scales and Raven’s progressive
matrices
- Evaluation of the psychometric approach
Chapter 20 – Animal learning and intelligence
The nature of describe the key features of Classical conditioning 239–244
simple learning classical conditioning - Timing of CS
describe the key features of operant - Extinction and spontaneous recovery
conditioning - Generalisation and discrimination
understand the role of classical and Operant conditioning
operant conditioning in simple - Schedules of reinforcement
learning. - Positive and negative reinforcement
- Secondary reinforcement
- Behaviour shaping
The role of operant understand the role of conditioning Limitations of behaviourist explanations of learning 245–246
and classical in the behaviour of non-human
conditioning animals
explain the limitations of
behaviourist explanations of
learning.
Intelligence in non- understand the concept of Social learning 247–251
human animals intelligence in non-human animals - Diet and foraging
understand the role of social - Fear of predators
learning in animals - Imitation
evaluate evidence for theory of mind Theory of mind
in animals - Deception
- Knowledge attribution
understand the role of machiavellian
intelligence in social animals Machiavellian intelligence
analyse whether animals are Self-recognition
capable of self-recognition.
Chapter 21 – Evolution of intelligence
Evolutionary describe the relative size and Introduction 252–257
factors in the complexity of the human brain How evolution works
development of describe and evaluate the role of The human brain
human intelligence ecological demands in the - The encephalisation quotient (EQ)
development of human intelligence
Evolution and machiavellian intelligence
describe and evaluate the role of
social complexity in the Evaluation of evolutionary factors in the development of
development of human intelligence human intelligence
understand the relationship between
brain size and intelligence.
10
Genetics, outline the nature–nurture debate as Measuring the genetic influence 258–266
environment and it relates to intelligence test - MZ and DZ twins
intelligence test performance (IQ) - Research evidence
performance understand the use of family, Research study: Burt, Kamin and Jensen (1943, 1955,
adoption and MZ/DZ twin studies in 1966, 1973 and 1974)
identifying the relative contributions - Methodological issues
of genetics and the environment to - Ethical issues
intelligence Evaluation
describe and evaluate twin studies Environmental and cultural effects on IQ
on the role of genetics in IQ scores - Prenatal factors
describe and evaluate the role of - Nutrition
cultural (environmental) factors in - The Flynn effect
the development of intelligence. - Enrichment programmes
- Cultural factors
Conclusions
Intelligence end of How science works: practical activity 267
topic
Cognition and development
Chapter 22 – Development of thinking
Theories of understand what is meant by What is cognitive development? 270–286
cognitive cognitive development Piaget’s theory: genetic epistemology or the growth of
development describe different explanations of knowledge
cognitive development given by - The building blocks of Piaget’s theory
Piaget, Vygotsky and Bruner - Piaget’s stages of cognitive development
describe the evidence on which - The sensorimotor period (birth to 2 years)
theories are based - The pre-operational period (two to seven years)
- Limitation 1: Egocentricity
explain how theories have been
applied to teaching and learning. Research study: Piaget and Inhelder (1967)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
- Limitation 2: Conservation
- Limitation 3: Seriation
- Limitation 4: Class inclusion tasks
-The concrete operational period (7 to 11 years)
- The formal operational period (11 years old onwards)
- Evaluation of Piaget’s theory
- Criticism of Piaget’s methods
Research study: Siegler (1995)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
- Do the stages exist?
Piaget and education: discovery learning
Vygotsky’s theory of cognitive development
- The importance of social interaction, context and
culture
- The importance of language
- The zone of proximal development and scaffolding
- Evaluation of Vygotsky’s theory
Research study: Wood and Middleton (1975)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
Vygotsky and education: the importance of teaching
Research study: Tzuriel and Shamir (2007)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
Bruner’s theory of cognitive development
- Modes of thinking
- Evidence for Bruner’s theory
Research study: Bruner and Kenney (1965)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
Bruner and education: the spiral curriculum
Chapter 23 – Development of moral understanding
11
Theories of moral explain what is meant by moral Moral understanding: distinguishing right and wrong 287–294
understanding understanding Investigating moral understanding: Piaget
describe the explanations of the - Stages of development
development of moral - Commentary on Piaget’s contribution
understanding given by Piaget and Kohlberg’s theory of moral development
Kohlberg
Research study: Kohlberg (1963)
assess evidence on which theories - Methodological issues
are based - Ethical issues
understand the links between moral - Support for Kohlberg’s theory
development and general cognitive - Is Kohlberg’s theory gender biased?
development.
Commentary – cognitive developmental theories of moral
understanding
Theories of pro- explain what is meant by pro-social Eisenberg’s theory of pro-social reasoning 295–297
social reasoning reasoning Research study: Eisenberg et al. (1987 and 1991)
describe research into pro-social - Methodological issues
reasoning - Ethical issues
explain how pro-social reasoning - Commentary on Eisenberg’s theory
develops.
Chapter 24 – Development of social cognition
Development of the understand the development of the Introduction 298–305
child’s sense of self child’s sense of self and theory of Self-recognition
and theory of mind mind
Theory of mind
describe and evaluate research - False belief tasks
findings on the development of
theory of mind Research study: Baron-Cohen et al. (1985)
- Methodological issues
outline and evaluate Selman’s stage - Ethical issues
model of the development of
perspective taking. - Evaluation of research into theory of mind
- Autism
- Stages of the development of perspective taking
- Evaluating Selman’s stages
Biological outline key brain areas involved in Introduction 306–309
explanations of social cognition and evaluate Evidence from studies with ‘neurotypicals’
social cognition relevant research evidence
Evidence from people with autism
understand the possible role of
mirror neurons in our feelings of Evidence from psychopathy
empathy for other people Evidence from mirror neurons
evaluate research evidence on the Evaluation of the biological explanations of social
role of mirror neurons in the human cognition
brain.
Cognition and How science works: practical activity 310
development end of
topic
12
Unit 4 – Psychopathology, Psychology in action and Research methods
Topic Learning Objectives Print Resources (Subheadings) Page
Number
Psychopathology
Chapter 25 – Explanations, diagnosis and treatment – an overview
Explanations and understand common elements of Main theoretical approaches in psychopathology 317–323
treatments explanations of psychopathology - Evaluating explanations
and therapies - Evaluating therapies
evaluate explanations and Classification and diagnosis
treatments of psychopathology. - Advantages of classification/diagnosis
- Disadvantages of classification/diagnosis
- Reliability and validity
- The classification systems
- ICD
- DSM
- Cultural issues
Chapter 26 – Schizophrenia
Classification and describe the clinical Clinical characteristics 324–327
explanations of characteristics of schizophrenia - Diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia
schizophrenia understand issues surrounding - Course of the disorder
the classification and diagnosis of Issues surrounding classification and diagnosis
schizophrenia
describe and evaluate
psychological explanations of
schizophrenia.
Explanations of describe and evaluate biological Biological explanations of schizophrenia 328–335
schizophrenia explanations of schizophrenia. - Genetic hypothesis
- Twin studies
- Adoption studies
- Biochemical factors
- Neuroanatomical factors
- Summary
Psychological explanations of schizophrenia
- Family models
- Cognitive models
- Frith’s model
- Helmsley’s model
- Diathesis–stress model
Therapies for describe and evaluate biological Biological therapies 336–341
schizophrenia therapies for schizophrenia - Drug therapy (chemotherapy)
describe and evaluate - Commentary
psychological therapies for Psychological therapies
schizophrenia. - Psychodynamic therapy
- Social interventions
- Commentary
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Tarrier
- Beck and Ellis
- Family intervention
- Commentary
- Summary
Chapter 27 – Depression
Classification and describe the clinical Clinical characteristics 342–346
explanations of characteristics of depression - Diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder
depression understand issues surrounding - Course of the disorder
the classification and diagnosis of Issues surrounding classification and diagnosis
depression.
13
Explanations of describe and evaluate biological Biological explanations of depression 347–354
depression explanations of depression - Genetic factors
describe and evaluate - Biochemical factors
psychological explanations of - Amine hypothesis
depression. - Neuroendocrine factors
- Neuroanatomical factors
- The role of female hormones
Psychological explanations of depression
- Psychoanalytic theories
- Behavioural theory (learning theory)
- Cognitive-behavioural theories
- Beck’s cognitive theory
- Stressful life events
Therapies for describe and evaluate biological Biological therapies 355–360
depression therapies for depression - Commentary
describe and evaluate - Electro-convulsive therapy (ECT)
psychological therapies for - Commentary
depression. - Other biological therapies
Psychological therapies
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Commentary
- Psychoanalytic therapy
- Commentary
- Summary
Chapter 28 – Anxiety disorders
Information understand what is meant by the Introduction 361–363
relevant to both classification ‘anxiety disorders’ Categorisation
OCD and phobias understand issues surrounding Issues surrounding classification and diagnosis
the classification and diagnosis of
anxiety disorders.
Classification and describe the clinical Clinical characteristics 364–372
explanation of characteristics of phobic - Specific phobia
phobic disorders disorders - Social phobia
describe and evaluate biological - Agoraphobia
explanations of phobic disorders Issues surrounding classification and diagnosis
describe and evaluate Biological explanations
psychological explanations of - Genetic factors
phobic disorders. - Evaluative commentary
- GABA hypothesis
- Commentary
- Neuroanatomy
- Commentary
Psychological explanations
- Psychodynamic explanations
- Commentary
- Learning theory
- Commentary
- Learned preparedness model
- Commentary
Research study: Öhman et al. (1975)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
- Variations on the study
- Modelling
- Commentary
- Cognitive-behavioural model
- Commentary
Therapies for describe and evaluate biological Biological therapies 373–376
phobias therapies for phobic disorders - Commentary
describe and evaluate Psychological therapies
psychological therapies for phobic - Psychodynamic therapy
disorders. - Commentary
- Behavioural therapies
- Commentary
- Cognitive-behavioural therapies
- Commentary
- Summary
14
Classification and describe the clinical Clinical characteristics 376–383
explanation of characteristics of OCD - Diagnostic criteria for OCD (adapted from the ICD-10)
obsessive- describe and evaluate biological Issues surrounding classification and diagnosis
compulsive explanations of OCD Biological explanations
disorder (OCD) describe and evaluate - Genetic factors
psychological explanations of - Commentary
OCD. - Biochemical factors
- Commentary
- Neuroanatomical factors
Research study: Menzies et al. (2007)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
- Commentary
Psychological explanations
- Psychodynamic explanations
- Commentary
-Behavioural theory
- Commentary
- Cognitive-behavioural theory of OCD
- Commentary
Therapies for OCD describe and evaluate biological Biological therapies 383–385
therapies for OCD - Commentary
describe and evaluate Psychological therapies
psychological therapies for OCD. Behavioural therapy
- Modelling
- Response prevention
- Cognitive approaches
- Commentary
Psychopathology How science works: practical activity 386–387
end of topic
Media psychology
Chapter 29 – Persuasion, attitude and change
Persuasion and explain what is meant by the Introduction 390–395
attitude change terms ‘attitude’ and ‘persuasion’ What are attitudes?
describe explanations of How are attitudes changed?
persuasion including the - The Hovland-Yale model
Hovland-Yale model and the
elaboration likelihood model Research study: Meyerowitz and Chaiken (1987)
- Methodological issues
understand criticisms of models - Ethical issues
of persuasion.
- Dual-process models of attitude change
- The elaboration likelihood model (ELM)
Research study: Vidrine, Simmons and Brandon (2007)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
- Systematic versus heuristic processing
Research study: Ito (2002)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
The influence of describe the importance of The role of cognitive consistency 396–398
attitudes on consistency between sets of - Dissonance theory
decision-making attitudes Research study: Festinger and Carlsmith (1959)
explain how attitudes influence - Methodological issues
decisions and decisions can - Ethical issues
influence attitudes - Post-decisional dissonance
understand the challenge made - Self-perception theory
by Bem’s self-perception theory
to dissonance theory.
The influence of describe the different ways Introduction 399–401
television on television is used to persuade How does television persuade us?
persuasion understand the psychological - Principle one – capture their attention
principles used in television - Principle two – comprehension
advertising and persuasion. - Principle three – create a favourable association
- Principle four – make it memorable!
15
Chapter 30 - Media influences on social behaviour
Explanation of explain what is meant by Introduction 402–409
media influences aggression, antisocial behaviour What kind of programmes show pro- and antisocial
on social and pro-social behaviour behaviours?
behaviour describe the short- and long-term Influences on physiological responses
effects of watching violence on
anti-social and aggressive Influences on cognitions
behaviours Influences on aggressive behaviour
describe the effects of the media Research study: Huesmann et al. (2003)
on pro-social behaviour - Methodological issues
understand explanations of these - Ethical issues
effects. Research study: Gunter et al. (2002)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
Effects of watching pro-social behaviour
Research study: Fogel (2007)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
Explaining influences on behaviour
- Social learning theory
- Social cognitive observational learning theory
The effects of explain the differences between Introduction 410–412
video games and gaming and watching violence The effects of playing violent computer games
computers on describe research into the main - Increased physiological arousal
young people effects of playing computer - Reduced helping behaviours
games - Increased aggressive behaviour, cognitions and
understand explanations of feelings
gaming effects including the - Desensitisation to violence
general aggression model. Research study: Carnagey, Anderson and Bushman
(2007)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
Explaining the effects – the general aggression model
Chapter 31 – The psychology of celebrity
The attraction of explain what is meant by Introduction 413–418
celebrity parasocial relationships, celebrity Measuring attraction to celebrities
worship and stalking
Measuring stalking
understand social psychological
explanations of parasocial Three levels of parasocial relationship
relationships including attachment Are parasocial relationships acceptable?
theory and the absorption - The absorption-addiction model
addiction model - The positive/active view
understand the possible - Attachment theory
evolutionary origins of parasocial - Testing these explanations
relationships Research study: Maltby et al. (2001)
describe research studies into - Methodological issues
intense fandom, celebrity worship - Ethical issues
and stalking. Research study: McCutcheon et al. (2006)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
Evolutionary explanations of celebrity worship
- The prestige hypothesis
- Evaluation of the hypothesis
Media psychology How science works: practical activity 419
end of topic
The psychology of addictive behaviour
Chapter 32 – Models of addictive behaviour
16
Biological, describe and evaluate biological, What is addictive behaviour? 422–430
cognitive and learning and cognitive models of Models of addictive behaviour
learning models of addiction - Biological models
addiction understand the reasons for - Commentary
initiation, maintenance and - Biochemical factors
relapse of addictive behaviours. - Neuroadaptation
- Commentary
- Learning (behavioural) models
- Classical conditioning
- Operant conditioning
- Social learning theory (SLT)
- Commentary
- Cognitive models
- The cognitive processing model
- Commentary
Explanations for understand and evaluate Smoking 431–437
specific addictions explanations for smoking - Explanations of smoking
understand and evaluate - Biological factors
explanations for gambling. - Social factors
- Individual differences
- Cognitive factors
Problem gambling
- Explanations of problem gambling
- Biological factors
- Sociocultural factors
- Psychological factors
- Commentary
Chapter 33 – Vulnerability to addiction and reducing addictive behaviour
Vulnerability to understand factors that may Vulnerability factors 438–442
addiction contribute to vulnerability to - Self-esteem
addictive behaviour - Attributions
understand and evaluate relevant - Personality
research findings - Gender
- Social context of addiction
understand and evaluate - Family influence
research into the role of the
media in addictive behaviour. The role of the media in addictive behaviour
- Advertising
- Models in the media
Reducing understand how the theory of Models of prevention 443–445
addictive reasoned action and the theory of - Theory of reasoned action (TRA)
behaviour planned behaviour can be used - The theory of planned behaviour (TPB)
to explain the prevention and Gambling prevention
reduction of addictive behaviours
understand the relationship
between the theory of reasoned
action and the theory of planned
behaviour.
17
Types of understand psychological Psychological interventions 446–454
intervention interventions for addictive - Aversion therapy
behaviours and evaluate their - Contingency contracting
effectiveness - Cue exposure
understand biological - Self-management techniques
interventions for addictive - Commentary
behaviours and evaluate their - Cognitive therapy
effectiveness - Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
understand the role of public - Commentary
health interventions and
legislation in reducing addictive Biological interventions
behaviours. - Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)
- Bupropion
- Varenicline
- Nicotine vaccines
- Commentary on nicotine interventions
- Commentary on biological interventions
Public health interventions and legislation
- Doctors’ advice
- Workplace intervention
- Legislation
- Restricting/banning advertising
- Increasing the cost
- Controls on sales
- Reducing the harmful components
- Ban on smoking in public
- Complete ban on cigarette smoking and alcohol
drinking
The psychology of How science works: practical activity 455
addictive
behaviour end of
topic
Anomalistic psychology
Chapter 34 – Theoretical and methodological issues in the study of anomalous experience
Pseudoscience understand the nature of Introduction 458–465
and scientific pseudoscience and scientific Scientific and pseudoscientific methods
fraud fraud - What does ‘being scientific’ mean?
explain methodological and - Science and pseudoscience: a methodological
theoretical issues in anomalous comparison
experience - Similarities
draw conclusions from the current - Differences
research into anomalous - Science and pseudoscience: ‘ways of thinking’ with
experience. more differences than similarities
- The reality of scientific fraud
Is anomalistic experience reality or fraud?
- What is ESP?
Research study: Soal–Goldney (1938–41)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
Research study: Walter J. Levy Jr (1974)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
- Psychic powers and Sylvia Browne
Summary
Ganzfeld studies understand what research using What is ESP? 466–472
of ESP and studies the ganzfeld technique of ESP is What are ganzfeld studies?
of psychokinesis describe the controversy Research study: Sargent et al. (1979)
surrounding the ganzfeld studies - Methodological issues
of ESP - Ethical issues
understand the nature of Ganzfeld studies: criticisms and controversy
research into psychokinesis
Studies of psychokinesis: criticisms and controversies
describe the controversies - Schmidt’s electronic coin flipper
surrounding research into - Uri Geller
psychokinesis. - Nina Kulagina
Chapter 35 - Factors underlying anomalous experience
18
Cognitive, understand the cognitive factors Introduction 473–479
personality and underlying anomalous experience Cognitive factors
biological factors understand how a person’s - The misattribution hypothesis
personality traits can impinge - Poor cognitive abilities
upon anomalous experience - Probability misjudgement
describe the biological - The tendency to find links in distantly related material
underpinnings of anomalous - Fantasy proneness
experience - Spontaneous paranormal experiences
- Creativity
draw reasoned conclusions from
the different factors that underlie Personality factors
the anomalous experience. Biological factors
Functions of understand the function of Function 480–482
paranormal and paranormal belief Cultural significance
related beliefs provide a critical analysis of the - Conclusions
function of paranormal and
related beliefs
describe examples of paranormal
and related beliefs explaining
how these are often culturally
significant.
Deception, self- understand the difference The difference between deception and self-deception 483–487
deception, between deception, self- - Psychological explanations
superstition and deception, superstition and - Evolutionary psychology
coincidence coincidence - Psychoanalysis
explain psychological focuses - Cognitivism
upon deception, self-deception, Superstition
superstition and coincidence Coincidence
provide balanced conclusions Concluding thoughts on the factors underlying
relating to the psychology of anomalous experience
deception, self-deception,
superstition and coincidence.
Chapter 36 – Belief in exceptional experience
Psychic healing define what exceptional What is exceptional experience? 488-492
experience is A leap of faith
define what psychic healing is - What is psychic healing?
describe the process of psychic - Research into psychic healing
healing Research study: Keller and Bzdek (1986)
examine the effect of belief on the - Methodological issues
working of psychic healing - Ethical issues
evaluate research and draw - The power of belief
conclusions on the research
conducted into belief in psychic
healing.
Out-of-body and define what out-of-body and near- Introduction 493–498
near-death death experiences are Near-death experience
experience explain how belief in out-of-body - Belief and near-death experience
and near-death experiences - Evidence challenging belief in near-death experience
shapes incidence of it Out-of-body experiences
examine the effect of belief in - Research into out-of-body experiences
near-death and out-of-body Research study: Ehrsson (2007)
experiences - A scientific attempt to examine out-of-body experience-
evaluate and draw conclusions like states
about the importance of belief - Methodological issues
through research into out-of-body - Ethical issues
and near-death experiences. - Belief and out-of-body experiences
Belief versus science
19
Psychic define what psychic mediumship What is psychic mediumship? 499–501
mediumship is - Psychic mediumship: simple belief or scientific fact?
describe the process of psychic The problem of researching ‘belief’ and psychic
mediumship and the influence of mediumship
belief
describe research examining
belief and psychic mediumship
evaluate research investigating
the powers of psychic
mediumship.
Anomalistic How science works: practical activity 502–503
psychology end of
topic
Psychological research and scientific method
Chapter 37 – The application of scientific methodology in psychology
The features of understand the key features of The nature of science 506–507
science science Science and non-science
distinguish science from non-
science.
The scientific understand the scientific method Introduction 508–511
process understand the role of falsification The scientific method
in the development of theory - The role of paradigms
understand the role of paradigms Alternatives to the scientific approach
in the progress of science
recognise the limitations of the
scientific approach in psychology
describe alternative approaches
in psychology.
Validating new recognise the importance of Introduction 512–514
knowledge publishing research Publishing new knowledge
understand the role of peer Problems of validation
review in validating new
knowledge
understand the problems
associated with validation and
peer review.
Chapter 38 – Designing psychological investigations
Research methods describe different types of Introduction 515–519
research methods Review of research methods
understand and explain the - Experimental method
advantages of a range of - Correlational method
research methods - Observational methods
be able to select and apply - Surveys
appropriate methods. - Interviews
- Case study
Selection of research methods
20
Reliability and understand the concepts of Introduction 520–525
validity reliability and validity Issues of reliability
understand the difference - Assessing reliability
between external and internal - Improving reliability
reliability and know how to assess Issues of validity
them - Internal validity
understand how to assess and - Improving internal validity
improve internal validity Research study: Rosenthal and Fode (1963)
understand how to assess and - Methodological issues
improve external validity - Ethical issues
understand how sampling - Assessing validity
techniques affect population - External validity
validity. Research study: Thurston et al. (2008)
- Methodological issues
- Ethical issues
- Internal versus external validity
Issues of sampling
Ethical be familiar with the ethical Introduction 526–528
considerations in principles of conducting research Review of BPS ethical principles
psychological issued by the British - BPS guidelines for research with human participants
research Psychological Society
Application of BPS ethical principles
understand ways that
psychologists can deal with
ethical issues in the design of
investigations.
Chapter 39 – Data analysis and reporting on investigations
Probability and understand the nature of Introduction 529–531
significance probability Probability
understand the role of probability Statistical significance
in statistical testing
Type 1 and Type 2 errors
describe and choose levels of
significance
explain the difference between
Type 1 and Type 2 errors.
Dealing with understand the role of descriptive Summarising data 532–542
quantitative data statistics to summarise data Choosing a statistical test
understand how to choose Using statistical tests
appropriate inferential statistics - One- or two-tailed
use and interpret inferential - Ranking
statistics. - Spearman’s rho
- Calculation
- Interpretation
- Caution
- Mann-Whitney
- Calculation
- Interpretation
- Caution
- Wilcoxon
- Calculation
- Interpretation
- Chi-squared
- Example of a chi-squared analysis
- Calculation
- Interpretation
- Caution
Dealing with describe how qualitative data is Introduction 543–544
qualitative data generated Gathering data
understand some of the Analysing data
techniques for analysing
qualitative data. Evaluation of qualitative data
21
Reporting understand the conventions of Sections of a report 545–547
psychological reporting psychological - The title
investigations investigations - Abstract
understand the role of each - Introduction
section of psychological reports. - Method
- Results
- Discussion
- References
- Qualitative reports
Research methods How science works: practical activities 548–549
end of topic - Activity 1
- Activity 2