The Human Mind Unlocked: A Journey Through Psychology

Introduction:

Psychology is the study of the human mind and behavior. This one-year course will introduce students to the different approaches used in psychology, including behavioural, biological, cognitive, social-cultural, and developmental psychology. Students will also explore the interactions between these different approaches, and the wider implications of psychological research.

Course aims / learning outcomes

The aim of this course is to provide students with an understanding of the field of psychology. This will include the different approaches to psychology, the ways in which these approaches interact, the ethical issues in psychology, and the impact of new technologies such as AI on psychological practice. By the end of the course, students will have gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of human behavior and be able to apply their knowledge in real-world contexts.

1. Analyze and explain the different approaches used in psychology, including biological, cognitive, and social-cultural.
2. Evaluate the interactions between different approaches in psychology and their impact on the understanding of human behavior.
3. Investigate and interpret key pieces of psychological research, including experiments on conformity, obedience, authority, and prejudice.
4. Analyze the ethical issues in psychology and the impact of new technologies, such as AI, on psychological practice.
5. Apply knowledge of psychology to real-world contexts, such as criminal and forensic psychology, sports psychology, organizational psychology, and moral psychology.
6. Reflect on your experiences and beliefs to gain a deeper understanding of self and others, and how these may be influenced by social and cultural factors.
7. Evaluate the impact of psychological research on the understanding of human behavior and its wider implications for individuals, society, and the world, and identify ways to apply this understanding in relation to self, others, and world.

Course Content:

The course will cover a range of topics within psychology, including the different approaches to psychology and the interactions between them. We will investigate research from social psychology, such as experiments on conformity, obedience, authority, and prejudice. Students will also learn about particular fields of psychology, such as criminal and forensic psychology, sports psychology, organisational psychology, and moral psychology. The wider implications of psychological research will also be covered, as well as the ethical issues in psychology and the impact of new technologies such as AI on psychological practice. Throughout the course, students will engage in discussions, independent research, and hands-on learning activities that will help them to understand and apply the concepts they are learning.

Assessment statement

A total of 21 Achievement Standard credits are offered within this course at NCEA levels two and three. Some students might chose to do a combination of level two and three assessments. A student who completes one internal assessment each term, can earn 15 - 18 credits. 

Authenticity

Learning Advisors will monitor student work to ensure authenticity. Students may be required to sign an authenticity statement, perform certain parts of assessment tasks under close supervision, or show through interview and the existence of notes and supporting material that the work submitted by the student is genuinely their work.

Appeal Procedures

Students have the right to appeal the mark they have been awarded. If a student wishes to appeal a grade, they should initially talk to the subject learning advisor about the marking process immediately after the marked assessment task is shown to them. If still dissatisfied the student should make an appointment and discuss grades with the Principal’s Nominee who will check that the correct procedures have been followed as outlined in the school and subject policies taking into account any special circumstances.

Table of Assessments