About this Subject
- Length of Study: Full Year
- Number of SACE Credits: 20
- Pre-Requisite Information: Desirable Knowledge: At least a C grade in any Stage 1 Science subject
Subject Overview
This subject emphasises the construction of psychology as a scientific enterprise, based on evidence gathered as a result of planned investigations following the principles of scientific inquiry. By emphasising evidence-based procedures including observation, experimentation and experience, this subject allows students to develop useful skills in analytical and critical thinking and in making inferences.
Students will learn how to apply knowledge to real-world situations, how to investigate psychological issues, and how to be an effective communicator. An inquiry approach to psychology enables students to define the scope of their learning by identifying investigable questions, designing their research using scientific approaches, using data, and analysing and critiquing their findings. The issues that arise during investigations should be informed by the application of key scientific ideas, skills, concepts and understanding.
The topics for Stage 2 Psychology are:
- Topic 1: Psychology of the Individual
- Topic 2: Psychological Health and Wellbeing
- Topic 3: Organisational Psychology
- Topic 4: Social Influence
- Topic 5: The Psychology of Learning
Assessment
Stage 2 assessment is comprised of 70% school-based assessment which is externally moderated by the SACE Board and 30% external assessment which is externally marked by the SACE Board. Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through the following assessment types:
70% School Based Assessment:
Assessment Type 1: Folio (30%)
- At least one psychological design and deconstruct investigation; where only one psychological investigation is undertaken, it must include deconstruction of a problem and design of a psychological investigation
- One investigation with a focus on Science as a Human Endeavour
Assessment Type 2: Skills and Applications Tasks (40%)
Students complete at least three skills and applications tasks, including at least one skills and applications task from each of the non-examined topics:
- Topic 1: Psychology of the Individual
- Topic 2: Psychological Health and Wellbeing
- Topic 3: Organisational Psychology
30% External Assessment:
2 Hour External Examination; the following topics are assessed in the external examination:
- Topic 4: Social Influence
- Topic 5: The Psychology of Learning
