Year: 12 (Stage 2) – Elective
Length: Full Year (20 SACE Credits)
Contact Person: Justin Lodge
Recommended Background: Successful completion of Stage 1 Psychology or at least one semester of another Stage 1 Science subject.
Content: Since most of the dominant paradigms in psychology in the last hundred years have been scientific ones, this subject emphasises the construction of psychology as a scientific enterprise. Psychology is 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.
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
Students study all five topics. The topics can be sequenced in any order and structured to suit individual groups of students.
Assessment: Students are assessed using the SACE Performance Standards. Students demonstrate evidence of their learning through the following assessment types:
- Assessment Type 1: Investigations Folio (30% – One psychological investigation and one investigation with a focus on science as a human endeavour)
- Assessment Type 2: Skills and Applications Tasks (40% – three or four tasks)
- Assessment Type 3: Examination (30%)
Additional Charges: A fee applies to participate in this subject in addition to the CHS Materials and Service charges. This fee is for purchasing a Psychology Workbook / Textbook and approximate cost is $55.00.
The purchase of a Stage 2 Psychology Study Guide is highly recommended and approximate cost is $33.00.