VCE Units 1 & 2 - Psychology
VCE Units 1 & 2 - Psychology
Overview
Psychology is a discipline that seeks to describe, explain, understand, and predict human behaviour and mental processes. It includes many sub-fields of study that explore and seek to better understand how individuals, groups, communities, and societies think, feel and act. Students explore complex human behaviours and thought processes. The study assists students to further develop effective language skills for scientific communication.
Unit 1 – How are behaviour and mental processes shaped?
Students examine the complex nature of psychological development. They examine the contribution that classical and contemporary knowledge from Western and non-Western societies, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, has made to an understanding of psychological development and to the development of psychological models and theories used to predict and explain the development of thoughts, emotions and behaviours.
Areas of Study:
- What influences psychological development? – Interactive influences of hereditary and environmental factors on a person’s psychological development.
- How are mental processes and behaviour influenced by the brain? – Brain structure and function has changed over time, considering the influence of different approaches and contributions to understanding the role of the brain.
- How does temporary psychology conduct and validate psychological research? – Investigate how science is used to explore and validate contemporary psychological research questions.
Unit 2 – How do internal and external factors influence behaviour and mental processes?
In this unit students evaluate the role social cognition plays in a person’s attitudes, perception of themselves and relationships with others. Students explore a variety of factors and contexts that can influence the behaviour of individuals and groups, recognising that different cultural groups have different experiences and values.
Areas of Study:
- How are people influenced to behave in particular ways? – Interplay of psychological and social factors that shape the identity and behaviour of individuals and groups.
- What influences a person’s perception of the world? – Influence of biological, psychological, and social factors on visual and gustatory perception.
- How do scientific investigations develop understanding of influences on perception and behaviour? – Adapt or design and then conduct a scientific investigation into the internal or external influences on perception and/or behaviour.
Forms of Assessment
Tests, Logbooks, Folio, Practical Research Investigation
Prerequisites and Corequisites
None required