VCE Units 3 & 4 - Psychology

VCE Units 3 & 4 - Psychology

Overview

VCE Psychology explores the complex interactions between biological, psychological, and social factors that influence human thought, emotions, and behaviour. Students apply their learning to everyday situations and gain insights into a range of psychological issues in society. Students develop skills involving practical experimentation and research, analytical skills including critical and creative thinking and communication skills. Students use scientific and cognitive skills and understanding to analyse research to inform their decisions.

Unit 3 – How does experience affect behaviour and mental processes?

Areas of Study:

  1. How does the nervous system enable psychological functioning? – Explain how the structure and function of the human nervous system enables a person to interact with the external world and analyse the different ways in which stress can affect nervous system functioning
  2. How do people learn and remember? – Apply biological and psychological explanations for how new information can be learnt and stored in memory.

Unit 4 – How is mental wellbeing supported and maintained?

Areas of Study:

  1. How does sleep affect mental processes and behaviour? – Explain consciousness as a continuum, compare theories about the purpose and nature of sleep, and elaborate on the effects of sleep disruption on a person’s functioning.
  2. What influences mental wellbeing? – Explain the concepts of mental health and mental illness including influences of risk and protective factors, apply a bio psychosocial approach to explain the development and management of specific phobia, and explain the psychological basis of strategies that contribute to mental wellbeing.
  3. How is scientific inquiry used to investigate mental processes and psychological functioning? – Design and undertake a practical investigation related to mental processes and psychological functioning, and present methodologies, findings and conclusions in a scientific poster.

Forms of Assessment

Test, Scientific Poster task, Media Analysis, Research Investigation, End of year examination

Prerequisites and Corequisites

There are no prerequisites, however it is advantageous to have completed Units 1 & 2 Psychology

Link to Study Design

VCE Psychology 2023-2027 Study Design