A2 Psychology at Spalding Grammar School

UNIT 1: TURNING TO CRIME

The first unit (June-July) focuses on what factors make people into criminals. You will be taught about the importance of COGNITIONS (the way criminals think) and BIOLOGY (distinctive features about criminals' bodies, brains or DNA). Your independent study will be to look at UPBRINGING - what sort of family background, home life or childhood experiences are likely to produce a criminal?

UNIT 2: MAKING A CASE

The second unit (September) looks at what happens after a crime is committed. You will learn about the psychology of INTERVIEWING WITNESSES and INTERVIEWING SUSPECTS and the techniques used to jog memories and detect lies. Your independent study will be to look at OFFENDER PROFILING - how can psychologists compile a profile of the criminal that will help the police track them down?

UNIT 3: REACHING A VERDICT

The third unit (October) looks at the psychology of the courtroom. You will be taught about the techniques for PERSUADING A JURY and REACHING A VERDICT - how can majorities or minorities influence the way the group goes? Your independent study will be to research factors behind WITNESS APPEAL, such as how attractive or confident a witness is.

UNIT 4: AFTER A GUILTY VERDICT

The final unit (November-December) focuses on what is done with convicted criminals. You will be taught about PSYCHOLOGICAL TREATMENT PROGRAMMES (like anger management) and ALTERNATIVES TO IMPRISONMENT (such as probation). Your final independent study will be to look at old-fashioned IMPRISONMENT - what makes people less likely to reoffend and what reduces the risk of suicide?

UNIT 1: SPORT & THE INDIVIDUAL

The first unit (June-July) focuses on what factors make people good at sport. You will be taught about the importance of AGGRESSION (a good thing as well as a bad thing) and MOTIVATION (why some people give up when others persevere). Your independent study will be to look at PERSONALITY - what sort of ideal qualities go to make a sports man or woman?

UNIT 2: SPORT PERFORMANCE

The second unit (September-October) looks at the psychological processes behind actually doing sport. This includes learning about AROUSAL (biological stress) and ANXIETY (mental stress). Your independent study will be to research SELF-CONFIDENCE - what makes some players keen to tackle challenges while others back down?

UNIT 3: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT

The third unit (November) looks at how sports players are affected by the social situation they are in. You will learn about GROUP COHESION (the factors that make a team pull together or fall apart) and LEADERSHIP & COACHING - what sort of qualities make a great leader or coach? Your independent study will be to look at AUDIENCE EFFECT (how our performance is affected by being watched). 

UNIT 4: EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY

The final unit (December) focuses why people engage in (or avoid) fitness and exercise. You will be taught about EXERCISE & PATHOLOGY (including links between exercise and cancer, HIV and eating disorders) and MENTAL HEALTH (such as how exercise affects depression). Your final independent study will be to review ISSUES IN EXERCISE & HEALTH - such as young athletes "burning out" or using performance-enhancing drugs.