3.2 A Level content overview and methods
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A Level options, issues and methods
A Level specialist options and assumed AS content
• A Level specialist options and assumed AS content - The content of the AS Level course, including research methodology, is assumed knowledge for the assessment of Paper 3 and Paper 4. The core studies will not be the direct focus of questions on Paper 3 and Paper 4 but candidates will be expected to build upon their knowledge of approaches, issues and debates and psychological research methodology during their study of the A Level specialist options. The specialist options introduced at A Level explore how psychology can be applied in a range of contexts. Candidates study how psychology is applied in two of the following areas: - Clinical Psychology - Consumer Psychology - Health Psychology - Organisational Psychology to apply their knowledge of AS Level research methodology to the A Level content. In addition we introduce some new research methods and methodological concepts relevant to A Level studies. AS and A Level Research Methodology subject content for the planning studies questions in Paper 4 on page 52.
A Level issues and debates
• A Level issues and debates - the application of psychology to everyday life - individual and situational explanations - nature versus nurture - the use of children in psychological research - cultural differences - reductionism versus holism - determinism versus free-will - idiographic versus nomothetic.
Randomised control trials
• Experiments - Candidates should be able to: - describe and evaluate the main features of randomised control trials.
Postal questionnaires and rating scales
• Questionnaires - Candidates should be able to: - describe and evaluate the use of postal questionnaires - describe and evaluate the use of rating scales; forced/fixed choice. Methodological concepts which are relevant to all of the A Level specialist options.
Psychometric tests
• Psychometric tests - Candidates should be able to: - describe and evaluate psychometric tests.
A Level hypotheses
• Hypotheses - Candidates should be able to: - write and apply knowledge of null hypotheses and alternative directional (one-tailed) and non-directional (two-tailed) hypotheses.
Temporal validity
• Validity - Candidates should be able to: - describe and evaluate studies based on their validity, including temporal validity.
Use of key studies and example studies
• Use of studies - Psychology is an applied subject and teachers are encouraged to illustrate the theory and application of the concepts, theories, evidence and research through the use of studies where appropriate. There are key studies associated with each topic. We have listed the specific aspects of key studies that a candidate will be expected to know and understand. These aspects are listed at the start of each specialist option. It is not necessary for candidates to read the original study but you must provide them with a detailed summary of the key study which must cover all the aspects listed. To aid teaching and ensure candidates can see how psychological research relates to the subject content we have provided some examples of studies which might be useful to you in your teaching. Where we say, 'including a study, e.g.', candidates will not be asked questions which require a specific knowledge of these studies, however candidates should use an example in their responses. Where an example is provided, it does not necessarily cover all the relevant content and you may provide a different example if you know of one which sufficiently covers the subject content using appropriate research methodology. A full reference to all the key studies and example studies can be found in the Reference List for 9990 AS & A Level Psychology, available on the website.