12 Psychology

SACE Stage 2: 20 Credits / 2 Semesters / Science

SACE Website: https://www.sace.sa.edu.au/web/psychology/stage-2

Pre-Requisite: An achievement level of 'B' or better in one of the subjects below:

• Stage 1 Psychology A and/or Psychology B
• Stage 1 Biology A and/or Biology B
• Stage 1 Chemistry
• Stage 1 Physics

SUBJECT OVERVIEW

Psychology is based on evidence gathered as a result of planned investigations following the principles of scientific inquiry. The skills learnt through Psychology are parallel to those learnt in other science subjects: how to be a critical consumer of information; how to identify psychological processes at work in everyday experiences; how to apply knowledge to real-world situations; how to investigate psychological issues; and how to be an effective communicator.

Psychology aims to describe and explain both the university of human experience and individual and cultural diversity. It also addresses the ways in which behaviour can be changed. It offers a means for making society more cohesive and equitable; that is, psychology offers ways of intervening to advance the wellbeing of individuals, groups, and societies. However, every change holds the possibility of harm. The ethics of research and intervention are therefor an integral part of psychology.

An inquiry approach to psychology enables students to define the scope of their learning by identifying investigable questions, deconstructing and designing their research using scientific approaches, using data, and analysing and critiquing their findings. The issues that arise during investigations should be informed by the application of key scientific ideas, skills, concepts, and understanding.

Topics include

Psychology of the individual
Psychology of health and wellbeing
Organisational psychology
Social influence
The psychology of learning

ASSESSMENT

In 2025 there are multiple options for assessment, as Psychology or Scientific Studies. Scientific Studies students will complete the same learning tasks but will have a different set of assessment tasks, the most significant difference being a collaborative inquiry instead of an exam. This choice does not have to be made as part of the subject selection process, but should be discussed between student, family and teacher.

The following assessment types enable students to demonstrate their learning in Stage 2 Psychology:

School assessment

Assessment type 1: investigations folio (30%)
Assessment type 2: skills and applications tasks (40%)

External assessment

Assessment type 3: examination (30%)

Students provide evidence of their learning through eight assessments, including the external assessment component.

Students complete:

At least two practical investigations
One investigation with a focus on science as a human endeavour
At least three skills and applications tasks
One examination (external)

The following assessment types enable students to demonstrate their learning in Stage 2 Scientific Studies:

School assessment

Assessment type 1: inquiry folio (50%)
Assessment type 2: collaborative inquiry (20%)

External assessment

Assessment type 3: individual inquiry (30%)

Students provide evidence of their learning through seven assessments, including the external assessment.

Students complete:

One inquiry folio, comprising:
- Three tasks with a focus on science inquiry skills
- One investigation with a focus on science as a human endeavour
- One individual inquiry design proposal
One collaborative inquiry
One individual inquiry

Additional Information

Costs: Essentials Psychology Workbook $60 (optional but recommended)

To be successful in this subject, completion of Stage 1 Psychology A and/or Psychology B to a B standard or better is recommended as well as ongoing and significant study outside of the classroom.

All subject costs are subject to approval, are approximate and subject to change in 2025.

Last updated: July 2024

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