VCE Psychology Units 1 and 2 (Year 10)

This is a 2 semester course available to Year 10 only. Students must achieve an ‘A’ standard in Year 9 Science in order to undertake VCE Psychology Units 1 and 2 in Year 10.

UNIT 1: HOW ARE BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL PROCESSES SHAPED?

In this unit students examine the complex nature of psychological development, including situations where psychological development may not occur as expected. Students 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. They investigate the structure and functioning of the human brain and the role it plays in mental processes and behaviour and explore brain plasticity and the influence that brain damage may have on a person’s psychological functioning.

A student-directed research investigation into contemporary psychological research is undertaken in Area of Study 3. The investigation involves the exploration of research, methodology and methods, as well as the application of critical and creative thinking to evaluate the validity of a research study by analysing secondary data. The investigation draws on the key science skills and key knowledge from Area of Study 1 and/or Area of Study 2.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit the student should be able to:

  1. discuss complexity of psychological development over the life span, and evaluate ways of understanding and representing psychological development.
  2. analyse the role of the brain in mental processes and behaviour and evaluate how brain plasticity and brain injury can change biopsychosocial functioning.
  3. identify, analyse and evaluate the evidence available to answer a research question relating to contemporary psychology.


UNIT 2: HOW DO 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. Students are encouraged to consider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s experiences within Australian society and how these experiences may affect psychological functioning.

Students examine the contribution that classical and contemporary research has made to the understandings of human perception and why individuals and groups behave in specific ways. Students investigate how perception of stimuli enables a person to interact with the world around them and how their perception of stimuli can be distorted.

A student-adapted or student-designed scientific investigation is undertaken in Area of Study 3. The investigation involves the generation of primary data and is related to internal and external factors that influence behaviour and mental processes. The investigation draws on key knowledge and key science skills from Area of Study 1 and/or Area of Study 2.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit the student should be able to:

  1. compare the sensations and perceptions of vision and taste and analyse factors that may lead to distortions of these;
  2. identify factors that influence individuals to behave in specific ways and analyse the ways in which others can influence individuals to behave differently;
  3. design and undertake a practical investigation related to external influences on behaviour and draw conclusions based on evidence from collected data.


ASSESSMENTS FOR UNITS 1 and 2

Satisfactory completion of a unit is determined through the assessment of a range of learning activities and tasks associated with the set of outcomes specified for the unit.

  • Assessment tasks for units 1 and 2 may include a variety of tasks including:
    • analysis and evaluation of an experiment or case study
    • a data analysis of generated primary and/or collated secondary data
    • reflective annotations of a logbook of practical activities
    • media analysis of one or more contemporary media texts
    • a literature review
    • response to a psychological issue or ethical dilemma
    • a modelling or simulation activity
    • problem-solving involving psychological concepts, skills and/or issues
    • a report of a scientific investigation, including the generation, analysis and evaluation of primary data.