Psychology AS for AQA (A)

Summary:
Complete guide to the 2011 AQA specification changes (for first examinations 2012).

Studying Psychology at AS level? Here's your chance to learn it, love it, and get a better grade than you ever thought possible with Psychology for AS AQA (A)!

Our writing team consists of three of the UK's bestselling Psychology authors, including a Senior Examiner. They have broken down the AS specification into manageable chunks that offer many ways into each topic and push you to better grades as your confidence increases.

Core information is set out simply - supported by key terms, and real life examples to help you understand topics and concepts from a new angle. When you've got the basics, there are detailed study evaluations, hands on activities and mini self-tests to help you build confidence and reach for the best possible grades.

Inside these colourfully designed and illustrated pages you'll find features that help you:

- Check your progress in mini-assessments
- Revise and strengthen your learning
- Understand research methods by having a go yourself
- Evaluate key research studies
- Develop your exam skills.

So take this chance to learn all about the influences, processes and mechanisms that make us who we are - and get a good AS in the process!

• Matched to the specification by expert examiner and authors
• Get better grades with assessment checks, exam tips and specification hints
• Design and features break topics down into manageable units of learning
• Features on Psychology in real life, and in the news, help you understand topics in new ways
• Supported by a comprehensive teacher Dynamic Learning package

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1 Cognitive psychology
Models of memory
The multi-store model
The working memory model
Memory in everyday life
Eyewitness testimony
Factors affecting the accuracy of recall
The cognitive interview
Strategies for memory improvement
Chapter 2 Developmental psychology
Attachment
Phases of attachment development
Explanations of attachments
Types of attachment
Cultural variations in attachment
Disruption of attachment
Implications of research into attachment and day care for child-care practices
Chapter 3 Research methods
Methods and techniques
The experimental method
Non-experimental (alternative) research methods
Self-report techniques, including questionnaires and interviews
Investigation design
Experimental design
The selection of participants, and sampling techniques
Data analysis and presentation
Analysis and interpretation of quantitative data
Analysis and presentation of qualitative data
Chapter 4 Biological psychology
Stress
Stress as a bodily response
The body's response to stress
Stress-related illness and the immune system
Stress in everyday life
Life changes
Daily hassles
Workplace stress
Personality factors
Coping with stress
Stress management
Chapter 5 Social psychology
Social influence
Conformity
Explanations of conformity
Obedience
Social influence in everyday life
Independent behaviour: resisting pressures to conform and obey authority
The influence of individual differences on independent behaviour
Implications for social change of research into social influence
Chapter 6 Individual differences
Psychopathology (abnormality)
Definitions of abnormality
The biological approach to psychopathology
The psychological approach to psychopathology
The treatment of mental disorders
Psychological therapies
Behavioural therapies
Cognitive therapies

About the Author(s):
Jean-Marc Lawton is a senior examiner at AS and A2 for a major awarding body, and has been teaching Psychology for over 20 years. He has written several revision and unit guides and makes regular contributions to 'Psychology Review'. Jean-Marc also delivers revision conferences and teacher support sessions on both AS and A2 Psychology units.

Richard Gross is the leading author in Psychology publishing in the UK. His bestselling titles include Psychology: The Science of Mind and Behaviour, Key Studies in Psychology and Themes, Issues and Debates in Psychology.

Geoff Rolls is Head of Psychology at Peter Symonds College, one of the biggest AQA centres for Psychology and rated 'outstanding' in its last two Ofsted inspections. A highly experienced teacher he is also author of Classic Cases in Psychology.

Readership:
AS level