Get off to a ‘Flying Start’ in Applied Psychology - Level 3 -

BTEC Certificate

Welcome to Flying Start with Exeter College.

Below, you’ll find questions to consider, tasks to complete and some background research you might want to

undertake before enrolment.

This is the first of two batches of Flying Start activity sheets we’ll be sending you. The second will be launched around

the May half term. Please read the instructions below and have a go at the activities.

If you get stuck at any point, please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section at the bottom for help.

To get you started…

You will have a series of tasks to complete. The study of Psychology can be likened to the learning of a new language. Task 1 (page 2) and Task 2 (page 3) are both designed to introduce you to the concept and use of ‘terminology’ in Psychology. Please read the instructions at the start of each task and fill in your answer appropriately in the space provided. Task 3 (page 4-14) Read an article entitled Psychology and Science. The AS Psychology course touches on a number of important areas of current research practice using the Scientific method. The article outlines both sides of the argument as to whether Psychology is a science. You may already have an opinion on this but what is important in this task is to see the evidence objectively (without any bias). After you have read the article through once, re-read the article and complete the grid (page 13), pulling from the article the key arguments for both sides of the debate. Assessment: In Psychology, you will have 7 formal assessments throughout the year. Your first formal assessment will be based around this article. This is the first piece of work that your lecturer will see from you, please do give it your best effort.

For those who want a bit more…

Try to find current Psychological research in the news. Use news websites such as BBC. Print off the article and write a brief paragraph outlining why you find it interesting.

FAQs Q: I am not sure if I have got the answers right, what should I do? A: Don’t worry, just have a go at getting something down and bring it along to the lesson where we can talk it through. There is no need to get anxious about the tasks, we are not expecting you to know everything before you arrive but are interested in your ideas and what you have found easy or difficult as it helps us support you right from the beginning You will need to bring this work along with you to your first lesson.

Course textbook: AQA PSYCHOLOGY FOR A LEVEL YR 1 & AS STUDENT BOOK: 2ND ED AUTHOR(S): Cara Flanagan, Matt Jarvis, Rob Liddle LEVEL: A Level Year 1 & AS ISBN: 978-1-912820-42-9

Additional Textbook reading

TASK 1 - A world without terminology

Read the following passage and answer the question.

‘A beautiful game spoiled’

Though potentially a tight-fought contest, this encounter between two of the Premiership’s top groups of people on

the same side as each other was sadly, spoiled by the person who runs up and down the line at the side of the

playing field waving a flag.

Time after time, attacking players were penalised for being caught standing with only one opposition player

between them and the goal posts, even though very often this was not the case. Consequently, the game remained

goalless, even after another 30 minutes at the end of the game to see if anyone could score.

The issue was settled with a situation where five players from each group tried to score goals one after the other

from a spot located about 10 yards from the goal.

All in all, it was a very long evening.

WHY IS TERMINOLOGY USEFUL?

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TASK 2 - Learning a new science, learning a new language

Read the psychological term below and add in the definition.

Key term Definition

Sample

Independent variable

Dependant variable

Hypothesis

Falsifiable

Subjectivity

Objectivity

Reliability

Replicability

Participant variables

Validity

TASK 3– Article on Psychology as a Science

Please read the article and complete the grid on page 14. You may wish to make your own notes, highlight key

terminology and/or use a dictionary.

Useful internet sites: -Simply Psychology (https://www.simplypsychology.org/research-methods.html). -Tutor2you (https://www.tutor2u.net/psychology). -AQA exam board: https://www.aqa.org.uk/ -British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/

TASK 3 – ‘Is Psychology a Science?’ - Preparation grid for class discussion

Using key terminology, write at least 3 arguments for both sides of the debate. It will be helpful to consider: - the four features/ principles of science (page 5). - the use of theories and hypotheses in Psychology (page 6). - replicability and issue of objectivity (page 7). - the difficulty of achieving ‘generalisation’ in psychology (page 8).

Yes Psychology is a Science No Psychology is not a Science

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