A pathway from foundations to application
This self-directed pathway organises psychology into four connected stages. It is a subject exploration resource rather than an accredited programme specification. Work through the stages at a pace that allows time for reading, practice and reflection.
1. Cognitive psychology
Focus on cognitive psychology as a way to understand human thought and behaviour studied through systematic evidence. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to cognitive psychology. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how cognitive psychology connects with developmental psychology. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
2. Developmental psychology
Focus on developmental psychology as a way to understand human thought and behaviour studied through systematic evidence. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to developmental psychology. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how developmental psychology connects with research methods. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
3. Research methods
Focus on research methods as a way to understand human thought and behaviour studied through systematic evidence. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to research methods. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how research methods connects with social psychology. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.
4. Social psychology
Focus on social psychology as a way to understand human thought and behaviour studied through systematic evidence. Build a concise glossary, identify the central models and explain one idea without relying on specialist vocabulary.
Learning activity: select a published example related to social psychology. Identify the question, evidence and conclusion. Reconstruct the reasoning and note one assumption that could change the result.
Portfolio evidence: write a short critical explanation of how social psychology connects with cognitive psychology. Include an annotated diagram, worked example or source comparison where appropriate.