Understanding the IGCSE A Level Psychology Syllabus

(*Please Note - I have diversified my work on Excelling Psychology into different blogs for better organization of content. I am continually working on the same, so these sites will be updated with more content soon.

CIE IGCSE Psychology learners may be interested in the following:

Model Answers on the following blog:

https://psychologymodelanswers.blogspot.com

References of studies for answer writing in a highly organized, detailed format:

https://psychologyreferencesummaries.blogspot.com)

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(The A level syllabus discussed here can be found on pages 22-32 here)

The A level is the step up from AS, moving into theories and their application from research, as I've outlined previously. Today, let's take a look at the A level syllabus in detail.

How much of the AS level is carried over to the A level?

 It is important to understand here that 'A level' is the umbrella term consisting of the AS and what was traditionally (and now, unofficially) called A2. What I am discussing here is the A2, which is the level after to be taken up after the completion of AS. The grades of the AS and A2 are combined to obtain a grade upon completion of the total A level. So, the AS definitely adds to or takes away from the performance in A2 - therefore, a good performance in AS is a great contributor to a good overall A level grade. In sum, both years are to be taken seriously.

In terms of knowledge, it is surprising that the syllabus mentions that the 'AS level content will not be the direct focus of questions on Paper 3 and Paper 4." In reality, the student is required to design studies, and justify research methods (in other words, evaluate research methods) in section B of paper 4. In section C of paper 4, the student is expected to evaluate research methods. Even in section A, the student has to sometimes apply his/her knowledge of research methods. Also, the  issues and debates are carried forward to this level, in addition to new issues and debates. Thus, unlike in the 9698 syllabus, research methods are still a core component in A2. What changes is that there are no descriptive questions from research papers, but the detailed understanding of their components is still crucial.

Do students need to read the original research papers mentioned in the syllabus?

As the syllabus gives a very direct answer to this question - no. However, they need to know the complete synopsis of the studies mentioned. This synopsis must be in such a form that it highlights the method, findings and impact of the study, ideally in a point-by-point format. The studies should be learnt in a format, with sufficient detail so that the student can use the study to attempt 10 mark questions in paper 3 and make references to the research in 12 mark questions of paper 4.

Which two specializations should the student opt for?

Unfortunately, the student does not have much choice here, for given the restrictions of the class time-table, the school decides which two specializations its students will study. However, the student can understand that at the University level in India it is largely Psychology and Abnormality and Psychology and Organizations that are offered as majors, and that is why most schools opt for them - for their pragmatic value. Besides, their teachers tend to be more familiar with these specializations. Psychology and Consumer Behaviour is actually combined with Psychology and Organizations at the University level. A student sure to pursue Organizations as a specialization at the University can benefit from opting for the two just mentioned. Psychology and Health, though an optional 'applied component' in most universities, provides for good aid to Psychology and Abnormality. These both are a good combination for students sure to pursue Abnormality as a major.

Why are additional issues and debates introduced at this level?

This can be understood by looking at the new issues and debates i.e. - reductionism, psychometrics, determinism, longitudinal research. Since the student is being introduced to theory at this level, these particular issues will help the student decide whether the research presented is fit to add to theory or is biased or weak in quality. This was not necessary at the AS level as the student had to evaluate research itself, and not connect it to any theory,

What is contained in the specialization of 'Psychology and Abnormality'?

Abnormal Psychology (or Clinical Psychology) deals with disorders of mind and behaviour that are severe in nature - that is, they have a profound impact in the daily life of the individual suffering from them. The IGCSE A level directly introduces the five most significant clusters of disorders of the area as can be seen in the syllabus.

What is contained in the specialization of 'Psychology and Consumer Behaviour'?

Consumer Psychology deals with the factors that motivate consumers to make choices in buying behaviour. It covers every step of the process from conceptualizing, designing, producing, advertising and selling products. The IGCSE A level introduces all these factors in various settings, thereby providing a comprehensive picture of the field.

What is contained in the specialization of 'Psychology and Health'?

Health psychology covers the nature of various major illnesses, especially those pertaining from lifestyle. It includes study of dealing with these disorders, both at the external intervention level and at the individual level. The IGCSE A level Pthe student to the characteristics of various disorders in general, and the essentials of dealing with illnesses.

What is contained in the specialization of 'Psychology and Organizations'?

Industrial-Organizational Psychology deals with the people in the workplace, their motivators and detractors, performance and satisfaction. The IGCSE A level covers all of this in detail, focusing on individual and group behaviours, as well as the organizational climate.

 What is the nature of Paper 3 and Paper 4 of the examination?

(Specimens of these papers and their mark schemes can be found here.)

Paper 3 is the theoretical paper which consists of short-answer and essay-length questions. The student needs to know however, that this paper is not to be attempted through rote learning, but through skills of descriptions through illustrations, and evaluation. 

Paper 4 is the application paper which consists of comprehension-based questions, designing research and evaluation of designs. Basically, it is a test of the students skills in research methods, with reference to the research they have learnt in the course.

Which skills should be the student's main focus at the A level?

The student cannot focus on one skill and neglect others. Yet, there is a certain distribution of weightage given to different skills which can be found in pages 10-13 of the syllabus. At the A level, each of the components - issues and debates, research methods, theory and application is given an equal weightage of 25%. However, since this is the advanced levels it gives the most weightage to analysis and evaluation, followed by knowledge and understanding, and lastly, applying knowledge and understanding. This translates as - the student must focus mainly on research methods & issues and debates, followed by description and lastly on applying learnt knowledge in everyday cases.