Edexcel AS Psychology Textbook

Summary:
Edexcel AS Psychology covers Units 1 and 2 of the A-level specification. The AS course is made up of five approaches in psychology. Each chapter in this book covers one of these and includes: an introduction, with definitions; methodology; content; detailed studies; key issues; a worked practical; a chapter summary; and definitions of key terms.

An important feature of the Edexcel course is that although there is specified material, there are also many areas where choices are available. These include choices of study in each approach, and of key issues. This textbook covers all the specified material and all the suggested examples where choices are offered.

Within each chapter there are features to improve students' skills, including:
·Explore --advice on how students can further their interest in an area
·Practice-- allowing students to try out what they have learnt
·Study hint-- advice on how to prepare for examinations
·Practical relevance -- linking students' learning of theory to their practical work
·Key terms -- definitions of important terms

Homework questions and extension essays (to stretch and challenge students) are given at the end of each chapter.

An accompanying online resource offers guidance on exam technique and sample examination-style questions, together with model answers and detailed commentaries.It also includes additional material on selected studies and key issues. Links to this material are indicated in the textbook.

A Teacher Guide containing answers to all questions and exercises in the book, plus PowerPoint presentations and worksheets to assist the teacher, is available for separate purchase.

• Accessible structure looking at each of the five approaches in psychology
• Contains detailed studies, worked practicals and definitions of key terms
• Practical relevance will link students' learning of theory to practical work
• Invaluable exam advice
• Free online resource with exam-style questions and answers with commentaries
• Endorsed by Edexcel
• A2 text to follow in 2009
• Written by Christine Brain, Chair of Examiners
• Supporting Teacher Answer Guide provides answers to all the questions with detailed explanations, PowerPoint presentations and worksheets to assist the teacher (comprises resource pack plus CD -- £49.99)

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Unit 1: Social and Cognitive Psychology
Chapter 1: The social approach
An introduction to the social approach
Methodology
Content
Studies in detail
Key issues
Practical: a semi-structured interview
Chapter 2: The cognitive approach
An introduction to the cognitive approach
Methodology
Content
Studies in detail
Key issues
Practical: a laboratory experiment
Unit 2: Understanding the Individual
Chapter 3: The psychodynamic approach
An introduction to the psychodynamic approach
Methodology
Content
Studies in detail
Key issues
Practical: a correlation design
Chapter 4: The biological approach
An introduction to the biological approach
Methodology
Content
Studies in detail
Key issues
Practical: a test of difference
Chapter 5: The learning approach
An introduction to the learning approach
Methodology
Content
Studies in detail
Key issues
Practical: an observation

About the Author(s):
Christine Brain is an experienced teacher and senior examiner, and a Chartered Psychologist. She has written numerous student resources, including five Student Unit Guides for Edexcel Psychology, also published by Philip Allan Updates.