Psychology at University - FAQ

Statistical judgement is the process in which conclusions are drawn about the probability of various hypotheses being correct, based upon the information available to us as well as inferences made using previous knowledge to bridge the gap of any uncertainties (Morsanyi, Primi, Cheisi and Handley, 2009). Our judgement of the likeliness of one hypothesis being higher than another is such that easily changes in the light of new evidence or the appearance of reasons to reject previous evidence; a concept manifested in Bayes’ Theorem. However, much research into judgement and decision making has identified the high frequency at which errors are made by either interpreting events in an overly deterministic way or over emphasis on the uncertain. Morsanyi et al. offer the suggestion that this may be the result of a failure to integrate the two contradicting ideas behind probability: that one event is essentially unpredictable, while in the long run a reoccurring pattern may be identified. For example, the gambler’s fallacy, or the negative recency effect (Cohen, 1960) offers an example of overly deterministic interpretations of random events. When under situations with constraints in time, information or cognitive freedom, we invite inference into our decision making through the use of seemingly rational heuristics which exploit the physical and social environment (Chase, Hertwig and Gigerenzer, 1998). Unfortunately, these cognitive shortcuts are subject to bias and often lead to ultimately incorrect decision making. This discussion will describe some of the heuristics and biases commonly used, and to provide evidence which attempts to offer reasons behind how and when these errors of statistical judgement occur.

1. H. Lau (Lau, in press; Lau & Passingham, 2006) claims that many reported results on the neural correlates of consciousness "may reflect differences in performance, rather than perceptual consciousness". Discuss this argument with reference to empirical studies.

2. Compare the visuomotor transformation and planning-control accounts of optic ataxia. What evidence supports each theory?

3. What are the implications of blindsight for theories of visual cognition?

4. Can Kelley’s covariation model satisfactorily account for how people make attributions in everyday life?

5. Discuss whether evolutionary psychology offers a useful way of understanding human behavior by critically presenting one psychological study that has been conducted within an evolutionary framework.

Yes, it completely varies. My course has even recently introduced multiple choice questions for some exams. Although, as a consequence we are learning a greater volume of information at a more advanced level than a normal first year course.

We had a multiple choice test for half of our research methods exam. It was negatively marked though; so if you got an answer wrong they deducted marks

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Can you sticky this thread?

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Hey, I have a question
so I want to study Psychology at York and the grade requirements are AAB with atleast 1 science subject.

I've recently finished AS Art, French, Biology and Psychology and will have to drop one for A2. Initially I thought Biology, i'm not that good at it and find it difficult. But i've read that successful applicants for psych at York offer 2 science subjects so i'm undecided btwn french and bio.
I think that if I did french, i'm more likely to get a higher grade compared to bio but I don't know what would you advise I do?

Hey, I have a question
so I want to study Psychology at York and the grade requirements are AAB with atleast 1 science subject.

I've recently finished AS Art, French, Biology and Psychology and will have to drop one for A2. Initially I thought Biology, i'm not that good at it and find it difficult. But i've read that successful applicants for psych at York offer 2 science subjects so i'm undecided btwn french and bio.
I think that if I did french, i'm more likely to get a higher grade compared to bio but I don't know what would you advise I do?

I really wouldn't drop Bio. Also keep in mind that Psychology, particularly at York, contains a lot of biology.

I would probably drop art. Definitely keep biology. Baring in mind that you don't have to have psychology A-level to apply for psychology degrees, you may want to consider dropping psychology.
You should wait till you get your grades and then decide what to do. I've found biology to be alright in terms of work at A2, psychology has been by far the one that I've had to do the most revision for as there's sooo much to memorise. It really is up to you though.

Hey, I have a question
so I want to study Psychology at York and the grade requirements are AAB with atleast 1 science subject.

I've recently finished AS Art, French, Biology and Psychology and will have to drop one for A2. Initially I thought Biology, i'm not that good at it and find it difficult. But i've read that successful applicants for psych at York offer 2 science subjects so i'm undecided btwn french and bio.
I think that if I did french, i'm more likely to get a higher grade compared to bio but I don't know what would you advise I do?

I reckon you are far more likely to get an offer if you are doing biology A level, no matter how good you are at art/french. At the end of the day a B is biology is going to be more useful in your degree than an A* in art.

Not necessarily... I'm not familiar with all the courses, but very few Biology A levels include a lot of work on the brain. That's the only thing that's relevant, really.

However, some uni's don't accept Psychology as a science, so if the OP has an idea where s/he'd like to go, they should check the individual uni entry requirements and see whether they specify a natural science (I think Durham and Birmingham do)

My biology A level meant that I already knew about transmission of the nerve impulse, how signals cross the synapse, how different types of drugs and neurotransmitters work, some of the functions of parts of the brain, the divisions of the nervous system as well as experimental methodology- all of which came in use.

I realise that prospectuses say what grades are required and what subjects are acceptable but bear in mind that there are more than enough people applying with the right number of predicted A levels. At the end of the day it is a competition and having a biology A level will give you a better edge.

A strong academic profile and a great personal statement minus Biology A level will stand you in better stead for a place than a mediocre academic profile with Biology.

i'm hoping this proves to be true! but i agree with what was said earlier about a lot of people applying with the "right" a levels but i'm not sure. i guess it depends on results but i don't know if i should continue with biology if i don't enjoy it/don't have the motivation to work really hard in it.. argh

But not for all universities I gave up Biology at GCSE and haven't had any problems in my application (apart from the college ******* up my GCSE maths re-take prediction, which ultimately proved to be a bigger problem) A strong academic profile and a great personal statement minus Biology A level will stand you in better stead for a place than a mediocre academic profile with Biology.