Psychology a level tips

8

Currently doing biology chemistry and psychology.
Was doing maths but crashed out, got overwhelmed and was highly stressed causing me to drop it.
Regret this choice but unfortunately I'm unable to switch so I'm stuck with psychology : (
What are your tips for someone who is not an essay person and struggles A LOT with it.
I really do not want to resit year 12 as I want to be able to progress the next years with my friends and actually finish my sixth form years.

Reply 1

EdgeHillStudent1

Official Rep

11

Original post

by xx.s4ha

Currently doing biology chemistry and psychology.
Was doing maths but crashed out, got overwhelmed and was highly stressed causing me to drop it.
Regret this choice but unfortunately I'm unable to switch so I'm stuck with psychology : (
What are your tips for someone who is not an essay person and struggles A LOT with it.
I really do not want to resit year 12 as I want to be able to progress the next years with my friends and actually finish my sixth form years.

Hi @xx.s4ha ,

I studied Psychology at GCSE, A Level and still now at undergraduate level, and I found that my essay technique developed gradually over time. Try not to worry if it doesn't click straight away as your essay technique will improve as you go through the course.

There's definitely a lot of content, so it can help to prioritise the key information. Classic studies for example can be useful to apply to a range of theories and topics as well as appearing on their own, so it is worth becoming confident with them. You don't need to memorise every tiny detail to get full marks so focus on the overall aim, method and findings of each study as that is what the examiner is looking for.

One thing that really helped me was thinking about evaluation points more generally. It would be very difficult and time consuming to remember every perfect evaluation point so think about common issues that can be applied to most studies/theories. Things like generalisability, validity, ethical concerns, methodological limitations and conflicting research can be easy to identify if you understand the method and findings of the study. This way, you'll always have something to say for AO3, even if you don't remember the specifics.

I'd also recommend writing essay plans and practice essays as part of your revision as you can assess where your knowledge gaps are and practice structure at the same time. Whether you get someone to mark them or simply look at the mark scheme yourself, it can be really helpful practice.

I hope this helps and good luck with your A Levels!

Eloise
Third Year Psychology Student

Reply 2

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

18

Original post

by xx.s4ha

Currently doing biology chemistry and psychology.
Was doing maths but crashed out, got overwhelmed and was highly stressed causing me to drop it.
Regret this choice but unfortunately I'm unable to switch so I'm stuck with psychology : (
What are your tips for someone who is not an essay person and struggles A LOT with it.
I really do not want to resit year 12 as I want to be able to progress the next years with my friends and actually finish my sixth form years.

Hi @xx.s4ha

I did the same subjects as you at A-Level and it is quite an intense combination! But there are also lots of links between the subjects which can be helpful with developing your understanding.

My tips for psychology are:

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Make lots of essay plans - this is a good opportunity to check your subject knowledge, consider what you would need to include in the essay, and get faster at planning essays.