Introducing mental disorders: phobias, depression and OCD

In this post I’m going to look at ideas for introducing mental disorders. The AQA specification states students need to know and understand behavioural, emotional and cognitive characteristics of phobias, depression and OCD before considering each of the named disorders from a specific perspective: behavioural approach (phobias explanation and treatment), cognitive approach (depression explanation and treatment) […]

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The development of attachment

Photo of woman with baby

Schaffer and Emerson’s research into attachment enabled them to construct an explanation of how attachment develops. Starter: In explaining the behaviour seen at each stage of attachment a number of key terms are used which students need to be aware of.  Before beginning the main activity students need to familiarise themselves with the following vocabulary and […]

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Caregiver-infant interactions

Photo of baby's hand grasping an adult's figure

These activities concentrate on knowledge and understanding of research into caregiver-infant interactions. Starter: Non-verbal communication skills. Students sit in pairs facing each other. Seating is important here: one student (student A) needs to be sitting with their back to the whiteboard while the other (student B) sits opposite them so they are able to see […]

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The experimental method

In my experience the most effective way of helping students understand the experimental method is through carrying out an experiment with the class. The Teacher’s Companion (handouts 137 and 138) contains resources to conduct a class memory experiment or you could run a simple Stroop test as explained below. The following activities could be used […]

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The origins of psychology.

It is important students gain a secure understanding of the concept of psychology as a science, not only because it is named on the specification but because it can really help students develop their evaluation of research. When I ask my students ‘what is science?’ they often respond with a list of scientific subjects rather […]

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