Understand the brain, behaviour and mental processes.
VCE Psychology explores the relationship between the brain, behaviour and mental processes. Students investigate how biological, psychological and social factors influence the way people think, feel and behave.
What Will You Learn?
Units 1 & 2 — Foundations of Psychology
01
Psychological Development and Brain Function
Explore how biological, psychological and social factors influence development across the lifespan.
Investigate brain structure, brain plasticity and the effects of brain injury.
Examine how psychological development and functioning can be understood through scientific research.
02
Social Psychology and Human Behaviour
Investigate how social groups, culture and social norms influence behaviour.
Explore obedience, conformity, power and social influence.
Examine factors contributing to prejudice, discrimination and prosocial behaviour.
03
Sensation, Perception and Mental Processes
Understand how sensory information is detected, processed and interpreted.
Explore the biological, psychological and social influences on perception.
Investigate visual perception, taste perception and perceptual distortions.
04
Psychological Research and Scientific Investigations
Develop research questions, aims and testable hypotheses.
Explore research methods, experimental design and ethical considerations.
Analyse data, evaluate investigations and draw evidence-based conclusions.
Units 3 & 4 — Advanced Psychology and Applications
01
Nervous System and Stress
Investigate how the nervous system enables communication and psychological functioning.
Explore neural transmission and the role of neurotransmitters.
Examine physiological and psychological responses to stress.
Analyse stress models and strategies for coping with stress.
02
Learning and Memory
Explore classical conditioning, operant conditioning and observational learning.
Investigate the biological processes involved in learning and memory.
Examine memory models, memory formation and retrieval.
Explore factors influencing memory accuracy and strategies for improving memory.
03
Sleep and Consciousness
Investigate states of consciousness and the measurement of sleep.
Explore sleep patterns, sleep regulation and circadian rhythms.
Examine the effects of sleep deprivation on psychological functioning.
Analyse the importance of sleep for mental wellbeing.
04
Mental Wellbeing and Psychological Disorders
Explore mental wellbeing through a biopsychosocial approach.
Investigate factors contributing to specific phobia.
Examine evidence-based approaches to managing specific phobia.
Analyse the influence of biological, psychological and social factors on mental wellbeing.
05
Scientific Investigation and Research Skills
Apply scientific investigation methodologies to psychological research.
Analyse experimental data, research findings and case studies.
Evaluate validity, reliability, ethical considerations and limitations.
Construct evidence-based conclusions and communicate scientific findings.
Meet Your Psychology Teacher
Ms. Tu
VCE Psychology
Head of Science at a leading public school
Key terms and exam command terms
Has taught students who achieved a perfect raw study score of 50 in VCE Psychology
