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Rationale

Why study psychology?

Understanding human behaviour

Psychology poses questions about human issues and behaviours, a subject that interests many young people. They might consider, for example, why some people bully others or research what we know about addiction.

Through studying psychology, students become more self-aware. As they read and learn to use research papers, case studies, surveys, experiments, and observations, they develop their capacity to understand people’s behaviours and responses to real-life situations and societies, past and present.

Understanding human behaviour can build students’ confidence, develop their awareness of people from different backgrounds, help them to communicate more effectively, and encourage them to participate in the community.

Exploring people’s values and perspectives

Psychology helps students to understand the factors that influence their own and others’ behaviour in different situations. Psychology provides them with opportunities to explore value systems and ethical perspectives and to examine underlying cultural biases, role expectations, and prejudices.

Broadening career and life horizons

Psychology covers a wide range of inquiry. Psychologists specialise in many different areas of expertise, for example, as educational, sports, clinical, evolutionary, occupational, biological, criminal, and child psychologists.

Learning in psychology provides a strong foundation for other career areas such as mental health, education, training, marketing, leadership, management, business, law, and politics.

Psychology draws on skills from a number of different disciplines. These include skills in critical thinking, scientific inquiry, research, and writing. Psychology integrates, consolidates, and further develops such skills.

Psychology supports students to navigate through life and deal with uncertainties.

In this waka, students learn to be confident, connected, and actively involved, lifelong learners.

Last updated November 21, 2017



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