Psychology Grades 11 - 12

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The Psychology curriculum for Grades 11 and 12 is designed to introduce students to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. It provides a foundation in key psychological concepts, theories, and methodologies while encouraging critical thinking and self-reflection. The curriculum emphasizes the application of psychological principles to everyday life, helping students understand themselves and others better.


Grade 11: Foundations of Psychology

The Grade 11 syllabus focuses on the basics of psychology, its history, and its scientific approach.

Units of Study:

  1. What is Psychology?

    • Definition, goals, and history of psychology as a discipline.
    • Relationship with other disciplines, like biology, sociology, and philosophy.

  2. Methods of Psychological Inquiry:

    • Research methods: observation, experimentation, surveys, and case studies.
    • Ethical issues in psychological research.

  3. The Bases of Human Behavior:

    • Biological and cultural foundations of behavior.
    • Role of heredity and environment in shaping behavior.

  4. Human Development:

    • Stages of development: infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and aging.
    • Factors influencing growth and development.

  5. Sensory, Attentional, and Perceptual Processes:

    • How we sense, perceive, and attend to stimuli in the environment.
    • Concepts of perception, illusions, and attention span.

  6. Learning and Memory:

    • Theories of learning: classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and observational learning.
    • Types of memory and factors affecting memory retention and recall.

  7. Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making:

    • Cognitive processes involved in thinking and reasoning.
    • Creativity and its role in problem-solving.
Grade 12: Applications of Psychology

The Grade 12 syllabus builds on the foundation laid in Grade 11 and explores advanced concepts and their applications.

Units of Study:

  1. Variations in Psychological Attributes:

    • Understanding intelligence, aptitude, and personality.
    • Assessment methods for psychological attributes.

  2. Self and Personality:

    • Theories of personality, including Freud’s psychoanalytic theory and trait theories.
    • Self-concept and identity formation.

  3. Human Strengths and Meeting Life Challenges:

    • Stress and its effects on mental and physical health.
    • Coping mechanisms and strategies for resilience.

  4. Psychological Disorders:

    • Understanding mental health and illness.
    • Classification of disorders: anxiety, mood, and personality disorders.

  5. Therapeutic Approaches:

    • Types of therapies: psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic.
    • Emerging trends in therapy, like mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral techniques.

  6. Attitude and Social Cognition:

    • How attitudes form and influence behavior.
    • Concepts of prejudice, stereotypes, and interpersonal communication.

  7. Social Influence and Group Dynamics:

    • Roles, norms, and conformity in groups.
    • Leadership styles and their impact on group behavior.

  8. Psychology and Life:

    • Application of psychology in areas like education, work, health, and environment.

  9. Developing Psychological Skills:

    • Practical skills like effective communication, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.

SIMILAR COURSES