Getting ahead:

[lazaward]

Hi guys,

What topics would I benefit from starting earlier? I was thinking doing all my notes for research methods as my teacher said we will go through it very quickly in class. Thoughts?

Thank you

[Bri MT]

I would highly recommend thoroughly going through research methods if in class it will only be covered quickly.
Here is a checklist of what you should be able to do:
- define an experiment
- list IV. DV, EV, and CV  for an experiment
- explain whether or not an experiment is valid
- explain whether or not conclusions can be drawn
- explain whether or not results can be generalised
- suggest improvements to an experiment
- identify and describe sampling procedures
- identify strengths and weakness of sampling procedures
- identify experimental designs
- identify strengths and weaknesses of experimental designs
- compare the role of mean and median as measures of central tendency
- compare data sets with high and low standard deviations
- distinguish between different ethical principles
- be able discuss experiments in relation to ethics

You don't need to know all of this before the end of the holidays however I'd focus on this before any other unassigned psych work.   If you get extra time to spend on psych after that look at the structure of neurons (revise from year 11) and neural pathways (CNS, PNS etc.)  and if you have time after that consider looking at stress

Best of luck for your preparation! If you have any questions feel free to ask.

[courtney2502]

As well as doing notes, my teacher has assigned us all of the Learning Activity Questions in our textbook (Jacaranda) on research methods - they've definitely helped me to see what I do and don't understand, so I would recommend doing this too!

I also plan on starting reading / notes for the next topic, which is the Nervous System (at my school at least!)

Good luck!

[Katlii]

research methods is a good idea, especially if you find it challenging. although i think a lot of what else is appropriate for a headstart could actually depend on your personal strengths when it comes to the subject.
for example, if you've done biology, then the nervous system content will be fairly breezy. if not, it may be challenging to wrap your head around and it's a good idea to brush up on that before you head into the year. otherwise, some stuff in stress (e.g. HPA axis) may be worth understanding early. but probably after research methods, it's best to consolidate your knowledge for the first SAC

[Ashking]

I would definitely recommend getting research methods under your belt before the year starts. It allows you so much more time for learning all of the content during the year and allows you to begin making those connections to research methods and applying them (which you need for the exam). In the 2017 exam, research methods came up in most short answer questions, so I would make sure you understood how to directly apply content. I managed to get a raw 46 in psych in 2017 during year 11 and I knew research methods like the back of my hand (though some of it is boring).