Is A level maths important for psychology?

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Are you a student wondering what options are available to you at A level? If you are, you could be intrigued by psychology, a subject you might not have studied at GCSE. There are many new subjects in college to think about and consider taking. Psychology is a very respected choice at A level, blending essays and scientific approaches. Many students think that a lot of maths is involved in psychology. This puts many people off from taking it. Read on to find out more and discover the kind of things you should know before taking this subject.

The science is psychology

It can’t be ignored that there are scientific and mathematical aspects to psychology. In some exam boards, there is an exam paper dedicated to research methods and the ways psychologists approach their data. Throughout the exam papers, there are scatters of scientific approaches that students are expected to write essays on.

Why studying A level maths might help you in psychology

If you don’t take A level maths alongside psychology, you might forget simple mathematical methods that you’re expected to know. With research methods making up a part of the exam, it’s important to have some knowledge of maths to help. Attending a Edexcel A level maths revision course will help with this, as it will help you practise analysing data, percentages, and statistics. These things sometimes come up in psychology along with other branches too.

For example, you might need to work out probability as well as construct frequency tables or bar charts to carry out your psychological investigation. Studying A level maths will therefore keep your memory fresh with mathematical thinking when you approach specific questions. However, only the basic foundations of maths are needed for psychology. This means that studying A level maths isn’t essential, but it will help.

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Why A level maths isn’t important psychology

As mentioned above, whilst A level maths might help you, it certainly isn’t necessary for psychology. Usually, only a basic foundation knowledge of maths is required for psychology. It’s recommended that you get at least a B (6) in maths at GCSE. However, you are not required to do A level maths. A level maths includes complex content beyond what is expected of you in psychology. This means that if you have no wish to take maths, you should probably avoid it. To have the best chance of getting the top grades at A level, you should stick to subjects you enjoy.

Whilst some people do choose to study A level maths alongside psychology, the majority of students don’t. Don’t feel worried that you’ll get behind if you don’t study maths. A decent grade at GCSE and keeping this knowledge fresh in your memory will be enough for success in psychology. The examiners don’t expect you to be an expert in maths. You don’t need A level maths to know basic percentages, fractions, and decimals. If you struggle with these questions, you could just practise them more or get a tutor. A level maths, therefore, isn’t too important in psychology.

If you, or your parents would like to find out more, please just get in touch via email at info@exam.tips or call us on 0800 689 1272

If you, or your parents would like to find out more, please just get in touch via email at info@exam.tips or call us on 0800 689 1272

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