IB Psychology
There are no formal pre-requisites for students undertaking Psychology. It is recommended that students have had experience of writing critical essays.
Aim
Encourage the systematic and critical study of: human experience and behaviour; physical, economic and social environments; and the history and development of social and cultural institutions.
To develop an awareness of how psychological research can be applied for the benefit of human beings.
Ensure that ethical practices are upheld in psychological enquiry.
Develop an understanding of the biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behaviour.
Develop an understanding of alternative explanations of behaviour.
Understand and use diverse methods of psychological inquiry
Syllabus Component | Description |
Core | The levels of analysis focus on the synthesis of three fundamental influences on behaviour: Biological, Cognitive, Sociocultural |
Options |
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Simple Experimental Study | Students plan and undertake a simple experimental study and produce a report of their study e.g. manipulate a single independent variable and measure the effect on a dependent variable, while controlling other variables. |
Qualitative Research Methodology (HL only) | Research of behaviour in a natural setting followed by an attempt to interpret the behaviour and the meanings that people have given to their experiences. |
Standard Level: Internal Assessment: (25%) A report of an experimental study conducted by the student.
External Assessment: (75%) Examinations at the end of the second year. Paper 1 (2 hours) (50%) Paper 2 (1 hour) (25%) | Higher Level: Internal Assessment: (20%) A report of an experimental study conducted by the student.
External Assessment: (80%) Examinations at the end of the second year. Paper 1 (2 hours) (35%) Paper 2 (2 hours) (25%) Paper 3 (1 hour) (20%) |