Group 3: Individuals and Societies

IB Economics SL and HL are both 2-year courses. The IB Economics syllabus has 4 separate units to it: units 1 and 2 will be completed in the first year of the course, and units 3 and 4 in the second year.

The Units are as follows:

1. Microeconomics: this unit covers the laws of demand and supply, elasticity, government intervention (which includes taxes and subsidies), externalities, and the theory of the firm (or production costs and revenues).
2. Macroeconomics: this unit covers Gross Domestic Product and the Business Cycle, aggregate demand and aggregate supply, unemployment, inflation, economic growth, the distribution of income, and demand-side and supply-side policies done by the central bank and government of each nation.
3. International Economics: this unit covers international trade, exchange rates, the balance of payments, and economic integration and the terms of trade.
4. Development Economics: this section covers the differences between economic growth and economic development, international trade barriers, foreign sources of finance such as Multi-national corporations, and the role of international debt.

The IB Economics curriculum for both SL and HL will also involve writing 2 commentaries in the first year of the course, and 1 commentary in the second year. These commentaries involve the student acting as an “economic analyst” by finding a news article online, analyzing what is being discussed in the article and providing diagrams in doing so, and then making an evaluation and judgment about what should be done to address the problem. The process encourages the student to stay abreast of current events.

The type of student who might do well in SL Economics does not necessarily need a heavy quantitative or mathematical background, but one who is able to analyze both sides of a problem, and make judgments from that evaluation.

However, the HL Economics student does need a strong quantitative and mathematical background, preferably a grade of A or A- in 10th grade Mathematics. HL students will also have to evaluate problems, and make judgments.

For Further Information, Please Consult the IBDP Economics HL Subject Brief and the IBDP Economics SL Subject Brief

Psychology is the rigorous and systematic study of mental processes and behaviour. It is a complex subject which draws on concepts, methods and understandings from a number of different disciplines. There is no single approach that would describe or explain mental processes and behaviour on its own as human beings are complex animals, with highly developed frontal lobes, cognitive abilities, involved social structures and cultures. The study of behaviour and mental processes requires a multidisciplinary approach and the use of a variety of research techniques whilst recognising that behaviour is not a static phenomenon, it is adaptive, and as the world, societies and challenges facing societies change, so does behaviour.

Subject Content

At the core of the psychology course is an introduction to three different approaches to understanding behaviour:

Biological

Cognitive

Socio-cultural

In addition, the core of the course addresses: Approaches to Researching Behavior

The knowledge, concepts, theories and research that have developed the understanding in these fields will be studied and critically evaluated to answer some of the questions being asked by psychologists today. Furthermore, the interaction of these approaches to studying psychology will form the basis of a holistic and integrated approach to understanding mental processes and behaviour as a complex, dynamic phenomenon, allowing students to appreciate the diversity as well as the commonality between their own behaviour and that of others.

The contribution and the interaction of the three approaches can be best understood through the options. There are four options in the course. They focus on areas of applied psychology:

Abnormal psychology

Developmental psychology

Health psychology

Psychology of human relationships

The options provide an opportunity to take what is learned from the study of the approaches to psychology and put it into the context of specific lines of inquiry, broaden students’ experience of the discipline and develop the students’ critical inquiry skills.

Surrounding the approaches and the options are the overarching themes of research and ethics. A consideration of both is paramount to the nature of the subject.

Psychologists employ a range of research methods, both qualitative and quantitative, in order to test their observations and hypotheses. As a part of the core syllabus, psychology promotes an understanding of the various approaches to research and how they have been used in order to critically reflect on the evidence as well as assist in the design, implementation, analysis and evaluation of the students’ own investigations .

Psychology studies human beings and as such it is paramount that the ethical implications in any line of investigation, and at all points in the course, are fully explored and understood to ensure that ethical guidelines are followed at all times.

Distinction Between HL & SL

There are three main distinctions between this course at SL and at HL.

1. The following extensions to the core approaches are studies at HL only:

- The role of animal research in understanding human behavior

- Cognitive processing in the digital world

- The influence of globalisation on individual attitudes, identities and bahaviour

This differentiation is reflected in Paper 1 section B of the External Assessment.

1. SL students are required to study one option while HL students study two options. This differentiation is reflected in Paper 2 of the External Assessment.
2. Both HL and SL students will be expected to show their understanding of approaches to research in the Internal Assessment and for criterion D (critical thinking) in Paper 1 section B and Paper 2 responses. Additionally, HL students will be directly assessed on their understanding of approaches to research in Paper 3 of the External Assessment. This will cover both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

The aims of the subject at HL and SL are to:

• Develop an understanding of the biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors affecting mental processes and behaviour.
• Apply an understanding of the biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors affecting mental processes and behaviour to at least one applied area of study.
• Understand diverse methods of inquiry.
• Understand the importance of ethical practice in psychological research in general and observe ethical practice in their own inquiries.
• Ensure that ethical practices are upheld in all psychological inquiry and discussion.
• Develop an awareness of how psychological research can be applied to address real-world problems and promote positive change.

For Further Information and Assessment Overviews, Please Consult the IBDP Psychology SL & HL Subject Brief