Psychology

PSYCHOLOGY 

Higher level and Standard Level 

Aims: 

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. 

Syllabus:

Core 

• Biological approach to understanding behaviour 

• Cognitive approach to understanding behaviour 

• Sociocultural approach to understanding behaviour 

The approaches to behaviour are compulsory for SL and HL students 

The core will be assessed in paper 1 of the external assessment, but it also forms the foundation for teaching and learning in the options. 

• Approaches to researching behaviour 

The approaches to research are for both SL and HL students. They are organized to reflect the considerations made when reading or preparing a piece of research. Only HL students will be formally assessed on the approaches to research in Paper 3. 

Options 

• Abnormal psychology 

• Developmental psychology (currently studied at the school)

• Health psychology 

• Psychology of human relationships  (currently studied at the school)

SL students study two topics with the Options, while HL students study three or four. 

The options will be assessed in Paper 2. 

Internal assessment - Experimental study 

Assessment: 

Standard Level: Assessment components 

Paper 1  (2 hours) - 50% 

Paper 2  (1 hour)  - 25% 

 Internal assessment - 25% 

Higher Level:  Assessment components 

Paper 1 (2 hours) - 40% 

Paper 2  (2 hours) -  20% 

Paper 3  (1 hour) -  20% 

 Internal assessment 20% 

Psychology and TOK 

While studying psychology, students learn to be critical thinkers by 

• evaluating methods and results of psychological research 

• understanding the limitations of knowledge gained in human sciences 

• understanding the ethical implications related to psychological research 

• considering the effect of culture on psychological research 

TOK linked questions than can be explored can include examples like:  

• Can models and theories be used to understand and predict human behaviour? 

• Does a researcher’s choice of methodology affect the reliability or credibility of research? 

• Is what we know about human behaviour limited by our ethical considerations? 

• Are emotions universal? 

• Are the methods of the natural sciences applicable in the social sciences? 

• Are there human qualities or behaviours that will remain beyond the scope of science?