Psychology 

Group 3 subject 

(Text is taken out from the IB Psychology Guide)

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.

Course content

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

• biological

• cognitive

• sociocultural

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 SL and HL

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

The following extensions to the core approaches are studied at HL only:

• the role of animal research in understanding human behaviour

• cognitive processing in the digital world

• the influence of globalisation on individual attitudes, identities and behaviour

This differentiation is reflected in paper 1 section B of the external assessment.

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.

Both SL and HL 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 course at SL and at HL 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 Psychology Guide, click here.

Skills developed

• an understanding of the biological, social and cultural influences on human behaviour

• an interpretation of psychological research to apply the resulting knowledge for the benefit of human beings

• an awareness of how applications of psychology in everyday life are derived from psychological theories

• an understanding of and ability to use diverse methods of psychological inquiry

Assessment

SL

• paper 1 (2 hours) – 50%

short answer and extended response questions on the levels of analysis

• paper 2 (1 hour) – 25%

extended response question on one of the options

• experimental study – 25%
  
  

HL

• paper 1 (2 hours) – 35%

short answer and extended response questions on the levels of analysis

• paper 2 (2 hours) – 25%

extended response question on two of the options

• paper 3 (1 hour) – 20%

short answer response questions on research methodology

• experimental study – 20%

University courses and careers

There are many different areas of psychology that may be studied, including but not limited to, clinical, educational, forensic or developmental psychology. It is also, however, a valuable background in the study of any of the social sciences, business, law, or medicine.