Psychology

group 3 subject

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course overview

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.

Cohort 2027 will be the first cohort to go through a new iteration of the guide (syllabus).

The good news? The course seems to be taking a more breadth approach, meaning we get to explore a larger variety of topics (in a bit less depth each).

The even better news? No more memorizing studies! At least not in the same capacity as the current guide (soon to be old guide). Ask your friends who have taken psychology in the past few years - this is an awesome update! There will still be some reference to or using results from studies as evidence in assessment responses, but in a less detailed and more application-based way.

The new Psychology Guide will be published in full by IB in February 2025.

The information below is copied from IB report to psychology educators about the upcoming changes...

Rest assured that your psychology teachers are very excited about the new guide, and believe that these are all around positive changes!

Psychology Overview

Aidan Carr explains the goals of the course and touches upon examples of concepts that are taught in order to achieve these goals.

IB Psychology - Overview for Grade 10.mp4

Student Experience

Hear what the IB Psychology course is like from some of our fabulous ex-students.

241218 G12 Psychology Student Interviews V01.mp4

course description

Course Content

In the updated course, there will be an increased emphasis on conceptual-based learning and teaching, an emphasis on applying psychology in different contexts, and a move away from (yay!) rote memorization of studies.

Course aims:

1. develop knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, models and theories

2. think critically and creatively about behaviour and cognitive processes

3. engage with problems facing individuals, groups and societies by applying psychological

literacies

4. engage in data analysis and interpretation (HL only)

5. inquire into the role of culture, motivation and technology in human behaviour (HL only).

Curriculum framework

The psychology course is framed through concepts, contexts and content. This model identifies the concepts in psychology for which students will analyse different contexts. Knowledge of psychological content serves as a tool to analyse and investigate behaviours studied in the four contexts. HL students have an opportunity to undertake extensions to their learning which delve deeper into the role of culture, motivation and technology.

Psychology Concepts (the key "ideas" we will track throughout the course)

Bias
Causality
Change
Measurement
Responsibility
Perspective

Psychology Contexts (the "themes" we will explore)

Health and wellness
Human development
Human relationships
Learning and cognition

Psychology Content (the "things" we will learn, as they relate to the "themes" listed above)

Biological approach (how our biology - such as hormones or genetics - influences behavior)
Cognitive approach (how our thinking patterns and memory influences behavior)
Sociocultural approach (how our culture and social lives influences behavior)
Approaches to research (how we investigate and measure behavior)

HL Extensions (the "perspectives" HL students will consider in addition to all of the above)

Culture: learning about other cultures and indigenous psychologies.
Motivation: explore the role of individuals in determining their own behaviour.
Technology: investigate how technology influences human behaviour.

HL students will also be required to analyse and interpret quantitative and qualitative data or results.

Distinction between SL and HL

HL psychology is not "harder" psychology, it's simply "more depth" in psychology. This "more depth" psychology appears in the extension topics (listed above; interwoven throughout Paper 1 and 2) and an additional Paper 3 which will be focused on analysing and interpreting data. Aside from these two differences, HL and SL topics and exam papers are largely the same.

Skills and Attitudes 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

Assessment Objectives:

Knowledge and comprehension of key content and concepts in psychology

A range of psychological theories, models and examples
Biological, cognitive and sociocultural lenses to understanding human behaviour
Research approaches to understanding human behaviour

Application and analysis

Formulate an argument and explain choice with evidence—in response to a specific question/prompt
Demonstrate application and analysis of a range of psychological theories, models, and studies
Demonstrate application and analysis of knowledge relevant to psychology
Interpret data from experimental and non-experimental research (HL only)

Synthesis and evaluation

Evaluate psychological theories and research
Draw conclusions from different types of evidence
Justify a position and critique claims
Discuss how psychological concepts interact
Draw conclusions about the influence of culture, motivation and technology on human behaviour (HL only)

Class practical activities (new! and super exciting!) will ask students to engage in research like a psychologist. Students will use the experiences and learning gained from conducting these practicals in their Paper 2 assessment responses. Class practicals will consist of the following four research methods and topics:

Interview or focus group interview regarding health and wellness
Naturalistic observation regarding human development
Survey regarding human relationships
Simple experiment regarding learning and cognition

Assessment model

All available information on the new assessment model is outlined below. Until the new guide is published, we don't have any information more specific than this.

The IA will be a research proposal, allowing students an opportunity to explore psychology topics within and beyond the scope of the course.

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.

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