Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of human and animal cognition and behaviour, aiming to describe, explain, predict, and change behaviour in ways that enhance individual and collective well-being. The discipline draws on both the natural and human sciences, combining empirical investigation with an appreciation for meaning-making, context, and diversity in human experience.

In the IB Diploma Programme, psychology is studied not simply as preparation for a career in the field but as a means of developing psychological literacy, the ability to think critically, act ethically, and apply psychological principles to real-world problems in personal, social, and cultural contexts. This includes understanding key concepts and theories, interpreting research evidence, and reflecting on the evolving nature of knowledge and human understanding.

Students explore how behaviour is shaped by the dynamic interaction of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural factors, applying these perspectives within authentic contexts of health and well-being, learning and cognition, human relationships, and human development. Through conceptual inquiry and class practicals, students examine the underlying concepts of bias, causality, change, measurement, perspective, and responsibility, developing both analytical precision and ethical awareness.

Psychology at UWCSEA fosters curiosity, intercultural understanding, and respect for human diversity. By engaging with multiple perspectives, including Indigenous and cross-cultural psychologies, students are encouraged to develop empathy and an appreciation for the complexity of human thought and behaviour, in alignment with the IB Learner Profile and the College's mission.

• Investigating behaviour involves using diverse methods of psychological inquiry to explore how biological, cognitive, and sociocultural factors shape human behaviour.
  
  

• Applying knowledge requires interpreting and applying psychological research to real-world issues to demonstrate how psychology contributes to improving well-being and everyday life.
  
  

• Thinking critically entails asking insightful questions, challenging assumptions, and evaluating the credibility, validity, and ethical soundness of psychological evidence.
  
  

• Conceptual reasoning includes connecting theories, models, and concepts across contexts to make balanced, evidence-based judgments.
  
  

• Collaborating effectively involves strengthening social, communication, and teamwork skills through class practicals and the internal assessment research proposal.
  
  

• Conducting research requires designing simple experiments, collecting and presenting data, and analysing results using appropriate psychological and statistical methods.
  
  

• Acting ethically encompasses demonstrating integrity and responsibility in the design, implementation, and evaluation of psychological research.

Standard Level (SL) Assessment Overview

External Assessment – 70%

Paper 1 (1 hour 30 minutes) – 35%

• Section A: Two compulsory short-answer questions assessing knowledge of theories and content from two of the three content areas (biological, cognitive, sociocultural).
  
  

• Section B: Two compulsory short-answer questions requiring application of knowledge to new situations or scenarios drawn from the four contexts (Health and Well-being, Human Relationships, Learning and Cognition, Human Development).
  
  

• Section C: One concept-based extended-response question chosen from two options, assessing conceptual understanding and critical thinking about psychology.
  
  
  

Paper 2 (1 hour 30 minutes) – 35%

• Section A: Four compulsory questions focused on class practicals, assessing knowledge, application, comparison of research methods, and design skills.
  
  

• Section B: One question requiring evaluation of an unseen research study in relation to two or more psychological concepts within one of the four contexts.
  
  
  

Internal Assessment – 30%

• A research proposal investigating a psychological question relevant to one of the four contexts.
  
  

• Assesses understanding of research design, methodology, ethics, and data analysis (22 marks).

Higher Level (HL) Assessment Overview

External Assessment – 80%

Paper 1 (1 hour 30 minutes) – 25%

• Section A: Two compulsory short-answer questions on theories and content from two of the three content areas.
  
  

• Section B: Two compulsory short-answer questions applying knowledge to new scenarios from the four contexts.
  
  

• Section C: One concept-based extended-response question chosen from two options.
  
  

Paper 2 (1 hour 30 minutes) – 25%

• Section A: Four compulsory questions on class practicals, focusing on methodological understanding and design.
  
  

• Section B: One question evaluating an unseen research study with respect to multiple psychological concepts.
  
  

Paper 3 (1 hour 45 minutes) – 30%

• A source-based paper assessing the HL extensions: the role of culture, motivation, and technology in shaping behaviour.
  
  

• Four compulsory questions assess:
  
  

  1. Interpretation of graphs (3 marks)
     
     

  2. Data analysis (6 marks)
     
     

  3. Research considerations (credibility, bias, transferability; 6 marks)
     
     

  4. Synthesis of multiple sources to evaluate a claim (15 marks)
      

Internal Assessment – 20%

• A research proposal aligned with one of the four contexts, requiring justification of method, ethics, and data use.