Course Objective
This course is a Standard Level IB course aimed at developing student’s understanding of human behavior through a number of perspectives and areas of study. The course will explore how psychologists observe, study, and think about human behavior. Some of the topics students will study and discuss include behavior as it relates to ethics, human relationships, development, thinking and learning, and identity development. Our aim is to engage students in critical thinking about the field of psychology and how it connects to their world.
Course Goals/Learning Objectives
“The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.”
Psychology Aims
The aims of the psychology 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 z 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
At the core of the DP psychology course is an introduction to three different approaches to understanding behaviour: the biological, cognitive and sociocultural approaches. Students study and critically evaluate the knowledge, concepts, theories and research that have developed the understanding in these fields. The interaction of these approaches to studying psychology forms 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.