Psychology 

The DP psychology course is aims to develop students’ knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, content and contexts, as well as the models and theories associated with these areas.

Through the course, students will develop the ability to engage in critical thinking, assess evidence and acknowledge the evolving nature of knowledge. They will acquire the ability to seek new information and generate understanding by employing research methodologies. The goal of the DP psychology course is not to create psychologists, but to promote psychological literacy.

The aims of the psychology course are for students to:

• develop knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, content and contexts including models and theories

• think critically and creatively about behaviour and cognitive processes

• engage with problems facing individuals, groups and societies using psychological understanding and skills.

Curriculum Model Overview

The diagram below (source: IBO subject brief) gives an overview of the new curriculum.

SL and HL students will investigate four contexts using psychological content and concepts relevant to that area of study. The internal assessment will require HL students to create a research proposal to investigate a topic with a population of interest. Reading empirical research and everyday claims in the media are opportunities to identify concepts and further the knowledge of psychological content applied within a context. 

Students will be required to think critically about data analysis and interpretation in psychological research and everyday claims (for example, in social media).    However, only HL will be directly assessed on data analysis and interpretation. HL students further investigate the role of culture, motivation, and technology in shaping human behaviour, and data analysis and interpretation.