DP Psychology Program

IB PSYCHOLOGY HL or SL (Grades 11 and 12)

Credits: 2.0

Prerequisite: MYP World Studies and American Studies

This course centers around three key approaches to understanding human behavior: biological, cognitive, and sociocultural. Through study and critical evaluation of psychological studies and seminal works in the discipline, students will develop deep knowledge of these approaches and how they interact to help us understand mental processes and behavior as complex, dynamic phenomena. Students will also discuss and evaluate research methods, ethical practices, and ways in which psychology is used to inform today’s world. Throughout this 2-year course, students will delve deeply into ideas of developmental psychology and the psychology of human relationships. The coursework and participation in class discussions and activities will help students develop their skills in critical thinking and evaluation, inquiry, and communication.

IB Psychology Final Assessments: External - Three papers: 1) three short answer questions and an essay (HL & SL) on different approaches; 2) essay (SL) or two essays (HL) on optional topics of study; 3) short answer questions on approaches to research; Internal- report on an experimental study undertaken by the student

Y1 Units:

• Research Methods

• Biological Psychology

• Cognitive Psychology

• IA Study Replication

• IA Results/Data Analysis

Y2 Units:

• Sociocultural Psychology

• *Developmental Psychology

• *Psychology of Human Relationships

*SL studies one option; HL studies two options.