Psychology is the systematic study of behaviour and mental processes. Psychology has its roots in both the natural and social sciences, leading to a variety of research designs and applications, and providing a unique approach to understanding modern society.

IB psychology adopts an integrative approach – looking at the interaction between biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behaviour. It enables students to achieve greater understanding of themselves and to appreciate the diversity of human behaviour. The ethical concerns raised by the methodology and application of psychological research are key considerations.

Psychology encourages the systematic and critical study of human experience and behaviour. Students develop the capacity to identify, to analyse critically and to evaluate psychological theories, concepts and arguments. The course enables students to collect, describe and analyse data used in the study of human behaviour, to test hypotheses and to interpret data through their own experimental work.

Aims

• To develop an understanding of the biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behaviour
• To understand and use diverse methods of psychological inquiry
• To develop an understanding of alternative explanations of behaviour
• To develop an awareness of how psychological research can be applied for the benefit of humans
• To understand the ethical practices which must be upheld in psychological inquiry

Assessment outline

This is a two-year course. In May 2012, students will sit two exams:

• Paper 1 assesses the students’ understanding of the three levels of analysis. The exam is for 2 hours and is worth 50% of the final mark
• Paper 2 has questions on section 4. The exam lasts 1 hour and is worth 25% of the total mark

In addition, students conduct an experimental study and write it up. This work, which is internally assessed, should take about 30 hours and is worth 25% of the final mark.

Prerequisites

Students do not need any background in psychology for this course
Adapted from the IB Psychology Guide © International Baccalaureate Organization.