Psychology

Psychology is an IB Group 3 subject offered at both Higher and Standard Levels.

“Understanding how Psychological knowledge is generated, developed and applied enables students to achieve a greater understanding of themselves, and appreciate the diversity of human behaviour.”

WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF THE COURSE?

Develop an awareness of how psychological research can be applied for the benefit of human beings
Ensure that ethical principles are upheld in psychological inquiry
Develop an understanding of the biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences on human behaviour
Develop an understanding of alternative explanations of behaviour
Understand and use diverse methods of psychoanalytic inquiry

WHO IS THE COURSE SUITABLE FOR?

The Higher Level course is designed for students who wish to develop an in depth understanding of the foundations of Psychology. Ideally you should have gained at least a B in GCSE English and Mathematics or the equivalent. There is a significant emphasis on extended essay writing and a small but important statistical element to the course.

The Standard Level course is designed for students who wish to develop an understanding of the foundations of Psychology. Ideally you should have gained at least a B in GCSE English and Mathematics or the equivalent. There is a significant emphasis on extended essay writing.

WHAT TOPICS WILL BE STUDIED?

The Core

Biological level of analysis – At our most basic level of analysis, human beings are biological systems. This component looks at how cognitions, emotions and behaviours are products of our biological makeup such as genes, our nervous system and our endocrine system.
Cognitive level of analysis – Explore how our cognitive system guides our behaviour (such as memory and emotion) and how such cognitions are affected by social and cultural factors.
Sociocultural level of analysis – the biological and cognitive systems that make up the individual are embedded in an even larger system of interrelationships with other individuals and their cultures. Study such things as Social Identity, Stereotypes, Conformity, Compliance and Cultural Dimensions.

Options

Abnormal Psychology – deals with diagnosing, explaining and treating humans suffering from psychological disorders such as depression and eating disorders.
Health Psychology – this promotes an understanding of behaviour that leads to a healthier lifestyle, including specific focus on stress, substance abuse, addictive behaviour and obesity.

How will students be assessed?

Higher Level

Assessment takes the form of three externally assessed examinations and one piece of internally assessed but
externally moderated coursework.

Paper 1: Core 2-hour examination: 3 short questions, 1 essay 35%
Paper 2: Options 2-hour examination: two essay questions 25%
Paper 3: Qualitative Research Methods 1-hour exam: short answer questions 20%

Internal Assessment: experimental study and report

Students are expected to design, carry out, analyse and report on an experimental study (1500-2000 words) 20%

Standard Level

Assessment takes the form of two externally assessed examinations (same Core as for Higher Level but
with only 1 option from paper 2, Abnormal Psychology) and one piece of internally assessed but externally
moderated coursework.

Paper 1: Core 2-hour examination: 3 short questions, 1 essay 50%
Paper 2: Options 1-hour examination: one essay question 25%