IB Psychology

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Course Description and Aims

The Diploma Programme (DP) psychology course 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 DP psychology course focus is on conceptual understanding and the ability to apply concepts across a variety of contexts as opposed to simple memorization of theories supporting studies. Framing the psychology course through concepts, content and context allows for the development and application of psychological knowledge when studying the contexts.

Picture 1, Picture

Concepts, content and contexts are meant to be integrated when investigating human behaviour. The content provides the psychological terminology and theories needed to understand how the biological, cognitive and sociocultural approaches assist in understanding behaviour in different contexts while using a variety of research methodology. Concepts provide a framework through which specific content is considered, and contexts provide the real-world setting in which concepts and content are applied. Standard level (SL) and higher level (HL) students will investigate the four contexts using psychological content and concepts relevant to that area of study.

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). HL students will have the opportunity to study four extensions: the role of culture, motivation and technology in shaping human behaviour, and data analysis and interpretation. The internal assessment will require SL and HL students to create a research proposal to investigate a topic with a population of interest. Students will also engage in four mandatory class practicals upon which they can be assessed in Paper 2.

Assessment at a Glance — Standard Level

Type of Assessment	Format of Assessment	Time (hours)	Weighting Final Grade (%)
External			70
Paper 1 35 Marks	Integration of the concepts, content and contexts	1.5	35
Paper 2 35 Marks	Applying concepts and content to research contexts	1.5	35
Internal			30
Research Proposal   24 Marks	Develop a research proposal using one of the four research methods used in the class practicals.		30

Assessment at a Glance — Higher Level