🧠 IBDP Psychology (SL and HL) – Comprehensive Course Summary

📌 Subject Overview

IBDP Psychology examines human behavior and mental processes through biological, cognitive, and sociocultural lenses. Students critically engage with theories, research studies, and ethical considerations, providing a thorough understanding of psychological phenomena.

🌟 Key Features

• 🔬 Scientific Approach: Combines both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

• 🧐 Critical Evaluation: Analyzes psychological studies and their ethical implications.

• 📊 Practical Research: Students undertake their own experimental studies, fostering hands-on research skills.

🎯 Aims and Objectives

• Theoretical Understanding: Grasp key psychological concepts and theories.

• Research Evaluation: Critically assess research studies and their ethical dimensions.

• Real-world Applications: Apply psychological theories to practical contexts.

• Independent Research: Conduct personal psychological investigations.

📖 Course Structure

Standard Level (SL)

Core areas:

• Biological approach

• Cognitive approach

• Sociocultural approach

Higher Level (HL)

All SL content plus:

• Abnormal psychology

• Human relationships

• Advanced research methods

🧩 Key Topics Explored

• 🧠 Memory and Learning: Cognitive processes involved in learning and memory retention.

• 😶‍🌫️ Behavior and Emotion: Biological influences on behaviors and emotional responses.

• 🌍 Cultural Influences: The impact of cultural contexts on identity, relationships, and emotional expression.

📝 Assessment Structure

• 📕 Paper 1 (SL & HL 40%): Questions covering the three core psychological approaches.

• 📗 Paper 2 (SL 25%, HL 20%): Extended-response questions on applied psychology topics.

• 📘 Paper 3 (HL Only 20%): Questions specifically on research methods in psychology.

• 📋 Internal Assessment (IA, SL 35%, HL 20%): Experimental research and written report by students.

🛠️ Key Skills Developed

• 🔎 Research Design: Proficiency in planning and executing psychological experiments.

• 📈 Data Analysis: Interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data.

• ⚖️ Ethical Reflection: Critical evaluation of ethical aspects in psychological research.

📚 Example Research Studies

• 🐶 Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning: Behavioral approach demonstrating conditioned responses.

• 👥 Milgram’s Obedience Study: Sociocultural insights into authority obedience and ethical issues.

🔄 SL vs HL Differences

• 📑 Advanced Research Methods: HL explores complex and sophisticated psychological research techniques.

• 🗒️ Additional HL Paper: HL-specific paper focused on research methodology evaluation.

🌍 Global Issues Explored

• 🩺 Mental Health Awareness: Investigates global disparities in mental health service access.

• 👤 Social Influence: Analyzes effects of group dynamics and social contexts on behavior.

🎓 Career and Academic Relevance

Career Opportunities

• Clinical Psychology

• Social Work

• Neuroscience

• Human Resources

Academic Pathways

• Psychology

• Sociology

• Anthropology

• Cognitive Science

✅ Summary

IBDP Psychology provides students with extensive knowledge of human behavior, critical research skills, and ethical insight, preparing them to rigorously investigate psychological phenomena and excel in related academic and professional fields.