Comprehensively updated for the 2025 syllabus and developed in collaboration with the IB, this resource offers complete coverage of all Standard and Higher Level content while providing extensive support for assessment preparation.
Key Features:
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IB-approved content: Published in cooperation with the IB, ensuring full alignment with the latest curriculum and adherence to IB standards.
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Promotes critical thinking and concept-based learning: Structured activities and opportunities encourage independent inquiry and deep understanding.
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Engages learners with real-world connections: Includes activities, thought-provoking discussion points, and diverse research examples to bring theory to life.
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Innovative ‘Chat with AI’ feature: Teaches the principles of generative AI, offering a modern approach to deepening knowledge and understanding.
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Accessible for all learners: Written in clear, accessible language to support a wide range of student needs.
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Boosts exam confidence: Features exam-style questions, dedicated chapters for Internal and External Assessments, and exam tips integrated throughout.
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Fosters interdisciplinary connections: Regular links to Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills help integrate learning across the DP programme.
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Fully aligned with the new IB guide: Developed to support the syllabus first assessed in 2027.
This resource is an essential tool for teachers and students, offering comprehensive support to navigate and excel in the updated IB Psychology course.
The teaching approaches mentioned:
1. Brain Development and Neuroplasticity
Page 181–183: The document outlines the stages of brain development—neurogenesis, neuronal migration, differentiation, and pruning. For example, pruning is described as the elimination of unnecessary synaptic connections, with reference to the "use it or lose it" principle. The study by Greenough, Black, and Wallace (1987) is cited, explaining experience/expectant and experience/dependent neuroplasticity.
2. Integration of Biological and Environmental Factors
Page 184: Blakemore and Cooper’s (1970) study with kittens raised in environments with either vertical or horizontal stripes is used to demonstrate how early environmental exposure affects neural connections. The observed effects on the kittens’ visual cortex highlight the interaction of biological and environmental factors in development.
3. Use of Research Studies
Page 185: The case study of Genie, a child deprived of language exposure during her critical developmental period, is discussed. This provides a real/world example of how lack of stimulation during critical periods can affect cognitive abilities. Students are encouraged to investigate what happened to Genie after her discovery, fostering research and ethical evaluation skills.
4. Structure/Function Relationship in Brain Development
Page 186: The Chicago Word Fluency Test (Kolb and Fantie, 1989) demonstrates how frontal lobe activity is related to linguistic categorization tasks. This study highlights how specific brain regions are involved in cognitive functions and shows how cognitive abilities develop with age, supporting discussions on localization of function.
5. Exam Preparation and Skills Development
Page 183: The "Exam Tip" advises students that while detailed knowledge of brain anatomy is not required, understanding the function of specific brain regions they plan to reference is essential. It also suggests using apps with 3D brain models for visualizing and learning brain structures effectively.
These examples are directly drawn from the document and provide practical insights and engaging content for teaching IB Psychology. Let me know if you need assistance in designing activities or assessments based on these examples!
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