IB Psychology: Higher and Standard Levels

Psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour and experience.  Students will gain an increased understanding of the nature of human beings, both as individuals and as members of social groups, and develop an appreciation of Psychology as an academic discipline.  The course has relevance to students' personal lives as well as practical application in a variety of contexts, including treatment of psychological disorders, implementation of change in organisations, reduction of social conflict,  and assessment and selection of people for educational and occupational purposes.

The subjects various elements would be of benefit to those thinking about a career which involves working with people, such as the media, the caring profession,  medical profession, teaching and psychological professions. The course also provides a good introduction to Psychology, useful to anyone who is considering studying the subject further.

Psychology is studied through three Levels of Analysis: Biological, Cognitive and Socio-cultural, and pays close attention to cultural variables in its aim to understand human diversity.  Students also study special subject options in depth: two are chosen at Higher Level and one at Standard Level.  Options include Health Psychology/ Human Relationships and Abnormal Behaviour.

A practical component requires that students at both Higher and Standard Levels to undertake simple experimental research. This comprises 20% of the final mark at Higher level and 25% of the final mark at Standard Level.

Higher Level: students sit three examination papers. 

Paper 1 is based on the three Levels of Analysis (short answer questions and one essay).  Paper 2 is based on the two options studied. Paper 3 examines knowledge of research methodology.

Standard Level: there are two written exams. 

Paper 1is based on the three Levels of Analysis (short answer questions and one essay).  Paper 2 is based on the option studied.