How to excel in IB Psychology
Psychology is a popular subject studied as part of subject group 3 of IB, Individuals and Societies. Like most IB subjects, it is offered at both Standard and Higher Level. Higher Level is recommended for those who wish to study Psychology or a related subject at university, such as Psychological and Behavioural Sciences at University of Cambridge. It is also recommended at both Standard or Higher Level for those who are otherwise scientifically and mathematically minded, since it is closer to those subjects than other, more humanities-focused subjects in group 3.
What do I need to know for IB Psychology?
The first step to success in IB Psychology is to be clear on the basic structure and content of the course. . This differs according to whether you are studying Standard or Higher Level. Broadly, the required content can be categorised into three key sections. Here, we provide a breakdown of the content covered within these categories and how such content differs between the Standard and Higher Level courses.:
1. Biological Level of Analysis:
Standard Level (SL):
Biological Bases of Behaviour: Understanding the structure and functions of the nervous system, including neurons, brain localization, and the role of neurotransmitters.
Genetics and Behavior: Exploring the influence of genetics on behaviour through studies of heritability and twin studies.
Higher Level (HL):
The Effect of Neurotransmission on Human Behavior: Detailed analysis of neurotransmitters, hormones, and their impact on behaviour and mental health conditions.
Brain Imaging Techniques: Understanding various techniques like fMRI, PET scans, and their application in studying brain-behaviour relationships.
2. Cognitive Level of Analysis:
Standard Level (SL):
Cognitive Processes: Examining memory, perception, and thinking processes, including studies on memory models and cognitive schemas.
Cognitive Biases: Understanding biases in decision-making and perception, such as heuristics and attribution errors.
Higher Level (HL):
The Influence of Digital Technology on Cognitive Processes: Exploring how technology affects memory, attention, and cognitive abilities, considering studies on digital media and cognition.
Models of Memory: Detailed analysis of memory systems, including the multi-store model and the working memory model.
3. Sociocultural Level of Analysis:
Standard Level (SL):
Cultural Influences on Behaviour: Examining how culture shapes behaviour, including cultural norms and their impact on behaviour.
Cultural Dimensions of Behaviour: Understanding cultural dimensions like individualism vs. collectivism and their influence on behaviour.
Higher Level (HL):
Cultural Norms and Cultural Dimensions in Human Behavior: In-depth analysis of cultural influences on behaviour, emphasising studies on conformity, obedience, and cultural variations in behaviour.
The Role of Emotions in Sociocultural Behavior: Exploring the influence of emotions in social interactions and cultural contexts.
What are the findings from recent examiners’ reports?
Examiners’ Reports are a hugely useful resource that should be fully exploited when planning revision. Here we provide an overview of recent examiners’ reports, which have identified the following common areas where pitfalls are observed:
Depth of Analysis. Examiner reports frequently highlight the need for deeper analysis and evaluation. Students should aim to go beyond surface-level explanations and provide critical evaluations of theories, studies, and methodologies. This involves discussing limitations, alternative explanations, and implications in more detail.
Application of Studies. Incorporating relevant studies to support arguments is crucial. Examiner reports often note that students might cite studies but fail to effectively apply them to the specific question being asked. Merely mentioning studies without explaining their relevance to the context of the question limits the quality of responses.
Evaluation Skills. Evaluative thinking is a key aspect. Students should focus on developing the skill of critically evaluating theories, research methods, and their applications. This involves considering strengths and weaknesses, biases, ethical considerations, and the generalizability of findings.
Structure and Organization. Clear, concise, and well-structured responses are important. Examiner reports often highlight the need for coherent essay structures, logical progression of arguments, and clear signposting of points.
Command of Terminology. Mastery of psychological terminology is essential. Reports may mention instances where students either misuse or misunderstand key terms, affecting the accuracy of their responses.
Time Management. Managing time effectively in exams is crucial. Examiner reports often advise students to allocate time wisely across different sections or questions to ensure all parts receive due attention.
Understanding Command Terms. Ensuring a clear understanding of command terms used in questions is vital. Examiner reports might emphasize instances where students misinterpret or fail to address the specific requirements of a question due to misunderstanding the command term.
Our insights
Psychology can be a challenging subject at IB and it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to organising your revision. Our expert tutors have come up with three key insights which will get the ball rolling towards success.
Revise, smart. It is crucial that you take a methodical, topic-based approach to revision for IB Psychology. Break down your revision by topic area, into Biological, Cognitive and Sociocultural, using these to delve into the subtopics for each. As you go, work to condense and condense your notes, concept maps and flashcards. Chapkin Edwards challenge: summarise all of the substantive knowledge required for each paper onto a single side of A4!
Make use of a variety of active learning techniques. Once you have mastered a particularl subtopic, ensure that you apply this knowledge in a specimen or practice question, preferably under timed conditions. Use IB mark schemes to self-assess, and act as an examiner marking your own work. Active learning doesn’t start and end with practice questions, however. Teaching other people in your class, or family members, can be a great way of boosting your confidence, as well as holding yourself to account for those topics that you feel less certain about.
Make full use of a range of resources. There is a wide variety of resources available to help you with your Psychology revision. A great place to start is the IB Psychology Course Book written by Jette Hannibal. Websites like IB Psych Matters offer comprehensive notes, study guides, and practice questions. Videos and podcasts can also be a great way of diversifying your learning experience: TED Talks on psychology, and IB-specific podcasts can offer alternative explanations and perspectives that go beyond the demands of the IB curriculum.
IB Psychology Tutoring at Chapkin Edwards
Chapkin Edwards is a leading provider of expert tuition, homeschooling and school and university admissions support. If your child requires tutoring in Psychology or any other subject at IB, please contact us here.