Course overview
Psychology investigates human behaviour and the mind using scientific methods. Students explore how biology, thinking, and social context interact to shape what people do, and learn to evaluate psychological research critically.
What you will study
- Biological approach: how physiology, genetics, and the brain influence behaviour.
- Cognitive approach: memory, thinking, and the reliability of cognition.
- Sociocultural approach: how groups, culture, and identity shape behaviour.
- Research methodology: experiments, ethics, and the analysis of studies.
- HL extensions and one option topic (e.g. health, human relationships, or development).
Assessment
| Component | SL | HL | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | 50% | 40% | Short-answer and essay on the core approaches |
| Paper 2 | 25% | 20% | Option topics (more at HL) |
| Paper 3 (HL) | - | 20% | Analysis of a research scenario |
| Internal Assessment | 25% | 20% | An experimental study report |