Academics - Psychology

Offered at both the higher and standard levels, Psychology gives students a broad understanding of psychology and of its different theoretical approaches. At both levels, the course guides students through the study of human behavior by examining key topics from four distinct perspectives: behavioral; cognitive; humanistic/phenomenological; and psychodynamic. At the higher level, students must study two of eight, and at the standard level, students must study one of eight optional topics chosen from the following: The biological bases of behavior; comparative psychology; delinquency and crime; dysfunctional behavior; the psychology of gender; intelligence and personality; life span psychology; the migrant, sojourner and tourist experience; organizational psychology; or social psychology. The course seeks to introduce students to diverse methods of psychological inquiry and to promote ethical practices and responsibilities in psychological inquiry. To meet this aim, students at both levels study research design, methods, statistics and ethical issues in psychological research and application, as well as undertake one or more research studies.

At the higher level, Psychology is assessed through two written examination papers which constitute 70% of the final grade. Students must complete three research studies over a total of 45 hours, which include an experiment, a survey and an observational study. The research studies make up the remaining 30% of the final grade and are internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO. At the standard level, Psychology is assessed through two written examination papers which constitute 80% of the final grade. In addition, students must also complete one 15 hour research study, which can be a simple experiment or an observational study. The research studies make up this remaining 20% of the final grade and are internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IBO.