BLOCK 3: PSYCHOLOGY

Head of Department: Claire Gulliver clairegulliver@leightonpark.com

Course overview: IB Psychology can be studied at Standard or Higher Level.

Will this course suit me? You will need an interest in investigating human behaviour using an academic approach. As future psychologists within the IB paradigm, you will also be encouraged to think critically about theories and evidence, develop arguments and reflect on findings. The course uses an eclectic approach to studying human behaviour, as we are influenced by multiple factors. Psychology is particularly wellsuited for understanding cultural differences and encompasses all goals of the IB learner profile.

Course description: Human behaviour can be studied using three different Psychological approaches: Biological, Cognitive and Sociocultural. The principles behind these three approaches comprise the common core material for Standard and Higher Level students. Higher level candidates explore an extra element to each of these. A plethora of research methods are used in psychological studies. Standard and Higher Level students will critically assess the use of quantitative methods. In addition, Higher Level students will also investigate qualitative research methods.

Research methods knowledge will be applied in the Internal assessment which is the replication of a classic study in psychology by a group of students who analyse their data and write up a formal psychology paper.

Assessment table:

IB Standard Level students complete one optional topic of abnormal psychology and Higher Level students also study Developmental psychology.

Outside the classroom: In the Lower Sixth there is a trip to the Science museum and Natural history museum and the upper sixth one to Bethlem psychiatric hospital and the museum of the mind. There are also additional opportunities to attend conferences on forensic psychology and University talks.

Future opportunity: Many students chose to continue their studies in Psychology at university level or take associated courses. Research has shown that a degree in a social science leads to the highest levels of employability after graduation due to the wide range of skills that are developed on those courses. Studying Psychology will also be extremely useful for those considering careers in medicine or health care, sciences, law, business and media.

Benefit of the course: Knowledge and understanding of the biological, cognitive and socio-cultural influences on human behaviour. The ability to evaluate psychological concepts and theories and apply them to everyday situations. The ability to understand, critically evaluate and conduct psychological research. Psychology combines well with subjects from the other IB groups, teaching a range of analytical and evaluative skills that can be applied across the curriculum. It naturally lends itself to the goals of the IB learner profile.

Paper 1 The core: Biological, Cognitive Exam: 3 short answer questions + 1 and sociocultural approaches. 2 hours extended response question

SL 50% HL 40% from a choice of 3.

Paper 2 Options: Abnormal Psychology Exam: 1 essay per topic from a + HL Developmental Psychology SL 1 hour choice of 3.

SL 25% HL 20% HL 2 hours

Paper 3 Research Methods Exam: Short answer question based HL only 20% 1 hour on stimulus material.

Internal Group project replicating a

1800-2200 word report Assessment study in psychology.

SL 25% HL 20%