Learning

Foundation

Primary

Secondary

IB

Polish Programme

English B

PSYCHOLOGY
 
 
What is the course about?
 
“Psychology is the systematic study of behavior and mental processes. Psychology has
its roots in both the natural and social sciences, leading to a variety of research designs
and applications, and providing a unique approach to understanding modern society.
 
IB psychology examines the interaction of biological, cognitive and sociocultural influences
on human behavior, thereby adopting an integrative approach. Understanding how
psychological knowledge is generated, developed and applied enables students to
achieve a greater understanding of themselves and appreciate the diversity of human
behavior. The ethical concerns raised by the methodology and application of
psychological research are key considerations in IB psychology.” (Psychology Guide,
2009: 4)
 
In other words, IB Psychology is designed to teach and train the students to apply critical thinking to both life and the knowledge they will have learned. Students will go through three levels of analysis: biological, cognitive and sociocultural. They will then choose one (SL) or two options (HL), ranging from abnormal psychology to human relationships, to continue their know-how of the realms of the human behavior. HL students will also master their skills in qualitative research methods.
 

How is the course structured?


In the first year both HL and SL students will explore, in an integrated manner, the three levels of analysis (cognitive, biological and sociocultural), while HL students will be going at the same time through qualitative research and one of the options they will have chosen. They will at the same time be instructed on the Internal Assessment, a first draft of which will be due by the end of the year.
 
In the beginning of the second year, SL students will have finished the sociocultural level of analysis and they start the chosen option. HL students will be finishing their option and sharpening knowledge on qualitative research. By second term there is going to be plenty of time to revise all the material.
 
Are there any requirements?
 
No prior knowledge is required. It tends to be easier for students who have done biology but it is not a requirement. The assessment is essay-based, so if you have no trouble putting your thoughts in writing you should enjoy psychology.
 
What materials will I need?
 
No materials are needed since the School will provide them to you.
 
What will I learn?
 
The key theme not only in this course but in Psychology in general is behavior. Your behavior and the behavior of the ones who surround you. You will learn to analyze and understand the human behavior, without ignoring that of animals.
 
You will be instructed in analytic skills, critical thinking and, as a whole, to see the world (and yourself) in perspective.
 
There is actually a lot of material to learn, but we will tackle it in an interactive and practical manner.
 
How is the course assessed?
 
There is an end of the year exam, which will cover paper 1 for SL and both paper 1 and 3 for HL. By the end of first year students will have started to work on their Internal Assessments, which are based on a replication of a scientific experiment.
 
In the second year students have finished their Internal Assessment and they write a mock exam which will prepare them for the IB exams.
 
What career paths are open to me?
 
Since the psychology course takes an eminently holistic approach, having biological, cognitive and sociocultural levels seen in an integrated manner, the career paths are open to a wide range of possibilities: psychology, medicine, biology, sociology, anthropology, etc.
 
 
 
 

 


Subjects we offer:

Academic Skills
Biology
Business & Management
Chemistry
Computer Science
English A Literature
English B
Environmental Systems & Societies
French A Language & Literature
French B
German A Literature
German B
Geography
History
Mathematics SL
Mathematics HL
Mathematical Studies
Music
Spanish B
Physics
Polish A Literature
Portuguese B
Psychology
Theatre
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Visual Arts

Leadership

Patrick Lagendijk
​​IB Co-ordinator

Downloads

IB Handbook