IB Psychology HL study guide
IB Psychology HL · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
IB Psychology HL is the higher-level stream of the Diploma Programme psychology course, typically taught across two years to students aged roughly 16–19 who want a social science with a real research component. It suits candidates who are curious about why people behave as they do and who are willing to read primary studies rather than rely on textbook summaries, because the assessment rewards evidence-based argument over description. The IB Psychology HL study guide has 6 sections and about 1,876 words.
01Biological approach to understanding behaviour
The biological approach explains behaviour through physiology: genes, brain structure and function, neurotransmitters and hormones. HL papers test your ability to describe and evaluate research evidence, apply biological explanations to real behaviour, and discuss ethical considerations.
327 words, about 2 min02Cognitive approach to understanding behaviour
The cognitive approach studies internal mental processes - memory, thinking, decision-making and emotion - through models and experiments. Exam questions ask you to explain models, evaluate supporting research, and apply cognitive findings to real-world contexts such as eyewitness testimony.
331 words, about 2 min03Sociocultural approach to understanding behaviour
The sociocultural approach explains behaviour as shaped by social groups, culture and social interaction. Exam questions target social identity theory, social cognitive theory, stereotypes and culture, and expect you to evaluate evidence and discuss cultural bias.
322 words, about 2 min04Options: abnormal psychology
The abnormal psychology option examines how disorders are diagnosed, explained and treated. Questions test classification and diagnosis, etiology, prevalence and treatment, and require you to weigh biological, cognitive and sociocultural explanations.
290 words, about 1 min05Research methodology and qualitative research (HL Paper 3)
Paper 3 is HL-only and tests how research is designed, conducted and interpreted, with a particular focus on qualitative methods. Section A asks short-answer questions; Section B requires an extended response on qualitative research.
293 words, about 1 min06Internal assessment: experimental study design, data analysis and report writing
The IA is an experimental report in which you replicate or adapt a simple study, analyse the data and write it up. It assesses design, ethical practice, statistical reasoning and clear reporting.
313 words, about 2 min