IB Questionbank

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Syllabus

Section name
Part 1: Core
The biological level of analysis
General learning outcomes
Outline principles that define the biological level of analysis
Explain how principles that define the biological level of analysis may be demonstrated in research
Discuss how and why particular research methods are used at the biological level of analysis
Discuss ethical considerations related to research studies at the biological level of analysis
Physiology and behavior
Explain one study related to localization of function in the brain
Using one or more examples, explain effects of neurotransmission on human behaviour
Discuss two effects of the environment on physiological processes
Examine one interaction between cognition and physiology in terms of behaviour
Discuss the use of brain imaging technologies in investigating the relationship between biological factors and behaviour
Using one or more examples, explain functions of two hormones in human behaviour.
Genetics and behaviour
With reference to relevant research studies, to what extent does genetic inheritance influence behaviour?
Examine one evolutionary explanation of behaviour
Discuss ethical considerations in research into genetic influences on behaviour
Cognitive level of analysis
General learning outcomes
Outline principles that define the cognitive level of analysis
Explain how principles that define the cognitive level of analysis may be demonstrated in research
Discuss how and why particular research methods are used at the cognitive level of analysis
Discuss ethical considerations related to research studies at the cognitive level of analysis
Cognitive processes
Evaluate schema theory with reference to research studies
Evaluate two models or theories of one cognitive process with reference to research studies
Explain how biological factors may affect one cognitive process
Discuss how social or cultural factors affect one cognitive process
With reference to relevant research studies, to what extent is one cognitive process reliable?
Discuss the use of technology in investigating cognitive processes
Cognition and emotion
To what extent do cognitive and biological factors interact in emotion
Evaluate one theory of how emotion may affect one cognitive process
The sociocultural level of analysis
General learning outcomes
Outline principles that define the sociocultural level of analysis
Explain how principles that define the sociocultural level of analysis may be demonstrated in research
Discuss how and why particular research methods are used at the sociocultural level of analysis
Discuss ethical considerations related to research studies at the sociocultural level of analysis
Sociocultural cognition
Describe the role of situational and dispositional factors in explaining behaviour
Discuss two errors in attributions
Evaluate social identity theory, making reference to relevant studies
Explain the formation of stereotypes and their effect on behaviour
Social norms
Explain social learning theory, making reference to two relevant studies
Discuss the use of compliance techniques
Evaluate research on conformity to group norms
Discuss factors influencing conformity
Cultural norms
Define the terms “culture” and “cultural norms”
Examine the role of two cultural dimensions on behaviour
Using one or more examples, explain “emic” and “etic” concepts
Part 2: Options (HL/SL)
Abnormal psychology
General framework (applicable to all topics in the option)
To what extent do biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors influence abnormal behaviour?
Evaluate psychological research (that is, theories and/or studies) relevant to the study of abnormal behaviour.
Concepts and diagnosis
Examine the concepts of normality and abnormality.
Discuss validity and reliability of diagnosis.
Discuss cultural and ethical considerations in diagnosis (for example, cultural variation, stigmatization).
Psychological disorders
Describe symptoms and prevalence of one disorder from two of the following groups: anxiety disorders, affective disorders, and eating disorders
Analyse etiologies of (in terms of biological/cognistive and/or scoiocultural factors) from two of the following groups: anxiety disorders, affective disorders, and eating disorders
Discuss cultural and gender variations in prevalence of disorders
Implementing treatment
Examine biomedical, individual and group approaches to treatment.
Evaluate the use of biomedical, individual and group approaches to the treatment of one disorder.
Discuss the use of eclectic approaches to treatment.
Discuss the relationship between etiology and therapeutic approach in relation to one disorder.
Developmental psychology
General framework
To what extent do biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors influence human development?
Evaluate psychological research relevant to developmental psychology.
Cognitive development
Evaluate theories of cognitive development
Discuss how social and environmental variables may affect cognitive development.
Social development
Examine attachment in childhood and its role in the subsequent formation of relationships
Discuss potential effects of deprivation or trauma in childhood on later development
Define resilience
Discuss strategies to build resilience
Identity development
Discuss the formation and development of gender roles
Explain cultural variations in gender roles
Describe adolescence
Discuss the relationship between physical change and development of identity during adolescence
Examine psychological research into adolescence
Health psychology
General framework
To what extent do biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors influence health‑related behaviour?
Evaluate psychological research relevant to health psychology.
Stress
Describe stressors
Discuss physiological, psychological and social aspects of stress
Evaluate strategies for coping with stress
Substance abuse, addictive behaviour and obesity
Explain factors related to the development of substance abuse or addictive behaviour
Examine prevention strategies and treatments for substance abuse and addictive behaviour
Discuss factors related to overeating and the development of obesity
Discuss prevention strategies and treatments for overeating and obesity
Health promotion
Examine models and theories of health promotion
Discuss the effectiveness of health promotion strategies
Psychology of human relationships
General framework
To what extent do biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors influence human relationships?
Evaluate psychological research relevant to the study of human relationships
Social responsibility
Distinguish between altruism and prosocial behaviour
Contrast two theories explaining altruism in humans
Using one or more research studies, explain cross‑cultural differences in prosocial behaviour
Examine factors influencing bystanderism
Interpersonal relationships
Examine biological, psychological and social origins of attraction
Discuss the role of communication in maintaining relationships
Explain the role that culture plays in the formation and maintenance of relationships
Analyse why relationships may change or end
Violence
Evaluate sociocultural explanations of the origins of violence
Discuss the relative effectiveness of two strategies for reducing violence
Discuss the effects of short‑term and long‑term exposure to violence
Sport psychology
General framework
To what extent do biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors influence behaviour in sport?
Evaluate psychological research relevant to the study of sport psychology
Emotion and motivation
Evaluate theories of motivation in sport
Using one or more research studies, explain the role of goal‑setting in the motivation of individuals
Discuss theories relating arousal and anxiety to performance
Skill development and performance
Evaluate techniques for skill development used in sport
To what extent does the role of coaches affect individual or team behaviour in sport?
Explain relationships between team cohesion and performance
Describe aids and barriers to team cohesion
Problems in sports
Discuss athlete response to stress and chronic injury
Examine reasons for using drugs in sport
Discuss effects of drug use in sport
Compare models of causes and prevention of burnout
Part 3: Qualitative research methodology (HL only)
Theory and practice in qualitative research
Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative data
Explain strengths and limitations of a qualitative approach to research
To what extent can findings be generalized from qualitative studies?
Discuss ethical considerations in qualitative research
Discuss sampling techniques appropriate to qualitative research
Explain effects of participant expectations and researcher bias in qualitative research
Explain the importance of credibility in qualitative research
Explain the effect of triangulation on the credibility/trustworthiness of qualitative research
Explain reflexivity in qualitative research
Interviews
Evaluate semi‑structured, focus group and narrative interviews
Discuss considerations involved before, during and after an interview
Explain how researchers use inductive content analysis (thematic analysis) on interview transcripts
Observations
Evaluate participant, non‑participant, naturalistic, overt and covert observations
Discuss considerations involved in setting up and carrying out an observation
Discuss how researchers analyse data obtained in observational research
Case Studies
Evaluate the use of case studies in research
Explain how a case study could be used to investigate a problem in an organization or group
Discuss the extent to which findings can be generalized from a single case study

DP Psychology Questionbank