What Is IB Psychology?
IB Psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes within the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). It develops a research-based, analytical understanding of how people think, feel, and act.
- Combines biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches to behavior
- Builds critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and evidence-based evaluation
- Prepares students for fields like psychology, medicine, social sciences, and education
Key Differences Between HL and SL in IB Psychology
- Teaching hours: SL (~150 hours), HL (~240 hours)
- Exam Papers: SL sits 2 papers, HL sits 3 papers
- Optional Topics: SL covers 1 topic, HL covers 2
- Depth of Study: HL requires more detailed critical evaluation
- Internal Assessment (IA): Required for both, but expectations are higher at HL
IB Psychology Assessment Breakdown (Valid Until May 2026)
Standard Level (SL):
- Paper 1: Short-answer + extended response on core approaches
- Paper 2: Essay on one optional topic
- Internal Assessment: Student-led experimental study (20% of final grade)
Higher Level (HL):
- Paper 1: Same format as SL, with HL-level extensions
- Paper 2: Two essays from two different options
- Paper 3: Short-answer questions on research methodology
- Internal Assessment: Same structure, with more in-depth analysis expected
Upcoming Curriculum Changes Starting May 2027
The IB Psychology course is undergoing a major update, first assessed in May 2027. Key features include:
- Integrated application of concepts, content, and context
- Unseen stimulus-based assessment questions
- IA becomes a research proposal, not an experiment
- HL students will interpret and analyze real research data
- Emphasis on real-world psychological applications
The Core Approaches in IB Psychology
Understanding these is essential for Paper 1 and for building a foundational perspective in the course:
- Biological: Brain structure, genetics, hormones, neurotransmitters
- Cognitive: Thinking, memory, schemas, decision-making
- Sociocultural: Culture, social norms, group behavior, identity
Optional Topics and Their Importance
For Paper 2, students choose optional topics and prepare essays. These allow students to explore areas they’re passionate about, such as:
- Abnormal Psychology: Mental disorders, diagnosis, treatments
- Human Relationships: Interpersonal dynamics, conflict, attraction
- Health Psychology: Stress, coping strategies, health behavior
- Developmental Psychology (in HL): Lifespan changes, social influences
Understanding Research Methods in IB Psychology
Grasping methodology is critical, especially for HL students.
- Know the difference between quantitative and qualitative research
- Understand concepts like sampling, reliability, validity, and triangulation
- Be ready to analyze research designs and ethical considerations
- For HL, Paper 3 assesses research method interpretation
The Role of the Internal Assessment (IA)
The IA is a chance for students to design, conduct, and report on a psychological experiment.
- Choose a simple, replicable experiment (e.g., Stroop test, memory recall)
- Write a structured report with an introduction, method, results, and conclusion
- Use ethical guidelines: no deception, full consent, debriefing
- Follow the marking rubric closely for top marks
Why Study IB Psychology?
Studying psychology in the IB curriculum offers benefits beyond the classroom:
- Sharpens scientific reasoning and argumentation
- Builds empathy and cultural sensitivity
- Offers insight into personal and societal behavior
- Provides preparation for university and careers in psychology, neuroscience, medicine, and more
How to Study for IB Psychology Exams (SL & HL)
- Practice writing SAQs and ERQs in a timed format
- Use active recall and spaced repetition for key studies
- Apply theories to real-world case studies
- Review sample papers and analyze markschemes to learn what examiners want
- Integrate psychological approaches when evaluating behavior
Best Study Resource: RevisionDojo
RevisionDojo is a premier study platform specifically designed for IB students who want to excel without shortcuts. Here’s how it can help IB Psychology students:
- Tailored practice questions and essay prompts aligned with IB syllabus
- In-depth topic reviews for each psychological approach
- Step-by-step IA guidance, including how to structure and evaluate research
- Exam simulation features to replicate Paper 1, 2, and 3 (for HL)
- Ethical, focused, and fully updated for the 2027 curriculum changes
RevisionDojo not only improves scores but builds real understanding—the kind that lasts beyond the exam room.
IB Psychology Curriculum Timeline: Key Dates
- May 2025: Final full year of current syllabus
- August 2025: First teaching of new IB Psychology curriculum
- May 2026: Last exam under the old assessment format
- May 2027: First exam for students under the updated syllabus
Real Student Advice from May 2025 Candidates
Students who took the May 2025 exams shared some crucial lessons:
- Prioritize research methods early, especially if you're HL
- Practice timed writing for both SAQs and ERQs
- Don't memorize—understand the studies and apply them
- Use platforms like RevisionDojo that make learning interactive and structured
How to Stay Ahead of the 2027 Syllabus Changes
Students in the new syllabus cycle should:
- Focus on understanding and application, not rote learning
- Prepare for stimulus-based questions with guided practice
- Use RevisionDojo to explore real-life case studies and build evaluation skills
- Get familiar with research proposal writing, especially for the new IA
Using Conceptual Understanding for Higher Marks
To score top bands in IB Psychology:
- Link theories across the three approaches
- Use real-world applications and case examples
- Compare studies and analyze limitations
- Avoid repetition—structure responses around evaluation and synthesis
Frequently Asked Questions About IB Psychology (2025–2027)
Q1: How hard is IB Psychology at HL vs SL?
HL involves more content and deeper evaluation. With good planning and the right tools like RevisionDojo, both are very manageable.
Q2: How can I do well in Paper 2?
Know your optional topic in depth. Practice timed essay responses using past prompts and RevisionDojo’s custom exercises.
Q3: What’s new in the May 2027 exams?
More real-world applications, unseen stimulus questions, and research proposal writing instead of full experiments.
