Course Description
Psychology is the scientific study of human and animal cognition and behaviour with the goal of solving problems and increasing the quality of life for individuals and their communities. The DP psychology course is designed to develop students’ psychological literacy and improve their conceptual understanding through applying psychology in different contexts that are all relevant to their lives.
Students will develop knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts (bias, causality, change, measurement, perspective, responsibility), content (research methodology and biological, cognitive and sociocultural approaches to understanding behaviour) and contexts (health and well-being, human development, human relationships and learning and cognition), as well as relevant models and theories.
SL and HL students will investigate the four contexts using psychological content and concepts relevant to that area of study. In each of the contexts, students will engage in a teacher- and/or student-led class practical and will be required to think critically about data analysis and interpretation in psychological research and everyday claims (i.e. in social media, etc.). Additionally, HL students will be directly assessed on data analysis and interpretation. SL and HL students will engage in an internal assessment task requiring the development of a research proposal on a topic of interest.
HL extensions will require students to further investigate the role of culture, motivation and technology on human behaviour. The extensions are designed to allow additional inquiry into content within the four contexts and extend conceptual understanding.
The aims of the psychology course at SL and HL are to:
• develop knowledge and understanding of psychological concepts, content and contexts, including models and theories
• think critically and creatively about behaviour and cognitive processes
• engage with problems facing individuals, groups and societies using psychological understanding and skills.
- Teacher: Nancy Estevez
- Teacher: Osmery Martinez