Paper 1 Guidance (DP IB Psychology): Revision Note

Paper 1 section A guidance

• Paper 1 is taken by both HL and SL Psychology students

• You will be given 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete Paper 1

• Paper 1 has 3 sections:

  • Section A

  • Section B

  • Section C

• Paper 1 is weighted at 25% for SL

• Paper 1 is weighted at 35% for HL

• Paper 1 is worth 35 marks in total

Section A: short-answer questions (SAQs)

• Section A consists of two compulsory SAQs from two of the three content areas

  • Biological approach

  • Cognitive approach

  • Sociocultural approach

• The SAQs are worth 4 marks each

  • The total for Section A is 8 marks

• The examiners are looking for:

  • how well you demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theories and concepts

  • how well you can develop each answer you give

  • the use of examples to illustrate points

Topics covered

• Biological approach:

  • Animal models, biological reductionism, brain imaging techniques, chemical messengers, diathesis-stress, genetics, localisation of function, neuroplasticity and neurotransmission

• Cognitive approach:

  • Anchoring bias, classical conditioning, cognitive load theory, cognitive models, confirmation bias, dual process model, operant conditioning, and schema theory

• Sociocultural approach:

  • cognitive dissonance, compliance techniques, conformity, cultural dimensions, emic/etic approaches, enculturation, acculturation, social identity theory and social learning theory

Example questions

• Describe the role of one chemical messenger in human behaviour [4 marks]

• Explain the role of classical conditioning in behaviour [4 marks]

• Describe conformity and its role in understanding human behaviour [4 marks]

Paper 1 section B guidance

Section B: short-answer questions (SAQs)

• Section B consists of two compulsory SAQs from two of the four contexts

  • Health and wellbeing

  • Human development

  • Human relationships

  • Learning and cognition

• The SAQs are worth 6 marks each

  • The total for Section B is 12 marks

• The examiners are looking for:

  • how well you use the given scenario in your answer

  • how well you apply your knowledge clearly and logically to the context provided

Example question

• In a study, MRI scans were used to determine grey matter density. With reference to this study, explain the use of brain-imaging techniques in understanding human behaviour [6 marks]

Paper 1 section C guidance

Section C: extended-response questions (ERQs)

• Section C consists of two optional ERQs from two of the four contexts

  • Health and wellbeing

  • Human development

  • Human relationships

  • Learning and cognition

• The questions are concept-based so are framed around themes such as:

  • bias

  • causality

  • change

  • measurement

  • perspective

  • responsibility

• The ERQs are worth 15 marks each

  • The total for Section C is 15 marks, as you only answer one ERQ

• The examiners are looking for:

  • how well you show breadth and depth of knowledge, using studies and theory

  • how well you provide a balanced evaluation (strengths, limitations, counterarguments, applications)

  • a clear structure, e.g.,

    • Introduction

    • AO1: theory/evidence

    • AO3: evaluation (strengths and limitations)

    • Conclusion

Example questions

• In the context of human development, evaluate one or more strategies used by developmental psychologists to measure theory of mind [15 marks]

• One claim in the psychology of health and wellbeing is that a single perspective is not enough to explain mental health

  • Discuss this claim with reference to one biological explanation of one or more disorders [15 marks]

• In the context of learning and cognition, discuss the role of responsibility in the effect of brain damage on memory [15 marks]

• Evaluate the importance of communication with reference to changes in interpersonal human relationships [15 marks]