How to Revise IB Psychology

Revising for IB Psychology can feel overwhelming. The syllabus is huge — three core approaches, multiple options, dozens of studies, plus research methods and essay practice. Many students end up re-reading notes for hours, trying to cram everything in, and hoping it will stick.

The problem is that poor revision strategies can waste valuable time and cost marks. You might memorise dozens of studies but then freeze in the exam, forget details under pressure, or lose time writing essays without a clear structure. I’ve seen hardworking students fall short simply because their revision wasn’t strategic.

The good news? With the right techniques, you can take control of your revision, retain knowledge more effectively, and write essays that reach the top bands. In my experience as a teacher of A Level and IB Psychology, students who revise strategically — testing themselves, practising essays, and linking concepts — consistently outperform those who rely on rote memorisation.

This guide will show you exactly how to revise for IB Psychology: understanding the exam structure, focusing on what matters most, and using high-impact strategies to master the course.

Understanding the IB Psychology Exam 

Before you start revising, you need to know exactly what you’re preparing for. The structure differs depending on whether you’re studying Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL).

SL students sit two papers:

• Paper 1 (2 hrs): Core approaches (biological, cognitive, sociocultural). Includes SAQs (9 marks) and ERQs (22 marks). Worth 50% of the grade
  

• Paper 2 (2 hrs): Options (e.g., abnormal psychology, human relationships). All ERQs. Worth 50% of the grade

HL students sit three papers:

• Paper 1 (2 hrs): Core approaches. Worth 40%
  

• Paper 2 (2 hrs): Options. Worth 20%
  

• Paper 3 (1 hr): Qualitative research methods. Stimulus-based questions testing methodology and evaluation. Worth 20%

Knowing this breakdown ensures your revision is targeted and efficient.

What to Prioritise for Each Paper

Paper 1 – Core Approaches & Research Methods

Focus on the landmark concepts and studies:

• Biological: neuroplasticity, neurotransmitters, hormones

  • Examples: Maguire et al. (2000); Rosenzweig & Bennett (1972)

• Cognitive: memory models, cognitive biases, information processing

  • Examples: Loftus & Palmer (1974); Kahneman & Tversky (1973)

• Sociocultural: social identity theory, conformity, cultural influences

  • Examples: Tajfel et al. (1971); Asch (1951)

Don’t overlook research methods. You’ll often be tested on your ability to evaluate experimental design, ethics, and the reliability of findings.

Paper 2 – Options

Choose two options and revise them in depth. Most students take abnormal psychology plus one other.

For abnormal psychology, prioritise diagnostic criteria, treatment methods, and cultural considerations.

• Examples: Rosenhan (1973); Beck et al. (1979)

Depth is more valuable than breadth. Two well-prepared topics will always outperform superficial knowledge of three or four.

Paper 3 – HL Only

This paper often catches students out. It tests qualitative research methods such as interviews, observations, and case studies.

Be prepared to discuss:

• strengths and limitations of each method

• researcher bias

• ethical considerations

• and how findings can be evaluated

High-Impact Revision Strategies

Re-reading notes may feel safe, but it’s one of the least effective ways to learn. The most successful students use active revision techniques that build memory and exam confidence.

• Active recall & spaced repetition: Use flashcards where you test yourself on key terms, concepts, and studies. Add details like Aim, Method, Results, and Conclusion (AMRC) for every core study. Review them at intervals using spaced repetition

• Blurting: Write down everything you know about a topic from memory on a blank page or mini whiteboard. Then check against your notes to spot gaps. Repeat often— it’s one of the fastest ways to strengthen recall under exam conditions

• Mind maps: Create visual links between biological, cognitive, and sociocultural concepts. Mapping ideas helps you see connections and prepare for comparative essay questions

• Timed essay practice: Practise SAQs in 25 minutes and ERQs in 45 minutes. Always plan first — outline your arguments, choose your studies, and integrate evaluation

In my teaching experience, students who combined blurting, flashcards, and timed essays built both knowledge and exam technique — and consistently achieved higher grades.

Memorising Studies Without Rote Learning

You don’t need to memorise every single study. Instead, learn 2–3 strong, high-quality studies per topic in detail.

• AMRC summaries: Reduce each study into Aim, Method, Results, and Conclusion

• Visual memory: Use images or acronyms to connect researchers’ names with their findings

• Comparisons: Link studies together (e.g., Asch on conformity vs. Milgram on obedience). This creates stronger understanding and gives you richer material for evaluation

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Command terms: Misunderstanding “discuss”, “evaluate”, or “analyse” can cost marks. Learn what each term requires

• Too many studies: Two well-explained studies are enough. Don’t overload essays

• Weak focus: Always link paragraphs back to the essay question. Use clear topic sentences

• Time management: Practise under exam conditions. Allocate more time to ERQs than SAQs, and leave time to review

Building Your Revision Plan

Cramming doesn’t work for IB Psychology. Success comes from consistent, structured revision.

• 2–3 months before exams: Begin serious study. Spend the first month on content review, the second on essay practice, and the final weeks to target weak areas

• Weekly structure: Balance content review, active recall, and timed essays. Dedicate different days to different approaches or options

• Track progress: Use past papers and mark schemes to assess improvement. Keep notes on essay scores and identify gaps

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I revise for IB Psychology?

Most successful students begin serious revision 2-3 months before exams, studying 1-2 hours daily.

Quality matters more than quantity. Focused, active revision is more effective than lengthy, passive reading sessions.

Adjust timing based on your current knowledge level and other subject demands.

Do I need to memorise every study?

No, but you need detailed knowledge of key studies for each topic area.

Focus on learning 2-3 high-quality studies per topic thoroughly rather than memorising many studies superficially.

Understand study methodology and implications, not just basic facts.

How many studies should I use per essay?

For ERQs, aim for 2-3 well-developed studies that directly support your arguments.

SAQs typically require 1-2 relevant studies with detailed explanation.

Quality of analysis and relevance to the question matter more than study quantity.

Final Thoughts

So, how to revise for IB Psychology? The key is strategy: focus on the most important studies, practise essays under timed conditions, and use active recall instead of rote memorisation.

From my years of teaching IB Psychology, I’ve seen that the top-performing students aren’t those who memorise the most, but those who revise smart — linking studies, writing with structure, and applying their knowledge critically.

Remember, Psychology is about understanding human behaviour. Keep that bigger picture in mind as you learn the details, and you’ll not only succeed in the exam but also gain skills that last far beyond it.

And remember — Save My Exams offers revision notes and resources for IB Psychology to help you succeed.