Approaches, options, and an HL methodology paper

IB Psychology SL sits Paper 1 (approaches to behaviour — biological, cognitive, sociocultural) and Paper 2 (one option topic); HL sits the same Paper 1, a second option on Paper 2, and an additional Paper 3 specifically testing qualitative research methodology. Across all of them, the core skill is applying named studies and theories precisely, not describing behaviour in everyday terms.

Studies need names, methods and findings, not just conclusions

A common, costly mistake is recalling only a study's headline conclusion without the researcher, method and findings — the higher mark bands specifically reward this level of detail. A precisely recalled study consistently outperforms a vague version of the same point.

Evaluating studies and approaches critically

Evaluation rewards genuine methodological critique — sample, ecological validity, ethical considerations, alternative explanations — applied specifically to the study in question, not a generic list of strengths and weaknesses recycled across every study regardless of fit.

Paper 3 (HL) — qualitative research methodology

This paper tests understanding of qualitative research design and analysis applied to an unseen research extract — practising with unfamiliar qualitative study extracts, not just revising methodology definitions, builds the actual skill being tested.

Applying psychology to scenario-based questions

  • Identify which specific theory or study the scenario is testing before writing.
  • Use the scenario's specific details in your answer, not a generic version of the topic.
  • Link your application explicitly back to named psychological research, not common-sense explanation.

Common content traps

  • Confusing similar studies across approaches under exam pressure.
  • Generic evaluation that doesn't engage with the specific study being discussed.
  • Describing behaviour in everyday language instead of using correct psychological terminology.

Revising IB Psychology with ExamPass.ai

ExamPass.ai generates IB Psychology mock papers and quizzes matched to your HL or SL level and option topics, with instant AI marking against IB markbands.