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 extra Paper 3 specifically testing qualitative research methodology. Across all three, the core skill is applying named studies and theories precisely, not describing behaviour in everyday terms.

Studies need names, methods and findings, not just a conclusion

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

Evaluating studies and approaches critically

Evaluation wants genuine methodological critique, sample, ecological validity, ethical considerations, alternative explanations, applied specifically to the study in front of you. A generic list of strengths and weaknesses recycled across every study, regardless of fit, doesn't cut it.

Paper 3 (HL): qualitative research methodology

This paper tests your understanding of qualitative research design and analysis applied to an unseen research extract. Practising with unfamiliar qualitative extracts, not just revising methodology definitions, is what actually builds the skill being tested.

Applying psychology to scenario-based questions

  • Work out which specific theory or study the scenario is testing before you write anything.
  • 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.

Where marks go missing

  • Mixing up 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 correct psychological terminology.

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