The biological approach argues that both genetics and the functioning of the brain may explain the origin of OCD. For this component of the module, you will learn about both the genetic argument and the role of the "worry circuit." The biological approach is often considered a reductionist approach to understanding mental health - and it is the basis for medical treatment.

Diagnosing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Although there will be no question asking you to describe the symptoms of OCD, it is important that you understand the nature of the disorder before we get into the etiologies or potential explanations for the disorder. You should know the affective, behavioural, cognitive, and physiological (somatic) symptoms of the disorder as well as the difficulties in obtaining a valid diagnosis.

The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) was reviewed and published again in 2020 for the first exams in 2022. As psychology teachers we should make links to TOK, helping students to see the interconnectedness of their learning. Psychology lends itself very easily to TOK as it crosses discipline boundaries and encourages the understanding of different perspectives through the lens of the environmental value...

You may not have noticed but TOK has changed. The main difference is that the framework of the TOK curriculum has shifted to become "concept-based." This means that the focus of the course is now on "big ideas." These big ideas are transdisciplinary in nature and help us to understand "why" we are learning the content.The following page looks at the 12 concepts on which...

This section of the site has two purposes. First, it is here that you will find curriculum related material - particularly, the unit planners and advice on how to address the ATL planners on Managebac if your school is using that program.Secondly, this section replaces "teacher notes." For the different components of the curriculum, you will find lesson plans, with links to activities on...

ATL: Essential understandingsPsychologists do not "prove" anything; they either support or refute a hypothesis.A researcher will choose the method or methods that are most suitable for a specific research study.Quantitative research methods emphasize objective measurements and the statistical analysis of data.Variables must be fully operationalized in order for a study to have validity.Extraneous...

ATL: Essential understandingsPsychology is the scientific study of human behaviour, cognitive processing and attitudes.Psychology is a very broad field of study with many applications.Concepts and theories are the building blocks of the study of human behaviour.What is psychology?Welcome to the world of psychology. If you are like many students, you have signed up for this class with a sense of excitement...

The goal of this lesson is to lay the foundations of the experimental method and begin to identify some key vocabulary. It is based on the chapter Quantitative research methods.This vocabulary includes the concepts of independent, dependent and control variables. In addition, the two types of hypotheses - null and research hypotheses. Finally, students will be introduced to the concepts of a lab vs...

This section of the site has two purposes. First, it is here that you will find curriculum related material - particularly, the unit planners and advice on how to address the ATL planners on Managebac if your school is using that program.Secondly, this section replaces "teacher notes." For the different components of the curriculum, you will find lesson plans, with links to activities on...

The following lesson plan has the goal of helping students to understand two key concepts in psychology. First, empirical research. We will look at a homework reading by Carol Dweck and discuss the aim, procedure, results and implications of her research.Secondly, we will look at the concept of "theories in psychology."I find that this is a good time to discuss the history of psychology...