Alloy et al (1999) carried out a study to the role that one's cognitive style plays in the development of depression. This study may be used to discuss the aetiology of one disorder - or more specifically a cognitive approach to etiologies of disorders.BackgroundThe cognitive vulnerability hypothesis argues that there are maladaptive thinking patterns that make a person more likely to develop...

If you have seen the Ted Talk How to make stress your friend, then you have heard Kelly McGonigal discuss a study on how cognitive appraisal can affect your level of stress during a difficult public speaking task. The study she was describing is by Jamieson et al (2011). This study may be used to discuss a cognitive approach to one health problem - stress. It could also be used to discuss either research...

The following lesson plan looks at the concept of theory of mind and empathy as part of our human development.Students should read the theory of mind chapter in the online text. Questions on this will be worded as ‘Discuss theory of mind and/or empathy,’ or ‘Evaluate research into empathy and/or theory of mind.’This lesson was designed by Laura Swash.PresentationThe following...

The following lesson plan looks at the concept of gender identity and its role in human development.Students should read the gender identity chapter in the online text. This lesson was designed by Laura Swash.Defining termsTo start, break students into triads or groups of four and give them the following terms: sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation and gender roles. Ask students to come...

Essential understandingsOur behaviour is influenced by others, even when we believe that we are acting independently.We have both an individual and a social identity which influences our behaviour.Behaviours are learned through our interaction and observation of others.Stereotypes affect behaviour.The sociocultural approachPsychologists recognize that human behaviour can only be fully understood if...

The following set of practice papers are not official IB papers. As of the creation of this page, there is only one specimen paper available. All of the papers are created here by me, based on examiner experience.The questions for the papers are always the same. An explanation of the questions is given below.For each exam, there is a set of sample responses. Remember that in the new curriculum the...

In order to prepare for exams, it is important to prepare a "tailor-made" study guide. A study guide should reflect your own learning and not just what someone tells you is the "best" research to use on an exam.For the topic "brain and behaviour", you will find an attached study guide. I recommend that you attempt to fill it in before looking at the responses below. There...

This section focuses on the external assessment - that is, the exams that are sat either in November or May by your students. This section contains sample marking and marking practice. In addition, it includes tips for exam preparation. External Assessment Paper 1 is the same structure for both SL and HL. Students are required to answer three short-answer questions (SAQs), one from each of the three...

This section of the site is devoted to materials that may be used to organize and assist students in the setting up and carrying out of the internal assessment. The section includes suggestions for experiments to replicate, reminders of restrictions for the internal assessment, planners and checklists, as well as samples of IA's which students should consult before starting their report writing....

Below you will find three sample ERQs for the question: To what extent is one cognitive process reliable?For each of the samples, refer to the rubric to award marks. After each sample, there is a predicted grade as well as feedback on the strengths and limitations of the sample. ERQ rubric Sample 1 Although we all seem to trust our own memories, many psychologists argue that our memories are less...