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 "the individual and the group", you will find an attached study guide. I recommend that you attempt to fill it in before looking at the responses...

Kendler et al (2006) carried out a study to determine the role that genetics plays in major depressive disorder. You can use this study for the following content in the biological approach:Research methods used in the biological approach.To what extent does genetic inheritance influence behaviour?In addition, you may use it in the abnormal option.To what extent do biological factors influence abnormal...

The following lesson plan helps students to understand psychological explanations of the formation of relationships. As the IB may also ask students to discuss either a cognitive or sociocultural approach to personal relationships, the lesson plan is distinctly divided between these two approaches. As with the biological approach, remind students that the material learned in this lesson may be used...

Allport, G. W. (1954). The nature of prejudice. Cambridge, MA: Addison-Wesley Pub.Altman, I. & Taylor, D. (1973). Social penetration: The development of interpersonal relationships. New York: Holt.Amir, Y. (1969). Contact hypothesis in ethnic relations. Psychological Bulletin, 71(5), 319-342.Aron, A., & Henkemeyer, L. (1995). Marital Satisfaction and Passionate Love. Journal of Social and...

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...

This lesson focuses on the role of neurotransmission in human behaviour - specifically, on memory.In keeping with the rest of the content of this mini unit on the biology of memory, acetylcholine will be the primary example given. However, there are other examples of neurotransmission affecting behaviour throughout the course; for example, dopamine and addiction; serotonin and depression; or serotonin...

A hormone is a chemical that is secreted by glands in the endocrine system. Unlike neurotransmitters, they are released directly into the blood stream. Hormones may act as neurotransmitters and attach to post-synaptic receptor sites. There are several different hormones that appear throughout the course. In this mini-unit on the biology of memory, I will focus on cortisol and adrenaline, the two key...

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....

The following lesson plan is an introduction to brain imaging techniques - a key way in which psychologists are able to study the brain.Although I will focus on MRIs (structural) and fMRIs (functional) as techniques, I will also show them what else is happening in the world of neuroimaging. This lesson does not focus on specific studies as we have already discussed Maguire and Sharot in the previous...

The following lesson is on the evolution of attraction. It starts with an overview of evolutionary theory and then looks at two key studies of the role of biology in attraction.The lesson finishes with an evaluation of evolutionary arguments in psychology. Another study - the study known as the Smelly T-Shirt study by Wedekind, will be addressed in the next lesson which focuses on pheromones - however,...