Course Description
IB Psychology is a course designed to study, practice, and learn three core perspectives of psychology, one specialized field of psychology, and quantitative research methods and ethics in psychology. Students will also conduct their own experimental study (Internal Assessment) on a topic of their choice.
Approaches to Behavior
Applied Psychology Options
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Internal Assessment: Experimental Study
- Students are required to plan and undertake an experimental study and to produce a report of their study
- An experimental study involves the manipulation of a single independent variable and the measurement of the effect of this independent variable on a dependent variable
External Assessment
Paper One
- Section A: Three short-answer questions on the core approaches to psychology (27 Marks)
- Section B: One essay from a choice of three
- One Question
- Select one question from a choice of three on abnormal psychology
Aims of the Course
- Interpret and/or conduct psychological research to apply the resulting knowledge for the benefit of human beings
- Ensure that ethical practices and responsibilities are implemented in psychological inquiry
- Develop an understanding of different theoretical processes that are used to interpret behavior, and to be aware of how these processes lead to the construction and evaluation of psychological theories
- Develop an awareness of how applications of psychology in everyday life are derived from psychological theories
- Develop an appreciation of the eclectic nature of psychology
- Understand and/or use diverse methods of psychological inquiry
Learning Objectives
- explain, where appropriate, how cultural, ethical, gender and methodological considerations may affect the interpretation of behavior
- describe, compare and evaluate the four content topics of the perspectives: development and cultural contexts, framework, methodologies, application
- describe and evaluate theories and empirical studies of the perspectives
- identify and explain the strengths and limitations of explanations of behavior of each perspective
- describe and evaluate theories related to the selected options
- identify, explain and evaluate empirical studies relevant to the selected options
- apply theories and findings of empirical studies to explanations of human behavior
- analyze and compare issues within abnormal psychology
- demonstrate the acquisition of knowledge and skills required for experimental design, data collection, data analysis and interpretation
Absences
- You have five school days to make up missed quizzes and/or tests
- After five school days the assignment will receive a failing grade
- Only work that has been missed due to excused absences can be made up
- Work missed due to unexcused absences will receive a score of zero
- Make up work is your responsibility, you will not be reminded. Makeup and tutoring times are posted in class
- An absence on the day prior to a quiz or test does not excuse you from a quiz or test.
Tardy Policy
- All students are required to be prepared for class and ready to begin working when the bell rings
- See the student handbook for tardy consequences
General Rules
- Be prepared for class with books, paper, pens/pencils, and all other materials before class begins
- Be in your seat and ready to work before the tardy bell rings
- Participation in class activities and assignments is not optional. Participation is mandatory
- Respect all people and their property
- Pay attention to and be respectful of other students when they are speaking
- If it does not belong to you do not touch it
- Do not leave trash in the desks or on the floor
- You are required by the New Hanover County School Board to have a visible Student ID and be in compliance with the school dress code
- Go to the bathroom before class
- Stay in your seat until the bell rings
- DO NOT DISRUPT CLASS. Interrupting class is rude and interferes with others who are trying to learn
- These are not all of the rules and expectations. I reserve the right to change the rules depending on the class’s level of cooperation and maturity
- Failure to meet these requirements will result in detentions. Continued failure to meet these requirements will result in a referral to the administrator for your grade level