IB Psychology Tutor Online: HL and SL
Psychology is the DP subject where interest and grade diverge most sharply. Students enjoy it, read widely, and then discover that the assessment requires naming specific studies, describing their method and findings accurately, and using them to support a structured argument under time pressure. Reading around the subject does not build that. Deliberate practice does.
4000+
STUDENTS
4.9/5
GOOGLE RATING
12+
YEARS EXPERIENCE
40,000+
Total hours Taught
The course
The revised IB Psychology course explores human behaviour through three core approaches: biological, cognitive and sociocultural. Students apply psychological concepts and research to four contexts — health and well-being, human development, human relationships, and learning and cognition. Research methodology, ethical considerations and critical evaluation are integrated throughout the course. At Higher Level, students also study extensions covering the roles of culture, motivation and technology in shaping behaviour, alongside data analysis and interpretation. Both SL and HL students complete an Internal Assessment involving the development of a psychology research proposal, with assessment through written examinations and coursework.
Standard Level
Three approaches, four contexts, and the Internal Assessment — examined through written papers and coursework.
Higher Level
Adds extensions on culture, motivation and technology, with data analysis and interpretation and greater exam depth.
Assessment and what each component rewards
Paper · SAQ
Short-answer questions
On the approaches, requiring a precisely described study and a clear link to the question.
Paper · ERQ
Extended response questions
The marks are in critical thinking — methodological evaluation, competing explanations, cultural and ethical considerations — not in the volume of studies cited.
Paper · Options
Options paper
Examined at both levels, with HL depth.
Coursework · IA
Internal Assessment
An experimental study written up as a formal report.
The Internal Assessment
The Psychology IA is a replication of a published experimental study, written up formally. It is one of the most structured IAs in the DP, which makes it one of the most improvable.
where marks go:
01
An inappropriate original study chosen for replication
02
A hypothesis stated imprecisely
03
An inferential statistical test chosen without justification
04
A discussion that summarises results instead of interpreting them against the original study
We work on each of these before the data is collected, because after collection the design is fixed.
See IB Internal Assessment help.
The three mistakes that cost Psychology marks
1
Vague study recall
“A study showed that…” earns nothing. Researcher, method, sample, finding, and relevance to the question earn everything.
2
ERQs written as study lists
Two studies well evaluated beat five studies described.
3
Ethics and research methods treated as a separate topic
They are examined inside content questions, not only in isolation.
How QFS teaches IB Psychology
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Student testimonial
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frequently asked questions
How many studies does my child actually need to know?
Fewer than most students try to learn, and in far more detail. A curated set known precisely outperforms a long list known vaguely.
Is Psychology a good subject for a medical or science degree?
It is a respected Group 3 subject and useful for psychology, medicine and social science pathways, but it does not substitute for a Group 4 science where one is required. Check the published entry requirements for your target courses.
What is the difference between HL and SL Psychology?
HL adds extension content and greater depth, and HL papers demand more sophisticated critical evaluation. We teach them as separate courses.
Can you help with the Psychology IA?
Yes — choice of study to replicate, hypothesis, design, statistical test selection and criteria-referenced review. The student runs the study and writes the report.
Do we need statistics knowledge?
Some. The IA requires an inferential test and a justification for choosing it. We teach the statistics needed rather than assuming it from Mathematics class.
Is Psychology easier than Economics or History?
No, and students who choose it expecting that are the ones who struggle. It is content-heavy and evaluationheavy.
Do you coach the options topics?
Yes, aligned to whichever options your school teaches. Confirm the option list at the diagnostic.