Crack your IBDP Psychology SAQs and LAQs this year!

The IB Psychology exams necessitate a substantial amount of preparation time due to the extensive research requirements. Students must not only focus on the coursework, but also exceed the provided materials and study beyond the basic expectations.

Understanding the difference between HL and SL classes is crucial to grasp how exams work. HL is more academically rigorous, with more coursework and higher grading standards, while SL requires thorough understanding of coursework and field studies.

This year IBDP Psychology Paper 1 is scheduled on 18^th May 2023, followed by Paper 2 and Paper 3 the next day. Don’t forget Paper 3 is coming back for HL students after a gap of 3 years. Psychology in IB has heavy coursework, challenging exams, and follows a structured format.

IBDP Psychology Paper 1 Strategy:

Facts:

Both SL and HL students have 120 minutes.
Section A contains 3 short answer questions (SAQs), each from the biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches.
Section B contains 3 long answer questions (LAQs), one from each approach out of which you only have to answer one.
Each SAQ is worth 9 marks and LAQ is worth 22 marks.

Word of Advice:

Specializing is beneficial because a question from each approach is guaranteed.
Pay attention to the command word. For Section A, the SAQs ask you to “outline,” “describe,” or “explain.”
When the SAQ’s emphasis is on a study, ⅔ of your response should focus on the study.
It is recommended to use one hour for Section A, allocating 20 mins for each of the three SAQs and the second hours for Section B.

IBDP Psychology Paper 2 Strategy:

Facts:

Based on the OPTION topics, this paper contains 22 marker LAQs.
HL students need to answer two LAQs whereas SL students answer only one.

Word of Advice:

Specializing one subtopic within the OPTION topic is beneficial because a question from each approach is guaranteed.
Once you decide what you are specializing in, start making outlines! Making outlines does not mean writing essays and/or attempting to memorize them.
Ensure you have at least two relevant studies for each topic.
Review your list and identify one study per topic, then add a second study.
Look for overlaps among studies to maximize your preparation.

IBDP Psychology Paper 3 Strategy:

Facts:

This is for HL students only and is focused on research techniques, emphasizing qualitative research methods.
This includes three questions with subsections and smaller questions on research methods and findings.
- Question 1.

(a) Identify the research method used and outline two characteristics of the method.
(b) Describe the sampling method used in the study.
(c) Suggest an alternative or additional research method giving one reason for your choice.

Question 2:

Describe the ethical considerations that were applied in the study and explain if further ethical considerations could be applied.
OR Describe the ethical considerations in reporting the results and explain additional ethical considerations that could be taken into account when applying the findings of the study.

Question 3:

Discuss how a researcher could ensure that the results of the study are credible.
OR Discuss how the researcher in the study could avoid bias.
OR Discuss the possibility of generalizing/transfering the findings of the study.

Blen Mock tests are a valuable resource for exam preparation, allowing you to simulate exam conditions and practice with accurate IBO questions.
Each set of exams has a unique rubric and scoring system, providing guidance on how to earn the most points and approach questions effectively.

Word of Advice:

Be succinct: Clearly state the research method and focus on describing its characteristics.
Incorporate details from the stimulus to demonstrate deeper understanding.
Prepare in advance for question 1c, which can be challenging, with a generic response.
Consider using triangulation as a reason for incorporating additional research methods.
Hint: Triangulation can enhance the validity of research findings.

Understand the Significance of Critical Thinking

In order to effectively support critical thinking in IB Psychology, it is advised to have three well-developed counterarguments. This can be achieved by evaluating the study beyond simple statements and explaining its limitations, elaborating on the limitations of the theory or model, and providing alternative options for explanation or resolution. It is important to thoroughly understand the topics and studies beforehand to confidently engage in critical thinking.

Consider subscribing for the IBDP Psychology Course on Blen, which offers key concept notes and exam-style questions for further preparation. Visit https://helloblen.com/login to access the course.

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Crack your IBDP Psychology SAQs and LAQs this year!

IBDP Psychology Paper 1 Strategy:

Facts:

Both SL and HL students have 120 minutes.

Section A contains 3 short answer questions (SAQs), each from the biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches.

Section B contains 3 long answer questions (LAQs), one from each approach out of which you only have to answer one.

Each SAQ is worth 9 marks and LAQ is worth 22 marks.

Word of Advice:

Specializing is beneficial because a question from each approach is guaranteed.

Pay attention to the command word. For Section A, the SAQs ask you to “outline,” “describe,” or “explain.”

When the SAQ’s emphasis is on a study, ⅔ of your response should focus on the study.

It is recommended to use one hour for Section A, allocating 20 mins for each of the three SAQs and the second hours for Section B.

IBDP Psychology Paper 2 Strategy:

Facts:

Based on the OPTION topics, this paper contains 22 marker LAQs.

HL students need to answer two LAQs whereas SL students answer only one.

Word of Advice:

Specializing one subtopic within the OPTION topic is beneficial because a question from each approach is guaranteed.

Once you decide what you are specializing in, start making outlines! Making outlines does not mean writing essays and/or attempting to memorize them.

Ensure you have at least two relevant studies for each topic.

Review your list and identify one study per topic, then add a second study.

Look for overlaps among studies to maximize your preparation.

IBDP Psychology Paper 3 Strategy:

This is for HL students only and is focused on research techniques, emphasizing qualitative research methods.

This includes three questions with subsections and smaller questions on research methods and findings.

(a) Identify the research method used and outline two characteristics of the method.

(b) Describe the sampling method used in the study.

(c) Suggest an alternative or additional research method giving one reason for your choice.

Describe the ethical considerations that were applied in the study and explain if further ethical considerations could be applied.

OR Describe the ethical considerations in reporting the results and explain additional ethical considerations that could be taken into account when applying the findings of the study.

Discuss how a researcher could ensure that the results of the study are credible.

OR Discuss how the researcher in the study could avoid bias.

OR Discuss the possibility of generalizing/transfering the findings of the study.

Blen Mock tests are a valuable resource for exam preparation, allowing you to simulate exam conditions and practice with accurate IBO questions.

Each set of exams has a unique rubric and scoring system, providing guidance on how to earn the most points and approach questions effectively.

Word of Advice:

Be succinct: Clearly state the research method and focus on describing its characteristics.

Incorporate details from the stimulus to demonstrate deeper understanding.

Prepare in advance for question 1c, which can be challenging, with a generic response.

Consider using triangulation as a reason for incorporating additional research methods.

Hint: Triangulation can enhance the validity of research findings.

Understand the Significance of Critical Thinking