Welcome to IBDP Psychology. This course examines human behavior through three core approaches. The biological approach focuses on brain structures, neurotransmitters, and genetics. The cognitive approach studies mental processes like memory and thinking. The sociocultural approach explores how social and cultural factors influence behavior. Together, these approaches provide comprehensive levels of analysis for understanding human psychology.
The biological approach focuses on the biological foundations of behavior. It examines brain structures like the frontal and parietal lobes, each responsible for different functions. Neurotransmitters facilitate communication between neurons, while genetic factors influence predispositions to certain behaviors. This approach emphasizes neuroplasticity - the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt throughout life.
The cognitive approach studies mental processes that cannot be directly observed. It focuses on how we process information, store memories, and solve problems. The multi-store memory model shows how information flows from sensory memory through short-term memory to long-term memory. Attention acts as a filter, while rehearsal helps transfer information between memory stores.
The sociocultural approach examines how social and cultural factors shape behavior. Individuals are influenced by multiple social groups including family, peers, and cultural norms. This approach studies phenomena like conformity, where people adjust their behavior to match group expectations, and social identity, how group membership affects self-concept. Media and cultural values also significantly impact behavior patterns.
IBDP Psychology takes an integrative approach, recognizing that human behavior is best understood through multiple levels of analysis. The biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches work together to provide a comprehensive understanding of psychology. Students learn various research methods and must consider ethical implications throughout their studies. Assessment includes multiple choice questions, extended responses, qualitative research analysis, and an independent experimental study.
The biological approach investigates the physical foundations of behavior. It examines how brain structures, neurotransmitters, and genetic factors influence our actions and thoughts. Neurons communicate through synapses, where neurotransmitters carry signals between cells. Key studies like HM's case revealed how specific brain regions control memory, while Sperry's split-brain research showed functional specialization between brain hemispheres. This approach emphasizes neuroplasticity - the brain's remarkable ability to reorganize and adapt throughout life.
The cognitive approach examines mental processes that cannot be directly observed but can be inferred from behavior. It studies how we encode, store, and retrieve information through complex memory systems. The multi-store model shows information flowing from sensory input through attention filters to working memory and long-term storage. Key studies like Loftus and Palmer's research revealed how memory can be reconstructed and influenced by post-event information, demonstrating the active nature of cognitive processes.
The sociocultural approach examines how social and cultural factors shape behavior and cognition. Individuals are embedded within multiple social systems including family, peer groups, cultural communities, educational institutions, and media influences. Each system transmits values, norms, and behavioral expectations. Studies like Asch's conformity experiments demonstrate how social pressure can override individual judgment, while Tajfel's social identity theory explains how group membership affects self-concept and intergroup relations.
IBDP Psychology emphasizes integration across all three approaches, recognizing that human behavior requires multiple levels of analysis. The biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches overlap and complement each other, providing comprehensive understanding. Students learn diverse research methods including experiments, case studies, observations, and correlational studies. Assessment includes multiple choice questions, extended responses, research methodology analysis, and an independent investigation. This integrated approach prepares students to apply psychological principles to real-world contexts in mental health, education, and social intervention.