IB Psychology Syllabus + Topics

Exploring the IB Psychology syllabus provides a clear view of the skills and knowledge you'll acquire throughout the course. Join us as we unpack the key concepts of the syllabus, giving you a better understanding of what to expect on your learning journey. 

IB Psychology Syllabus + Topics

The IB Psychology syllabus is made up of two main components: the Core and Options. 

Core

For the Core component, students will explore the following topics:

Biological appraoch to understanding behaviour

In this topic, students will explore the following concepts:

• the brain and behaviour 
• hormones and behaviour 
• genetics and behaviour 
• the role of animal research in understanding human behaviour (HL only)

Cognitive approach to understanding behaviour 

In this topic, students will explore the following concepts:

• cognitive processing
• reliability of cognitive processes
• emotion and cognition 
• cognitive processing in the digital world (HL only)

Sociocultural approach to understanding behaviour 

In this topic, students will explore the following concepts:

• the individual and the group
• cultural origins of behaviour 
• cultural influences on individual attitudes, identity and behaviours 
• the influence of globalization on indidivual attitudes, identities and behaviours (HL only)

Options

For the Options component, SL students are required to study one topic, while HL students must study two of the following topics:

Option 1: Abnormal psychology

In this option topic, students will explore the following:

• factors influencing diagnosis 
• etiology of abnormal psychology 
• treatment of disorders

Option 2: Developmental psychology 

In this option topic, students will explore the following:

• infleunes on cognitive and social development 
• developing an identity
• developing as a learner

Option 3: Health psychology

In this option topic, students will explore the following:

• determinants of health 
• health problems 
• promoting health 

Option 4: Psychology of human relationships

In this option topic, students will explore the following:

• personal relationships 
• group dynamics
• social responsibility 

We hope you found this post helpful. For more useful materials associated with the IB check out the wide variety of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify and other guides available on our blog.