New syllabus, first assessed May 2027 — three approaches framed by concepts & contexts. HL adds Paper 3 (data analysis).
Evaluate a study by considering its methodology, sample, findings, strengths and limitations. Explain how these factors affect the usefulness of the evidence for answering the question.
Organise each study around its aim, method, findings and relevance to a psychological concept. Practise explaining how the evidence supports an argument instead of memorising study summaries in isolation.
Define the relevant concept clearly, explain it accurately and use an appropriate study or example when required. Keep the response focused on the question and its command term.
Description explains what researchers did and found, while evaluation examines the quality, limitations and implications of the evidence. Strong evaluation connects methodological strengths or weaknesses to the conclusions that can reasonably be drawn.
Explain the theory first, then connect its principles to specific behaviour or evidence. Make the relationship between the theory and the example explicit rather than simply naming a psychological concept.
Research methods help students understand how psychological evidence is collected, interpreted and evaluated. A strong understanding of methodology also supports critical analysis of studies used in written responses.
Begin with a focused introduction, develop paragraphs around relevant arguments and supporting research, and conclude by answering the question. Include evaluation where required and avoid describing studies without explaining their relevance.
Biological explanations focus on physiological processes, cognitive explanations examine mental processes, and sociocultural explanations consider social and cultural influences. Compare how each approach explains the behaviour in question.
Choose studies that directly support the point you are making and explain their findings accurately. Follow the evidence with analysis that connects it to the psychological concept or argument.
Arrange notes by syllabus topic and psychological concept, linking each concept to relevant research and evaluation points. Keep summaries concise enough for revision while retaining the details needed to explain and critically assess the evidence.
One real 1-on-1 lesson with your assigned IB Examiner. No sales call.