Mocks And Finals in IB Psychology
What do before Mocks and Finals? (Quick guide)
Step 1: Review the Command terms => internalise what is expected of an answer with each command term. Pay close attention to the Assessment Objectives (AOs). Note that SAQs and essays/ERQs have different AOs.
Step 2: Review the Assessment criteria => internalize what is expected of your response in both SAQ and essays/ERQs. Make connections with the command terms and AOs.
Step 3: Review the Syllabus => questions in the Finals are based on the bolded Topics, Contents and Relevant to all topics are: parts. SAQs (AO1 and AO2) are formulated based on the bolded Topics, Contents and the parts under Content headings in italics. Essays/ERQs (AO3) are formulated based on the Topics and Contents parts. Questions on ethical considerations and research methods (Relevant to all topics are:) are formulated based on the bolded Topic headings at AO1, AO2 and AO3 level.
Step 4: Make sure that you have enough relevant content, terms and theories and at least two pieces of research in terms of aim, procedure and results for each Topics, Contents and Relevant to all topics are: parts in the syllabus. Do not forget critical thinking as a part of your answer!
Good luck!
Step 2: Review the Assessment criteria => internalize what is expected of your response in both SAQ and essays/ERQs. Make connections with the command terms and AOs.
Step 3: Review the Syllabus => questions in the Finals are based on the bolded Topics, Contents and Relevant to all topics are: parts. SAQs (AO1 and AO2) are formulated based on the bolded Topics, Contents and the parts under Content headings in italics. Essays/ERQs (AO3) are formulated based on the Topics and Contents parts. Questions on ethical considerations and research methods (Relevant to all topics are:) are formulated based on the bolded Topic headings at AO1, AO2 and AO3 level.
Step 4: Make sure that you have enough relevant content, terms and theories and at least two pieces of research in terms of aim, procedure and results for each Topics, Contents and Relevant to all topics are: parts in the syllabus. Do not forget critical thinking as a part of your answer!
Good luck!
About Mocks And Finals
For Standard Level (SL) there will be two papers in the finals (total 3 hours). For Higher Level (HL) there will be three papers in the finals (total 5 hours).
Paper 1: Core (2 hours for both SL and HL)
Section A: Three Short-Answer Questions (SAQs) on the core approaches (biological, cognitive and sociocultural) to psychology. Total 27 marks.
Section B: One essay or Extended Response Question (ERQ) from a choice of three on core approaches (biological, cognitive and sociocultural) to behaviour. One, two or all of the essays will reference the additional HL topic with HL students. Total 22 marks.
Total 49 marks for both SL and HL
Paper 2: Options (1 hour for SL and 2 hours for HL)
Standard level: One ERQ from a choice of three on one option. Total 22 marks.
Higher level: Two ERQs; one from a choice of three on each of two options. Total 44 marks.
Paper 3: Approaches to research (1 hour, HL only)
Consists of a research scenario, a stimulus material, followed by three sets of SAQs. The questions are always the same in Paper 3. You can see the question options below. Total 24 marks.
Examples of papers and markschemes can be found here.
All mock examinations in Lyseo will simulate all the papers mentioned above with old paper questions!
Paper 1: Core (2 hours for both SL and HL)
Section A: Three Short-Answer Questions (SAQs) on the core approaches (biological, cognitive and sociocultural) to psychology. Total 27 marks.
Section B: One essay or Extended Response Question (ERQ) from a choice of three on core approaches (biological, cognitive and sociocultural) to behaviour. One, two or all of the essays will reference the additional HL topic with HL students. Total 22 marks.
Total 49 marks for both SL and HL
Paper 2: Options (1 hour for SL and 2 hours for HL)
Standard level: One ERQ from a choice of three on one option. Total 22 marks.
Higher level: Two ERQs; one from a choice of three on each of two options. Total 44 marks.
Paper 3: Approaches to research (1 hour, HL only)
Consists of a research scenario, a stimulus material, followed by three sets of SAQs. The questions are always the same in Paper 3. You can see the question options below. Total 24 marks.
Examples of papers and markschemes can be found here.
All mock examinations in Lyseo will simulate all the papers mentioned above with old paper questions!
Key things to remember when answering in mocks and finals
Key things to remember when writing your SAQ answers
1. The length of a good response is somewhere between 300-400 words.
2. The response should be fully focused on the question and meet the command term requirements.
3. The response should be supported by appropriate research which is described and explicitly linked to the question.
4. In addition to research, the response should contain appropriate terminology, content and theorie(s) related to the question.
5. Evaluations of studies are NOT needed in SAQs.
Key things to remember when writing your essay or ERQ answers
1. The length of a good response is 800+ words.
2. Your introduction should define terms and outline how you are going to answer the question. Introduction should explain the focus of your answer. (Criterion A. Focus on the questions, 2 marks)
3. You need to outline any theories and contents and use appropriate terminology. Whenever you use a term, clarify its meaning. Terms should be written and used correctly in context. There should be no contradictions in terms. (Criterion B. Knowledge and understanding, 6 marks)
4. You need at least TWO pieces of research. All research must be described in terms of its AIM, PROCEDURE and RESULTS. Studies should cast different light to the question. Differences should be established. (Criterion C. Use of research to support the answer, 6 marks)
5. All critical thinking must be relevant to the demands of the question. Critical thinking should be genuine critical thinking, not memorized. Critical thinking can be creative. Critical thinking should be holistic, linked to every aspect of your response. (Criterion D. Critical thinking, 6 marks)
6. Your response should meet the command term. Carefully read the question before answering. Plan your response before writing. (Criterion E. Clarity and organization, 2 marks)
Key things to remember in Paper 3 answers
1. The stimulus material in Paper 3 may be quantitative, qualitative or both at the same time. The question "Identify the research method used and outline two characteristics of the method" is crucial in this sense. Be specific with the research method. Make sure that you use the right kind of terminology with each type of research.
2. Remember to reference the stimulus material.
3. Question 2 should contain SIX different ethical considerations. One ethical consideration per one point. In addition, both question options in question two contain application of ethical considerations. Make sure to link your SIX ethical considerations to approproate applications relevant to the questions.
4. Question 3 is a mini-essay. Like in the instruction 1., proper use of terminology is essential. Make sure that you use the right kind of terminology with each type of research.
(5. If the stimulus material is about an experiment, you might be able to use the information and skills acquired from your IA task in Paper 3.)
1. The length of a good response is somewhere between 300-400 words.
2. The response should be fully focused on the question and meet the command term requirements.
3. The response should be supported by appropriate research which is described and explicitly linked to the question.
4. In addition to research, the response should contain appropriate terminology, content and theorie(s) related to the question.
5. Evaluations of studies are NOT needed in SAQs.
Key things to remember when writing your essay or ERQ answers
1. The length of a good response is 800+ words.
2. Your introduction should define terms and outline how you are going to answer the question. Introduction should explain the focus of your answer. (Criterion A. Focus on the questions, 2 marks)
3. You need to outline any theories and contents and use appropriate terminology. Whenever you use a term, clarify its meaning. Terms should be written and used correctly in context. There should be no contradictions in terms. (Criterion B. Knowledge and understanding, 6 marks)
4. You need at least TWO pieces of research. All research must be described in terms of its AIM, PROCEDURE and RESULTS. Studies should cast different light to the question. Differences should be established. (Criterion C. Use of research to support the answer, 6 marks)
5. All critical thinking must be relevant to the demands of the question. Critical thinking should be genuine critical thinking, not memorized. Critical thinking can be creative. Critical thinking should be holistic, linked to every aspect of your response. (Criterion D. Critical thinking, 6 marks)
6. Your response should meet the command term. Carefully read the question before answering. Plan your response before writing. (Criterion E. Clarity and organization, 2 marks)
Key things to remember in Paper 3 answers
1. The stimulus material in Paper 3 may be quantitative, qualitative or both at the same time. The question "Identify the research method used and outline two characteristics of the method" is crucial in this sense. Be specific with the research method. Make sure that you use the right kind of terminology with each type of research.
2. Remember to reference the stimulus material.
3. Question 2 should contain SIX different ethical considerations. One ethical consideration per one point. In addition, both question options in question two contain application of ethical considerations. Make sure to link your SIX ethical considerations to approproate applications relevant to the questions.
4. Question 3 is a mini-essay. Like in the instruction 1., proper use of terminology is essential. Make sure that you use the right kind of terminology with each type of research.
(5. If the stimulus material is about an experiment, you might be able to use the information and skills acquired from your IA task in Paper 3.)
Files Related to Mocks And Finals
Critical thinking and essay answers
Holistic critical thinking in essays
MAGEC for critical thinking-
This file helps you memorise key elements of critical thinking for you essay answers.
GRENADE for critical thinking
Paper 3 Ethical Considerations
How to Study for Mocks And Finals?
What to do before examinations?
Use the guide!
(1) Syllabus content: All the contents in core and options include Topics, Contents and Relevant to all the topics are: parts. Questions in the finals are based on all these elements. If you can understand and master the things that are under each key term in the syllabus, you are on your way to pass your exams in IB Psychology.
(2) Assessment: Assessment outline (SL and HL) and external assessment criteria (SL and HL). Pay close attention to the following criteria:
(A) Focus on the question (opening the problem/issue + outlining the essay),
(B) Knowledge and understanding (theories, terminology and content),
(C) Use of research to support answer (studies described in terms of aim, procedure and results),
(D) Critical thinking (synthesis, evaluation and application of content, theories and studies) and
(E) Clarity and organization (consistency in meeting the command term).
A good essay answer in Paper 1 and Paper 2 meets all these criteria. HL students should study the assessment outline and criteria for Paper 3 as well.
(3) Appendices: Glossary of command terms. Command terms are hugely important because the tell you what is expected of the answer.
Study how the command terms and assessment objectives and criteria are connected.
Use ALL the materials
- Popov's, Parker's and Sheat's textbook
- Teacher's additional materials in peda.net
- Lesson presentations
- Individual and group work outputs in ManageBac
- Your individual notes
Pay close attention on how the concepts, studies and theories you have learned are connected with the syllabus content and assessment criteria.
What to do in an examination situation?
- Carefully read the question
- Pay close attention to the command term
- Plan your answer before writing anything
- Write your answers with clear and logical structure
Use the guide!
(1) Syllabus content: All the contents in core and options include Topics, Contents and Relevant to all the topics are: parts. Questions in the finals are based on all these elements. If you can understand and master the things that are under each key term in the syllabus, you are on your way to pass your exams in IB Psychology.
(2) Assessment: Assessment outline (SL and HL) and external assessment criteria (SL and HL). Pay close attention to the following criteria:
(A) Focus on the question (opening the problem/issue + outlining the essay),
(B) Knowledge and understanding (theories, terminology and content),
(C) Use of research to support answer (studies described in terms of aim, procedure and results),
(D) Critical thinking (synthesis, evaluation and application of content, theories and studies) and
(E) Clarity and organization (consistency in meeting the command term).
A good essay answer in Paper 1 and Paper 2 meets all these criteria. HL students should study the assessment outline and criteria for Paper 3 as well.
(3) Appendices: Glossary of command terms. Command terms are hugely important because the tell you what is expected of the answer.
Study how the command terms and assessment objectives and criteria are connected.
Use ALL the materials
- Popov's, Parker's and Sheat's textbook
- Teacher's additional materials in peda.net
- Lesson presentations
- Individual and group work outputs in ManageBac
- Your individual notes
Pay close attention on how the concepts, studies and theories you have learned are connected with the syllabus content and assessment criteria.
What to do in an examination situation?
- Carefully read the question
- Pay close attention to the command term
- Plan your answer before writing anything
- Write your answers with clear and logical structure
Warning!
RED FLAG! Don't use the following sites to study for the mocks and the finals!
IB Psych Notes
Former IB Psychology student's website
IB Guides – Psychology
Database created by Finnish IB Psychology students
IB Psychology
Website that doesn't help you to get a 7 in IB Psychology
These websites are not created by the IBO officials nor professional IB Psychology teachers. They might come in handy extreme emergency situation, but all the examples might not be relevant and there might not be enough information on the studies. Some information is simply wrong. In addition, evidence of critical thinking is almost always missing.
IB Psych Notes
Former IB Psychology student's website
IB Guides – Psychology
Database created by Finnish IB Psychology students
IB Psychology
Website that doesn't help you to get a 7 in IB Psychology
These websites are not created by the IBO officials nor professional IB Psychology teachers. They might come in handy extreme emergency situation, but all the examples might not be relevant and there might not be enough information on the studies. Some information is simply wrong. In addition, evidence of critical thinking is almost always missing.