Why change to a themantic approach? Here are four of the key benefits I can see in switching to a themantic approach: It reduces the amount of content knowledge the students need to remember Less content means more time for developing critical thinking and other skills (e.g. writing, research, communication, collaboration, etc.) It increases depth of knowledge and understanding It increases options …
What is the themantic approach?
What is the themantic approach? The traditional and by far the most common way of teaching IB Psychology is to teach it in a linear way,., i.e. teach each approach (level of analysis) and the options topics separately. So, for instance, the course begins with Research Methods, then moves into the BLA (or approaches, as they’re now called), the CLA. And …
The Frontal Lobe and the Prefrontal Cortex
Numerous studies have shown that there are correlations found between brain function (or dysfunction) and behaviour. In order to fully understand these studies, it’s important to have a general understanding of some of the functions of important parts of the brain. The frontal lobe is an important part of the brain to understand. One important function of the frontal lobe is …
Key Study: Moral Dilemmas – The Trolley and the Footbridge
Note: This was in a first draft of our textbook IB Psychology: A Student’s Guide but was later removed because of it’s complexity in nature, and the fact that it doesn’t thread as well as other studies on system one and two decision making. Morality and Decision Making The prefrontal cortex plays a crucial role in executive functions, also known as …
Key Study: Moral judgement and the prefrontal cortex (Ciaramelli, et al)
This study helps to explain how dysfunction in the prefrontal cortex might make people more susceptible to violent and/or impulsive behaviours. Similar to the VHIS, Ciaramelli et al investigated the differences between moral judgements in people with damage to their prefrontal cortex and healthy controls. Their study cites existing research that suggests people with damage to their PFC have “high levels of …
Evaluating Psychological Studies (Quantitative)
Introduction An evaluation requires the explanation of strengths and limitations. Thus, in order to evaluate anything we need to first understand its purpose or what it’s trying to do. So before you can evaluate a study in psychology you must first know and understand what the study is trying to do! Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental …
Evaluating Psychological Theories
Updated Aug 2020 Remember that before you can begin to evaluate a psychological theory you must first know and understand the theory in question. Once you know and understand the theory, including what it is a theory of (i.e. what it’s attempt to explain and how) and the key components of the theory, you can then begin your evaluation. Read More: …
Key Studies: Minimal Group Paradigm (SIT – Tajfel et al)
Background Information Social Identity Theory (read more here) is a theory that attempts to explain inter-group behaviour, and in particular inter-group conflict, discrimination and prejudice. The theory basically explains how four key processes (social comparison, social identity, social categorization and positive distinctiveness) can influence inter-group behaviour. The theory can be used to explain how group conflict may occur, even when there …
Command Terms and Definitions
Updated Aug, 2020 The command terms are the verbs at the start of IB exam questions. While they be important, they are actually far less important than many people think. Command terms in SAQs Short-answer questions (SAQs) may use one of three command terms in IB Psychology exams: outline, describe and explain. However, you don’t need to worry about the …
Key Study: Testosterone,the Brain and Aggression (Goetz et al, 2014)
Background Information Many studies have shown that testosterone can influence levels of aggression. But there haven’t been many studies that show exactly how testosterone may cause aggressive behaviours. The amygdala is a part of the brain associated with emotional response and it prepares our body for fight or flight. Goetz et al hypothesized that testosterone might influence the activity (or reactivity) of the …