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🧠 IB Group 3 — Individuals & Societies

IB Psychology Tutoring by Active IB Examiners

Expert 1-on-1 online tutoring for IB Psychology HL and SL. All three approaches — Biological, Cognitive, Sociocultural. IA experimental study guidance, Paper 1, 2 & 3 exam technique, and option coaching by IB Examiners who mark the real papers.

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Core approaches
4
Options available
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Both levels
IA
Experimental study
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✓ IB Psychology HL & SL — all 3 approaches
✓ All 4 options (Abnormal, Relationships, Health, Sport)
✓ IA experimental study — design to write-up
✓ Paper 3 research methodology (HL)
✓ Sessions recorded on Sev7n LMS

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About IB Psychology

What is IB Psychology HL & SL?

IB Psychology is a Group 3 (Individuals & Societies) subject that examines human thought, emotion, and behaviour through three scientific approaches — Biological (brain, genetics, hormones), Cognitive (mental processes, memory, thinking), and Sociocultural (social and cultural influences). Students must be able to apply evidence from real research studies to all three perspectives.

IB Psychology HL (240 hours) adds HL Extensions to each approach — deeper content on topics like localisation of brain function, reliability of cognitive processes, and cultural dimensions. HL also requires Paper 3, which tests research methodology in depth. SL (150 hours) covers the same core approaches and option, with Paper 1 and Paper 2 only.

The most important skill in IB Psychology is the ability to use research studies as evidence. Every Paper 1 and Paper 2 answer requires students to name specific studies, describe their methodology and results, and evaluate their strengths and limitations. Our IB Examiner tutors build this study-bank and evaluation skill systematically.

🧠 The key skill: using studies as evidence
Unlike most IB subjects, Psychology is almost entirely essay-based. Every SAQ and ERQ requires students to accurately describe research studies and evaluate their methodology, ethics, and generalisability. The examiner is looking for specific study knowledge — not just general claims.
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Entirely essay-based assessment
All IB Psychology papers are written answers — SAQs (9 marks) and ERQs (22 marks). There are no multiple choice questions. Structured essay technique is essential and must be trained explicitly.
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Study knowledge is non-negotiable
Students need to know at least 2-3 research studies per topic — researcher names, methodology, findings, and specific evaluation points. Our examiners build a study bank for every approach and option.
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IA requires real experimental design
The IB Psychology IA is a partial replication of a published study. Students must understand independent and dependent variables, random allocation, inferential statistics, and ethical considerations. Our examiners coach every stage.
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Valuable for Medicine, Social Science & Law
IB Psychology HL is valued by universities for Medicine, Psychiatry, Law, Social Work, Education, and Social Sciences programmes — demonstrating both scientific and analytical writing ability.
The Three Approaches

Biological, Cognitive & Sociocultural — all covered

IB Psychology is structured around three scientific approaches to human behaviour. HL students must also cover the HL Extension for each approach. Our examiners coach all three to exam standard.

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Biological Approach
How biology shapes behaviour
Core content
Brain & behaviour Neurotransmitters Hormones Genetics & behaviour Brain scanning methods
HL Extension only
Localisation of brain function Neuroplasticity Genetics in depth
Key studies to know
Raine et al. (brain scanning) Maguire et al. (taxi drivers) Caspi et al. (genetics) Luby et al. (stress & hippocampus)
The biological approach examines how the brain, nervous system, hormones, and genetic factors influence human behaviour and mental processes. Students must evaluate studies using brain imaging, case studies, and genetic research — assessing their reliability, validity, and ethical considerations.
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Cognitive Approach
How mental processes shape behaviour
Core content
Schema theory Models of memory Thinking & decision-making Cognitive biases Reliability of cognitive processes
HL Extension only
Emotion & cognition Intuitive & analytical thinking
Key studies to know
Loftus & Palmer (eyewitness memory) Bartlett (schema theory) Kahneman (thinking fast & slow) Flashbulb memory studies
The cognitive approach examines internal mental processes — how people perceive, remember, think, and make decisions. Students evaluate research on memory reliability, cognitive biases, and schema theory, assessing how internal representations can be inaccurate or distorted.
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Sociocultural Approach
How society and culture shape behaviour
Core content
Social identity theory Social cognitive theory Cultural influences Stereotyping & discrimination Conformity & obedience
HL Extension only
Enculturation & acculturation Cultural dimensions (Hofstede)
Key studies to know
Tajfel & Turner (social identity) Milgram (obedience) Bandura (social learning) Berry (acculturation)
The sociocultural approach examines how people are influenced by social groups, cultural norms, and interpersonal relationships. Students evaluate studies on conformity, obedience, social identity, cultural variation in behaviour, and the role of culture in psychological development.
Options

The four IB Psychology options

Students study one option in depth. Abnormal Psychology is the most commonly offered. Our examiners cover all four — ask which option your school teaches.

Most common
Abnormal Psychology
Normality vs abnormality Diagnosis (DSM/ICD) Validity & reliability of diagnosis Etiology of disorders Treatment approaches Biomedical vs psychological treatment
Covers definitions of abnormality, classification systems (DSM-5, ICD-11), diagnosis validity and reliability, etiological explanations of mental disorders (biological, cognitive, sociocultural), and biomedical vs psychological treatment approaches. Students typically study 2-3 disorders in depth (e.g. depression, OCD, PTSD, or eating disorders). Evaluating treatment efficacy is heavily tested.
Group 3 crossover
Human Relationships
Personal relationships Attraction & formation Romantic relationships Interpersonal violence Group dynamics Conflict & conflict resolution
Examines formation, maintenance, and breakdown of personal relationships, attraction, romantic relationships, and the role of biological and cultural factors. Also covers group dynamics, prejudice, discrimination, social influence, and social change. Provides strong connections to the sociocultural approach.
Growing popularity
Health Psychology
Health beliefs & behaviour Stress & health Stress management Addictive behaviour Health promotion Prevention of ill-health
Explores the psychological factors that influence health and illness — health belief models, the relationship between stress and physical health, addiction theories and treatment, barriers to health promotion, and evidence-based interventions for improving health behaviours. Increasingly popular as students connect psychology to medicine and public health careers.
Niche
Sport & Exercise Psychology
Motivation in sport Arousal & performance Anxiety in sport Group dynamics in sport Exercise & mental health Imagery & self-talk
Applies psychological theories to sport and exercise contexts — motivation, self-efficacy, arousal-performance relationships (inverted U, catastrophe theory), anxiety management, team cohesion, exercise addiction, and the mental health benefits of physical activity. Less commonly offered but well-defined and highly scorable.
Assessment

How IB Psychology is assessed

IB Psychology is entirely essay-based — SAQs and ERQs across four papers (three for HL). Our examiners coach every paper and every command term.

Paper 1 — Core Approaches
SL 50% / HL 40%
SL: 2h · HL: 2h — SAQs and ERQ on the three approaches
  • Section A: Three SAQs (one per approach) — 9 marks each · choose 3 from 3
  • Section B: One ERQ from two options — 22 marks
  • ERQ question comes from one approach only — students choose which
  • Both SAQs and ERQ require specific study evidence and evaluation
  • HL: same paper structure as SL
SL & HL
Paper 2 — Options
SL 25% / HL 20%
SL: 1h · HL: 1h — ERQs on your chosen option
  • Two ERQ questions from the option studied — choose one
  • 22 marks — same format as Paper 1 ERQ
  • Requires specific study evidence from the option topic
  • Abnormal Psychology ERQs typically focus on etiology or treatment
  • Our tutors build the exact study bank needed for your school's option
SL & HL
Paper 3 — Research Methods
HL 20%
HL only · 1h · Based on a novel stimulus text
  • HL only — SL students do not sit Paper 3
  • Based on an unseen piece of qualitative research presented in the paper
  • Questions test methodology: research design, sampling, ethical considerations
  • Qualitative vs quantitative approaches, credibility, reflexivity, triangulation
  • Most HL students find Paper 3 the hardest — our examiners drill it specifically
HL Only
Internal Assessment — Experimental Study
20%
SL & HL · ~1,500–2,200 words · Partial replication
  • Partial replication of a published psychological study
  • Students design an experiment, collect data, and write up results
  • Marked on: Introduction, Exploration (method), Analysis, Evaluation
  • Inferential statistics required — appropriate test must be selected and justified
  • Ethical considerations and debrief must be addressed
  • Our examiners guide study selection, data collection, and statistical analysis
SL & HL
Exam Technique

IB Psychology command terms — what examiners want

Every Psychology question uses a command term that dictates exactly how to structure the answer. Our examiners coach the specific depth and format each term requires.

Outline
SAQ — 9 marks
Give a brief account of the theory or study. No in-depth evaluation required. Name the researcher, describe the methodology, state the key finding, link to the question.
Describe
SAQ — 9 marks
Give a detailed account. More depth than outline. Include the theory, evidence from studies, and specific details about methodology and findings. No evaluation required.
Explain
SAQ / ERQ
Give reasons or causes. Requires connecting the theory or study to the question asked — not just describing it. Show cause-and-effect reasoning with evidence.
Evaluate
ERQ — 22 marks
Make an appraisal — strengths AND limitations. Requires discussing research evidence, methodology quality, ethical considerations, cultural applicability, and a balanced conclusion.
Discuss
ERQ — 22 marks
Offer a balanced review with multiple perspectives. Present different views or studies that support different conclusions. A critical assessment — not just description.
To what extent
ERQ — 22 marks
Consider how far something is true. Present evidence on both sides, weigh it, and arrive at a justified position. Requires nuance — avoiding extreme "yes" or "no" conclusions.
Contrast
ERQ — 22 marks
Give an account of the differences between two or more items. Must explicitly compare — not describe each separately. Direct comparison sentences required throughout.
Compare and contrast
ERQ — 22 marks
Give both similarities and differences. The most comprehensive command term — requires identifying what two things have in common AND how they differ, with specific evidence.
Why Sev7n

Why Sev7n for IB Psychology tutoring

1
Examiners who mark Paper 1, 2 & 3
Our IB Psychology tutors are active IB Examiners. They know exactly what differentiates a 9/9 SAQ from a 6/9, how ERQs are marked against the markband descriptors, and what Paper 3 qualitative methodology questions are actually testing.
2
Study bank built for every approach
IB Psychology requires knowing specific studies — researcher names, methodology, findings, and limitations — for every approach and option. Our tutors build a comprehensive, organised study bank for every student, not just a list to memorise.
3
SAQ & ERQ structure drilled to exam standard
The most common reason Psychology students lose marks is poor essay structure — not lack of knowledge. Our examiners teach the exact paragraph format, evidence integration technique, and evaluation depth required for each command term.
4
Paper 3 research methodology (HL)
Paper 3 is the hardest paper for most HL students. Our examiners coach qualitative research methodology, credibility criteria, triangulation, and reflexivity — all regularly tested concepts that most school teachers do not cover adequately.
5
IA study selection and statistics
Choosing the right study to replicate, designing the experiment correctly, and selecting the appropriate inferential test are all major IA challenges. Our examiners guide every decision — from study selection through to statistical analysis and write-up.
6
Sessions recorded on Sev7n LMS
Every IB Psychology session is saved to your dashboard. Replay study bank summaries, essay structure coaching, and command term walkthroughs as many times as needed before exams.
Student Stories

What IB Psychology students say about Sev7n

★★★★★

"My IB Psychology ERQs were too descriptive — I was writing everything I knew about a topic without actually evaluating it. My Sev7n tutor showed me the exact paragraph structure for each command term. My Paper 1 ERQ score jumped from 13/22 to 20/22 in two months."

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Priya K.
Student · IB Psychology HL · Singapore · 2024
★★★★★

"IB Psychology Paper 3 was a complete mystery to me — I didn't know what 'credibility criteria' or 'reflexivity' meant. My examiner tutor broke down every research methodology concept and showed me exactly how Paper 3 stimulus questions are answered. I scored well above what I expected."

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Aditya R.
Student · IB Psychology HL · Mumbai · 2024
★★★★★

"My IB Psychology IA study selection was completely wrong — I had chosen a study that wasn't replicable in a school setting. My Sev7n tutor helped me redesign from scratch, choose an appropriate study, and walk me through the inferential statistics. IA score was 21/24."

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Riya S.
Student · IB Psychology SL · Delhi · 2023
★★★★★

"My daughter was overwhelmed by the number of studies to know for IB Psychology. Her Sev7n tutor organised them into a clear study bank by approach and topic — with the key details for each in a format she could actually use in the exam. She went from a 4 to a 7."

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Vikram N.
Father · IB Psychology HL · Dubai · 2024
FAQs

IB Psychology — frequently asked questions

What are the hardest parts of IB Psychology? +
Most students struggle with: (1) ERQ structure and evaluation depth — many students describe instead of evaluate; (2) Paper 3 research methodology for HL — qualitative methods, credibility, reflexivity, and triangulation are rarely taught well in school; (3) Study knowledge under exam conditions — knowing the right researcher, study, and evaluation point for each question; (4) Abnormal Psychology option — etiology and treatment efficacy questions require both scientific depth and balanced argument. Our examiner tutors target all four systematically.
How many studies do I need to know for IB Psychology? +
A realistic minimum is 2-3 studies per topic across all three approaches plus your option. For HL, you also need studies for the HL extensions in each approach. That means approximately 15-20 studies with full details — researcher name, research method, sample, findings, and at least two evaluation points per study. Our tutors build this bank systematically, organised by approach and topic, so students can retrieve the right study quickly in an exam.
What is IB Psychology Paper 3? +
Paper 3 is an HL-only paper (SL students do not sit it). It presents students with a novel piece of qualitative psychological research — typically an interview-based or observational study — and asks methodology questions about it. Students are tested on: research design, sampling methods, ethical considerations, qualitative data analysis, credibility criteria, reflexivity, and triangulation. Most HL students find it the hardest paper because schools often under-prepare for the qualitative methodology component. Our examiners coach Paper 3 systematically as a distinct skill set.
How is the IB Psychology IA different from other science IAs? +
The IB Psychology IA is a partial replication of a published psychological study — not an original investigation. Students find a simple cognitive or perception experiment from published psychology research, replicate it with their own sample, and write up the results. Unlike Biology or Chemistry IAs, there is no original research design required — students follow the original study's method. The write-up (1,500-2,200 words) must include: Introduction (theory and original study), Exploration (your replication method), Analysis (descriptive and inferential statistics), Evaluation (strengths, limitations, ethics). Our examiners guide study selection, data collection, and the full write-up.
Which IB Psychology option is best? +
The "best" option depends on your school's offering — most schools only teach one option, so you may not have a choice. If you do have flexibility: Abnormal Psychology is the most common and has the most available study resources. Human Relationships connects well to the sociocultural approach. Health Psychology is increasingly popular for students interested in medicine or public health. Sport Psychology is niche but well-defined and highly scorable if your school offers it. Our tutors cover all four options — just let us know which your school teaches.
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