IB Psychology SL

IB Psychology SL explores the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, emphasizing critical thinking and research methods.

Basic Concepts

Introduction to Psychology

What is Psychology?

Psychology is the fascinating scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It explores how we think, feel, and act—both as individuals and within groups. Psychologists aim to uncover the mysteries of the human mind by asking questions like: Why do people dream? How does memory work? What influences our decisions?

Major Approaches in Psychology

There are several main approaches that help us understand behavior:

  • Biological Approach: Looks at the brain, genes, and hormones.
  • Cognitive Approach: Focuses on mental processes like thinking and memory.
  • Sociocultural Approach: Considers how society and culture influence behavior.

Why Study Psychology?

Studying psychology helps us understand ourselves and others better. It can improve our relationships, help us handle stress, and make sense of behaviors we see every day.

Everyday Psychology

The skills you develop in psychology—like critical thinking and empathy—are useful in nearly every part of life!

Examples

  • A psychologist studying why people obey authority figures.

  • Someone applying memory techniques to improve their exam scores.

In a Nutshell

The scientific study of behavior and mental processes, using different approaches.

Key Terms

Behavior
Observable actions of people and animals.
Mental processes
Internal experiences such as feelings, thoughts, and memories.
Empirical
Based on evidence collected through observation or experiment.