IB Psychology SL

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

Introduction to PsychologyResearch Methods in PsychologyCritical Thinking in Psychology
Biological Approach to Understanding BehaviorCognitive Approach to Understanding BehaviorSociocultural Approach to Understanding Behavior
Applying Psychology to Health and WellbeingUsing Psychological Research in EducationPsychology in the Workplace
Effective Exam PreparationAnswering Short and Long Response QuestionsCritical Evaluation Skills
Introduction to Psyc...Research Methods in ...Critical Thinking in...Biological Approach ...Cognitive Approach t...Sociocultural Approa...Applying Psychology ...Using Psychological ...Psychology in the Wo...Effective Exam Prepa...Answering Short and ...Critical Evaluation ...
Advanced Topics

Cognitive Approach to Understanding Behavior

Inside the Mind: Thinking, Memory, and Perception

The cognitive approach studies internal mental processes—like how we think, remember, and solve problems.

Key Concepts

  • Schemas: Mental frameworks that help us organize information.
  • Memory Models: Theories about how information is stored and retrieved.
  • Attention: How we focus on certain things while ignoring others.

Why Is This Important?

Understanding cognition helps us explain why we sometimes forget things, make mistakes, or see the world differently from others.

Application

Cognitive psychology is used in education, therapy, and even technology design, making it a versatile approach for understanding human behavior.

Examples

  • A psychologist investigates why eyewitnesses remember the same event differently.

  • Memory improvement apps use cognitive theories to help people learn better.

In a Nutshell

The cognitive approach explores how we process, store, and use information.

Key Terms

Schema
A mental structure that organizes knowledge.
Cognition
Mental processes like thinking, knowing, and remembering.
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Sociocultural Approach to Understanding Behavior