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 ...
Basic Concepts

Critical Thinking in Psychology

Thinking Like a Psychologist

Critical thinking means not just accepting information at face value. It’s about asking questions, being curious, and looking for evidence before drawing conclusions.

Skills for Critical Thinking

  • Analyzing Evidence: Is the information reliable? How was it gathered?
  • Identifying Bias: Could the research or interpretation be influenced by personal opinions?
  • Considering Alternatives: Are there other explanations for a behavior?

Why Is This Important?

Psychology often deals with complex human behaviors. Critical thinking helps us avoid jumping to conclusions and ensures that our understanding is based on solid evidence.

In Daily Life

These skills are not just for exams—they help you make better decisions and spot misleading information in the real world.

Examples

  • Reading a news story about a 'miracle cure' and checking if the claims are supported by research.

  • Comparing two studies that find different results and evaluating which is more credible.

In a Nutshell

Critical thinking is about questioning information and looking for solid evidence.

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Biological Approach to Understanding Behavior