This guide features:

• Psychological theory succinctly presented with relevant terminology
• Tabulated evaluation of the strengths and limitations of classic and more recent research studies supporting psychological theory
• Methods frequently used in psychology investigation, with their strengths and limitations
• Higher Level extensions clearly indicated and fully covered
• Criteria for keeping research within ethical guidelines
• Exam-type questions to practise short-answer and essay-response question skills

It is valid for external assessment to November 2025.

Table of contents:

The biological approach to understanding human behaviour

• Introduction to the Biological Approach
• The Brain and Behaviour
• Hormones and Their Effect on Human Behaviour
• Pheromones and Their Effect on Human Behaviour
• Genetics and Behaviour
• Evolutionary Explanations of Behaviour
• The value of animal models in research to provide insight into human behaviour (Higher Level only)
• Ethical Considerations in Animal Research (Higher Level only)
• Research Methods, Designs, and Techniques Used in the Biological Approach to Understanding Behaviour
• Strengths and Limitations: Biological Approach
• Ethical Considerations: Research Methods Used in the Biological Approach
• Exam-style Practice Questions: The Biological Approach

  The Cognitive Approach to Understanding Human Behaviour

• Introduction to the Cognitive Approach
• Cognitive Processing: Models of Memory
• Cognitive Processing: Schema Theory
• Cognitive Processing: Thinking and Decision-Making
• Reliability of Cognitive Processes: Reconstructive Memory
• Reliability of Cognitive Processes: Biases in Thinking and Decision-Making
• Emotion and Cognition: The Influence of Emotion on Cognitive Processes
• Cognitive Processing in the Digital World (Higher Level only)
• Research Methods Used in the Cognitive Approach to Understanding Behaviour
• Strengths and Limitations: Cognitive Approach
• Ethical Considerations: Research Methods Used in the Cognitive Approach
• Exam-style Practice Questions: The Cognitive Approach

  The Sociocultural Approach to Understanding Human Behaviour

• Introduction to the Sociocultural Approach
• The Individual and the Group: Social Identity Theory
• The Individual and the Group: Social Cognitive Theory
• Cultural Origins of Behaviour and Cognition
• Cultural Attitudes on Individual Attitudes, Identity, and Behaviours: Enculturation and Acculturation
• The Influence of Globalisation on Behaviours (Higher Level only)
• Research Methods Used in the Sociocultural Approach to Understanding Behaviour
• Strengths and Limitations: Sociocultural Approach to Understanding Behaviour
• Ethical Considerations: Sociocultural research to Understanding Behaviour
• Exam-style Practice Questions: The Sociocultural Approach

  Approaches To Researching Behaviour (HL)

• Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology
• Elements of Researching Behaviour
• Analysing Data
• Evaluating Research
• Drawing Conclusions
• Your Paper 3 Examination (Higher Level only)
• Stimulus Response Practice Question: Paper 3

  Paper 2 Option – Developmental Psychology

• Influences on Cognitive and Social Development
• Developing an Identity
• Developing as a Learner
• Ethical Considerations
• Key Research
• Essay-response Exam Questions: Developmental Psychology

  Paper 2 Option – Abnormal Psychology

• Factors influencing diagnosis
• Etiology of abnormal conditions
• Treatment of disorders
• Ethical Considerations
• Key research studies
• Essay Response Practice Questions: Abnormal Psychology

  Paper 2 Option – Human Relationships

• Personal Relationships
• Group Dynamics
• Social Responsibility
• Ethical Considerations
• Key research studies
• Essay Response Practice Questions: Psychology of human relationships

  Paper 2 Option – Health Psychology

• Determinants of Health
• Health Problems
• Promoting Health
• Ethical Considerations
• Key research studies
• Essay Response Practice Questions: Health Psychology