Group 3: Individuals and Societies

Introduction

Psychology is a Group 3 subject and is most appropriately defined as the systematic study of behaviour and experience. The study of Psychology allows students to develop insights into how individuals make sense of the world, how they relate to others and how they learn.

Course Description

The IB Psychology syllabus at higher and standard levels is divided into four parts: core, options, research methodology and experimental study. Standard level students complete one less option compared to higher level students. Psychology is a growing discipline across a very wide range of learning areas including the traditional Arts and Science subjects, as well as Business and Media subjects. It is also an integral component of all Education and Health subjects.

Content

Core (HL & SL)

• Biological
• Cognitive
• Socio-cultural

Options (HL & SL)

• Abnormal Psychology
• Health Psychology

HL Only

• Qualitative Research methodology

Assessment Higher & Standard Level

Examination 75%

Paper 1

HL (2 hours, 35%) | SL (2 hours, 50%)

Paper 1 assesses the core of the syllabus: the biological, cognitive and sociocultural levels of analysis.

Section A

The purpose of this section is to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of all three levels of analysis.

Section B

The purpose of this section is to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the levels of analysis.

Paper 2

HL (2 hours, 25%) | SL (1 hour, 25%)

The purpose of this paper is to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the option studied and to give students the opportunity to demonstrate application of psychological research, analysis, synthesis and evaluation in relation to the option.

Paper 2 consists of fifteen questions on the five options, three on each of the following options: Abnormal psychology, Developmental psychology, Health psychology, Psychology of human relationships, Sport psychology.

Paper 3 (HL Only)

(1 hour, 20%)

The purpose of paper 3 is to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of qualitative research methodology. This paper consists of questions based on an abstract or an extract from a study, interview, observation or scenario

Internal Assessment 25%

Students undertake a simple experimental study. Additional requirements are made of the Higher Level students, for example, they are required to apply an inferential statistical test to the data they gather.

The weighting is:

• 20% for the Higher Level students; and
• 25% for the Standard Level students.

The internal assessment for this subject is usually finalised in Term 2, Year 2 of the Programme.

Introduction

Business Management is a rigorous and dynamic discipline that examines business decision-making processes and how these decisions impact on and are affected by internal and external environments. It is the study of both the way in which individuals and groups interact in an organisation and of the transformation of resources. The course is designed to develop an understanding of business theory, as well as an ability to apply business principles, practices and skills. The application of tools and techniques of analysis facilitates an appreciation of complex business activities. The Business Management course aims to help students understand the implications of business activity in a global market. It is designed to give students an international perspective of business and to promote their appreciation of cultural diversity through the study of topics like international marketing, human resource management, growth and business strategy.

Content

HL and SL core

Topic 1: Business organisation and environment

Topic 2: Human resources

Topic 3: Accounts and finance

Topic 4: Marketing

Topic 5: Operations management

HL only

Topic 6: Business strategy

Standard Level Assessment

Examination 75%

Paper 1

(1¼ hours) 35%

Based on a case study issued in advance

• Section A – Students answer two of three structured questions.
• Section B – Students answer one compulsory structured question including evaluative skills.

Paper 2

(1¾ hours) 40%

• Section A – Students answer one of two structured questions based on stimulus material with a quantitative element.
• Section B – Students answer two of three structured questions based on stimulus material.

Internal Assessment 25%

Written Commentary

Based on three to five supporting documents about a real issue or problem facing a particular organisation.

This assessment is completed over a number of weeks and assessed by the teacher. It is then moderated by an external examiner appointed by the IBO.

Higher Level Assessment

Examination 75%

Paper 1

(2¼ hours) 40%

Based on a case study issued in advance

• Section A – Students answer two of three structured questions.
• Section B – Students answer one compulsory structured question including evaluative skills.
• Section C – Students answer one compulsory question focusing on strategic decision-making through the use of extension material.

Paper 2

(2¼ hours) 35%

• Section A – Students answer one of two structured questions based on stimulus material with a quantitative element.
• Section B – Students answer two of three structured questions based on stimulus material.

Internal Assessment 25%

Research Project

Students are required to design and undertake research that either addresses an issue facing an organisation or range of organisations or analyses a decision to be made by an organisation or range of organisations.

This assessment is completed over a number of weeks and assessed by the teacher. It is then moderated by an external examiner appointed by the IBO.

Introduction

The 21st century is characterised by rapid change and increasing interconnectedness, impacting individuals and societies in unprecedented ways and creating complex global political challenges. Global politics is an exciting, dynamic subject that draws on a variety of disciplines in the social sciences and humanities, reflecting the complex nature of many contemporary political issues. The study of global politics enables students to critically engage with different and new perspectives and approaches to politics in order to comprehend the challenges of the changing world and become aware of their role in it as active global citizens.

The Diploma Programme global politics course explores fundamental political concepts such as power, equality, sustainability and peace in a range of contexts. It allows students to develop an understanding of the local, national, international and global dimensions of political activity and processes, as well as to explore political issues affecting their own lives. The course helps students to understand abstract political concepts by grounding them in real-world examples and case studies. It also invites comparison between such examples and case studies to ensure a wider and transnational perspective.

The core units of the course together make up a central unifying theme of “people, power and politics”. The emphasis on “people” reflects the fact that the course explores politics not only at a state level but also explores the function and impact of non-state actors, communities, groups and individuals. The concept of “power” is also emphasised as being particularly crucial to understanding the dynamics, tensions and outcomes of global politics. Throughout the course, issues such as conflict, migration or climate change are explored through an explicitly political lens: “politics” provide a uniquely rich context in which to explore the relationship between people and power.

Assessment objective 1: Knowledge and understanding

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of key political concepts and contemporary issues in global politics
• Demonstrate understanding of relevant source material
• Demonstrate understanding of a political issue in a particular experiential situation (engagement activity)
• At HL only, demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of political issues in two detailed case studies

Assessment objective 2: Application and analysis

• Apply knowledge of key political concepts to analyse contemporary political issues in a variety of contexts
• Identify and analyse relevant material and supporting examples
• Use political concepts and examples to formulate, present and sustain an argument
• Apply knowledge of global politics to inform and analyze experiential learning about a political issue (engagement activity)
• At HL only, apply knowledge of global politics to analyse political issues in two case studies

Assessment objective 3: Synthesis and evaluation

• Compare, contrast, synthesize and evaluate evidence from sources and background knowledge
• Compare, contrast, synthesize and evaluate a variety of perspectives and approaches to global politics, and evaluate political beliefs, biases and prejudices, and their origin
• Synthesize and evaluate results of experiential learning and more theoretical perspectives on a political issue (engagement activity)
• At HL only, demonstrate synthesis and evaluation of different approaches to and interpretations of political issues in two case studies

Assessment objective 4: Use and application of appropriate skills

• Produce well-structured written material that uses appropriate terminology
• Organise material into a clear, logical, coherent and relevant response
• Demonstrate evidence of research skills, organisation and referencing (engagement activity and HL extension in particular)
• At HL only, present ideas orally with clarity

Assessment

Standard Level

External Examinations:

Paper 1 (30% – 25 marks)

Stimulus-based paper based on a topic from one of the four core units

Four compulsory short-answer/structured questions

Paper 2 (45% – 50 marks)

Students must write two essays from a choice of eight, each selected from a different core unit

Internal Assessment

This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.

Engagement activity (25% – 20 marks)

A written report (2,000-word maximum) on a political issue explored through engagement and research.

Higher Level

External Examinations:

Paper 1 (20% – 25 marks)

Stimulus-based paper on a topic from one of the four core units

Four compulsory short-answer/structured questions

Paper 2 (40% – 75 marks)

Extended response paper based on the four core units.

Students must write three essays from a choice of eight, each selected from a different core unit

Internal Assessment

These components are internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.

Engagement Activity (20%, 20 marks, 20 hours)

A written report (2,000-word maximum) on a political issue explored through engagement and research

HL extension: global political challenges (20%, 20 marks, 90 hours)

Two video recorded oral presentations (10-minute maximum each) of two case studies chosen from two different HL extension topics