IB Psychology Approaches: Biological, Cognitive & Sociocultural Key Topics

Biological Approach

Focuses on the biological aspects of behavior, including brain function and genetics.

Cognitive Approach

Examines internal mental processes such as thinking, memory, and emotion.

Sociocultural Approach

Explores how social and cultural factors influence behavior and cognition.

The Brain and Behaviour

Subtopic under the Biological Approach that includes Technology in Research, Localization of brain function, and Neuroplasticity.

Genetics and Behaviour

Subtopic under the Biological Approach that includes Genetics and Evolution.

Technology in Research

A subtopic under The Brain and Behaviour that involves the use of technology to study brain function.

Localization of brain function

A concept that refers to specific areas of the brain being responsible for particular functions.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

Genetics

The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Evolution

The process through which species change over time through natural selection.

Hormones and Behaviour

A topic under the Biological Approach that examines how hormones influence behavior.

Pheromones

Chemical substances produced and released into the environment by animals, affecting the behavior of others of the same species.

Neurotransmission

The process of communication between neurons through neurotransmitters.

Cognitive Processing

A main topic under the Cognitive Approach that involves how we process information.

Models of Memory

Theoretical frameworks that describe how memory works.

Schema Theory

A cognitive theory that explains how knowledge is organized and used.

Reliability of Cognitive Processing

A main topic that examines the consistency and accuracy of cognitive processes.

Reconstructive memory

The process of remembering by piecing together fragments of memory, which can lead to inaccuracies.

Cognitive Bias

Systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.

Emotion and Cognition

A main topic that explores how emotions influence cognitive processes.

Thinking and decision making

The processes involved in making choices and solving problems.

The Individual and the Group

A main topic under the Sociocultural Approach that examines the relationship between individuals and groups.

Cultural Origins of Behaviour and Cognition

A main topic that studies how culture shapes behavior and cognitive processes.

Social Identity Theory

A theory that explains how individuals derive a sense of identity from their group memberships.

Social Cognitive Theory

A theory that emphasizes the role of observational learning, imitation, and modeling in behavior.

Stereotypes

Oversimplified and generalized beliefs about a group of people.

Culture

The shared beliefs, values, and practices of a group of people.

Cultural Dimension

Framework for understanding how cultures vary in their values and behaviors.

Enculturation

The process by which individuals learn and adopt the values and norms of their culture.

Acculturation

The process of cultural change and adaptation that occurs when individuals from one culture come into contact with another.