Example Essay: Research methods (case studies) in the biological approach

Travis DixonBiological Psychology, Research Methodology, Revision and Exam Preparation

Essays on research methods and ethical considerations are the hardest to write in IB Psychology exams. Here is an example essay on the use of case studies in the biological approach. Notice how the essay has a good balance between explaining the method (central argument), using studies (supporting evidence) and explaining limitations (counter-arguments).  Read More:  Example Essay: Technological Techniques 10 …

IA Graph: How to create the perfect graph for your IB Psychology IA

Travis DixonInternal Assessment (IB)

Your graph must be accurate and “address the hypothesis.” In this post we’ll look at how you can create the perfect IA graph for the IB Psychology IA.  Your research hypothesis will be based on the effect of an independent variable on a dependent variable. To test this hypothesis you created two conditions (I hope) in your experiment to see …

Mean, median or mode? How to apply descriptive statistics for the IA.

Travis DixonInternal Assessment (IB)

Read carefully so you’ll know how to apply descriptive statistics for the IA PROPERLY! (Or watch the video explanation here). I will freely admit, that I can’t explain it any clearer than what’s included on this excellent post on MyIB. Perhaps the most value I can offer is to make people aware of this resource. Before we look at what you have …

How to write the IA Introduction

Travis DixonInternal Assessment (IB)

Knowing how to write the IA Introduction for IB Psychology can be difficult. This post gives a few tips to make it easier. While there is no prescribed way to write your IA Introduction in IB Psychology. if you’re struggling to get started the following format might help. However, feel free to structure it in a way that makes sense …

How to evaluate correlational studies….PROPERLY!

Travis DixonRevision and Exam Preparation, Teaching Ideas

“This study was correlational but correlation doesn’t mean causation.” If you think this is critical thinking, think again! Let’s look at three ways to PROPERLY evaluate correlational studies. A correlational study is when researchers measure the strength of a relationship between co-variables by calculating a correlation coefficient.  In order to show critical thinking you must give specific reasons why we can’t deduce …

Broken Video Links – Replacement videos for IB Psychology A Student’s Guide TSPs.

Travis DixonProducts, Teaching Ideas, Themantics

This post is designed to help teachers find replacement videos when those in the TSPs for “IB Psychology: A Student’s Guide” are removed. This is also a Facebook thread in our IB Psychology Teacher’s Group but that post can be difficult to manage. Organizing them here I hope will be more helpful.  1: Introduction 2: Criminology 2.2b: BBC Documentary: How …

Stress and the Hippocampus

Travis DixonHealth Psychology

The following is adapted from our eBook for Health Psychology: “Stress and how to cope: A Health Psychology guide for IB Students” (Available here). Not all of this content could make the final cut. So read on if you’re interested in how your hippocampus could be causing you stress.  IB Psych Health: This content is relevant for biological explanations of health problems …