FAQs for the 2027 curriculum

As you are planning your assessments for the new curriculum, there are bound to be questions that arise. This blog is for those of you who, having looked at the specimen papers, have a few queries about the assessment for this course. While the specific questions may not be as predictable as in the last curriculum, it is still possible for students to practice the questions, applying their knowledge. It is also quite a relief for them, and us, not to have to remember the details of many studies.

2027 Curriculum questions

SAQs 

• What is the difference between Paper 1A questions and Paper 1B questions, in terms of content?

The content is the same for both, in that it is taken from the biological, cognitive, sociocultural tables 3.1-3.3 in the guide. However, 1B questions require the student to apply this content knowledge to an unknown scenario, study or hypothetical situation that is loosely linked to one of the contexts, which will be identified.

• How much detail should students go into about the aim and procedure of their class practical in Paper 2A, Question 1?

We have two class practical exemplars on the site now at We have two class practical exemplars on the site now at Student Writing Samples.  

Students should identify their aim clearly, and include in the procedure their research design, sampling technique and what they did. Ethical considerations do not need to be included.

We have two class practical exemplars on the site now at Students should identify their aim clearly, and include in the procedure their research design, sampling technique and exactly what they did. Ethical considerations do not need to be included.

• Will the graph for Paper 3, Q1 (HL) always have an error on it?

Not necessarily. The question asks students to explain one issue that limits the interpretation of the data in the source. The issue may or may not be related to the accuracy of the graph. It could just as easily be missing details about operationalisation of variables,  unknown details about the sample or sampling technique that limits the interpretation, or limitations related to the type of graph it is.

ERQs

• What is the main difference between Paper 1C question and Paper 2B question? They seem very similar.

In a Paper 1C question, the focus is on knowledge of the context area of study and the concept. Students should be able to discuss a given concept in relation to one of the areas of study from a particular context. They will have a choice of two questions. While ‘Discuss’ is the most likely command term, other AO3 terms are possible.

In a Paper 2B question, the focus is on research methodology and the question will ask students to discuss a research study with regard to two or more concepts out of a given list of concepts. A summary of the study will be given, and ‘Discuss’ will be the command term used. They do not have a choice of question, just a choice of concepts.

The IA

• Why can’t students replicate a study for the new IA?

While students are not explicitly prevented from doing this, is is unlikely to meet the requirements outlined for the IA proposal. Students need to identify an issue that is affecting a certain population. Then their proposal for research is aimed at illustrating that issue in order to propose a practical or policy change that can solve it. This would be difficult to do with a replication of an existing study.  A proposal that is the student's own idea is what is suggested.

It is a good plan to ask your students three questions: “What is the issue/problem?” “Who is it a problem for – i.e. what is your target population?” “How will your proposed research lead to recommendations for a solution or a partial solution?”