eBook
Psychology textbook (2026)
This section of the site serves as a textbook for the IB psychology curriculum. The textbook includes videos, vocabulary resources, quizzes, and full references. You may also want to look through the
1. Research in psychology
This chapter looks at the fundamentals of psychology. What is psychology and how do psychologists do their job? The focus of this chapter is on research methods. It is important to understand research
2. Critical thinking in psychology
Critical thinking is an essential part of the IB program - and essential to being a good psychology student. Throughout this textbook, you will find several ATL boxes that encourage you to use your critical
3. Cognitive approach
The IB Psychology course looks at behavior through three different approaches: biological, cognitive, and sociocultural. In modern psychology, it is understood that these three approaches interact rather
4. Biological approach
The IB Psychology course looks at behavior through three different approaches: biological, cognitive, and sociocultural. In modern psychology, it is understood that these three approaches interact rather
5. Sociocultural approach
The IB Psychology course looks at behavior through three different approaches: biological, cognitive, and sociocultural. In modern psychology, it is understood that these three approaches interact rather
6. Abnormal psychology
This chapter looks at the field of abnormal psychology. This is done through the lenses of the biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. Students may study any one of the following categories
7. Developmental psychology
This chapter looks at the field of developmental psychology. This is done through the lenses of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. Students study three general areas of developmental
8. Health psychology
This chapter looks at the field of health psychology This is done through the lens of the biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches. Students may study any one of the following categories of
9. Human relationships
This chapter looks at interpersonal relationships as well as how we either help one another or enter into conflict with one another. Reasons for helping behavior, prejudice, and conflict are explored
10. Internal assessment
The Internal Assessment asks you to apply your understanding of experimental methods by replicating a published study to see if your results confirm those of the original study. For SL candidates, this
11. External assessment
This section of the text will look at how the three exam papers are assessed. After outlining the requirements for each of the papers, the chapter goes on to explain the use of command terms on the exams