Easy — Foundations

• 1Defining major depressive disorderDescribe the diagnostic criteria and core symptoms of MDD.Why it mattersEvery question on depression needs an accurate opening definition.Easy
• 2Classification systems for mental disorderIdentify how depression is classified in the DSM and ICD systems.Why it mattersDetermines who is formally counted as having the disorder.Easy
• 3Genetic explanations of depressionDescribe the claim that vulnerability to MDD is partly inherited.Why it mattersThe starting point of the biological approach to depression.Easy
• 4Twin and family studiesDescribe how concordance rates are used to estimate heritability.Why it mattersThe main research method supporting genetic explanations.Easy
• 5The serotonin hypothesisDescribe low serotonin activity as an explanation of depression.Why it mattersThe basis of most pharmacological treatment for MDD.Easy
• 6Beck's cognitive model of depressionDescribe the negative cognitive triad of self, world and future.Why it mattersThe dominant cognitive explanation of depression.Easy

Medium — Applications

• 7The role of schemas in depressionExplain how negative schemas bias interpretation of events.Why it mattersExplains why depressed thinking becomes self-maintaining.Medium
• 8Cognitive distortionsExplain overgeneralisation, catastrophising and selective abstraction.Why it mattersThe specific thinking errors CBT is designed to target.Medium
• 9Animal models of depressionExplain the use of learned helplessness paradigms in animals.Why it mattersAllows experimental control impossible with human participants.Medium
• 10Operant conditioning and depressionExplain how loss of positive reinforcement can maintain low mood.Why it mattersExplains withdrawal and reduced activity in depression.Medium
• 11Social support and mental healthExplain the buffering role of relationships against stress.Why it mattersA protective factor directly targeted in treatment planning.Medium
• 12Cultural influences on depressionExplain how culture shapes the expression and reporting of symptoms.Why it mattersExplains differing prevalence rates between countries.Medium

Hard — Structured IB

• 13Evaluating twin study methodologyAnalyse shared environment as a confounding variable.Why it mattersA high concordance rate is not proof of genetic causation.Hard
• 14Analysing the diathesis-stress modelExamine the interaction of vulnerability and life events.Why it mattersExplains why not all at-risk individuals develop MDD.Hard
• 15Analysing evidence for the serotonin hypothesisExamine correlational and drug-response evidence critically.Why it mattersDrug effectiveness does not prove a chemical cause.Hard
• 16Analysing the direction of causation in cognitionExamine whether negative schemas cause or result from depression.Why it mattersA central methodological problem in cognitive research.Hard
• 17Analysing generalisability from animal studiesExamine species differences in emotional response.Why it mattersDetermines whether animal findings apply to humans at all.Hard
• 18Analysing cross-cultural diagnosisExamine somatic against emotional symptom reporting.Why it mattersExplains under-diagnosis in some cultural contexts.Hard

Very Hard — Integrated SL

• 19Evaluating biological against cognitive explanationsWeigh the evidence and explanatory scope of each approach.Why it mattersA standard extended-response comparison in Paper 1.Very Hard
• 20Assessing the role of culture in defining disorderJudge whether diagnostic criteria are genuinely universal.Why it mattersRaises the question of ethnocentrism in the DSM.Very Hard
• 21Evaluating the ethics of animal depression researchWeigh scientific value against animal suffering.Why it mattersRequired whenever animal studies are used as evidence.Very Hard
• 22Judging the contribution of social supportEvaluate its role relative to biological vulnerability.Why it mattersRequires prioritising among competing causal factors.Very Hard
• 23Integrating biological, cognitive and sociocultural explanationsBuild one interactionist account of depression.Why it mattersThe holistic reasoning examiners reward most highly.Very Hard
• 24Constructing a full evaluation of an explanation of MDDBuild a structured argument with studies and a clear conclusion.Why it mattersModels the top-band essay structure.Very Hard

Easy — Foundations

• 1Defining health psychologyDescribe the study of psychological influences on physical health.Why it mattersFrames the whole of this topic.Easy
• 2Patterns in obesityIdentify global and demographic trends in obesity rates.Why it mattersProvides the factual context for every explanation.Easy
• 3Defining and measuring obesityDescribe measurement using body mass index and its thresholds.Why it mattersDetermines who is counted in prevalence statistics.Easy
• 4Patterns in smoking behaviourIdentify trends in smoking prevalence across different groups.Why it mattersProvides the factual context for every explanation.Easy
• 5Risk factors for smoking initiationIdentify peer influence, advertising and family modelling.Why it mattersThe targets of most prevention programmes.Easy
• 6Cortisol and the stress responseDescribe the release of cortisol during prolonged stress.Why it mattersThe biological link between stress and weight gain.Easy

Medium — Applications

• 7Social learning explanations of obesityExplain observation and imitation of eating behaviour.Why it mattersExplains family and peer clustering of eating patterns.Medium
• 8Modelling and reinforcement in eatingExplain how observed behaviour is copied and then rewarded.Why it mattersThe mechanism behind social learning accounts.Medium
• 9Cortisol, stress and weight outcomesExplain how cortisol promotes appetite and fat storage.Why it mattersThe biological pathway from stress to obesity.Medium
• 10Cultural influences on obesityExplain how food norms and body ideals vary between cultures.Why it mattersExplains differing prevalence across societies.Medium
• 11Cultural influences on smokingExplain how social acceptability shapes smoking rates.Why it mattersExplains why prevalence differs sharply between countries.Medium
• 12Socioeconomic status and health behaviourExplain the link between income and health risk behaviours.Why it mattersA consistent finding across health psychology research.Medium

Hard — Structured IB

• 13Analysing correlational evidence in health researchExamine why correlation cannot establish causation.Why it mattersCentral to evaluating almost every study in this topic.Hard
• 14Analysing the measurement of obesityExamine the limitations of body mass index as an indicator.Why it mattersDetermines confidence in reported prevalence data.Hard
• 15Analysing social learning evidence for obesityExamine study design and confounding family variables.Why it mattersShared genes and environment complicate interpretation.Hard
• 16Analysing biological evidence on cortisolExamine sample, measurement and control issues.Why it mattersDetermines the strength of the biological account.Hard
• 17Analysing self-report data on smokingExamine social desirability and recall problems.Why it mattersExplains likely underreporting in survey research.Hard
• 18Analysing the interaction of risk factorsExamine how biological and social causes combine.Why it mattersPrevents single-cause explanations of health behaviour.Hard

Very Hard — Integrated SL

• 19Evaluating biological against sociocultural explanations of obesityWeigh the evidence and explanatory scope of each.Why it mattersA standard extended-response comparison.Very Hard
• 20Assessing the role of culture in health behaviourJudge cultural against individual explanations.Why it mattersRequires balanced treatment of competing accounts.Very Hard
• 21Evaluating the evidence linking stress to obesityJudge study quality and the direction of causation.Why it mattersPrevents overstating a plausible mechanism.Very Hard
• 22Judging the most important determinant of smokingEvaluate competing risk factors against the evidence.Why it mattersRequires prioritisation rather than listing.Very Hard
• 23Integrating explanations of a health problemBuild one biopsychosocial account with supporting studies.Why it mattersThe holistic reasoning examiners reward.Very Hard
• 24Constructing a full evaluation of a health explanationBuild a structured argument with a clear conclusion.Why it mattersModels the top-band essay structure.Very Hard

Easy — Foundations

• 1Drug treatment for major depressive disorderDescribe the use of SSRIs to raise serotonin availability.Why it mattersThe most widely prescribed treatment for depression.Easy
• 2Mechanism of SSRIsDescribe the blocking of serotonin reuptake at the synapse.Why it mattersLinks treatment directly to the serotonin hypothesis.Easy
• 3Drug treatment for nicotine dependenceDescribe nicotine replacement and pharmacological aids.Why it mattersThe biological approach to treating addiction.Easy
• 4Biological reductionismDefine explaining complex behaviour purely at a biological level.Why it mattersA central evaluative concept throughout this topic.Easy
• 5Cognitive behavioural therapyDescribe a structured therapy targeting thoughts and behaviour.Why it mattersThe main psychological treatment for depression.Easy
• 6Components of CBTIdentify cognitive restructuring and behavioural activation.Why it mattersThe specific techniques you must be able to describe.Easy

Medium — Applications

• 7CBT for depressionExplain how negative schemas are identified and challenged.Why it mattersApplies Beck's cognitive model directly to treatment.Medium
• 8CBT for nicotine addictionExplain identifying triggers and building coping strategies.Why it mattersApplies cognitive principles to addictive behaviour.Medium
• 9Measuring treatment effectivenessExplain the use of symptom scales and relapse rates.Why it mattersDetermines how treatment outcomes are actually judged.Medium
• 10Randomised controlled trials in treatment researchExplain random allocation and the use of control conditions.Why it mattersThe standard method for testing effectiveness.Medium
• 11Placebo effects in drug researchExplain expectation-driven improvement in control groups.Why it mattersExplains why double-blind designs are required.Medium
• 12Combining drug and psychological treatmentExplain the rationale behind combined treatment approaches.Why it mattersOften produces the strongest outcomes in research.Medium

Hard — Structured IB

• 13Analysing evidence on SSRI effectivenessExamine effect sizes and publication bias.Why it mattersDetermines how strong the drug evidence really is.Hard
• 14Analysing the limitations of biological reductionismExamine the neglect of social and cognitive factors.Why it mattersA guaranteed evaluation point in this topic.Hard
• 15Analysing adherence and side effectsExamine dropout and its effect on reported outcomes.Why it mattersExplains gaps between trial and real-world results.Hard
• 16Analysing relapse rates across treatmentsExamine long-term outcomes rather than immediate effects.Why it mattersDistinguishes symptom relief from lasting change.Hard
• 17Analysing access and cost of treatmentsExamine availability of therapy compared with medication.Why it mattersExplains reliance on drugs in many health systems.Hard
• 18Analysing ethical issues in treatment researchExamine consent, withdrawal and the use of control groups.Why it mattersRequired whenever clinical trials are evaluated.Hard

Very Hard — Integrated SL

• 19Evaluating drug treatment against CBT for depressionWeigh effectiveness, relapse, cost and side effects.Why it mattersOne of the most predictable Paper 1 essays.Very Hard
• 20Assessing biological reductionism as an approachJudge explanatory power against oversimplification.Why it mattersA core conceptual evaluation in this topic.Very Hard
• 21Evaluating the effectiveness of CBT for addictionJudge evidence quality and long-term outcomes.Why it mattersRequires critical use of named studies.Very Hard
• 22Judging the best treatment for a given individualEvaluate options against symptoms, severity and context.Why it mattersApplies theory to a realistic clinical decision.Very Hard
• 23Integrating treatment evaluation with explanations of disorderLink the chosen treatment to its underlying model.Why it mattersRewards synoptic reasoning across the whole chapter.Very Hard
• 24Constructing a full evaluation of a treatmentBuild a structured argument with studies and a conclusion.Why it mattersModels the top-band essay structure.Very Hard

Easy — Foundations

• 1Defining developmental psychologyDescribe the study of psychological change across the lifespan.Why it mattersFrames the whole of this chapter.Easy
• 2Brain maturationDescribe the sequence of structural brain development in childhood.Why it mattersExplains age-related limits on cognitive ability.Easy
• 3NeuroplasticityDefine the brain's capacity to reorganise in response to experience.Why it mattersExplains adaptation and recovery following experience or injury.Easy
• 4Synaptic pruningDescribe the elimination of unused neural connections.Why it mattersExplains why early experience shapes later capacity.Easy
• 5Piaget's theory of cognitive developmentDescribe development through a sequence of discrete stages.Why it mattersThe most influential stage theory in the syllabus.Easy
• 6Vygotsky's sociocultural theoryDescribe development driven by social interaction and culture.Why it mattersThe main alternative to Piaget's account.Easy

Medium — Applications

• 7Piaget's stagesExplain the sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete and formal operational stages.Why it mattersThe detail required in any question on Piaget.Medium
• 8Schemas, assimilation and accommodationExplain how existing knowledge is adapted by new experience.Why it mattersThe mechanism of change in Piaget's theory.Medium
• 9The zone of proximal developmentExplain the gap between independent and assisted performance.Why it mattersThe core concept of Vygotsky's theory.Medium
• 10ScaffoldingExplain graduated support that is withdrawn as competence grows.Why it mattersThe practical educational application of Vygotsky.Medium
• 11Theory of mindDefine the ability to attribute mental states to other people.Why it mattersUnderlies social understanding and communication.Medium
• 12False belief tasksExplain how theory of mind is experimentally tested.Why it mattersThe standard method used in this research area.Medium

Hard — Structured IB

• 13Analysing evidence for Piaget's stagesExamine task demands and possible underestimation of ability.Why it mattersExplains why children succeed on simplified versions.Hard
• 14Comparing Piaget and VygotskyAnalyse individual construction against social mediation.Why it mattersA frequent comparison question in Paper 1.Hard
• 15Analysing evidence on neuroplasticityExamine study design and generalisation from animal research.Why it mattersDetermines the strength of the biological account.Hard
• 16Analysing critical and sensitive periodsExamine the timing of key developmental influences.Why it mattersExplains the long-term impact of early deprivation.Hard
• 17Analysing cultural variation in developmentExamine whether the proposed stages appear universally.Why it mattersTests the cross-cultural validity of stage theories.Hard
• 18Analysing methodological problems in child researchExamine demand characteristics and language demands.Why it mattersChildren's responses are highly sensitive to task wording.Hard

Very Hard — Integrated SL

• 19Evaluating Piaget's theoryWeigh its lasting influence against methodological criticism.Why it mattersA guaranteed extended-response topic.Very Hard
• 20Assessing Vygotsky's theoryJudge explanatory value against testability and vagueness.Why it mattersRequires balanced treatment of a widely used theory.Very Hard
• 21Evaluating biological against cognitive accounts of developmentWeigh maturation against experience and instruction.Why it mattersThe nature-nurture debate applied to development.Very Hard
• 22Judging the educational implications of a theoryEvaluate classroom applications against the evidence.Why it mattersConnects abstract theory to real teaching practice.Very Hard
• 23Integrating biological and sociocultural developmentBuild one interactionist account of cognitive growth.Why it mattersThe holistic reasoning examiners reward.Very Hard
• 24Constructing a full evaluation of a developmental theoryBuild a structured argument with studies and a conclusion.Why it mattersModels the top-band essay structure.Very Hard

Easy — Foundations

• 1Bowlby's attachment theoryDescribe attachment as an innate and adaptive survival mechanism.Why it mattersThe foundational theory of early relationships.Easy
• 2The internal working modelDescribe an early template that shapes later relationships.Why it mattersExplains continuity from infancy into adulthood.Easy
• 3MonotropyDescribe the claim that infants form one primary attachment.Why it mattersA central and heavily contested element of the theory.Easy
• 4The critical period in attachmentDescribe the proposed window for attachment formation.Why it mattersUnderlies claims about irreversible early damage.Easy
• 5Disrupted attachmentDescribe separation, deprivation and privation.Why it mattersDistinguishes different types of attachment failure.Easy
• 6EnculturationDefine learning the norms and values of one's own culture.Why it mattersThe mechanism by which culture shapes the self.Easy

Medium — Applications

• 7Consequences of disrupted attachmentExplain effects on later emotional and social functioning.Why it mattersThe applied significance of attachment research.Medium
• 8Social identity and the selfExplain identity derived from group membership.Why it mattersLinks personal development to group processes.Medium
• 9Peer influence in adolescenceExplain the growing role of peers in identity formation.Why it mattersExplains behavioural change during adolescence.Medium
• 10Effects of childhood povertyExplain influences on cognitive and emotional development.Why it mattersA major sociocultural determinant of life outcomes.Medium
• 11Effects of exposure to warExplain trauma, disruption and developmental consequences.Why it mattersExplains long-term outcomes for displaced children.Medium
• 12Resilience in developmentExplain protective factors that reduce harm from adversity.Why it mattersExplains why outcomes vary among similarly exposed children.Medium

Hard — Structured IB

• 13Analysing evidence for the internal working modelExamine longitudinal and retrospective study problems.Why it mattersRetrospective recall is unreliable as evidence.Hard
• 14Analysing criticisms of monotropyExamine evidence for multiple attachment figures.Why it mattersA guaranteed evaluation point on Bowlby's theory.Hard
• 15Analysing cross-cultural attachment researchExamine variation in classification across cultures.Why it mattersQuestions the universality of attachment types.Hard
• 16Analysing the effects of institutional careExamine studies of deprivation and later recovery.Why it mattersTests whether early damage is genuinely irreversible.Hard
• 17Analysing poverty research methodologyExamine confounding variables and correlational design.Why it mattersPrevents overstating a causal claim.Hard
• 18Analysing ethical issues in research with childrenExamine consent, protection and participant vulnerability.Why it mattersRequired whenever child studies are evaluated.Hard

Very Hard — Integrated SL

• 19Evaluating Bowlby's attachment theoryWeigh explanatory power against methodological criticism.Why it mattersA guaranteed extended-response topic.Very Hard
• 20Assessing the role of culture in identity formationJudge enculturation against individual factors.Why it mattersRequires balanced sociocultural reasoning.Very Hard
• 21Evaluating the long-term effects of early adversityJudge determinism against the evidence for resilience.Why it mattersPrevents an overly deterministic conclusion.Very Hard
• 22Judging the relative influence of family and peersEvaluate competing sources of identity in adolescence.Why it mattersRequires prioritisation supported by named studies.Very Hard
• 23Integrating biological and sociocultural accounts of the selfBuild one combined explanation of identity development.Why it mattersThe holistic reasoning examiners reward.Very Hard
• 24Constructing a full evaluation of an identity theoryBuild a structured argument with studies and a conclusion.Why it mattersModels the top-band essay structure.Very Hard

Easy — Foundations

• 1Defining conformityDescribe changing behaviour to match a group norm.Why it mattersThe core concept in all group influence research.Easy
• 2Types of conformityDistinguish compliance, identification and internalisation.Why it mattersDetermines how deep the behavioural change actually runs.Easy
• 3Normative and informational influenceDistinguish fitting in from seeking correct information.Why it mattersThe two competing explanations of why people conform.Easy
• 4Compliance techniquesIdentify commitment, reciprocity and authority techniques.Why it mattersThe applied social psychology of persuasion.Easy
• 5The commitment techniqueDescribe securing a small agreement to gain a larger one.Why it mattersExplains foot-in-the-door persuasion strategies.Easy
• 6Social identity theoryDescribe identity derived from social group membership.Why it mattersThe dominant explanation of intergroup behaviour.Easy

Medium — Applications

• 7Social categorisation, identification and comparisonExplain the three stages of social identity theory.Why it mattersThe mechanism producing in-group favouritism.Medium
• 8In-group favouritism and out-group discriminationExplain preferential treatment of one's own group.Why it mattersExplains prejudice arising from mere group membership.Medium
• 9Cultural dimensionsExplain individualism-collectivism and power distance.Why it mattersExplains cross-cultural differences in group behaviour.Medium
• 10Cultural dimensions and conformityExplain higher conformity found in collectivist contexts.Why it mattersLinks culture directly to group influence.Medium
• 11AcculturationDefine psychological change following contact with a new culture.Why it mattersExplains adjustment among migrant populations.Medium
• 12Acculturative stressExplain psychological strain during cultural adjustment.Why it mattersLinks acculturation directly to wellbeing outcomes.Medium

Hard — Structured IB

• 13Analysing conformity research methodologyExamine artificiality and ecological validity of laboratory tasks.Why it mattersDetermines how far findings apply outside the laboratory.Hard
• 14Analysing historical and cultural variation in conformityExamine changing replication results over time.Why it mattersSuggests conformity is not a fixed human constant.Hard
• 15Analysing evidence for social identity theoryExamine minimal group paradigm findings.Why it mattersShows group bias arises without any real competition.Hard
• 16Analysing acculturation strategiesExamine integration, assimilation, separation and marginalisation.Why it mattersDetermines the predicted wellbeing outcome.Hard
• 17Analysing social learning explanations of group behaviourExamine observation, modelling and vicarious reinforcement.Why it mattersAn alternative to identity-based explanations.Hard
• 18Analysing ethical issues in social researchExamine deception, consent and psychological harm.Why it mattersRequired whenever classic social studies are used.Hard

Very Hard — Integrated SL

• 19Evaluating social identity theoryWeigh explanatory scope against reductionism and evidence.Why it mattersA guaranteed extended-response topic.Very Hard
• 20Assessing the role of culture in conformityJudge cultural against situational explanations.Why it mattersRequires balanced sociocultural reasoning.Very Hard
• 21Evaluating the use of cultural dimensionsJudge their usefulness against the risk of stereotyping.Why it mattersPrevents uncritical application of national scores.Very Hard
• 22Judging the effectiveness of compliance techniquesEvaluate the evidence for their real-world impact.Why it mattersConnects theory to applied persuasion research.Very Hard
• 23Integrating identity and learning explanations of group behaviourBuild one combined account with supporting studies.Why it mattersThe holistic reasoning examiners reward.Very Hard
• 24Constructing a full evaluation of a group behaviour theoryBuild a structured argument with a clear conclusion.Why it mattersModels the top-band essay structure.Very Hard

Easy — Foundations

• 1Biological explanations of attractionDescribe the role of neurochemistry in romantic bonding.Why it mattersThe biological approach to relationship formation.Easy
• 2Dopamine and romantic attachmentDescribe dopamine activity in reward pathways during attraction.Why it mattersExplains the intensity of early romantic experience.Easy
• 3The matching hypothesisDescribe the claim that partners are similar in attractiveness.Why it mattersA directly testable prediction about partner choice.Easy
• 4Self-disclosureDefine revealing personal information to another person.Why it mattersA key process in relationship development.Easy
• 5Social exchange theoryDescribe relationships as a weighing of costs against rewards.Why it mattersThe economic model of interpersonal relationships.Easy
• 6Comparison levelDefine the standard against which relationship outcomes are judged.Why it mattersDetermines satisfaction independent of absolute rewards.Easy

Medium — Applications

• 7Reciprocity in self-disclosureExplain how mutual disclosure deepens intimacy.Why it mattersExplains the pace of relationship development.Medium
• 8Testing the matching hypothesisExplain how attractiveness ratings are compared in research.Why it mattersThe standard method used in this research area.Medium
• 9Comparison level for alternativesExplain the evaluation of other possible relationships.Why it mattersExplains why some unsatisfying relationships persist.Medium
• 10Costs and rewards in relationshipsExplain the factors weighed in social exchange accounts.Why it mattersThe mechanism driving relationship maintenance.Medium
• 11Biological research methods in attractionExplain the use of brain imaging in relationship research.Why it mattersThe evidence base for neurochemical explanations.Medium
• 12Cultural variation in relationship formationExplain differences between arranged and chosen partnerships.Why it mattersQuestions the universality of Western relationship models.Medium

Hard — Structured IB

• 13Analysing correlational evidence on dopamineExamine why brain activity cannot establish causation.Why it mattersA guaranteed evaluation point on biological studies.Hard
• 14Analysing evidence for the matching hypothesisExamine sampling and rating reliability problems.Why it mattersDetermines how well supported the hypothesis really is.Hard
• 15Analysing social exchange theory criticallyExamine its assumption of rational calculation.Why it mattersQuestions whether people really weigh costs and rewards.Hard
• 16Analysing self-disclosure researchExamine self-report and social desirability problems.Why it mattersDetermines confidence in the reported findings.Hard
• 17Analysing cultural bias in relationship researchExamine reliance on Western student samples.Why it mattersLimits the generalisability of most findings.Hard
• 18Analysing ethical issues in relationship researchExamine privacy, consent and sensitive disclosure.Why it mattersRequired whenever intimate topics are studied.Hard

Very Hard — Integrated SL

• 19Evaluating biological against social explanations of attractionWeigh the evidence and explanatory scope of each.Why it mattersA standard extended-response comparison.Very Hard
• 20Assessing social exchange theoryJudge its predictive value against its reductionism.Why it mattersA guaranteed evaluation topic in this chapter.Very Hard
• 21Evaluating the matching hypothesisJudge supporting evidence against contradictory findings.Why it mattersRequires critical use of named studies.Very Hard
• 22Judging the role of culture in relationship formationEvaluate universal against culturally specific accounts.Why it mattersRequires balanced sociocultural reasoning.Very Hard
• 23Integrating biological and sociocultural explanations of relationshipsBuild one combined account with supporting studies.Why it mattersThe holistic reasoning examiners reward.Very Hard
• 24Constructing a full evaluation of a relationship theoryBuild a structured argument with a clear conclusion.Why it mattersModels the top-band essay structure.Very Hard

Easy — Foundations

• 1Cognitive biasesDefine systematic errors in judgement and reasoning.Why it mattersExplains predictable departures from rational thinking.Easy
• 2Anchoring biasDescribe reliance on an initial value when making judgements.Why it mattersExplains the power of first offers in negotiation.Easy
• 3Confirmation biasDescribe seeking information that supports existing beliefs.Why it mattersExplains the persistence of mistaken beliefs.Easy
• 4Classical conditioningDescribe learning through association of two stimuli.Why it mattersThe foundational behaviourist learning process.Easy
• 5Operant conditioningDescribe learning through the consequences of behaviour.Why it mattersExplains how reinforcement shapes behaviour over time.Easy
• 6Reinforcement and punishmentDistinguish strengthening from weakening a behaviour.Why it mattersThe core terminology of operant conditioning.Easy

Medium — Applications

• 7Key terms in classical conditioningExplain unconditioned and conditioned stimuli and responses.Why it mattersThe precise vocabulary required in written answers.Medium
• 8Schedules of reinforcementExplain continuous and partial reinforcement effects.Why it mattersExplains resistance to extinction of a behaviour.Medium
• 9Dual-process theoryExplain fast intuitive thinking against slow deliberate reasoning.Why it mattersThe main model of everyday decision-making.Medium
• 10System one and system two thinkingExplain the characteristics of each processing mode.Why it mattersExplains when cognitive biases are most likely to occur.Medium
• 11Schema theoryExplain organised knowledge structures that guide interpretation.Why it mattersExplains distortion in both perception and memory.Medium
• 12Social learning theoryExplain learning through observation and modelling.Why it mattersExplains behaviour acquired without direct reinforcement.Medium

Hard — Structured IB

• 13Analysing evidence for anchoring biasExamine experimental design and reported effect size.Why it mattersDetermines how robust the finding really is.Hard
• 14Analysing confirmation bias in real settingsExamine its role in belief persistence and media use.Why it mattersApplies laboratory findings to real behaviour.Hard
• 15Analysing the limitations of behaviourist explanationsExamine the neglect of cognition and biology.Why it mattersA guaranteed evaluation point on conditioning.Hard
• 16Analysing evidence for dual-process theoryExamine testability and circularity criticisms.Why it mattersQuestions whether the model can actually be falsified.Hard
• 17Analysing schema theory evidenceExamine reconstruction findings in memory research.Why it mattersLinks schema theory directly to memory distortion.Hard
• 18Analysing conditions for observational learningExamine attention, retention, reproduction and motivation.Why it mattersDetermines when modelling actually produces learning.Hard

Very Hard — Integrated SL

• 19Evaluating dual-process theoryWeigh explanatory breadth against vagueness and testability.Why it mattersA guaranteed extended-response topic.Very Hard
• 20Assessing schema theoryJudge its explanatory value against its imprecision.Why it mattersRequires balanced treatment of a widely used theory.Very Hard
• 21Evaluating behaviourist against cognitive explanations of learningWeigh the evidence and scope of each approach.Why it mattersA standard comparison question in Paper 1.Very Hard
• 22Judging the real-world significance of cognitive biasesEvaluate laboratory findings against applied evidence.Why it mattersPrevents overstating artificial task results.Very Hard
• 23Integrating cognitive and sociocultural accounts of thinkingBuild one combined explanation with supporting studies.Why it mattersThe holistic reasoning examiners reward.Very Hard
• 24Constructing a full evaluation of a thinking or learning theoryBuild a structured argument with a clear conclusion.Why it mattersModels the top-band essay structure.Very Hard

Easy — Foundations

• 1The multi-store model of memoryDescribe sensory, short-term and long-term memory stores.Why it mattersThe foundational model of memory structure.Easy
• 2Encoding, storage and retrievalDefine the three basic processes of memory.Why it mattersThe vocabulary required for all memory answers.Easy
• 3Capacity and duration of memory storesDescribe the limits of short-term and long-term memory.Why it mattersThe evidence distinguishing the separate stores.Easy
• 4Brain damage and memoryDescribe case evidence of selective memory impairment.Why it mattersSupports the existence of separate memory systems.Easy
• 5Working memoryDescribe an active system for temporary manipulation of information.Why it mattersThe main alternative to simple short-term memory.Easy
• 6Cognitive loadDefine the demand placed on limited processing capacity.Why it mattersExplains performance failure on complex tasks.Easy

Medium — Applications

• 7Components of working memoryExplain the central executive and its subsystems.Why it mattersThe detail required in working memory questions.Medium
• 8Comparing memory modelsExplain the differences between multi-store and working memory.Why it mattersA frequent comparison question in Paper 1.Medium
• 9Cognitive load and learningExplain how excessive load impairs comprehension.Why it mattersThe applied educational significance of the concept.Medium
• 10Cultural schemasExplain culturally shared knowledge structures.Why it mattersExplains cultural differences in what is remembered.Medium
• 11Cultural influences on memoryExplain variation in recall shaped by cultural experience.Why it mattersQuestions the universality of memory findings.Medium
• 12Learning and spatial memoryExplain evidence for experience-driven change in spatial ability.Why it mattersLinks memory research directly to neuroplasticity.Medium

Hard — Structured IB

• 13Analysing case study evidence in memory researchExamine generalisability from single individual cases.Why it mattersDetermines the weight brain damage cases can bear.Hard
• 14Analysing evidence for the multi-store modelExamine its oversimplification of memory processes.Why it mattersA guaranteed evaluation point on the model.Hard
• 15Analysing evidence for working memoryExamine dual-task experimental findings.Why it mattersThe main experimental support for the model.Hard
• 16Analysing reconstructive memoryExamine how schemas distort what is eventually recalled.Why it mattersExplains the unreliability of eyewitness memory.Hard
• 17Analysing research on computer gaming and memoryExamine design, sampling and direction of causation.Why it mattersDetermines confidence in a contested finding.Hard
• 18Analysing ecological validity in memory researchExamine artificial tasks against everyday remembering.Why it mattersLimits application of laboratory memory findings.Hard

Very Hard — Integrated SL

• 19Evaluating the multi-store modelWeigh its influence against its recognised limitations.Why it mattersA guaranteed extended-response topic.Very Hard
• 20Assessing the working memory modelJudge explanatory value against vagueness of the executive.Why it mattersRequires balanced treatment with named studies.Very Hard
• 21Evaluating the role of culture in memoryJudge cultural against universal accounts of recall.Why it mattersRequires balanced sociocultural reasoning.Very Hard
• 22Judging the effects of gaming on memoryEvaluate competing findings and their methodology.Why it mattersRewards critical use of genuinely contested evidence.Very Hard
• 23Integrating biological and cognitive accounts of memoryBuild one combined explanation with supporting studies.Why it mattersThe holistic reasoning examiners reward.Very Hard
• 24Constructing a full evaluation of a memory modelBuild a structured argument with a clear conclusion.Why it mattersModels the top-band essay structure.Very Hard

Easy — Foundations

• 1The experimental methodDescribe manipulation of an independent variable to test causation.Why it mattersThe only method that can establish cause and effect.Easy
• 2Independent and dependent variablesDefine the manipulated and the measured variable.Why it mattersThe vocabulary required in every methods answer.Easy
• 3Laboratory and field experimentsDistinguish controlled settings from natural settings.Why it mattersDetermines the balance between control and realism.Easy
• 4Naturalistic observationDescribe recording behaviour without any intervention.Why it mattersUsed where manipulation would be unethical or impossible.Easy
• 5Participant and non-participant observationDistinguish joining the group from observing externally.Why it mattersDetermines the researcher's influence on the behaviour.Easy
• 6Surveys and questionnairesDescribe collecting standardised self-report data from many participants.Why it mattersEfficient for large samples and broad research questions.Easy

Medium — Applications

• 7Structured and unstructured interviewsExplain fixed questioning against flexible conversation.Why it mattersDetermines depth against comparability of the data.Medium
• 8Semi-structured interviewsExplain a guided but flexible questioning approach.Why it mattersThe most common qualitative interview format.Medium
• 9Correlational studiesExplain measuring the relationship between two variables.Why it mattersUsed where experimental manipulation is not possible.Medium
• 10Interpreting correlation coefficientsExplain the direction and strength of a relationship.Why it mattersPrevents misreading a reported correlation.Medium
• 11Case studiesExplain in-depth investigation of one individual or group.Why it mattersProvides rich detail on rare phenomena.Medium
• 12Quantitative and qualitative dataDistinguish numerical measurement from descriptive meaning.Why it mattersDetermines the appropriate method of analysis.Medium

Hard — Structured IB

• 13Analysing strengths and limitations of experimentsExamine experimental control against artificiality.Why it mattersThe core methodological trade-off in psychology.Hard
• 14Analysing observer effectsExamine how being watched changes participant behaviour.Why it mattersA key threat to observational validity.Hard
• 15Analysing self-report limitationsExamine social desirability and accuracy of recall.Why it mattersAffects every questionnaire and interview study.Hard
• 16Analysing why correlation is not causationExamine third variables and reverse causation.Why it mattersThe most frequently required evaluation point.Hard
• 17Analysing case study methodologyExamine depth against generalisability and researcher bias.Why it mattersDetermines the evidential weight of case reports.Hard
• 18Analysing method choice for a research aimExamine the fit between the question and the method.Why it mattersThe applied skill tested directly in Paper 3.Hard

Very Hard — Integrated SL

• 19Evaluating the experimental methodWeigh causal inference against ecological validity.Why it mattersA guaranteed methods evaluation question.Very Hard
• 20Assessing qualitative against quantitative approachesJudge depth of meaning against measurable comparison.Why it mattersRequires balanced methodological reasoning.Very Hard
• 21Evaluating a described study's methodJudge appropriateness given the stated research aim.Why it mattersThe core Paper 3 evaluative task.Very Hard
• 22Judging the most suitable method for a scenarioRecommend a method with explicit justification.Why it mattersRequires prioritisation rather than description.Very Hard
• 23Integrating method choice with ethical constraintsLink the chosen method to its ethical feasibility.Why it mattersRewards synoptic methodological reasoning.Very Hard
• 24Constructing a full evaluation of a research methodBuild a structured argument with a clear conclusion.Why it mattersModels the top-band methods response.Very Hard

Easy — Foundations

• 1ReliabilityDefine the consistency of a measurement or a finding.Why it mattersA basic criterion for judging any study.Easy
• 2ValidityDefine whether a study measures what it claims to measure.Why it mattersA basic criterion for judging any study.Easy
• 3Internal and external validityDistinguish control of variables from generalisation beyond the study.Why it mattersDetermines what conclusions can legitimately be drawn.Easy
• 4GeneralisabilityDefine the extent to which findings apply beyond the sample.Why it mattersDetermines the scope of a study's conclusions.Easy
• 5Researcher biasDefine the influence of researcher expectations on results.Why it mattersA threat present in qualitative and quantitative work.Easy
• 6Participant biasDefine changes in behaviour caused by taking part in research.Why it mattersExplains demand characteristics and social desirability.Easy

Medium — Applications

• 7Demand characteristicsExplain participants guessing and acting on the study aim.Why it mattersA key threat to internal validity.Medium
• 8ReflexivityExplain researchers examining their own influence on the research.Why it mattersA central quality criterion in qualitative work.Medium
• 9CredibilityExplain the qualitative equivalent of internal validity.Why it mattersThe standard for trustworthiness of qualitative findings.Medium
• 10TransferabilityExplain the qualitative equivalent of generalisability.Why it mattersDetermines whether findings apply to other contexts.Medium
• 11Sampling methodsIdentify random, opportunity, purposive and snowball sampling.Why it mattersDetermines who actually ends up in the study.Medium
• 12Representative samplesExplain how sample composition affects generalisability.Why it mattersExplains criticism of student-based samples.Medium

Hard — Structured IB

• 13Analysing threats to internal validityExamine confounding variables and experimenter effects.Why it mattersDetermines whether a causal claim is justified.Hard
• 14Analysing threats to external validityExamine sample, setting and task artificiality.Why it mattersDetermines how far the findings extend.Hard
• 15Analysing sampling biasExamine how the method of selection distorts the sample.Why it mattersA guaranteed evaluation point in most studies.Hard
• 16Analysing methods of improving credibilityExamine triangulation and member checking.Why it mattersThe practical response to qualitative bias.Hard
• 17Analysing cultural bias in researchExamine ethnocentrism in samples and in measures.Why it mattersLimits the universality of psychological findings.Hard
• 18Analysing ethical considerations in designExamine consent, deception, debriefing and protection.Why it mattersRequired in every research evaluation question.Hard

Very Hard — Integrated SL

• 19Evaluating the reliability and validity of a studyJudge both criteria using specific design evidence.Why it mattersThe core Paper 3 evaluative task.Very Hard
• 20Assessing generalisability from a described sampleJudge how far the findings can be extended.Why it mattersA frequent short-answer evaluation question.Very Hard
• 21Evaluating bias in a described studyJudge researcher and participant influence on results.Why it mattersRequires precise use of the stimulus material.Very Hard
• 22Judging the ethical acceptability of a studyEvaluate the design against recognised ethical guidelines.Why it mattersA guaranteed Paper 3 question.Very Hard
• 23Integrating validity, sampling and ethics in one judgementBuild one combined evaluation of a study's overall quality.Why it mattersThe synoptic reasoning examiners reward.Very Hard
• 24Constructing a full research evaluationBuild a structured critique with recommended improvements.Why it mattersModels the top-band Paper 3 response.Very Hard