IB Diploma Programme Psychology — SL & HL

🧠 IBDP Psychology Reference Sheet 2026

All the core IB DP Psychology content in one place — biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches, research methods, ERQ and SAQ structures, HL extension options, and Internal Assessment guidance.

Three Approaches Research Methods ERQ & SAQ Frameworks HL Paper 3 & IA

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Aligned with the latest 2026 syllabus and board specifications. This sheet is prepared to match your exam board’s official specifications for the 2026 exam series.

All the Core IB DP Psychology Content in One Reference Sheet

IB Psychology rewards precise theory, accurate use of empirical studies, and disciplined evaluation. This reference sheet brings together the three approaches, research methods, and exam frameworks for SL and HL — including HL Paper 3 and the IA — so you can revise efficiently with confidence.

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Biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches with key studies

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Research methods, ethics, reliability, and validity

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ERQ and SAQ structures with critical evaluation cues

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HL Paper 3 stimulus technique and IA replication guidance

The Three Approaches

Every IB Psychology question links back to one (or more) of these three approaches.

Biological Approach

Behaviour is rooted in physiology, genetics, and evolution.

Assumptions

Behaviour has a biological basis (brain, neurotransmitters, hormones, genetics, evolution)

Key studies

Maguire et al. (taxi drivers, hippocampus); Caspi et al. (5-HTT and depression); Meaney (epigenetics, maternal care)

Key theories

Localisation of function, neuroplasticity, genetic inheritance, evolutionary explanations

Always link biology back to a behaviour or cognition — don't describe biology in isolation.

Cognitive Approach

Behaviour is shaped by mental processes — memory, perception, decision-making.

Assumptions

Mental processes can be studied scientifically; cognition mediates behaviour; the mind is like an information processor

Key studies

Loftus & Palmer (leading questions); Bartlett (War of the Ghosts, schemas); Tversky & Kahneman (heuristics)

Key theories

Multi-Store Memory model, Working Memory model, schema theory, dual-process theory, cognitive biases

Sociocultural Approach

Behaviour is shaped by social and cultural context.

Assumptions

Humans are social animals; culture influences cognition and behaviour; identity is shaped by group membership

Key studies

Tajfel (minimal group paradigm); Bandura (Bobo doll); Asch (conformity); Milgram (obedience); Berry (acculturation)

Key theories

Social identity theory (Tajfel), social cognitive theory (Bandura), Hofstede's cultural dimensions, stereotype formation

Research Methods & Ethics

Examiners reward precise method labels and explicit ethical reasoning.

Quantitative Methods

Numerical, hypothesis-testing approaches.

Experimental

IV (manipulated) vs DV (measured); control of extraneous variables; lab vs field vs natural/quasi-experiment

Correlational

Identifies a relationship between two variables — does NOT establish causation

Strength: replicability and statistical analysis. Limitation: low ecological validity.

Qualitative Methods

In-depth, meaning-focused approaches.

Observational

Naturalistic vs controlled; participant vs non-participant; overt vs covert

Case study

In-depth study of one individual or small group (e.g. HM, Phineas Gage)

Interview

Structured, semi-structured, unstructured; focus groups

Strength: rich data, ecological validity. Limitation: hard to generalise; researcher bias.

Reliability vs Validity

Reliability

Consistency — would the same procedure give the same result? (test-retest, inter-rater)

Validity

Accuracy — is the study measuring what it claims to measure? (internal, external, construct, ecological)

Ethics in Psychological Research

Mention these explicitly when evaluating studies.

Informed consent | Deception (only if justified and debriefed) | Debriefing | Anonymity & confidentiality | Right to withdraw | Protection from physical and psychological harm

Biological Concepts

Specific terminology examiners want to see in biological-approach answers.

Neurons & Neurotransmitters

Serotonin

Mood regulation, sleep, appetite — implicated in depression (Caspi et al.)

Dopamine

Reward, motivation, motor control — implicated in addiction and Parkinson's

Acetylcholine

Memory, learning, muscle activation — implicated in Alzheimer's

Hormones & Pheromones

Cortisol

Stress response (HPA axis) — Newcomer et al. (memory impairment)

Oxytocin

Bonding, trust, social behaviour — Scheele et al. (fidelity in men)

Testosterone

Linked to aggression, competition (correlational evidence)

Pheromones

Chemical signals — evidence in humans is contested (Wedekind 'sweaty t-shirt' study)

Genetics & Heritability

Twin studies

MZ vs DZ concordance rates indicate genetic contribution

Adoption studies

Disentangle genes from shared environment

Heritability estimate

Population-level statistic (0–1) — not a fixed individual %

Localisation & Plasticity

Broca's area

Frontal lobe — speech production (Broca's aphasia)

Wernicke's area

Temporal lobe — speech comprehension (Wernicke's aphasia)

Brain plasticity

Brain reorganises in response to experience (Maguire taxi drivers; Draganski juggling study)

Cognitive Concepts

The models and biases that anchor cognitive-approach answers.

Memory Models

Multi-Store Model (Atkinson & Shiffrin, 1968)

Sensory memory → Short-term memory (limited capacity, ~7±2) → Long-term memory (via rehearsal)

Working Memory Model (Baddeley & Hitch, 1974)

Central executive | Phonological loop | Visuospatial sketchpad | Episodic buffer (added 2000)

Schema Theory & Reconstructive Memory

Schemas = mental frameworks built from past experience that guide perception and memory

Bartlett (1932)

War of the Ghosts — memory reconstructs based on cultural schema

Loftus & Palmer (1974)

Leading questions distort eyewitness memory ('smashed' vs 'hit')

Dual-Process Theory & Cognitive Biases

Kahneman

System 1 (fast, automatic, intuitive) vs System 2 (slow, deliberate, analytical)

Anchoring bias

Over-reliance on the first piece of information encountered

Availability heuristic

Judging frequency by how easily examples come to mind

Confirmation bias

Favouring information that confirms existing beliefs

Sociocultural Concepts

Theories that explain how groups and culture shape behaviour.

Social Identity Theory (Tajfel, 1979)

Social categorisation → social identification → social comparison → in-group favouritism / out-group bias

Key study

Tajfel's minimal group paradigm — even arbitrary groups produce in-group favouritism

Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1977)

Four conditions for observational learning

Attention | Retention | Motor reproduction | Motivation

Key study

Bandura Bobo doll — children imitate aggressive models

Conformity & Obedience

Asch (1951)

Line-judgement task — ~33% conformity to clearly wrong group answer (normative influence)

Milgram (1963)

65% delivered 'fatal' 450V shocks — situational power of authority

Culture: Hofstede's Dimensions

Individualism vs Collectivism | Power Distance | Masculinity vs Femininity | Uncertainty Avoidance | Long-term vs Short-term Orientation | Indulgence vs Restraint

Use to compare cross-cultural studies (e.g. Berry on conformity; Markus & Kitayama on self-construal).

Stereotypes & Group Dynamics

In-group vs out-group | Stereotype threat (Steele & Aronson) | Illusory correlation (Hamilton & Gifford) | Grain-of-truth vs social identity origins of stereotypes

HL Extension — Options Overview

HL students study one option in depth. SL students study the core only.

Option: Abnormal Psychology

Diagnosis, aetiology, and treatment of disorders.

Classification systems (DSM-5, ICD-11) | Validity & reliability of diagnosis | Cultural considerations | Aetiology of depression and PTSD (biological/cognitive/sociocultural) | Treatments: SSRIs, CBT, mindfulness | Effectiveness studies (Elkin et al.; Kirsch)

Option: Developmental Psychology

How cognition, identity, and behaviour develop across the lifespan.

Influences on cognitive development (Piaget, Vygotsky) | Brain development | Attachment (Ainsworth's Strange Situation; Harlow) | Gender identity | Resilience and adversity

Option: Health Psychology

Determinants and promotion of physical and mental health.

Biopsychosocial model | Stress (HPA axis, Selye GAS) | Health beliefs (Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behaviour) | Promotion programmes | Substance abuse and obesity

Option: Human Relationships

Social responsibility, interpersonal, and group relationships.

Personal relationships (formation, maintenance, dissolution — e.g. Sternberg, Rusbult) | Group dynamics (cooperation/competition, prejudice, conflict resolution) | Social responsibility (bystanderism — Latané & Darley; prosocial behaviour)

Exam Technique — SAQ, ERQ, Paper 3 & IA

Each paper has a specific frame — match your structure to the question type.

SAQ Structure (Paper 1, Section A — 9 marks each)

Short Answer Questions — 'Describe', 'Outline', 'Explain'.

Define key term(s) → state the relevant theory/concept → describe ONE supporting study (aim, method, results, conclusion) → link explicitly to the question

~250–300 words. No need for extensive evaluation.

ERQ Structure (Paper 1 Section B & Paper 2 — 22 marks each)

Extended Response Questions — 'Discuss', 'Evaluate', 'To what extent'.

Introduction

Define key terms → state thesis (overall argument) → outline 2–3 lines of argument

Main body

Per paragraph: PEEL — Point + Evidence (study with method/results) + Explanation (link theory to question) + Critical evaluation (methodology, ethics, generalisability, alternative explanations)

Conclusion

Weigh evidence → return to thesis with a reasoned judgement

Aim ~800–1000 words across 2–3 well-developed studies.

Paper 2 (SL & HL — Options)

HL = two options answered; SL = one option, one ERQ.

Apply ERQ structure to option-specific theories and studies. Embed cultural and ethical considerations where relevant.

Paper 3 (HL ONLY — Research Methods on Stimulus)

Three short questions on an unseen research scenario.

Q1: Identify method, sampling technique, and one ethical consideration | Q2: Describe how findings could be reported back to participants AND one strength/limitation of the design | Q3: Discuss generalisability, credibility, transferability, OR bias in the study

Always anchor every point to the stimulus text — do not just give textbook definitions.

Internal Assessment (IA — SL & HL)

A simple replication of a published experimental study.

Sections

Introduction (aim, hypothesis, theory, study replicated) | Exploration (method, design, participants, materials, procedure, ethics) | Analysis (descriptive + inferential statistics with appropriate test) | Evaluation (findings vs original, strengths, limitations, modifications)

Word count: 1800–2200. Worth 25% (SL) and 20% (HL) of the final grade.

How to Use This Reference Sheet

Boost your Cambridge exam confidence with these proven study strategies from our tutoring experts.

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Build a Study Bank

For each approach, prepare 4–6 named studies (with aim, method, sample, results, conclusion) you can deploy flexibly across SAQ and ERQ questions.

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Always Evaluate Critically

ERQs reward methodology critique, ethical reasoning, cross-cultural comparison, and acknowledgement of alternative explanations — not just description.

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Embed Cultural & Ethical Considerations

These run through every paper. Reference Hofstede, emic vs etic perspectives, and BPS/APA ethical guidelines whenever relevant.

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Practise Paper 3 With Unseen Stimuli

HL students should rehearse Paper 3 with unfamiliar studies — your job is to apply method labels and evaluate, not recall content.

Reference Sheet FAQ

Quick answers about this free PDF and how to use it for exam revision and active recall.

Is the IBDP Psychology Reference Sheet 2026 free to download as a PDF?

Yes. This Tutopiya formula sheet is free to use and you can download it as a PDF from this page for offline revision. There is no payment or account required for the PDF download.

What Psychology topics and equations does this formula sheet cover?

This page groups key Psychology formulas in one place for revision. Master IB Diploma Programme Psychology (SL & HL) with this 2026 reference sheet. Covers the biological, cognitive, and sociocultural approaches, research methods, ERQ/SAQ structures, HL extensions, and IA guidance. Always cross-check with your official syllabus and past papers for your exam session.

Can I use this instead of the official exam formula booklet in the exam?

No. In the exam you must follow only what your exam board allows in the hall—usually the official formula booklet or data sheet where provided. This page is a revision and teaching aid, not a replacement for board-issued materials.

Who is this formula sheet for (Post-Secondary)?

It is written for students preparing for assessments at Post-Secondary in Psychology, including classroom revision, homework support, and independent study. Teachers and tutors can also share it as a quick reference.

How should I revise with this formula sheet?

Work through past paper questions, quote the correct formula before substituting values, and check units and notation every time. Pair this sheet with timed practice and mark schemes so you see how examiners expect working to be set out.

Where can I get more help with Psychology revision?

Explore Tutopiya’s study tools, past paper finder, and revision checklists linked from our tools hub, or book a trial lesson with a subject specialist for personalised support alongside this formula reference.

Need Help with IB DP Psychology?

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This reference sheet aligns with the IB Diploma Programme Psychology syllabus (SL & HL) for first assessment 2026.

Always support psychological arguments with named studies and explicit critical evaluation across methodology, ethics, and culture.