Unit Title: Introduction to Psychology Duration: First Semester

Grade Level: 11
th
Grade Course: IB Psychology HL/SL
Brief Unit Summary: Psychology is the science that deals with the study of mental processes and behavior and
how these are affected by biological, environmental and cultural factors.
Stage 1: Desired Results
Standards & Outcomes (IB Assessment Objectives in Psychology)
1. Knowledge and comprehension of specified content.
1.1. Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of key terms and concepts in psychology
1.2. Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of psychological research methods
1.3. Demonstrate knowledge and comprehension of a range of appropriately identified psychological theories
and research studies

2. Application and analysis
2.1. Demonstrate an ability to use examples of psychological research and psychological concepts to
formulate an argument in response to a specific question

3. Synthesis and evaluation
3.1. Evaluate psychological theories and empirical studies
3.2. Discuss how different levels of analysis can be used to explain behavior
3.3. Evaluate research methods used to investigate behavior

Enduring Understandings (Big Ideas)
Students will understand that
1. Psychology, though considered problematic by
some, is now considered to be a science, based on
both quantitative and qualitative methods.

2. Biological, social and cultural factors influence the
way we feel, think and behave.
Essential Questions
1. How do we gather knowledge within the field of
psychology?

2. Are there factors that influence human behavior?
Knowledge
Students will know that
1. Psychology studies mental processes and behavior.
2. Psychology is a science that depends on different
research methods.
3. Ethics is critical in psychology.
4. Behavior and mental processes can be explained
through many different perspectives and theories.
5. There is a difference between psychologists and
psychiatrists.
Skills
Students will be able to
1. Define psychology and differentiate between
mental process and behavior.
2. Identify the different quantitative and qualitative
methods used in psychological research.
3. Identify ethical issues in the field of psychology.
4. Compare and contrast the psychological
perspectives.
5. Name differences between psychologists and
psychiatrists.

Dispositions
1. Inquirers
2. Knowledgeable
3. Thinkers
4. Communicators
Stage 2: Assessment Evidence
Common Assessment
1. Quiz and Tests: To demonstrate knowledge and
comprehension.
2. Academic Prompt: To evaluate, discuss and
Other Assessment
1. Research Homework: To use terms and organize
ideas.
examine concepts, theories and models.
3. Presentations: To describe and explains models or
theories.
Stage 3: Learning Plan
Key Learning Activities (You can link in Atlas)
1. Identify the defense mechanism.
2. Perspectives in psychology.
3. Psychology in your perspective.
4. Case study: Causes of behavior.

Key Resources
1. Psychology In Perspective By Carol Tavris
2. Approaches to Psychology By William E. Glassman
3. Psychology: An International Perspective by Michael
W. Eysenck
4. Levels of Analysis in Psychology by Jennie Jaminson
5. Psychology By Paul Whetham
6. IB Psychology Course Companion by International
Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Additionally we rely on:
1. Videos
2. Various Handouts
3. Articles
4. Optical Illusions

Differentiation
1. Using varied resources for different learners.
2. Using multiple means of assessment (HW,
Presentations, Projects, Quizzes, Tests, Drawings).


Parent Communication/Involvements
Canvas and Email