May 2024 IB Psychology Standard Level Verdict
The May 2024 Standard Level Psychology examinations offered a very balanced and fair set of questions across both Paper 1 and Paper 2. In Paper 1, Section A tested foundational core knowledge with standard prompts, though the specific focus on assimilation in Question 3 caught some candidates off-guard if they relied on generic acculturation summaries. Section B provided highly popular, highly prepared choices (neurotransmitters, emotion & cognition, and social cognitive theory), making the upper bands accessible for well-drilled students. Paper 2 was similarly straightforward, offering classic prompts across the four options.
Where the Marks are Won and Lost
High-scoring candidates demonstrated a precise alignment between their chosen studies and the psychological concepts or models. In Paper 1, Question 2, students who explicitly outlined the Dual-Processing Model (System 1 and System 2) before describing supporting research like Alter & Oppenheimer (2007) comfortably scored in the top band. Conversely, those who jumped straight into the study without clearly mapping out the cognitive model's features were capped at 4 marks.
In the ERQs, the division between high and low marks rested heavily on Criterion D (Critical Thinking). For evaluation prompts, candidates who presented a one-sided argument (only discussing strengths or only limitations) had their critical thinking marks capped at 3 out of 6. In Paper 2, especially under the Abnormal option, many candidates lost marks by discussing the details of the studies themselves rather than evaluating the research methods used to investigate diagnosis, which was the core demand of Question 1.
Common Examiner Pitfalls
- Vague Definitions: Defining 'assimilation' loosely as 'fitting into a new culture' rather than explicitly explaining that it involves abandoning the original culture and adopting the new culture's behaviours and values.
- Pre-prepared Essays: Writing generic responses that ignored the specific modifiers of the prompt. For instance, writing general essays on treatment without focusing on the 'role of culture' in treatment.
- Animal Research Links: Using animal studies (e.g., Rogers and Kesner) to discuss neurotransmitters without explicitly explaining how these findings generalize or link back to human behaviour.
Strategy & Exam Prediction
For future series, students must master the art of explicit mapping. Underline the command term and key constraints. In 'Contrast' questions, do not simply describe two concepts sequentially; structure your paragraphs around specific differences (e.g., origin of treatment, biological vs. cognitive assumptions) to ensure a systematic comparison.
Given that this series focused heavily on acculturation/assimilation and neurotransmitters, upcoming papers are highly likely to test hormones/pheromones or cultural dimensions/enculturation, which have been less prominent in recent sessions. Prioritize these areas in your revision rotation alongside research methodologies.