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IB Psychology Past Papers & Drilling (Paper 1): Three Approaches, SAQ and ERQ
TUTORZONE ORIGINAL DRILLING MOCK · IB PSYCHOLOGY PAPER 1
Written to the IB Psychology exam format: Paper 1, 49 marks, 2 hours – Section A has three short-answer questions (one per core approach: biological, cognitive, sociocultural), 9 marks each = 27; Section B has one extended-response essay from a choice of three, 22 marks. Worth 50% at SL and 40% at HL. This is a Paper 1 drilling mock with answers and techniques.
What is in IB Psychology Paper 1?
Direct answer: 49 marks, 2 hours – three 9-mark SAQs (biological, cognitive, sociocultural) plus one 22-mark ERQ. Worth 50% at SL.
Assessment at a glance (2027)
| Component | Content | Weighting | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Core) | 3 SAQs (9 each) + 1 ERQ (22), 49 marks | SL 50%／HL 40% | 2 hours |
| Paper 2 (Options) | SL one ERQ / HL two ERQs | SL 25%／HL 20% | SL 1 h / HL 2 h |
IB Psychology Paper 1 drilling technique: SAQ command terms are only describe/outline (AO1) or explain (AO2) – give 3-4 points and do not write an essay; ERQ command terms are discuss/evaluate/to what extent (AO3) and require both sides, research evidence and a conclusion. Prepare at least two studies per approach (author + year + method + findings + evaluation).
How this paper was built
This is a TutorZone original drilling mock: the questions follow the IB Psychology Paper 1 format and the answers are our own, not IB past papers, marking references or IB publications.
Pacing
| Section | Marks | Suggested time | What to do first |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Core) | SL 50%／HL 40% | about 12 min per SAQ, 50 min for the ERQ | three approaches + command terms |
| Paper 2 (Options) | SL 25%／HL 20% | about 50 min per essay | option topics (abnormal, health, relationships) |
SAQ vs ERQ?
Direct answer: SAQ command terms are describe/outline/explain – give 3-4 points; ERQ uses discuss/evaluate/to what extent and requires both sides, research evidence and a conclusion.
Paper 1: Section A (3 questions, 27 marks) + Section B (1 question, 22 marks)
SAQs: 3-4 points. ERQ: both sides + research + conclusion.
Question 1 (9 marks)
SAQ (biological approach): explain how a neurotransmitter can affect human behaviour.
Question 2 (9 marks)
SAQ (cognitive approach): describe one model of memory and state one limitation.
Question 3 (9 marks)
SAQ (sociocultural approach): explain how cultural norms can influence individual behaviour.
Question 4 (22 marks)
ERQ: discuss one strength and one limitation of the biological approach to explaining human behaviour.
How many studies should I prepare for the ERQ?
Direct answer: at least two studies per approach, each with author, year, method, findings and evaluation.
Paper 1 answers and marks
Question 1
(1) Define: a neurotransmitter is a chemical that carries signals across a synapse (3). (2) Mechanism: it binds receptors and changes the excitability of the next neuron (3). (3) Link to behaviour: e.g. serotonin levels linked to mood/aggression, citing supporting research (3).
Question 2
(1) Describe the model: e.g. the multi-store model (sensory -> short-term -> long-term memory) (5). (2) Limitation: it oversimplifies and ignores the reconstructive nature of memory (4).
Question 3
(1) Define: cultural norms are shared expectations of behaviour within a group (3). (2) Mechanism: internalised through socialisation and conformity pressure (3). (3) Example: collectivist vs individualist cultures differ in cooperative/competitive behaviour (3).
Question 4
Needs argument + research support + evaluation: (1) Intro defining the approach (2). (2) Strength: measurable and replicable (brain scans, twin studies), with research (7). (3) Limitation: reductionist, ignores environmental and cultural factors, with research (7). (4) Balanced conclusion (6). The command term Discuss requires both sides and a conclusion.
Which topics does this paper drill?
Direct answer: the biological approach (neurotransmitters), cognitive (memory models), sociocultural (cultural norms) and ERQ evaluation structure.
Where these marks are usually lost
| Mistake | What it looks like | What it costs | Instead |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAQ written as an essay | Both sides in a SAQ | SAQs only describe/explain, 3-4 points | SAQ short, ERQ balanced |
| One-sided ERQ | Strengths only | Discuss needs both sides and a conclusion | both sides + conclusion |
| No research support | Theory only | Every point needs a study (author + year) | research support |
| Ignoring the command term | Discuss treated as Explain | Read the command term first | command term first |
How to use this paper
First drill: the full 2 hours – 36 minutes for the 3 SAQs and 50 minutes for the ERQ, with no notes.
Mark it: check command terms, number of points and research evidence.
Second drill: redo three to seven days later, aiming to finish inside 1 h 45 min.
What should I do after drilling this paper?
Direct answer: log one-sided or unsupported ERQ answers; redo in three to seven days; and drill the Paper 2 options.
FAQ
Is this an IB past paper?
No. The questions and answers are TutorZone originals, not IB past papers, marking references or IB publications.
What is in IB Psychology Paper 1?
Three SAQs (one per approach: biological, cognitive, sociocultural, 9 marks each) plus one 22-mark ERQ, 49 marks, 2 hours.
SAQ vs ERQ?
SAQ command terms are describe/outline/explain – give 3-4 points; ERQ uses discuss/evaluate and requires both sides, research and a conclusion.
Official references
| Resource | What to check |
|---|---|
| IB Psychology subject page (IBO) | Confirm the Paper 1-3 marks and times |
| https://www.tutorzone.com.hk/en-ib-economics-mock-paper/ | IB Economics drilling mock |
Related: practice area · IB Biology drilling mock
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