中文（繁體）
中文（简体）
English
IB Psychology Paper 1: Using Studies and Structuring Answers
Study first, link second
Psychology Paper 1 covers the core of three approaches: short answers test concepts and studies, the essay tests using studies as evidence. Answers often describe a study and stop, without linking it back. Give aim, method and findings one sentence each, then two sentences on how it answers the question.
How is IB Psychology Paper 1 assessed, and what does each part carry?
Paper 1 (Core): 3 SAQs (9 each) + 1 ERQ (22), 49 marks (SL 50%／HL 40%); Paper 2 (Options): SL one ERQ / HL two ERQs (SL 25%／HL 20%)
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).
What each paper is actually testing
| Paper | Drill focus | How marks are lost |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Core) | three approaches + command terms | The study is reduced to its conclusion, with no aim, method or link to the concept. |
| Paper 2 (Options) | option topics (abnormal, health, relationships) | The option question is answered with a study that does not belong to that option. |
What is each IB Psychology Paper 1 paper really testing, and what should you drill?
Paper 1 (Core): three approaches + command terms; Paper 2 (Options): option topics (abnormal, health, relationships)
Drill order: by topic, then by year, then the mark scheme
| Step | What you do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. By topic | Work through each topic, starting with the paper that allows least help (no calculator / closed book) | Exposes what is genuinely not understood |
| 2. By year | Whole papers to time, one or two a week | Trains pace, stamina and question selection |
| 3. Mark scheme | Go through the marking scheme question by question and log the scoring steps you missed | Most lost marks are written wrong, not thought wrong |
Should drilling go by topic first or by year?
By topic first, then whole papers by year, then the mark scheme. The first third of the time goes topic by topic (8-10 years of the same topic back to back), the middle switches to timed whole papers, and the last fortnight only redoes the recurring errors from your log.
A 12-week drilling timetable
| Week | Phase | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-3 | By topic: foundation | Topic by topic, starting with the easiest marks, building habits and recall |
| Weeks 4-6 | By topic: core | 8-10 years of the same topic back to back, errors classified by topic |
| Weeks 7-8 | By topic: advanced and electives | Elective and higher-order topics, now under time pressure |
| Weeks 9-10 | By year: timed papers | One full paper a week, timed, no reference materials |
| Week 11 | Mark scheme work | Question by question against the marking scheme; list the scoring steps you omitted |
| Week 12 | Plug holes and simulate | Only the recurring errors from your log, then one full exam simulation |
Subject-specific weighting for this timetable: Weeks 1-3: six core studies per approach, written as aim, method, findings. Weeks 4-6: short answers by topic, six minutes each, checked against the mark scheme straight away. Weeks 7-9: essay structure in four parts – concept, study, link, evaluation. Weeks 10-12: two timed papers a week, the last fortnight on questions where the study was mismatched.
Use it properly: this is not a checklist to finish. Every week must keep time for redoing errors, or from week 9 you will be repeating the same batch.
Pacing
| Paper | Time | Suggested split |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 (Core) | 2 hours | about 12 min per SAQ, 50 min for the ERQ |
| Paper 2 (Options) | SL 1 h / HL 2 h | about 50 min per essay |
How should the time be split inside each IB Psychology Paper 1 paper?
Paper 1 (Core): about 12 min per SAQ, 50 min for the ERQ; Paper 2 (Options): about 50 min per essay
The drilling mistakes that cost the most marks
| Mistake | What it looks like | What actually happens | 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 |
The error log and the mark scheme
Three columns: approach and question, the missing cell of the study (aim, method, findings, link), and whether the loss was the concept, a mismatched study or a missing evaluation.
How many years should you drill?
The core studies of the three approaches recur, so five to seven years covers them; the options depend on what the school teaches and should be checked against the current guide.
How many years of past papers is enough?
The core studies of the three approaches recur, so five to seven years covers them; the options depend on what the school teaches and should be checked against the current guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is this page a mock paper or a drilling guide?
This is the IB Psychology Paper 1 drilling guide: assessment structure, drill order, a 12-week timetable, pacing, common mark losses and the error-log method. For questions with answers, use the IB Psychology Paper 1 mock papers linked under Related.
By topic or by year first?
By topic. Eight to ten years of the same topic back to back is what exposes repeating errors; going straight to whole papers just repeats the same batch under time pressure.
How should the error log be written?
Do not copy out questions. Per error record four things: question reference, which step failed (concept, wording, calculation), what the mark scheme requires, and the correct action next time.
How many studies per answer?
One written fully for a short answer, two that can be set against each other for an essay. Four one-liners read as a memorised list.
Are studies outside the textbook allowed?
Yes, provided aim, method and findings are given and the link is stated. A less common study written fully scores better than a famous one left vague.
Official references
| Resource | What to use it for |
|---|---|
| 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
Next step: find a tutor / register as a tutor
After drilling, the hard part is telling a conceptual error from a writing error. Tell us the year group, the school and your available times, and TutorZone will match you with a tutor who knows the HKEAA assessment requirements.
Demand for tutors in this subject is steady, and those who can explain the marking scheme and where marks are won are especially sought after. Register free; you pay only when a match succeeds.