Psychology · IB HL
IB Psychology HL — papers & markbands
The three approaches (Paper 1), research methods/options (Paper 2) and — at HL — qualitative research (Paper 3). Below are the papers you'll sit and how examiners award marks. Practise past papers, learn the markbands, then check your own answers for feedback.
IB Psychology HL community
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Psychology HL chapters
26 topics · free- 1.1The brain and behaviour
- 1.2Hormones, pheromones and behaviour
- 1.3Genetics and behaviour
- 1.4The role of animal research in understanding human behaviour
- 2.1Cognitive processing
- 2.2Reliability of cognitive processes
- 2.3Emotion and cognition
- 2.4Cognitive processing in the digital world
- 3.1The individual and the group
- 3.2Cultural origins of behaviour
- 3.3Cultural influences on individual behaviour
- 3.4The influence of globalization on individual behaviour
- 4.1Research methods in psychology
- 4.2Ethics in psychological research
- 5.1Abnormal psychology: factors influencing diagnosis
- 5.2Abnormal psychology: etiology of disorders
- 5.3Abnormal psychology: treatment of disorders
- 6.1Health psychology: determinants of health
- 6.2Health psychology: health problems
- 6.3Health psychology: promoting health
- 7.1Developmental psychology: influences on cognitive and social development
- 7.2Developmental psychology: developing an identity
- 7.3Developmental psychology: developing as a learner
- 8.1Human relationships: personal relationships
- 8.2Human relationships: group dynamics
- 8.3Human relationships: social responsibility
Papers in Psychology HL
- Paper 1HL
Practise this paper under timed conditions, then mark against the band descriptors.
- Paper 2HL
Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
- Paper 3HL
Drill the question style, then review the markbands to push into the top band.
How IB marking differs
Unlike point-based A-Level mark schemes, IB uses markbands — examiners place your answer in a level band against descriptors. Knowing the band wording is how you turn a 5 into a 7.
Check your work
Upload a photo of your answer and get structured, criteria-based feedback on where the marks are.
Get feedback →Frequently asked questions
- What papers are in IB Psychology HL?
- IB Psychology at HL is assessed by Paper 1, Paper 2, Paper 3, plus internal assessment. The three approaches (Paper 1), research methods/options (Paper 2) and — at HL — qualitative research (Paper 3).
- How is IB Psychology marked?
- IB uses markbands and assessment criteria rather than point-based A-Level marking codes — examiners place your response in a level band against descriptors. Our guides show what separates the top band from the middle on each paper.
- Where can I find IB Psychology HL past papers?
- Browse every recent Psychology HL exam series on our IB Psychology past-papers page, organised by session and paper, with mark-scheme guidance for each.
- Is there a free IB Psychology course?
- Yes — MarkScheme has a free topic-by-topic IB Psychology course with worked examples, flashcards, and criterion practice marking on every syllabus point.
Best free IB Psychology resources
Hand-picked, fully legal and free — official IB papers plus the best teacher-made notes and solutions.