What is Psychology like?

[AshaJ]

I'm debating taking higher level psychology over higher level chemistry since I'm not fully set on studying something STEM related in university. Since, it's the first year my school is going to offer it, I haven't got a clue about what the course is like. (P.S. is it risky to take it if it's being offered for the first year to my cohort??).

 

1) Is it interesting??

2) I know it's very heavy on memorization - would it be manageable if taken along with higher level biology and economics? I'm good at memorizing but there obviously is a limit

3) I don't particularly enjoy essay writing but I'll do it if necessary. Would that be an issue if I choose to take it?

4) Is the marking criteria subjective? Is it abstract (because I CAN'T do abstract since I'm maths/science oriented)??

 

Thanks for the help!

[Negotiation]

Blatantly copying a previous post I made on psychology vs physics:

 

My experience with IB is that psychology is very much memorization based. I was excited about it when I picked it, thinking that I would learn intricate details of human thought, which was accomplished to some extent, but much of my time was wasted (in my opinon) memorizing studies to use as evidence.

 

In contrast, the equivalent information in physics is given to you in the exams, the physics data booklet, so limited memorization is required. This enables the course to focus more on application of the knowledge in the syllabus, rather than memorization. The course still had some flat-out memorization though, but not nearly as much as psychology required. I don't know how this is in the new syllabus.

 

This difference was also illustrated in my revision for the exams; when revising for physics, I went through past paper after past paper, doing as many problems as possible, to nail the application of the knowledge. With psychology, on the other hand, I mainly focused on reading over and re-doing notes on various studies.

 

However, if there is a high chance you'll study psychology, you should of course pick it.

 

1) To some extent. However, too much time is spent memorizing studies.

2) Probably, but there's a lot to memorize and that may kick you when exam season starts. I'd also like you to consider how helpful for you it'll be in the future—are you the kind of person who remembers things for exams and then don't later? If so, other subjects might be more helpful in the future.

3) It's purely assessed on essay writing. Here is an example of short ones, here are some longer ones. Pay attention to the ones starting with 'discuss'. I have not checked the qualities of said essays.

4) Somewhat subjective, though that shouldn't be a problem. I don't know what you mean by abstract.

[Negotiation]

It depends on how you think of it. I think chemistry is more about application of knowledge, while psychology is more about regurgitation of knowledge.

 

For me, chemistry was far easier, simply because I don't enjoy straight memorization.

[AshaJ]

Decided to go with chemistry because it's seems like it's what I'd probably excel in. I don't enjoy straight memorization either but I am good at it so if I do end up struggling with chemistry (doubt it) I'll reconsider psychology.

[neilbijlaney]

I'm debating taking higher level psychology over higher level chemistry since I'm not fully set on studying something STEM related in university. Since, it's the first year my school is going to offer it, I haven't got a clue about what the course is like. (P.S. is it risky to take it if it's being offered for the first year to my cohort??).

 

1) Is it interesting??

2) I know it's very heavy on memorization - would it be manageable if taken along with higher level biology and economics? I'm good at memorizing but there obviously is a limit

3) I don't particularly enjoy essay writing but I'll do it if necessary. Would that be an issue if I choose to take it?

4) Is the marking criteria subjective? Is it abstract (because I CAN'T do abstract since I'm maths/science oriented)??

 

Thanks for the help!

I've taken biology and economics (HL) but psychology at (SL). Psychology has three areas : Biological, Socio-Cultural and Cognitive and one might interest you more than the other but overall it is quite interesting as a subject. Taking it at HL will mean A lot of content because you need to take both options in Paper 2 AND an extra Paper 3 about qualitative research methods. If you can manage that and can write a good essay then Psychology is for you but Chemistry i've heard is equally hard in terms of content and understanding. Can you possibly try psych for some time and switch over a little later if its not comfortable ? 

[AshaJ]

Thanks for the reply but I've decided to stick with higher level chemistry especially since they both are equally hard (and I'm way more interested in chemistry, anyway).

[Negotiation]

Good choice