In this video I begin describing the 4 stages of Piaget’s theory of cognitive development: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. Then I provide details of the sensorimotor stage along with more recent research suggesting that infant understanding of … Read More
Cognitive Development – Piaget: Assimilation & Accommodation
In this video I introduce the work of developmental psychologist Jean Piaget. Piaget proposed a stage-based theory for how we develop our cognitive abilities. Piaget viewed children like “little scientists” who were constantly testing and updating their knowledge structures, or … Read More
Early Brain Development
In this video I discuss brain development and begin with the idea of infantile amnesia. Memories before about the age of 3 are very rare, suggesting that the infant brain is not yet developed to store episodic memories, though it … Read More
How is the IB Psychology External Assessment Graded?
The IB Exam external assessment is based entirely on free-response writing and uses a rubric system (in IB lingo answers fall into a “markband”) which helps graders categorize the quality of responses and assign numerical scores. As you’ll see, determining … Read More
How Are IB Psychology Grades Calculated? IB Grade Calculator for SL & HL (2024)
Your overall IB grade from 1-7 is calculated based on your scores on both the internal assessment (your experiment report) and the external assessment (the exam). For details on how each aspect of the external assessment is scored, see this … Read More
Parts of the Brain: Midbrain Structures
In this video I continue covering parts of the brain, explaining regions of the midbrain including the tegmentum, the substantia nigra, and the tectum. I also discuss the limitations of using 2D images when learning about brain structures, the use … Read More
Brain Scanning and Imaging Techniques
In this video I briefly explain how information can be collected about the structure and function of a living brain using scanning and imaging techniques including EEG, CAT scan, PET scan, MRI, fMRI, and DTI. Don’t forget to subscribe to … Read More
Early Ways of Studying the Brain
In this video I discuss early approaches to studying the brain by looking at cases of brain damage and attempting to connect areas of damage to deficits or changes in behavior. The case of Phineas Gage is considered, as well … Read More
Introduction to Neurotransmitters
In this video I introduce several neurotransmitters including acetylcholine, dopamine, GABA, serotonin, and norepinephrine. I also describe some of the functions of each of these neurotransmitters, with the caveat to avoid oversimplifying the role of neurotransmitters in explaining complex behaviors. … Read More
What’s on the IB Psychology Exam?
The IB Psychology exam assesses students by combining results on 3 or 4 assessments, depending on if a student is taking SL or HL. These parts are Paper 1; which assesses biological, cognitive, & sociocultural approaches, Paper 2; which assesses applications … Read More