IB Psychology HL · 2021 to 2025

2.1 Biological approach

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HL archive · 2021 to 2025

2.1 Biological approach

Latest exam session: May 2025

questions
25
questions
papers
15
papers
exam sessions
9
exam sessions
micro-topics
7

Micro-topics in 2.1 Biological approach

In syllabus order. The ring is the share of papers each appears in.

  • 15

    2.1.1

    Animal research and animal models

    5 questions · in 15% of papersAppears in 5 of the 33 Psychology HL papers analysed (15%), at least once each.

    Rising

    last May 25 P1 TZ3

  • 6

    2.1.3

    Brain imaging

    2 questions · in 6% of papersAppears in 2 of the 33 Psychology HL papers analysed (6%), at least once each.

    Occasional

    last May 23 P1 TZ1

  • 12

    2.1.4

    Chemical messengers

    4 questions · in 12% of papersAppears in 4 of the 33 Psychology HL papers analysed (12%), at least once each.

    Due

    last Nov 23 P1

  • 18

    2.1.6

    Genetic inheritance

    6 questions · in 18% of papersAppears in 6 of the 33 Psychology HL papers analysed (18%), at least once each.

    Regular

    last Nov 24 P1

  • 3

    2.1.7

    Localization of function

    1 question · in 3% of papersAppears in 1 of the 33 Psychology HL papers analysed (3%), at least once each.

    Less common

    last Nov 24 P1

  • 9

    2.1.8

    Neuroplasticity

    3 questions · in 9% of papersAppears in 3 of the 33 Psychology HL papers analysed (9%), at least once each.

    Occasional

    last May 24 P1 TZ2

  • 12

    2.1.9

    Neurotransmission

    4 questions · in 12% of papersAppears in 4 of the 33 Psychology HL papers analysed (12%), at least once each.

    Rising

    last May 25 P1 TZ3

Exam pattern

How often each micro-topic has been examined, year by year. Each label is explained under the grid.

Does it repeat?

Top 4 of 7 micro-topics for the next sitting. Numbers are questions per year.

fewermore

Micro-topic20212022202320242025
2.1.1Animal research and animal modelsRising · last May 25 P1 TZ3
1Animal research and animal models, 2021: 1 question·Animal research and animal models, 2022: 0 questions1Animal research and animal models, 2023: 1 question·Animal research and animal models, 2024: 0 questions3Animal research and animal models, 2025: 3 questions
2.1.9NeurotransmissionRising · last May 25 P1 TZ3
1Neurotransmission, 2021: 1 question·Neurotransmission, 2022: 0 questions·Neurotransmission, 2023: 0 questions1Neurotransmission, 2024: 1 question2Neurotransmission, 2025: 2 questions
2.1.4Chemical messengersDue · last Nov 23 P1
1Chemical messengers, 2021: 1 question1Chemical messengers, 2022: 1 question2Chemical messengers, 2023: 2 questions·Chemical messengers, 2024: 0 questions·Chemical messengers, 2025: 0 questions
2.1.6Genetic inheritanceRegular
1Genetic inheritance, 2021: 1 question2Genetic inheritance, 2022: 2 questions2Genetic inheritance, 2023: 2 questions1Genetic inheritance, 2024: 1 question·Genetic inheritance, 2025: 0 questions

3 more micro-topics with a free account

  • Risingappearing more often in the last two years than before
  • Dueusually examined, but missing from the last two exam sessions
  • Regularin roughly one paper in six or more

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Questions on 2.1 Biological approach, by exam session

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Frequently asked questions

Short answers about this page.

Which Psychology HL exam sessions are covered for 2.1 Biological approach?

9 exam sessions from 2021 to 2025, the latest May 2025. Every Paper 1 in every timezone is read and classified in full, which gives 15 papers in this archive.

Which 2.1 Biological approach topic comes up most?

Animal research and animal models (2.1.1): in 15% of papers, last seen May 25 P1 TZ3. Usually "discuss", worth about 22 marks in a paper that includes it.

Can I see the original question and mark scheme?

No. The wording belongs to the IB. You get the citation, the marks, the command term and the skill tested, plus our own matched practice questions with worked answers and AI marking.

What do "banker", "due" and "rising" mean?

Banker: examined in at least one sitting in four and still appearing. Due: regular before, but absent for the last two exam sessions. Rising: clearly more common in the last two years. Our classification of real papers, not an IB statistic.

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