IB Psychology SL · 2021 to 2025

2.1 Biological approach

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SL archive · 2019 to 2027

2.1 Biological approach

Latest exam session: Specimen 2027

questions
questions
papers
papers
exam sessions
exam sessions
By year6micro-topics

Micro-topics in 2.1 Biological approach

In syllabus order. The ring is the share of papers each appears in. 3 of them have no matching questions in this archive.

  • 0

    2.1.1

    Animal research and animal models

    No question tagged to this topic in the 43 Psychology SL papers analysed

    No matches in this archiveRevise it
  • 0

    2.1.2

    Biological reductionism

    No question tagged to this topic in the 43 Psychology SL papers analysed

    No matches in this archiveRevise it
  • 12

    2.1.3

    Brain imaging

    5 questions · in 12% of papers

    Fading

    last May 25 P1 TZ3

  • 23

    2.1.4

    Chemical messengers

    10 questions · in 23% of papers

    Rising

    last May 26 P1 TZ3

  • 0

    2.1.5

    Diathesis-stress model

    No question tagged to this topic in the 43 Psychology SL papers analysed

    No matches in this archiveRevise it
  • 23

    2.1.6

    Genetic inheritance

    10 questions · in 23% of papers

    Rising

    last May 26 P1 TZ3

  • 7

    2.1.7

    Localization of function

    3 questions · in 7% of papers

    Occasional

    last May 25 P1 TZ2

  • 12

    2.1.8

    Neuroplasticity

    5 questions · in 12% of papers

    Fading

    last Nov 25 P1 TZ3

  • 14

    2.1.9

    Neurotransmission

    6 questions · in 14% of papers

    Due

    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 6 micro-topics for the next sitting. Numbers are questions per year.

fewermore

Micro-topic201920202021202220232024202520262027
2.1.4Chemical messengersRising · last May 26 P1 TZ3
1Chemical messengers, 2019: 1 question·Chemical messengers, 2020: 0 questions2Chemical messengers, 2021: 2 questions2Chemical messengers, 2022: 2 questions2Chemical messengers, 2023: 2 questions·Chemical messengers, 2024: 0 questions·Chemical messengers, 2025: 0 questions2Chemical messengers, 2026: 2 questions1Chemical messengers, 2027: 1 question
2.1.6Genetic inheritanceRising · last May 26 P1 TZ3
·Genetic inheritance, 2019: 0 questions1Genetic inheritance, 2020: 1 question1Genetic inheritance, 2021: 1 question2Genetic inheritance, 2022: 2 questions1Genetic inheritance, 2023: 1 question1Genetic inheritance, 2024: 1 question1Genetic inheritance, 2025: 1 question3Genetic inheritance, 2026: 3 questions·Genetic inheritance, 2027: 0 questions
2.1.9NeurotransmissionDue · last May 25 P1 TZ3
1Neurotransmission, 2019: 1 question1Neurotransmission, 2020: 1 question1Neurotransmission, 2021: 1 question·Neurotransmission, 2022: 0 questions·Neurotransmission, 2023: 0 questions1Neurotransmission, 2024: 1 question2Neurotransmission, 2025: 2 questions·Neurotransmission, 2026: 0 questions·Neurotransmission, 2027: 0 questions
2.1.3Brain imagingFading · last May 25 P1 TZ3
1Brain imaging, 2019: 1 question·Brain imaging, 2020: 0 questions·Brain imaging, 2021: 0 questions1Brain imaging, 2022: 1 question2Brain imaging, 2023: 2 questions·Brain imaging, 2024: 0 questions1Brain imaging, 2025: 1 question·Brain imaging, 2026: 0 questions·Brain imaging, 2027: 0 questions

2 more micro-topics with a free account

  • FadingNeuroplasticity· last Nov 25 P1 TZ3
  • Risingappearing more often in the last two years than before
  • Dueusually examined, but missing from the last two exam sessions
  • Fadingused to appear, but not seen for two years 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 SL exam sessions are covered for 2.1 Biological approach?

15 exam sessions from 2019 to 2027, the latest Specimen 2027. Every Paper 1 in every timezone is read and classified in full, which gives 25 papers in this archive.

Which 2.1 Biological approach topic comes up most?

Chemical messengers (2.1.4): in 23% of papers, last seen May 26 P1 TZ3. Usually "Discuss", worth about 17.6 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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