Paper 1 Guide
Paper 1: Approaches to Understanding Behaviour
Paper 1 tests your knowledge of the three core approaches — biological, cognitive, and sociocultural — through short-answer questions, application questions, and an extended essay. It is worth 40% (HL) or 50% (SL) of your final grade. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Last reviewed: 28 April 2026
Duration
1h 30 min
Weighting
40% HL / 50% SL
Total marks
35 marks
Paper 1 Structure
A
Section A — Short-Answer Questions
- 2 compulsory questions (4 marks each = 8 marks total)
- One question from the biological approach, one from the cognitive approach
- Command terms: Describe or Explain — requires definition, explanation, and a linked example
B
Section B — Application Questions
- 2 compulsory questions (6 marks each = 12 marks total)
- Each question provides a scenario or study and asks you to apply a concept or theory
- Drawn from the six contexts: learning and cognition, human development, identity, health and well-being, social psychology, abnormal psychology
C
Section C — Concepts in Context (Extended Essay)
- 1 question from a choice of 2 (15 marks)
- Evaluate or discuss a claim using concepts (e.g., bias, ethics, validity) applied to a context and content
- Requires a structured essay with introduction, PEEL body paragraphs, and a non-absolute conclusion
Suggested Timing
| Section | Marks | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|
| Section A — Q1 (biological approach) | 4 | ~8 min |
| Section A — Q2 (cognitive approach) | 4 | ~8 min |
| Section B — Q3 (application) | 6 | ~12 min |
| Section B — Q4 (application) | 6 | ~12 min |
| Section C — Extended essay | 15 | ~40 min |
| Reading / checking | — | ~10 min |
Detailed Guides
Paper 1A
Section A
Short-answer questions: structure, markbands, and sample answers.
Read Section A guide
Paper 1B
Section B
Application questions: how to link concepts to scenarios with depth.
Read Section B guide
Paper 1C
Section C
The 15-mark essay: structure, markbands, and a full sample response.
Read Section C guide