In IB Psychology, mastering subject-specific vocabulary isn’t just about definitions, descriptions and explanations, it’s about communicating with precision. The assessment criteria highlight this directly: examiners will be looking for accurate and consistent use of the language of psychology. Using the correct terminology makes students’ exam answers clearer, more credible, and much more likely to score in the higher markbands.
Take, for example, the difference between saying “the study was good” and “the study had high internal validity because confounding variables were controlled.” The second statement not only shows that you know the correct term but also demonstrates deeper conceptual understanding. Words like validity, reliability, quasi-experiment, overt, covert, mean, median, determinism and many others allow students to describe research and arguments with the level of precision that examiners expect.
But the importance of vocabulary extends beyond exams. In class discussions, using appropriate and relevant terminology sharpens students’ arguments and makes their reasoning clearer to others. Even beyond the classroom, being able to apply psychological language helps students engage in more nuanced conversations about behaviour, mental health, and social issues.
So how do students achieve this? The glossary at the back of the Subject Guide is a solid starting point, but it’s very limited. That’s why we’ve compiled a resource with nearly 1,000 psychology words and phrases, organised into three sections: Concepts, Content, and Contexts. Available both in print (perfect for highlighting and making margin notes) and as an eBook (ideal for quick reference on the phone), this book gives students the tools to expand their psychological vocabulary and, with it, their confidence in exams.
Click the image below to check out The glossary of psychology vocabulary on Amazon.
Tom Coster - Psychology 
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