Psychology 0266
About Course
The Cambridge IGCSE™ Psychology (0266) is an internationally recognised qualification designed primarily for learners aged 14–16 years, although it is suitable for students of any age. It introduces you to the scientific study of human thought, behaviour and mental processes while developing analytical and investigative skills valued in further education. No previous knowledge of psychology is required. The course is typically completed over one academic year and is assessed through two examination papers, normally taken in a single examination series.
Throughout this course, you will study six fascinating areas of psychology, including memory and forgetting, sleep and dreams, prosocial behaviour, visual perception, motivation and needs, and language development. You will also develop an understanding of experimental and non-experimental research methods, ethical principles and data analysis used by psychologists. By applying psychological concepts to everyday situations, you will strengthen your critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills while building a solid foundation for further study, including Cambridge International AS & A Level Psychology and related university pathways in psychology, education, healthcare and the social sciences.
At Polymath Institute, your study partner, learning is delivered through a structured digital platform designed around the official Cambridge syllabus. You will study through syllabus-aligned video lessons, guided learning activities, topic exercises, quizzes, assessments, past paper practice, mock examinations and focused revision programmes. Continuous progress tracking helps you identify strengths and improve weaker areas, while our 24/7 tutoring support ensures assistance is always available whenever you need it. With the flexibility to learn at your own pace and revisit lessons as often as necessary, you will build confidence, develop examination readiness and strengthen the knowledge and skills required for higher grades, future academic success and career preparation.
What Will You Learn?
- Explain key psychological theories, concepts and research methods confidently.
- Apply psychological knowledge to everyday situations and real-life scenarios.
- Analyse psychological evidence and evaluate different explanations effectively.
- Interpret research findings using appropriate psychological terminology.
- Demonstrate understanding of ethical principles in psychological investigations.
- Improve examination performance through past papers and mock examinations.
- Develop critical thinking, communication and independent learning skills.
- Prepare confidently for advanced psychology studies and future career pathways.
Course Content
Syllabus Overview – Psychology 0266 (IGCSE™)
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Course Introduction
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Textbooks and resources
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Set your study goals and strategy
Module 01: Memory & forgetting
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1.1 Key concepts
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1.2 Craik & Lockhart’s levels of processing (LoP) model of memory
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1.3 Atkinson & Shiffrin’s multistore model (MSM) of memory
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1.4 Motivated forgetting
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1.5 Role of the brain in memory & forgetting
Module 02: Sleep & dreams
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2.1 Key concepts
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2.2 Restoration theory of sleep
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2.3 Hobson & McCarley’s activation-synthesis theory of dreaming
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2.4 Psychodynamic theory of dreaming
Module 03: Prosocial behaviour
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3.1 Key concepts
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3.2 Biological explanation of prosocial behaviour
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3.3 Social identity theory of prosocial behaviour
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3.4 Bandura’s social learning theory of prosocial behaviour
Module 04: Visual perception
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4.1 Key concepts
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4.2 Gibson’s direct theory of perception
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4.3 Gregory’s constructivist theory of perception
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4.4 Visual illusions & culture
Module 05: Motivation & needs
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5.1 Key concepts
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5.2 Hull’s drive reduction theory of motivation
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5.3 Positive reinforcement in education
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5.4 Psychodynamic motivation & marketing
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5.5 Motivation to exercise
Module 06: Language development
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6.1 Key concepts
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6.2 Biological explanation of language acquisition
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6.3 Learning theory of language development
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6.4 Piaget’s cognitive theory of language development
Module 07: Research methods
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7.1 Experimental method
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7.2 Non-experimental method: observations
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7.3 Non-experimental method: questionnaires & interviews
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7.4 Non-experimental method: case studies
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7.5 Sampling
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7.6 Validity & reliability
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7.7 Ethical guidelines
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7.8 Role of the researcher, materials and procedure
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7.9 Dealing with data
Course recap & IGCSE exam success guidelines
Past question papers and solutions
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November 2025 – Question papers and solutions