Explain the role of one chemical messenger, such as a hormone, in human behaviour. Link its effect to behaviour and support the explanation with a relevant study, as required by IB Psychology HL 2.1.4.
Describe the role of one hormone in the study of human behaviour, with reference to one relevant study.
Refer to the paper 1 section A markbands when awarding marks.
The command term "describe" requires candidates to give a detailed account of the role of one hormone in human behaviour.
Responses should make a clear link between the role of the hormone(s) and human behaviour. Examples of how hormones influence human behaviour could include, but are not limited to:
- Radke et al.'s (2015) study investigating the effects of testosterone on aggression
- McGaugh and Cahill's (1995) study on adrenaline and memory
- Newcomer et al.'s (1999) study on cortisol and memory
- Baumgartner et al.'s (2008) study on the role of oxytocin on trust
- Ronay and von Hippel's (2010) study on testosterone and risk taking.
If a candidate describes the role of more than one hormone, credit should be given only to the first hormone described.
If a candidate refers to more than one study credit should be given only to the first study.
If a candidate describes the role of one hormone without making reference to a study, up to a maximum of [5] should be awarded.
If a candidate only describes a relevant study without describing the role of the hormone in the study of human behaviour, up to a maximum of [4] should be awarded.
Responses referring to research conducted on animals are acceptable as long as they are linked to human behaviour.