IB Psychology HL 3.1.10 Psychological Treatment Questions

Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "compare and contrast" requires candidates to give an account of similarities and differences between two approaches to the treatment of one disorder. Although a discussion of both similarities and differences is required, it does not have to be evenly balanced to gain high marks.

Expect a range of different approaches to treatment to be offered in response to the question. Individual treatments could include systematic desensitization, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and person-centred therapy. Group approaches could include group cognitive therapy, group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), or family therapy. Biomedical approaches could include drug therapy, electrical brain stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or surgery.

Responses could compare and contrast:
- the effectiveness of the two approaches to treatment
- etiological assumptions influencing the treatment
- the role of the therapist
- appropriateness for different cultural contexts
- ethical considerations
- cost in time and money
- strengths and limitations of the approaches to treatment.

If a candidate compares and contrasts the use of two approaches to the treatment for more than one disorder, credit should be given only to the part of the response relevant for the first disorder.

Candidates may address two approaches to treatment of a general disorder (for example, an eating disorder) or a more specific type of disorder (for example, anorexia/bulimia). Both approaches are equally acceptable.

Candidates may address two broad approaches to treatment of one disorder (for example, individual cognitive approach to treatment versus group cognitive approach to treatment) or two specific treatments of one disorder (for example, CBT versus MBCT). Both approaches are equally acceptable.

If a candidate discusses only similarities or only differences, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [5] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to a maximum of [2] for criterion C, organization. Up to full marks may be awarded for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension.

If a candidate compares and contrasts the use of two approaches to the treatment but does not refer to a disorder, the response should be awarded a maximum of [4] for criterion A, knowledge and understanding, up to a maximum of [5] for criterion B, critical thinking and up to a maximum of [2] for criterion C, organization.

If a candidate discusses treatment without specifically linking that treatment to an approach to treatment, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [6] for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension. Up to full marks may be awarded for criterion B, critical thinking, and for criterion C, organization.

If a candidate only describes and evaluates one approach to treatment with no specific reference to another approach to treatment, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [3] for
criterion A, knowledge and comprehension, up to a maximum of [3] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to a maximum of [2] for criterion C, organization.