IB Psychology HL 3.1.3 Cultural Differences Questions
Practise IB Psychology HL 3.1.3 by applying cultural differences concepts to exam questions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2027
- Course
- Psychology HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- Discuss cultural variations in the prevalence of psychological disorders, including cultural norms, Westernization, screening and culture-bound disorders.
- Discuss cultural and ethical considerations in diagnosis, including classification bias, emic and etic perspectives, and over- or under-pathologizing.
- Evaluate prevalence research by weighing study evidence, methods, cultural context, and limits on cross-cultural comparisons.
- Discuss how culture influences the treatment of psychological disorders, including accessibility, interpretation of symptoms, and culturally appropriate approaches.
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IB Psychology HL 3.1.3 Cultural Differences Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 22]
Discuss cultural variations in the prevalence of psychological disorders.
Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "discuss" requires candidates to offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of cultural variations in the prevalence of disorders.
The term "prevalence" refers to the percentage of individuals within a population who are affected by a specific disorder at a given time. The prevalence of any psychological disorder may be discussed.
Responses may include, but are not limited to:
- reference to an increase in diagnoses related to differences in cultural norms (for example, an increase in diagnoses of depression or eating disorders in women)
- addressing cultural factors that seem to increase the risk of developing affective or eating disorders
- reference to evidence that with increasing Westernization, rates of certain disorders tend to increase
- addressing changes in diagnostic screening which help mental health professions become more culturally aware in their diagnoses
- culture-bound disorders
- the interaction between biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors
- some prevalence rates are consistent across cultures, for example, schizophrenia.
Relevant studies may include, but are not limited to:
- Okulate et al. (2004) - core symptoms of depression are shared in different cultures
- Jaeger et al. (2002) - body dissatisfaction suggesting significant differences between cultures
- Dutton (2009) - cultural variations in prevalence of major depression could be due to cultural differences in stress, standard of living and reporting bias
- how emic versus etic approaches affect prevalence rates.
Candidates may discuss a smaller number of cultural variations in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may discuss a larger number of cultural variations in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.
Candidates may discuss a small number of disorders in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may discuss a larger number of disorders in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.
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