IB Psychology HL 3.2.1 Brain Development Questions

Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "discuss" requires candidates to offer a considered review of one or more factors influencing brain development.

Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to:
- neuroplasticity
- genetic factors e.g. genetic similarities, epigenetics
- environmental factors e.g. stress, neglect, trauma recovery
- cognitive factors eg problem-solving, cognitive stimulation, language acquisition, executive function development
- maturational theory of brain development.

Responses to this question may also use Piaget's and Vygotsky's theories. For these responses, marks should be awarded depending on how effectively responses link these to brain development.

Relevant studies may include, but are not limited to:
- Waber's (2007);
Gogtay et al.'s (2004) longitudinal studies of brain development using MRI scans
- Chugani et al.'s (2001) study on developmental changes in brain serotonin synthesis capacity
- Johnson and Newport's (1989) study on maturational predispositions for learning a language
- Baird et al.'s (2002);
Diamond's (1991) studies on the effect of maturation on the frontal lobe and the development of object permanence
- Bell and Fox's (1996) study on crawling experience related to changes in the cortical organization during infancy using EEG
- Danelli et al.'s (2012) case study on functional neuroplasticity
- Gieldd et al.'s (2004) longitudinal study on brain development across developmental stages
- Rosenzweig et al.'s (1972) study on environmental effects on brain development
- Bremner's (2003) study on how early sexual abuse correlated with the atrophy of the hippocampus.

Discussion points may include, but are not limited to:
- methodological and ethical considerations
- practical applications and implications of the findings
- the accuracy and clarity of theoretical concepts
- accuracy of assumptions and the role of biases
- interpretation/application of research/concepts
- supporting and/or contradictory evidence.
- comparison of different factors' effects

Responses referring to research on animals, such as Rosenzweig et al.'s (1972) study should be linked to human brain development. Responses that do not explicitly make any link to human brain development should be awarded up to a maximum of [3] for criterion C: use of research to support the answer. All remaining criteria should be awarded marks according to the best fit approach.

Candidates may discuss one factor influencing brain development in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may discuss a larger number of factors in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.