IB Psychology HL 3.2.2 Sociocultural factors Question Bank

Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "to what extent" requires candidates to consider the contribution of poverty/socio

economic status on cognitive and/or social development.

Candidates may address only cognitive development or only social development or may address both. These approaches are all equally acceptable.

In order to respond to the command term "to what extent", it is appropriate and useful for candidates to address other factors (e.g. protective factors) that may influence cognitive and/or social development.

Relevant research may include, but is not limited to:
- Bhoomika et al.'s (2008) research on the effect of malnutrition on cognitive performance in Indian children
- Wertheimer's (2003) research on the correlation between academic achievement and living in poor families
- Schoon's (2002) longitudinal study investigating the long-term effect of poverty on academic achievement and attainment in adult life
- Bernstein's (1971) research on the influence of socio-economic status on the use of language in children
- Russell et al.'s (2008) research on the view of poverty as a barrier on adequate parenting
- Turnbull's (1972) research on the link between poverty and pro-social behaviour.

Discussion points may include, but are not limited to:
- methodological considerations
- how the findings of research have been interpreted and applied
- implications of the findings
- the accuracy and clarity of the concepts
- assumptions and biases
- cultural considerations
- areas of uncertainty
- supporting and/or contradictory evidence
- alternative explanations or factors
- practical applications.

Candidates may address one or a small number of potential influences of poverty/socio-economic status to demonstrate depth of knowledge or may address a larger number of potential influences of poverty/socio-economic status to demonstrate breath of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.

If only the impact of trauma on development is addressed with no reference to poverty or socio

economic status, then the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [2] for criterion B: knowledge and understanding. All remaining criteria should be awarded marks according to the best fit approach.