Practise IB Psychology HL 3.2.7 questions by discussing how peers and play influence cognitive and social development, applying developmental evidence.
Discuss the role of peers and/or play in cognitive development and/or social development.
when awarding marks.
The command term "discuss" requires candidates to offer a considered review of the role of peers and/or play in cognitive and/or social development.
Relevant topics may include, but are not limited to:
- the influence of different categories of play on cognitive and/or social development
- the therapeutic value of play
- Piaget's and Vygotsky's theories related to play and cognitive development
- the link between cognitive development and peer relationships
- the link between peer relationships and social comparison
- cultural differences in peer relationships
Studies may include, but are not limited to:
- Hughes' (1999) study on learning social skills through role play
- Russ's (2004) study of a child's capacity for cognitive flexibility and creativity developed by role play
- Todd et al.'s (2016);
Fagot's (1985) studies on gender-specific toys
- Bradbard et al.'s (1986) study on the influence of sex stereotypes on children's exploration and memory
- Albert et al.'s (2013) study on peer influences in adolescent decision-making
- Newcomb and Bentler's (1988) study showing how positive relationships are important in reducing adolescent's drug use
- Kupersmidt and Coie's (1990) studies on peer rejection as predictor of externalizing problems in adolescence.
Discussion may include, but is not limited to:
- methodological and ethical considerations related to the research into the role of peers and play in cognitive and/or social development
- how the findings of research have been interpreted and applied (eg designing physical education courses for different ages of children)
- implications of the findings
- assumptions and biases
- areas of uncertainty
- supporting and/or contradictory evidence
- alternative explanations addressing cognitive and/or social development.
Candidates may discuss one aspect of the role of peers and/or play in cognitive and/or social development in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may discuss a larger number of aspects of the role of peers and/or play in cognitive and/or social development in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.