IB Psychology HL 3.3.8 Cognitive Explanations Questions

Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "to what extent" requires candidates to consider the merits or otherwise of the argument that (two or more) cognitive factors influence human relationships.

Candidates may address any aspects of the psychology of human relationships option (for example, social responsibility, interpersonal relationships, and/or violence).

Candidates may choose to discuss the extent to which cognitive factors influence one or more aspects of human relationships. Both approaches are equally acceptable.

Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to:
- cognitive dissonance (Batson et al.'s (1981) empathy-altruism model of helping behaviour)
- self-esteem (Kiesler and Baral's (1970) study of the role of self-esteem in attraction)
- social learning theory (Bandura 1961,1963, 1965)
- attribution (Markey and Markey, 2007)
- language/communication (Gottmann, 1977).

It is appropriate and useful for candidates to address biological and/or sociocultural factors in order to address the command term "to what extent".

Candidates may discuss two cognitive factors in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may discuss a larger number of cognitive factors in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.

If a candidate discusses only one factor, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [5] for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension, up to a maximum of [4] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to a maximum of [2] for criterion C, organization.