Practise IB Psychology SL 1.1.6 by identifying and discussing ethical responsibilities in biological, cognitive and sociocultural psychological research.
Describe ethical considerations related to one study at the biological level of analysis.
Refer to the paper 1 section A markbands on the next page when awarding marks.
The command term "describe" requires candidates to give a detailed account of ethical considerations related to one study at the biological level of analysis.
Candidates should refer to an appropriate study carried out at the biological level of analysis. When addressing ethical considerations, it is not necessary to refer to a study that violates these standards;
the study could have met ethical standards.
Ethical considerations include, but are not limited to:
- obtaining informed consent
- avoiding harm or suffering of participants
- no changes to the participants that are not reversible in nature
- anonymity maintained
- the need for debriefing.
Examples must be focused on biological aspects of the research - for example, Corkin's use of brain imaging would be acceptable, whereas Milner's cognitive testing of HM would not.
Candidates must make an explicit link between ethical considerations and the study to access the top markband.
If a candidate describes ethical considerations related to more than one study, credit should be given only to the first study.
If a candidate only addresses one ethical consideration, then marks in the top markband should not be awarded.
If a candidate describes a study but ethical considerations are not addressed, apply the markbands up to a maximum of [3 marks].
If a candidate addresses ethical considerations but does not refer to an appropriate study, apply the markbands up to a maximum of [3 marks].
Candidates may describe a smaller number of ethical considerations in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may describe a larger number of ethical considerations in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.
Section A markbands
Marks
Level descriptor
0
The answer does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
1 to 3
There is an attempt to answer the question, but knowledge and
understanding is limited, often inaccurate, or of marginal relevance to the question.
4 to 6
The question is partially answered. Knowledge and understanding is accurate but limited. Either the command term is not effectively addressed
or the response is not sufficiently explicit in answering the question.
7 to 8
The question is answered in a focused and effective manner and meets the demands of the command term. The response is supported by appropriate and accurate knowledge and understanding of research.