Explain how a chemical messenger such as a hormone or pheromone can affect human behaviour. Link its role or effect to relevant research, and consider the evidence when discussing pheromones.
Describe the function of one hormone in human behaviour.
Refer to the paper 1 section A markbands below when awarding marks.
The command term "describe" requires candidates to give a detailed account of the function of one hormone in human behaviour.
A hormone is defined as a chemical messenger of the endocrine system and is transported by blood to distal target cells. Although hormones may act as neurotransmitters by activating receptor sites within the synapse, it is the origin of the chemical that classifies it as a hormone. Hormones include:
- adrenaline/epinephrine (McGaugh and Cahill, 1995)
- estrogen (Sherwin, 1994)
- glucocorticoids/cortisol (Newcomer, 1999)
- melatonin (Rosenthal, 1987)
- neuropeptide Y (Morgan et al., 2000)
- oxytocin (Baumgartner, 2008)
- testosterone (Booth, 1998).
Any aspect of human behaviour (eg aggression, depression, stress, sexual interest) is acceptable as long as the response focuses on how the hormone influences the particular behaviour.
Responses that address the influence of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, GABA and acetylcholine should not be awarded marks.
If a candidate describes a study using animals but does not explicitly link the study to human behaviour, up to a maximum of [3] should be awarded.
If a candidate describes the function of more than one hormone, credit should be given only to the description of the first hormone.
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.