IB Psychology SL 2.1.4 Chemical messengers Question Bank

when awarding marks.
The command term "describe" requires candidates to give a detailed account of one effect of one hormone on behaviour, with reference to one relevant study.

Any aspect of human behaviour (eg, aggression, attachment, sexual behaviour) is acceptable as long as the response focuses on how one hormone affects a particular behaviour.

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. Responses that address the effect of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, GABA and acetylcholine on behaviour should not be awarded marks.

Relevant studies may include, but are not limited to:
- Radke et al.'s (2015) study investigating the effect of testosterone on women's responses to angry faces
- McGaugh and Cahill's (1995) study on the effect of adrenaline in memories linked to emotional arousal
- Newcomer et al.'s (1999) study on cortisol and memory
- Baumgartner et al.'s (2008) study on the effect of oxytocin on trust in economic behaviour.

If a candidate describes more than one effect on more than one hormone, credit should be given only to the first effect or the first hormone described.

If a candidate refers to more than one study credit should be given only to the first study.
If a candidate describes the effect of one hormone without making reference to a study, up to a maximum of [5] should be awarded.

If a candidate only describes a relevant study without describing the effect of the hormone, up to a maximum of [4] should be awarded.