IB Psychology SL 2.1.6 Genetic inheritance Question Bank

Refer to the paper 1 section B assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "discuss" requires candidates to offer a considered review of the relationship between genetics and behaviour.

Candidates may address one behaviour to demonstrate depth of knowledge or may address more than one behaviour to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.

Relevant behaviours that may be used to discuss the relationship may include, but are not limited to:
- intelligence
- sexual orientation
- mental health, e.g. depression, PTSD, addiction
- aggression
- mate selection/mating behaviour.

Relevant studies may include, but are not limited to:
- Bouchard et al.'s (1990) reports on the "Minnesota Twin Studies"
- Kendler et al.'s (2006) twin study on genetics and depression
- Caspi et al.'s (2003) study on genes and depression
- Weissman et al.'s (2005) longitudinal family study on depression
- Caspi et al.'s (2002) study on the "warrior" gene and aggressive behaviours
- Bailey and Pillard's (1990) research into genetics and sexuality.

Discussion may include, but is not limited to:
- methodological and ethical considerations
- how the research findings have been interpreted and applied
- implications of the research findings
- assumptions and biases
- areas of uncertainty e.g., the role of the environment in gene expression, and the diathesis-stress model
- supporting and/or contradictory evidence
- alternative explanations/factors