Practise IB Psychology SL 2.3.4 by explaining research methods and evaluating how evidence supports conclusions about biological processes and behaviour.
Discuss the role of one cultural dimension on human behaviour.
Refer to the paper 1 section B assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "discuss" requires candidates to offer a considered and balanced review, supported by appropriate evidence, of the role of a specific cultural dimension on human behaviour.
Cultural dimensions include, but are not limited to:
- power distance: the way people perceive power differences and how they react to power relations
- individualism versus collectivism: how much people define themselves apart from their group memberships and how it affects their behaviour
- masculinity versus femininity: differences between "masculine" and "feminine" cultures and their effects on individual behaviour
- uncertainty avoidance: society's tolerance for uncertainty and ambiguity and its effect on behaviour
- long- versus short-term orientation (Confucian dynamism): time perspective in a society for the gratification of people's needs and its effect on behaviour
- monochronous versus polychronous time orientation: another form of time perspective in which punctuality, deadlines, and future orientation affect behaviour.
It is important that candidates make a link between the cultural dimension and human behaviour, demonstrating how the selected cultural dimension affects human behaviour. For example, when examining the role of Confucian dynamism, responses may refer to how it affects management leadership, creative behaviour, identification with workplace, perseverance, and/or respect for tradition.
Discussion may include but is not limited to:
- methodological issues
- empirical evidence
- application of the findings
- other contributing factors.
If a candidate discusses the role of more than one cultural dimension, credit should be given only to the first discussion.