Practise IB Psychology SL 3.1.1 by explaining research methods and evaluating how evidence supports conclusions about biological processes and behaviour.
Examine how one or more biological factor(s) influence either one specific anxiety disorder or one specific eating disorder.
Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "examine" requires candidates to consider the influence of biological factors in ways that uncover the relationship between the chosen biological factor(s) and the selected disorder.
Responses are likely to refer to biological factors, such as:
- the role of genes
- brain damage
- biochemical factors (e.g. hormones and neurotransmitters).
Support for the role of biological factors in disorders comes from research studies investigating the effectiveness of psychopharmacological treatment. A large and growing range of drugs has been developed to deal with anxiety and eating disorders. Although these drugs are beneficial, it is not clear if they address the root causes of such disorders or simply mask the symptoms.
Cognitive and sociocultural factors may be legitimately considered if they are shown to influence, or be influenced by, biological factors.
Responses that examine biological factors of depression or any mood disorder should not be awarded any marks.
Candidates may examine one biological factor in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may examine more than one biological factor in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable. Marks should be awarded based on the quality of the examination presented.
If a candidate examines how one or more biological factor(s) influence one affective disorder or schizophrenia, no marks should be awarded.
If a candidate examines one or more biological factors in relation to more than one specific anxiety disorder and/or one specific eating disorder, credit should be given only to the examination of the first disorder.