Practise IB Psychology SL 3.1.2 by explaining research methods and evaluating how evidence supports conclusions about biological processes and behaviour.
Outline symptoms of one anxiety, affective or eating disorder.
To what extent do cognitive factors influence the etiology of the disorder that you have outlined?
Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
A brief but clear account of symptoms for one psychological disorder should be provided. Responses should refer to one psychological disorder from one of the groups of disorders specified in the question.
The command term "to what extent" requires the candidate to provide a sound argument concerning the importance of cognitive factors in the development of one anxiety, affective or eating disorder. This account should be presented clearly and should be supported with appropriate psychological research.
Responses may refer to cognitive factors influencing the etiology of the disorder such as, but not limited to:
- cognitive distortions
- irrational beliefs, or
- cognitive styles.
The extent to which cognitive factors influence the etiology of the disorder may be addressed by referring to, but not limited to:
- research findings that tend to suggest that an analysis of cognitive factors helps clinicians understand the etiology, symptoms, and personality of individuals with a certain disorder
- criticism that claims that cognitive explanations fail to provide any explanation of why these distortions arise and why some people use them while others do not
- claims that it is difficult to establish cause and effect relationships
- that the onset and development of the disorder is a result of complex interactions between biological, cognitive and/or sociocultural factors. For example, responses may claim that females are more likely to suffer from some eating disorders than males, suggesting that hormonal fluctuations relate to the greater vulnerability of women. Further elaboration may argue that the reasons for the disorder are rooted more in social causes than in cognitive ones.
Candidates may address a smaller number of cognitive factors in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may address a larger number of cognitive factors in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.
If a candidate discusses more than one anxiety, affective or eating disorder, credit should be given only to the first disorder.
Candidates who do not make any reference to the extent to which factors other than cognitive factors (for example, biological or social factors) influence the etiology of the disorder can be awarded up to [6 marks] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to [3 marks] for criterion C, organization. Up to full marks may be awarded for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension.