IB Psychology SL 3.1.3 Cultural Differences Questions
Practise IB Psychology SL 3.1.3 by applying cultural differences concepts to exam questions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2027
- Course
- Psychology SL
- Level
- SL
Exam points
- identify cultural variations in the prevalence of psychological disorders and cultural or ethical considerations in diagnosis
- explain how culture may affect disorder prevalence, diagnosis or treatment using relevant studies and evidence
- discuss and evaluate prevalence evidence and the role of culture in diagnosis or treatment, considering cultural and ethical implications
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IB Psychology SL 3.1.3 Cultural Differences Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 22]
Discuss cultural variations in the prevalence of psychological disorders.
Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "discuss" requires candidates to offer a considered review that includes a range of cultural variations in the prevalence of disorders.
The term "prevalence" refers to the percentage of individuals within a population who are affected by a specific disorder at a given time. The prevalence of any psychological disorder may be discussed.
Responses may include, but are not limited to:
- reference to an increase in diagnoses related to differences in cultural norms (for example, an increase in diagnoses of depression or eating disorders in women)
- addressing cultural factors that seem to increase the risk of developing affective or eating disorders
- reference to evidence that with increasing Westernization, rates of certain disorders tend to increase
- addressing changes in diagnostic screening which help mental health professions become more culturally aware in their diagnoses
- the prevalence of culture-bound disorders
- the interaction between biological, cognitive and sociocultural factors
- some prevalence rates are consistent across cultures, for example, schizophrenia
- how emic versus etic approaches affect prevalence rates.
Relevant studies may include, but are not limited to:
- Okulate et al. (2004) - core symptoms of depression are shared in different cultures
- Jaeger et al. (2002) - body dissatisfaction suggesting significant differences between cultures
- Dutton (2009) - cultural variations in prevalence of major depression could be due to cultural differences in stress, standard of living and reporting bias.
Candidates may discuss a small number of cultural variations in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may discuss a larger number of cultural variations in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.
Candidates may discuss (one or) a small number of disorders in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may discuss a larger number of disorders in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.
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