Practise IB Psychology SL 3.1.8 questions by evaluating biological treatments for disorders and comparing biomedical with individual approaches.
Evaluate the use of one or more biomedical approaches to the treatment of one disorder.
Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "evaluate" requires a detailed appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations of the use of biomedical approaches to the treatment of one disorder. Although a discussion of both strengths and limitations is required, it does not have to be evenly balanced to gain high marks.
There are various types of biomedical approaches to treatment, for example drug therapy, ECT, acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary change, or exercise. Whichever biomedical approaches to treatment are chosen, they should specifically relate to one disorder.
Evaluative remarks could include, but are not limited to:
- the issue of reductionism
- side effects of some treatments
- ethical, gender or cultural issues
- the argument that biomedical approaches to treatment are effective in reducing the symptoms of a psychological disorder but they often don't constitute a complete and final cure
- methodological issues present in studies investigating the effectiveness of the treatment (researcher bias, comparability of samples, placebo effect, how we judge whether the treatment is successful).
Candidates may evaluate a single biomedical approach in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may evaluate more than one biomedical approach in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.
If a candidate discusses more than one disorder, credit should be given only to the first disorder.
If a candidate discusses only strengths or only limitations, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [5 marks] for critical thinking and up to a maximum of [2 marks] for organization. Up to full marks may be awarded for knowledge and comprehension.