Practise IB Psychology SL 3.2.1 questions by explaining brain development, biological factors, developmental theories and links to learning.
Examine how one or more biological factors influence human development.
Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "examine" requires candidates to consider how biological factors affect human development in a way that uncovers the interrelationships of this issue.
Responses may refer to biological factors including, but not limited to:
- the effects of maturation of the nervous system and cognitive development
- Waber's (2007) MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) studies of normal brain development
- the role of neuroplasticity in brain development
- the role of stress hormones on faulty development
- the role of sex hormones
- Bowlby's theory that attachment is innate.
Evidence of critical thinking may be provided by candidates in the following ways:
- discussing the issue of reductionism
- asserting that human development is the result of complex interactions between biological, sociocultural and cognitive factors
- evaluation of empirical research
- methodological and ethical considerations.
Although the focus of the answer should be on biological factors, candidates may discuss how cognitive and sociocultural factors interact with biological factors. Biology and experience are assumed to act together to produce the normal course of development (eg when examining the influence of gender on human development, candidates could assert the presence of an interaction between sociocultural and biological factors).
Candidates may address one biological factor in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may address more than one biological factor in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.