IB Psychology SL 3.2.7 Peer Influence Questions

Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "discuss" requires candidates to offer a considered review of the role of peers and/or play in cognitive and/or social development.

Relevant discussion may include, but is not limited to:
- the influence of different types of play on cognitive and/or social development
- the therapeutic value of play
- Piaget's and Vygotsky's theories related to play and cognitive development
- the link between cognitive development and peer relationships
- the link between peer relationships and social comparison.

Studies may include, but are not limited to:
- Hughes's (1999) study on learning social skills through role play
- Russ's (2004) study of a child's capacity for cognitive flexibility and creativity developed by role play
- Todd et al.'s (2016);
Fagot's (1985) studies on gender-specific toys
- Bradbard et al.'s (1986) study on the influence of gender stereotypes
- Albert et al.'s (2013) study on peer influences in adolescent decision-making
- Newcomb and Bentler's (1988) study showing positive relationships are important in reducing adolescent's drug use
- Kupersmidt and Coie's (1990) studies on peer rejection as predictor of externalizing problems in adolescence
- Granic et al.'s (2014) study on the benefits of playing video games
- Nichols's (1996) study on social interaction.

Discussion may include, but is not limited to:
- methodological and ethical considerations
- gender and cultural considerations
- how the findings of the research have been interpreted and applied
- practical applications and implications of the findings
- assumptions and biases
- supporting and/or contradictory evidence
- alternative explanations addressing cognitive and/or social development.

Candidates may discuss one aspect of the role of peers and/or play in cognitive and/or social development in order to demonstrate the depth of knowledge or may discuss a larger number of aspects of the role of peers and/or play in cognitive and/or social development in order to demonstrate the breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.

Candidates may discuss animal research or explanations relating to animal studies if these are linked to human behaviour.