Practise explaining how biological factors such as brain regions and neurotransmission affect memory, language, attention and other cognitive processes.
With reference to one research study, explain how one biological factor may affect one cognitive process.
Refer to the paper 1 section A markbands below when awarding marks.
The command term "explain" requires candidates to give a detailed account, including reasons or causes, of how one biological factor may affect one cognitive process. A specific biological factor must be clearly identified. Possible cognitive processes include, but are not limited to, memory, language acquisition, problem solving, and perception.
Research studies may include but are not limited to:
- Broca's (1861) and Wernicke's (1874) studies on the role of damage to specific regions of the brain on language production and language understanding
- Martinez and Kesner's (1991) investigation of neurotransmission and memory consolidation
- Milner et al. (1968) and Blakemore's (1988) case studies of HM and Clive Wearing, investigating the role of the hippocampus on memory consolidation and retrieval
- Newcomer (1998) or Meaney's (1988) studies on the role of glucocorticoids (cortisol) on memory impairment.
The focus of the response should be on the explanation of how one biological factor affects one cognitive process, not on the description of the study.
If a candidate only describes an appropriate study without explaining how one biological factor may affect one cognitive process, apply the markbands up to a maximum of [3 marks].
If a candidate explains how one biological factor may affect one cognitive process without making reference to a relevant study, apply the markbands up to a maximum of [4 marks].
If a candidate refers to more than one study, credit should be given only to the first study.
If a candidate refers to more than one biological factor, credit should be given only to the first biological factor.
If a candidate refers to more than one cognitive process, credit should be given only to the first cognitive process.
Section A markbands
Marks Level descriptor
0 The answer does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
1 to 3 There is an attempt to answer the question, but knowledge and understanding is limited, often inaccurate, or of marginal relevance to the question.
4 to 6 The question is partially answered. Knowledge and understanding is accurate but limited. Either the command term is not effectively addressed or the response is not sufficiently explicit in answering the question.
7 to 8 The question is answered in a focused and effective manner and meets the demands of the command term. The response is supported by appropriate and accurate knowledge and understanding of research.