Answering SAQs - Paper 1 (DP IB Psychology): Revision Note

Section A consists of two compulsory SAQs from two of the three content areas

• Biological approach

• Cognitive approach

• Sociocultural approach

The SAQs are worth 4 marks each

• The total for Section A is 8 marks

The examiners are looking for:

• how well you demonstrate knowledge and understanding of theories and concepts

• how well you can develop each answer you give

• the use of examples to illustrate points

The command terms used in Section A include:

• Describe (AO1)

• State (AO1)

• Analyse (AO2)

• Apply (AO2)

• Comment (AO2)

• Design (AO2)

• Explain (AO2)

• Interpret (AO2)

• Predict (AO2)

• Suggest (AO2)

In practice, Section A questions most often use ‘Describe’ or ‘Explain’, so it is worth practising writing exam-style answers using these command terms

If you are asked to describe a topic or theory, you should:

• provide a detailed account, not just a simplified outline

  • e.g., for classical conditioning include unconditioned stimulus (UCS), conditioned stimulus (CS), conditioned response (CR), extinction

• include the effect of the theory on behaviour

  • e.g., classical conditioning produces a conditioned response

• use relevant examples to make your answer concrete

  • e.g., developing a fear of buttons after choking on them as a child

Describe the role of one chemical messenger in human behaviour [4 marks]

Explain the role of classical conditioning in behaviour [4 marks]

Describe conformity and its role in understanding human behaviour [4 marks]

Section B consists of two compulsory SAQs from two of the four contexts

• Health and wellbeing

• Human development

• Human relationships

• Learning and cognition

The SAQs are worth 6 marks each

• The total for Section B is 12 marks

The examiners are looking for:

• how well you can use the given scenario in your answer

• how well you can apply your knowledge clearly and logically to the context provided

The command terms used in Section B include:

• Analyse

• Apply

• Comment

• Design

• Explain

• Interpret

• Predict

• Suggest

You will always be required to apply your knowledge and understanding of psychological content to unseen or novel scenarios

In a study, MRI scans were used to determine grey matter density. With reference to this study, explain the use of brain-imaging techniques in understanding human behaviour [6 marks]

If you are asked to explain in Section B, you should:

• provide a detailed account of the topic/theory linked directly to the context in the question

  • e.g., “MRI was used to obtain 3D scans of the brain to determine grey matter volume in specific structures”

• include reasons or possible causes

  • e.g., “Increased grey matter in the hippocampi may result from learning and experience”

• show how the theory/topic applies to behaviour

  • e.g., “These results support the theory of neuroplasticity, which can be applied to health settings to encourage recovery after brain damage”