Technology & Acculturation (DP IB Psychology): Revision Note

Here is an example of a Paper 3 source and a 15-mark ERQ using technology (HL extension) in the Human Relationships context:

Source 5

The following study by Goldsmith et al. (2022) considers the extent to which social media was used as a source of information by migrants and ethnic minority communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Aim: To investigate the extent to which social media was used by migrant and ethnic minority communities.

Procedure:

• A literature review of 1894 items of data on the impact and effects of the pandemic linked to social media use.

• Samples were drawn from the UK, USA, China, Jordan, Qatar and Turkey

Results:

• Migrants and ethnic minority groups per country used a range of social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, WhatsApp, WeChat) to access information about COVID-19

• The use of social media platforms for this purpose was a lack of COVID-19 information in their native languages or from sources that they trusted

• Heavy use of social media at this time may have contributed to suspicions/fears surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine

Conclusion:

• Social media platforms provided an important source of information during the pandemic for some migrant and ethnic minority communities

• Action should be taken to address these platforms circulating misinformation about issues such as vaccination

Q4: To what extent can we conclude that social media can provide a lifeline for acculturating individuals? In your answer, use your own knowledge and at least three of sources 2–5.

[15 marks]

 (Here are two paragraphs which could appear as part of a longer response to this question).

Model answer:

The source highlights both the pros and cons of social media as a form of information for acculturating individuals during the pandemic. While platforms such as WhatsApp are shown to be a source of contact and information, they may have also fuelled misinformation such as conspiracy theories linked to the Covid-19 vaccine. A major challenge with this situation is the difficulty of policing the internet and convincing people (whose first language is not English and whose cultural norms are likely to be different from those of the dominant culture) that anti-vaccine information is little more than alarmist propaganda.

The issue of cultural bias looms large in this discussion, as a researcher from an individualistic culture may not be well placed to investigate issues surrounding acculturation due to the potential for an imposed etic to impair the validity of the research. A sensitive approach in which cultural relativism guides the processes of the research is what is required to avoid ethnocentrism. Simply dismissing the fears or beliefs surrounding vaccines or acculturating individuals only exacerbates the idea of 'us and them': researchers should instead find ways of bridging cultural gaps in order to promote health information that is suitable for everyone.

Q4: To what extent can we conclude that social media can provide a lifeline for acculturating individuals? In your answer, use your own knowledge and at least three of sources 2–5.

[15 marks]

• The command term “To what extent” requires you to express a view/judgement on the merit, validity, or success of an argument or concept, supported by relevant evidence

• Weigh up the relative merits of the claim

  • What is there in this (and other) source(s) that could be used to argue that social media use is a key element to successful acculturation?

  • Could social media use be included in the acculturative strategy of integration, or conversely, does it also have the potential to be a component of separation?

• Consider the difficulties facing researchers in trying to operationalise and measure acculturation

  • What specific variables and research methods could they use?

• Make sure that your argument is informed by the sources and that it draws from the relevant topics featured in this context

• Include concepts (e.g., causality, bias) to inform your critical thinking and discussion of the source(s) as well as any real-world or anecdotal examples you are aware of