IBPsychologyDPHLExam QuestionsTechnology (HL Only)Technology: Human Development

Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2025

First exams 2027

Technology: Human Development (DP IB Psychology: HL): Exam Questions

30 mins4 questions
1
3 marks

Source 1

A study investigated the relationship between parental smartphone use during shared activities and children’s attachment security. Sixty children aged 3–5 years took part in a structured observation of attachment-related behaviours, which were scored using an age-appropriate attachment rating scale completed by trained observers. Higher scores indicated greater attachment security.

Parents were observed during a structured play session with their child and were categorised into low, moderate, or high smartphone use based on the frequency of device checking.

Box plot titled "Attachment security scores by level of parental smartphone use" shows declining scores from low to high smartphone use.

Explain one issue that limits the interpretation of the data in source 1.

How did you do?

2
6 marks

Source 2

A study was conducted to examine the effect of caregiver technology use on child emotional responses during interaction. 40 caregiver–child pairs were randomly allocated to one of two conditions during a shared task:

  • High technoference condition: caregivers were instructed to respond to phone notifications during the task

  • Low technoference condition: caregivers placed phones out of reach

After the task, children completed an observationally scored emotional wellbeing scale, where higher scores indicated better emotional wellbeing.

Table 1: Mean emotional wellbeing scores by condition

Condition

Mean score

Standard deviation

High technoference

11.4

3.2

Low technoference

17.9

3.6

Analyse the findings from source 2 and state a conclusion linked to the claim that the use of technology may have a negative effect on attachment.

How did you do?

3
6 marks

Source 3

A researcher carried out a series of semi-structured interviews with parents of children aged 3–6 years to explore how parental technology use during shared time affected their relationship and emotional connection with their child.

The interviews focused on parents’ experiences of using smartphones during routine interactions (e.g. playtime, mealtimes, bedtime) and how they believed this influenced their child’s behaviour and need for attention. The researcher conducted an inductive thematic analysis of the interview transcripts to investigate the meanings parents attributed to these experiences and identified the following themes:

  • Reduced responsiveness during technology use was linked to children seeking attention more frequently or becoming frustrated

  • Parents described feelings of guilt when recognising that technology distracted them from emotionally engaging with their child

  • Several parents reported that their child appeared more clingy or unsettled after periods of frequent device use during shared activities

Discuss how the researcher could avoid bias in source 3.

How did you do?

4
15 marks

To what extent can we conclude that the use of technology may negatively affect attachment in children? In your answer, use your own knowledge and at least three of sources 2–5.

How did you do?