Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2025
First exams 2027
Answering ERQs - Paper 1 (DP IB Psychology): Revision Note
Answering ERQs – paper 1
Section C consists of two optional extended response questions (ERQs) from two of the four contexts
Health and wellbeing
Human development
Human relationships
Learning and cognition
The questions are concept-based and so are framed around themes such as:
bias
causality
change
measurement
perspective
responsibility
Each ERQs is worth 15 marks
The total for Section C is 15 marks, as you only answer one ERQ
The examiners are looking for:
how well you show breadth and depth of knowledge, using studies and theory
how well you provide a balanced evaluation (strengths, limitations, counterarguments, applications)
a clear structure, e.g.,
Introduction
AO1: theory/evidence
AO3: evaluation (strengths and limitations)
Conclusion
Command terms (AO1 and AO3)
The command terms used in Section C include:
Describe (AO1)
State (AO1)
Compare and contrast (AO3)
Discuss (AO3)
Evaluate (AO3)
Examine (AO3)
To what extent (AO3)
Example question
In the context of human relationships, evaluate the role of bias in Social Identity Theory [15 marks]
How to answer 'Evaluate' questions
If you are asked to evaluate, you should:
weigh up the strengths and limitations of one or more relevant theories, methods, or strategies
e.g., “measuring attachment behaviours is fraught with difficulties from the outset”
provide examples of methods/strategies
e.g., “Ainsworth’s Strange Situation (1970) uses a controlled observation with behavioural categories”
present strengths with expansion and explanation
e.g., “a strength of a controlled observation is its standardised procedure; this increases replicability and reliability”
present limitations with expansion and explanation
e.g., “a limitation is the artificial setting, which reduces ecological validity”
How to answer 'Discuss' questions
If you are asked to discuss, you should:
offer a balanced and considered review of the topic by presenting more than one viewpoint, explanation, or factor
e.g., “psychological treatments such as CBT can promote change, but their effectiveness depends on motivation and context”
present an argument supported by evidence
e.g., “research by March et al. (2007) suggests CBT is effective for depression, particularly when combined with medication”
Show that behaviour or outcomes are not explained by a single factor but by interacting influences
e.g., “change in behaviour may depend on cognitive factors, biological processes, and social support”
Include both strengths and limitations
e.g., “CBT promotes long-term coping skills; however, high drop-out rates suggest resistance to change for some individuals”
Link ideas together; don't just list them
Use connective phrases to show how points relate, such as "however", "therefore", and "this suggests"
Examiner Tips and Tricks
In Section C on Paper 1, marks are awarded for thinking like a psychologist — defining concepts, applying them thoughtfully, and critically evaluating evidence across different contexts.
Below are some tips to help you succeed in the 15-mark question:
Define the concept first
Start with a clear definition of the key concept (e.g., change, bias, causality), not a study description
Use studies as support
Refer to research briefly to show evidence, focusing on what it demonstrates about the concept
Make links explicit
Clearly explain how the concept applies to the theory or research—don’t assume it is obvious
Show complexity
Discuss more than one perspective, such as strengths and limitations or different explanations
Explain how concepts interact
Show how ideas work together (e.g. change and motivation, bias and measurement)
Evaluate, don’t just describe
Include discussion of effectiveness, limitations, ethics, culture, or real-world use
End with a reasoned conclusion
Weigh the evidence and directly answer how useful the concept is
Be flexible
Apply knowledge to the question rather than relying on memorised essays
Focus on quality
Clear, well-structured arguments score higher than long, unfocused answers
Unlock more, it's free!
Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams
the (exam) results speak for themselves:
Was this revision note helpful?
