IB Psychology HL : IB Psychology HL

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for IB Psychology HL

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Example Questions

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Example Question #1 : Biological Level Of Analysis

Studies on gender differences in learning have demonstrated that discrepancies in learning between men and women can be attributed to which of the following factors?

Possible Answers:

None of these

All of these

Familiarity with the material to-be-learned

Biological variations in hormones

Stereotypical gender expectations

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Research about learning differences between men and women is mixed, and there does not appear to be conclusive evidence of any inherent biological differences. Most studies seem to indicate that when differences are found, they can be explained by the level of familiarity the individuals have with the subject to be learned or by stereotypical expectations about gender. Although hormones may not affect overall intellect, hormone levels can impact performance at a given point in time and impact learning. 

Example Question #2 : Biological Level Of Analysis

Studies on gender differences in learning have demonstrated that discrepancies in learning between men and women can be attributed to which of the following factors?

Possible Answers:

None of these

Familiarity with the material to-be-learned

Biological variations in hormones

All of these

Stereotypical gender expectations

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Research about learning differences between men and women is mixed, and there does not appear to be conclusive evidence of any inherent biological differences. Most studies seem to indicate that when differences are found, they can be explained by the level of familiarity the individuals have with the subject to be learned or by stereotypical expectations about gender. Although hormones may not affect overall intellect, hormone levels can impact performance at a given point in time and impact learning. 

Example Question #1 : Core

Which of the following statements is/are true of the differences between fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence?

I. Fluid intelligence tends to decrease as we age, while crystallized intelligence tends to hold steady or even increase

II. Fluid intelligence tends to increase as we age, while crystallized intelligence tends to hold steady or even decrease

III. Fluid intelligence concerns the ability to acquire new information and skills, while crystallized intelligence deals with knowledge previously acquired

Possible Answers:

III only

I only

II only

II and III

I and III

Correct answer:

I and III

Explanation:

Fluid intelligence concerns the ability to solve abstract problems and to use new information effectively, and tends to decrease as we age. Crystallized intelligence involves the use of information recalled from previous education and experience, and does not decrease with age (and may even get better as we get older). Statements I and III are both true.

Example Question #2 : Core

Which of the following statements is/are true of the differences between fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence?

I. Fluid intelligence tends to decrease as we age, while crystallized intelligence tends to hold steady or even increase

II. Fluid intelligence tends to increase as we age, while crystallized intelligence tends to hold steady or even decrease

III. Fluid intelligence concerns the ability to acquire new information and skills, while crystallized intelligence deals with knowledge previously acquired

Possible Answers:

I and III

I only

III only

II and III

II only

Correct answer:

I and III

Explanation:

Fluid intelligence concerns the ability to solve abstract problems and to use new information effectively, and tends to decrease as we age. Crystallized intelligence involves the use of information recalled from previous education and experience, and does not decrease with age (and may even get better as we get older). Statements I and III are both true.

Example Question #3 : Core

According to which theory would a person who faints in the middle of the street be less likely to be helped if there are ten witnesses rather than one?

Possible Answers:

Social loafing

Social facilitation

Bystander effect

Cognitive dissonance

Fundamental attribution error

Correct answer:

Bystander effect

Explanation:

The "bystander effect" refers to the phenomenon that people are less likely to intervene in emergency situations when a group of people are present. This finding is attributed to diffusion of responsibility, where people feel less responsible in groups than when they are alone. Cognitive dissonance refers to a person's attempt to resolve the discomfort experienced by holding contradictory beliefs. The fundamental attribution error is the tendency to make internal attributions for other people's behaviors rather than look at the situation. Social loafing occurs when people put in less effort when working in groups rather than when working alone. They often feel that their minimal contributions will not be noticed. On the other hand, social facilitation refers to the tendency of people to perform better when in the presence of others.

Example Question #4 : Core

According to which theory would a person who faints in the middle of the street be less likely to be helped if there are ten witnesses rather than one?

Possible Answers:

Social loafing

Social facilitation

Bystander effect

Fundamental attribution error

Cognitive dissonance

Correct answer:

Bystander effect

Explanation:

The "bystander effect" refers to the phenomenon that people are less likely to intervene in emergency situations when a group of people are present. This finding is attributed to diffusion of responsibility, where people feel less responsible in groups than when they are alone. Cognitive dissonance refers to a person's attempt to resolve the discomfort experienced by holding contradictory beliefs. The fundamental attribution error is the tendency to make internal attributions for other people's behaviors rather than look at the situation. Social loafing occurs when people put in less effort when working in groups rather than when working alone. They often feel that their minimal contributions will not be noticed. On the other hand, social facilitation refers to the tendency of people to perform better when in the presence of others.

Example Question #1 : Options

Sarah alternates between periods of sadness—where she has little interest in life and low energy—and periods of excessive energy—where she has little need for sleep and engages in reckless behavior. Given what you know about her symptoms, what is Sarah's most likely diagnosis?

Possible Answers:

Schizophrenia

Generalized anxiety disorder

Bipolar disorder

Depression

Borderline personality disorder

Correct answer:

Bipolar disorder

Explanation:

Sarah's symptoms are consistent with “bipolar disorder,” which includes alternating between periods of depression and mania. By definition, a manic episode must last at least one week and not be induced by drugs or alcohol. Even though Sarah experiences periods of “depression,” bipolar disorder is the more appropriate diagnosis due to her manic episodes. “Borderline personality disorder” includes symptoms related to instability in relationships, emotions, and self-image. “Generalized anxiety disorder” is characterized by excessive anxiety regarding a number of things that induces impaired functioning. Last, “schizophrenia” is a psychotic disorder that involves at least two of the following symptoms: hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, disorganized behavior, and emotional flattening.

Example Question #1 : Developmental Psychology

Which of Jean Piaget's 4 stages of cognitive development is characterized by the ability to use language and the inability to understand concrete logic?

Possible Answers:

Sensorimotor stage

Concrete operational stage

None of these

Formal operational stage

Preoperational stage

Correct answer:

Preoperational stage

Explanation:

In the preoperational stage (~2-7 years old), a human can speak and understand language, but cannot yet comprehend concrete logic or complex relationships between characteristics of objects. Piaget also characterizes this as a stage of egocentrism.

Example Question #2 : Developmental Psychology

Which of Jean Piaget's 4 stages of cognitive development is characterized by the ability to use language and the inability to understand concrete logic?

Possible Answers:

Formal operational stage

Sensorimotor stage

Preoperational stage

None of these

Concrete operational stage

Correct answer:

Preoperational stage

Explanation:

In the preoperational stage (~2-7 years old), a human can speak and understand language, but cannot yet comprehend concrete logic or complex relationships between characteristics of objects. Piaget also characterizes this as a stage of egocentrism.

Example Question #1 : Health Psychology

Regarding a person's risk of heart disease, the American Psychological Association has stated that mental health (e.g. thoughts, attitudes, and emotions) is __________ as important as the physical factors (e.g. exercise, diet, smoking, and drinking) that contribute to the risk of heart disease.

Possible Answers:

just

half

twice

not

None of these

Correct answer:

just

Explanation:

Regarding a person's risk of heart disease, the American Psychological Association has stated that mental health is "just" as important as the physical factors that contribute to the risk of heart disease. The methods that individuals use to cope with stress are directly correlated to how the cardiovascular system responds to a stress inducing situation. Individuals that respond to stress with anger or have a history of depression are at an increased risk of heart disease, which includes heart attack and stroke.

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