IB Psychology HL : Options

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for IB Psychology HL

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Example Questions

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.

Example Question #2 : 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:

half

twice

None of these

not

just

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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