IB Diploma Programme (DP) - SL & HL · Psychology

Biological approach to understanding behaviour: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Biological approach to understanding behaviour.

10 questions26 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which of the following terms describes the theory that specific parts of the brain are responsible for specific behaviors or cognitive processes?

Question 2

1 mark

In genetic research, what is the concordance rate?

Question 3

1 mark

In the study by Caspi et al. (2003) on the 5-HTT gene, what was the observed interaction between genetic variation and environmental factors in relation to depression?

Question 4

1 mark

Which of the following best describes the function of hormones in the human body?

Question 5

1 mark

What was the primary finding of Wedekind’s (1995) "sweaty t-shirt" study regarding Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes?

Question 6

2 marks

Identify and briefly describe the role of neurotransmitters in the transmission of signals between neurons as studied in the Biological approach to understanding behaviour.

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Question 7

4 marks

Outline how neuroplasticity allows the brain to reorganize itself through the process of dendritic branching in response to environmental stimuli.

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Question 8

5 marks

Explain why the vestigial nature of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) in humans is frequently cited as a methodological challenge to the validity of human pheromone research.

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Question 9

3 marks

Part A: Define the term neurotransmission.
Part B: Using one specific example of a neurotransmitter (e.g., serotonin or dopamine), briefly explain how its levels in the brain can influence one specific human behaviour.

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Question 10

7 marks

Part A: Explain the concept of neuroplasticity and distinguish between structural and functional plasticity.
Part B: Describe one study that demonstrates how environmental factors (such as poverty or enriched environments) can lead to changes in the brain's physical structure.
Part C: Discuss the extent to which the brain's ability to reorganize itself changes throughout the human lifespan.

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