IB Psychology HL : Core

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for IB Psychology HL

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Core

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:

Familiarity with the material to-be-learned

Biological variations in hormones

All of these

None 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 #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:

All of these

Stereotypical gender expectations

Biological variations in hormones

Familiarity with the material to-be-learned

None of these

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 : Cognitive Level Of Analysis

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

II and III

II only

I only

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 : Cognitive Level Of Analysis

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

II and III

II only

I only

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

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

Cognitive dissonance

Social facilitation

Fundamental attribution error

Bystander effect

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 #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:

Fundamental attribution error

Bystander effect

Cognitive dissonance

Social facilitation

Social loafing

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.

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