IB Psychology SL : Core
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for IB Psychology SL
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Biological Level Of Analysis
__________ receive messages from other neurons. Sufficient levels of stimulation trigger the cell’s own __________, sending an electrical current down the __________ to the cell’s __________, which join with yet more cells.
Dendrites. . . action potential. . . axon. . . terminal buttons
Neurotransmitter. . . action potential. . . signal. . . terminal buttons
Neurotransmitters. . . signal. . . myelin sheath. . . dendrites
Dendrites. . . neurotransmitter. . . axon. . . nerve ending
Axons. . . signal. . . myelin sheath. . . terminal buttons
Dendrites. . . action potential. . . axon. . . terminal buttons
Nerve cells, or neurons, have a basic tree-like structure, which allows them to communicate with other nerve cells. Branch-like dendrites extend from the cell body (i.e. soma) and receive electrochemical signals from other cells. The long, thin axon endings—terminal buttons—extend from the other end of the soma. If the positively-charged signals received into the cell from the dendrites exceed the cell’s normally negative charge, then the axon allows the excess positive ions to travel down it to the terminal buttons, which in turn send neurotransmitters into the gap (i.e. synapse) between them and other cell’s dendrites. The myelin sheath does not itself relay signals, but rather is a natural lipid insulation on the axons of some cells.
Example Question #2 : Biological Level Of Analysis
__________ receive messages from other neurons. Sufficient levels of stimulation trigger the cell’s own __________, sending an electrical current down the __________ to the cell’s __________, which join with yet more cells.
Axons. . . signal. . . myelin sheath. . . terminal buttons
Neurotransmitters. . . signal. . . myelin sheath. . . dendrites
Dendrites. . . neurotransmitter. . . axon. . . nerve ending
Dendrites. . . action potential. . . axon. . . terminal buttons
Neurotransmitter. . . action potential. . . signal. . . terminal buttons
Dendrites. . . action potential. . . axon. . . terminal buttons
Nerve cells, or neurons, have a basic tree-like structure, which allows them to communicate with other nerve cells. Branch-like dendrites extend from the cell body (i.e. soma) and receive electrochemical signals from other cells. The long, thin axon endings—terminal buttons—extend from the other end of the soma. If the positively-charged signals received into the cell from the dendrites exceed the cell’s normally negative charge, then the axon allows the excess positive ions to travel down it to the terminal buttons, which in turn send neurotransmitters into the gap (i.e. synapse) between them and other cell’s dendrites. The myelin sheath does not itself relay signals, but rather is a natural lipid insulation on the axons of some cells.
Example Question #1 : Core
Which of the following is an instance of cognitive dissonance?
A woman sees her friend in pain and immediately starts to cry. She finds the exact emotions of her friend to be mirrored within herself. She would then be in a state of dissonance because she finds herself completely immersed in her friend's psychological state of mind.
A person's consciousness becomes fractured and they start to act like two different people at random times. Their behavior begins to represent two antagonistic forces in their consciousness that are fighting each other.
A person experiences severe disconnection from their surroundings and psychological distress at the thought of the loneliness of their condition. This kind of alienation is termed cognitive dissonance.
A man steals money from his friend and then experiences a state of stress due to contradicting beliefs. On the one hand, he believed that he was a good person, but he also believes good people don't steal. These two beliefs cannot be true at the same time, so he is in a state of dissonance.
All of these
A man steals money from his friend and then experiences a state of stress due to contradicting beliefs. On the one hand, he believed that he was a good person, but he also believes good people don't steal. These two beliefs cannot be true at the same time, so he is in a state of dissonance.
Cognitive dissonance has to do with the beliefs we hold, namely when they come into conflict with one another. For instance, the man has belief number one: Good people do not steal. At the same time, he also believes that he is a good person. When he is confronted with the reality of his actions (i.e. that he stole money from his friend), he experiences dissonance since those two beliefs now contradict each other.
Example Question #2 : Core
Which of the following is an instance of cognitive dissonance?
All of these
A woman sees her friend in pain and immediately starts to cry. She finds the exact emotions of her friend to be mirrored within herself. She would then be in a state of dissonance because she finds herself completely immersed in her friend's psychological state of mind.
A man steals money from his friend and then experiences a state of stress due to contradicting beliefs. On the one hand, he believed that he was a good person, but he also believes good people don't steal. These two beliefs cannot be true at the same time, so he is in a state of dissonance.
A person's consciousness becomes fractured and they start to act like two different people at random times. Their behavior begins to represent two antagonistic forces in their consciousness that are fighting each other.
A person experiences severe disconnection from their surroundings and psychological distress at the thought of the loneliness of their condition. This kind of alienation is termed cognitive dissonance.
A man steals money from his friend and then experiences a state of stress due to contradicting beliefs. On the one hand, he believed that he was a good person, but he also believes good people don't steal. These two beliefs cannot be true at the same time, so he is in a state of dissonance.
Cognitive dissonance has to do with the beliefs we hold, namely when they come into conflict with one another. For instance, the man has belief number one: Good people do not steal. At the same time, he also believes that he is a good person. When he is confronted with the reality of his actions (i.e. that he stole money from his friend), he experiences dissonance since those two beliefs now contradict each other.
Example Question #3 : Core
Which of the following factors is most likely to cause an individual to conform their opinion to match that of a group?
The individual has not yet voiced their opinions, though others have been given a chance to speak
The topic in discussion bears personal meaning to the individual
The group's view contradicts to the religious beliefs of the individual
The presence of an authority figure, even if the authority figure does not give a personal opinion
None of these
The individual has not yet voiced their opinions, though others have been given a chance to speak
Solomon Asch is most well-known for his social psychology studies on conformity. Individuals are most likely to conform when they are in a group. Social normative refers to the influence other people have on an individual that leads to conformity, driven by a desire to fit in. If an individual has not yet voiced their opinions, they are also more likely to conform to a group's view. Outside influences such as these have a major impact on conformity.
Example Question #4 : Core
Which of the following factors is most likely to cause an individual to conform their opinion to match that of a group?
The presence of an authority figure, even if the authority figure does not give a personal opinion
The individual has not yet voiced their opinions, though others have been given a chance to speak
The topic in discussion bears personal meaning to the individual
None of these
The group's view contradicts to the religious beliefs of the individual
The individual has not yet voiced their opinions, though others have been given a chance to speak
Solomon Asch is most well-known for his social psychology studies on conformity. Individuals are most likely to conform when they are in a group. Social normative refers to the influence other people have on an individual that leads to conformity, driven by a desire to fit in. If an individual has not yet voiced their opinions, they are also more likely to conform to a group's view. Outside influences such as these have a major impact on conformity.
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