DP Psychology Exam Practice Questions
From In Thinking: ‘There is no definitive list of questions for this curriculum - so the list of
potential questions below is not exhaustive. However, most of the questions will fall within
the list that has been provided below. The questions are grouped by topic and include both
SAQ and ERQ (essay) questions.’
SAQs may be asked using the command terms explain, describe or outline. In the following
sections, all questions will be stated using "explain" to simplify this page.
ERQs may be asked using the command terms discuss, evaluate, contrast or "to what
extent" as appropriate. All examples below will use the command term "discuss" to simplify
this resource.
For the ERQ responses, students should include two or more pieces of research. Only one
piece of research (and theory or model, as appropriate) should be used for responses to
SAQs.
BIO Generic
SAQs
1. Explain the use of one research method in one study using the biological
approach to understanding human behaviour.
2. Explain the use of one research method in one study of the brain and behaviour.
3. Explain the use of one research method in one study of hormones or pheromones
and behaviour.
4. Explain the use of one research method in one study of genetics and behaviour.
5. Explain one ethical consideration relevant to one study using a biological
approach to understanding human behaviour.
6. Explain one ethical consideration relevant to one study of the brain and behaviour.
7. Explain one ethical consideration relevant to one study of hormones or
pheromones and behaviour.
8. Explain one ethical consideration relevant to one study of genetics and behaviour.
ERQs
● Discuss the use of one or more research methods...
● Discuss ethical considerations .....
BIO Brain & Behaviour
SAQs
1. Explain one technique used to study the brain in relation to behaviour.
2. Explain one study of localization of function.
3. Explain one study of neuroplasticity.
4. Explain neuroplasticity, making use of one study.
5. Explain one effect of neurotransmission in human behaviour, making use of one
study.
6. Explain the formation of neural networks using one study.
7. Explain the role of one agonist, making use of one study.
8. Explain the role of one antagonist, making use of one study.
9. Explain neural pruning, making use of one study.
10.Explain how excitatory or inhibitory synapses play a role in one behaviour, making
use of one study.
ERQs
1. Discuss one or more techniques used to study the brain in relation to behaviour.
2. Discuss one or more studies of localization of function.
3. Discuss one or more studies of neuroplasticity.
4. Discuss one or more studies of the role of neurotransmission on behaviour. N/A
BIO Hormones & Pheromones & Behaviour
SAQs
1. Explain the role of one hormone in human behaviour, making use of one study.
2. Explain one study of the role of pheromones in human behaviour.
ERQs
1. Discuss the role of hormones on behaviour, using one or more examples.
2. Discuss the role of pheromones in human behaviour, using one or more examples.
BIO Genes & Behaviour
SAQs
1. Explain the role of one gene in human behaviour.
2. Explain one evolutionary explanation of one behaviour.
3. Explain the use of twin studies and/or kinship studies using one study.
ERQs N/A
1. Discuss the role of one or more genes in one behaviour.
2. Evaluate one or more studies on the role of genes on behaviour.
3. Discuss one evolutionary explanation of behaviour.
HL Only → Extension Animal Models
Extension questions may only be asked as ERQs; never as SAQs.
● To what extent can animal research provide insight into understanding human
behaviour?
● Discuss ethical considerations in animal research.
● TBA as we study
