Psychology · 2000 · November · Paper 2 · SL · Markscheme

MARKSCHEME November 2000 PSYCHOLOGY Standard Level Paper 2 N00/350/S(2)M INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE BACCALAURÉAT INTERNATIONAL BACHILLERATO INTERNACIONAL 27 pages Biological bases of behaviour [25 marks] 1. Describe and evaluate studies that have been used to investigate visual processing. The wording of the question indicates that at least two studies should be considered. If there are just two studies presented these should be described and discussed in greater depth than an essay which addresses four or five studies. [13 marks] should be the maximum for description and [12 marks] for discussion. Candidates have a considerable choice of studies including the classic work of Hubel and Wiesel on simple, complex and hyper-complex cells and the concept of feature detectors. They might also focus on the early and late stage of recognition research conducted by Marr, or the more complex work on simple and augmented networks which have been advanced by McClelland and Rumelhart. The “processing” mentioned in the question may be primarily physiological or cognitive, although astute candidates will show that processing involves both nature and nurture elements. It is perfectly acceptable if candidates take other approaches to the question provided that these are made relevant. For example top-down and bottom-up studies may be described and this could make for a particularly useful evaluation section as the merits of each are compared. [25 marks] 2. Explain how the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system influence behaviour in humans. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) comprises two parts – sympathetic and the parasympathetic systems. These two work together but at different times their function may be complementary or opposed to each other. The sympathetic is usually considered to be concerned with emergency situations e.g. diverting blood to the muscles, causing bodily hair to stand erect, while the parasympathetic deals with more mundane situations e.g. regulating blood sugars, pupil size or heart rate. The combination of the two is frequently illustrated by reference to sexual activity in both male and female humans. The CNS is more under the