Section A: Short-Answer Questions
Section A is worth 8 marks and consists of 2 compulsory questions — each drawn from a different approach (biological, cognitive, or sociocultural). The IB selects which 2 of the 3 approaches appear; students answer both. Each question is worth 4 marks and uses the command term Describe or Explain.
Marks
8 marks (2 × 4)
Duration
Shared 1h 30 min (P1)
SL weight
~8% of final grade (SL)
HL weight
~5.7% of final grade (HL)
Questions
2 × 4-mark questions — IB selects 2 of 3 approaches (biological, cognitive, sociocultural); students answer both
Two 4-mark questions, each drawn from a different approach (biological, cognitive, or sociocultural — the IB selects which 2 of the 3 appear; students answer both). Each question asks you to describe or explain a theory, model, or concept, and requires an example that is either hypothetical or drawn from a study, clearly linked to the point being made. Strong preparation means memorising precise definitions, the mechanisms or explanations behind each concept, and having a ready example for each.
Prep strategy
Use the DMEL framework for every answer: Definition → Mechanism/Explanation → Example (hypothetical or study-based) → Link back to the question. Prepare this structure for every major theory, model, and concept in all three approaches.
Last reviewed: 28 April 2026
The Answer Structure
Definition → Explanation → Example → Explicit Link
Define the concept
Give a concise, accurate definition using precise psychological terminology. Avoid vague or circular definitions.
Explain the mechanism
Break down how the concept works — the process, principle, or cause. Use correct terminology throughout. This is where most marks are won.
Give one relevant example
A study or a well-explained hypothetical example — both are equally acceptable. If using a study, include the aim, key finding, and what it demonstrates.
Explicit link back to the question
End with a sentence that directly connects your example to the concept in the question. Don't assume the examiner will make the connection for you.
Section A Markbands
| Mark | What the examiner expects |
|---|---|
| 0 | The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below. |
| 1–2 | The response demonstrates limited knowledge relevant to the question. The example is relevant but is not explained. |
| 3–4 | The response demonstrates detailed knowledge relevant to the question. The example is relevant and explained. |
Note: If a candidate refers to more than one concept or more than one human behaviour, credit is given only for the first.
Specimen Questions & Sample Answers
From the IBO 2025 Specimen Paper
Describe — Role of a Concept in Behaviour
4 marksBiological approach
"Describe how one chemical messenger plays a role in one human behaviour."
Teacher's Tip: Use the exact wording of the command term: 'describe' means a detailed account. Define the concept precisely, explain the mechanism (how it works in the brain or nervous system), then give one relevant example — either from a study or a well-explained hypothetical. End with an explicit link back to the question.
Top markband: 3–4: The response demonstrates detailed knowledge relevant to the question. The example is relevant and explained.
Sample Answer
"Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a central role in the brain's reward circuit. When a rewarding stimulus is encountered — such as food, social praise, or a drug — dopamine is released in the nucleus accumbens, reinforcing the behaviour by creating a pleasurable sensation. This mechanism is closely linked to addictive behaviour: repeated drug use causes the brain to associate the substance with reward, leading to compulsive seeking even when negative consequences arise. For example, in studies of nicotine addiction, dopamine release in the mesolimbic pathway reinforces smoking behaviour, making it difficult to stop despite awareness of health risks. This demonstrates how dopamine, as a chemical messenger, directly shapes habitual and addictive human behaviour."
Explain — A Cognitive Concept with an Example
4 marksCognitive approach
"Explain anchoring bias with reference to one example of human behaviour."
Teacher's Tip: 'Explain' requires reasons or causes — go beyond definition. State what anchoring bias is, explain why it occurs (e.g., reliance on System 1 thinking, cognitive load, insufficient adjustment), then apply it to a specific, well-developed example. A hypothetical example is just as valid as a study.
Top markband: 3–4: The response demonstrates detailed knowledge relevant to the question. The example is relevant and explained.
Sample Answer
"Anchoring bias is a cognitive bias in which individuals rely disproportionately on the first piece of information encountered — the 'anchor' — when making subsequent judgements. It occurs because of limited cognitive resources: when faced with uncertainty, people use System 1 thinking and fail to sufficiently adjust away from the initial anchor. For example, in pricing decisions, if a consumer first sees a jacket priced at $500 and then sees it 'on sale' for $250, they perceive it as a bargain — even if $250 is still above market value. The $500 anchor distorts their perception of what constitutes a fair price. This demonstrates how anchoring bias affects economic decision-making by causing people to evaluate value relative to an arbitrary starting point rather than objective criteria."
The "Technical Language" Strategy
Precision earns marks. The markband explicitly rewards "detailed knowledge" and an example that is "relevant and explained." Every vague phrase costs you marks. Replace "it affects the brain" with the specific pathway, region, or mechanism.
One example, done well. The markscheme states that if you mention more than one example, only the first is credited. Don't hedge — commit to one strong, fully explained example and make the link explicit.