| Date | May 2017 | Marks available | 22 | Reference code | 17M.Paper 2.BP.TZ0.8 |
| Level | SL and HL | Paper | Paper 2 | Time zone | TZ0 |
| Command term | Discuss | Question number | 8 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Discuss two or more factors related to overeating and the development of obesity.
Markscheme
Refer to the paper 2 markbands when awarding marks.
The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered review of the factors related to overeating and the development of obesity.
It is not necessary for candidates to make a distinction between overeating and obesity.
Factors may include, but are not limited to:
- physiological factors – for example, genetic predisposition, the role of dopamine, neurobiological explanation of food addiction
- psychological/cognitive factors – for example, low self-esteem, distorted body image, pessimistic thinking patterns, cognitive restraint
- sociocultural factors – for example, sedentary lifestyle, high-fat diet, coping with poverty.
Relevant research may include, but is not limited to:
- Stunkard et al.’s (1990) study of identical twins reared apart
- theory of compulsive overeating – food craving is related to secretion of dopamine in the brain’s reward circuit
- Volkow et al.’s (2002) fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) study indicating that obese participants had the same deficiency in dopamine receptors as drug addicts
- restraint theory – due to either external triggers or emotional experiences a person is more likely to experience a lack of control that leads to overeating
- Jeffery (2001): an increasingly sedentary way of life leads to more people suffering from the results of obesity.
Discussion may include, but is not limited to:
- cultural and ethical considerations
- empirical evidence and related methodological factors
- interaction between biological, cognitive, and sociocultural factors.
Candidates may discuss two factors related to overeating and the development of obesity in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may discuss a larger number of factors related to overeating and the development of obesity in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.
If a candidate discusses only one factor, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [5] for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension, up to a maximum of [4] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to a maximum of [2] for criterion C, organization.
