With reference to one study, describe how one biological factor may affect one cognitive process.

Refer to the paper 1 section A markbands when awarding marks.

The command term “describe” requires candidates to give a detailed account of how one biological factor may affect one cognitive process.

A specific biological factor must be clearly identified. Possible cognitive processes include, but are not limited to, memory, language acquisition, problem solving, and perception.

Research studies may include but are not limited to:

• Broca’s (1861) or Wernicke’s (1874) studies on the role of damage to specific regions of the brain on language production and language understanding
• Martinez and Kesner’s (1991) investigation of neurotransmission and memory consolidation
• Milner et al.’s (1968) case study of HM or Blakemore’s (1988) case study of Clive Wearing, investigating the role of the hippocampus on memory consolidation and retrieval
• Newcomer (1998) or Meaney’s (1988) studies on the role of glucocorticoids (cortisol) on memory impairment.

The focus of the response should be on how the biological factor affects the cognitive process, not solely on describing the study.

If a candidate only describes an appropriate study without describing how one biological factor may affect one cognitive process, apply the markbands up to a maximum of [3].

If a candidate describes how one biological factor may affect one cognitive process without making reference to a relevant study, apply the markbands up to a maximum of [4].

If a candidate refers to more than one study, credit should be given only to the first study.

If a candidate refers to more than one biological factor, credit should be given only to the first biological factor.

If a candidate refers to more than one cognitive process, credit should be given only to the first cognitive process.