Discuss one or more effects of the environment on one or more physiological processes.

Refer to the paper 1 section B assessment criteria when awarding marks.

The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered review of one or more effects of the environment on one or more physiological processes.

Examples of how the environment may affect physiological processes include, but are not limited to the effects of:

• daylight hours on levels of melatonin
• poverty on neuroplasticity
• environmental stressors on physiological stress response
• interaction with the environment and brain development.

Examples of studies include, but are not limited to:

• Maguire et al.’s (2000) study on neuroplasticity in the hippocampus of taxi drivers
• Marmot et al.’s (1997) Whitehall study on perceived control of workplace stress and cardiovascular health
• Meaney’s (1988) study on how environmental stressors lead to hippocampal cell loss in rats
• Rosenzweig and Bennett’s (1972) study on stimulating environments and dendritic branching
• Bremner et al.’s (2003) study on environmental stressors and the reduction of hippocampal volume.

Discussion of the effects may include, but is not limited to:

• methodological and/or ethical issues
• supporting and contrary findings
• application of the findings
• contributing factors other than the environment affecting physiological processes.

Candidates may discuss one effect of the environment or one physiological process in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may discuss a larger number of effects of the environment or physiological processes in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.