| Date | May 2019 | Marks available | 22 | Reference code | 19M.Paper 1.BP.TZ1.5 |
| Level | SL and HL | Paper | Paper 1 | Time zone | TZ1 |
| Command term | Discuss | Question number | 5 | Adapted from | N/A |
Question
Discuss the influence of emotion on one cognitive process.
Markscheme
Refer to the paper 1 section B assessment criteria when awarding marks. These can be found under the “Your tests” tab > supplemental materials.
The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered review of the influence of emotion on one cognitive process.
Responses may focus on any cognitive process that is affected by emotion such as intelligence, perception, memory or decision making.
Appropriate research may include, but is not limited to:
- Brown and Kulik (1977) study of flashbulb memory
- LeDoux (1996) theory of the emotional brain
- Nutt and Lam (2011), Fisher and Craik (1977), Overton (1964) studies of state-dependent memory
- Scherer (2001) study of appraisal theory.
Discussion may include but is not limited to:
- degree of empirical support
- methodological considerations
- application of findings
- contrary explanations or findings.
Candidates may discuss the influence of one emotion or emotion in general in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may discuss different types of influences of emotion in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.
If a candidate addresses more than one cognitive process, credit should be given only to the first one.
Examiners report
HL - Many candidates were able to respond to this question with appropriate research, mostly related to Flashbulb Memory. Weaker responses briefly described studies but failed to give an adequate theoretical context in terms of the influence of emotion on one cognitive process. Several candidates struggled to provide any meaningful discussion however so that the essay was lacking in critical thinking and was very generic in its approach to the question.
SL - Many candidates were able to respond to this question with appropriate research, mostly related to Flashbulb Memory. Some of the better answers were able to use conflicting flashbulb studies to present an argument linked to the role of emotion.
Weaker responses briefly described studies but failed to give an adequate theoretical context in terms of the influence of emotion on one cognitive process. Several candidates struggled to provide any meaningful discussion however so that the essay was lacking in critical thinking and was very generic in its approach to the question.
