| Date | November 2020 | Marks available | 22 | Reference code | 20N.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
Using one or more health problems as examples, discuss prevalence rates.
Markscheme
Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks. These can be found under the “Your tests” tab > supplemental materials.
The command term “discuss” requires candidates to make a considered review of prevalence rates, using one or more health problems as examples.
Prevalence rates refer to the proportion of a population who have a specific characteristic at any given time. Prevalence can be influenced by cultural, gender and lifestyle factors.
Health problems which may be discussed are likely to be one or more of the issues in the psychology guide (stress, addiction, obesity, chronic pain, sexual health). Responses referring to mental health problems should not be awarded marks.
Relevant studies may include, but are not limited to:
- Kamen and Seligman’s (1987) longitudinal study of attributional style and health level
- Thoits’ (1995) review of studies of gender prevalence in giving and receiving social support
- Charlton’s (1984) survey of attitudes toward smoking and enjoyment based on cognitive and sociocultural factors
- Stunkard et al.’s (1990) correlational study comparing genetic and environmental factors in obesity
- Kolodny et al.’s (2015) review of the opioid and heroin crisis in the US
- Jordan et al.’s (2017) review and meta-analysis of prevalence of prescription opioid misuse among under-30s in the US.
Critical discussion may include, but is not limited to:
- methodological and ethical considerations in relation to investigating prevalence rates in health problems
- how the findings of research have been interpreted and applied
- implications of the findings
- areas of uncertainty.
- Age and gender differences
- Lifestyle (diet, exercise, sleep, relationships)
- Social and cultural norms
- Socioeconomic status
Examiners report
Question 8 was likewise not very popular. Candidates seem to understand prevalence rates, and generally did not refer to mental health issues as much, although that could also be seen. Critical thinking here was fairly limited.
