IB Psychology 2.3 Sociocultural Approach Questionbank

Context: Human development

A four-year-old cannot complete a jigsaw puzzle alone and gives up. While a parent sits with the child, gives hints about the edge pieces and the colours, and gradually steps back as the child manages more, the child finishes the puzzle. Later that week the child completes a similar puzzle without help.

With reference to this scenario, explain how one sociocultural factor can influence cognitive development.

Describe the role of enculturation in one cognitive process, with reference to one example of human behaviour.

Context: Human development

In a small rural community, an infant is cared for throughout the day by grandparents, aunts, uncles and older siblings, and is rarely separated from a familiar caregiver. When the infant is later observed in a separation situation, the pattern of behaviour differs from that commonly seen in Western samples.

With reference to this scenario, explain how culture can influence the development of attachment.

Context: Human relationships

At a summer camp, two groups of campers from different schools have been rivals for years, trading insults and refusing to sit together at meals. The camp has arranged a joint project that neither group can complete on its own. As a camp organiser, you have been asked to build cooperation between the rival groups.

Explain how social identity theory could be used to build cooperation between the rival groups.