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2.2 Cognitive Theories and Models

Practice exam-style IB Psychology questions for Cognitive Theories and Models, aligned with the syllabus and grouped by topic.

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Difficulty
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Question 1
SL+HL • Paper 1
Easy
SL+HL • Paper 1
Easy

1

Describe the role of cognitive load theory in understanding human cognition, using one relevant example.

[4]
Question 2
SL+HL • Paper 1
Easy
SL+HL • Paper 1
Easy

1

Describe how dual processing theory accounts for decision-making. Include one example in your answer.

[4]
Question 3
SL+HL • Paper 1
Medium
SL+HL • Paper 1
Medium

1

With reference to one example, explain how one cognitive model helps us understand a cognitive process or behaviour.

[4]
Question 4
SL+HL • Paper 1
Medium
SL+HL • Paper 1
Medium

1

Explain the role of schema theory in understanding one cognitive process, illustrating your answer with an example.

[4]

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Question 5
SL+HL • Paper 1
Medium
SL+HL • Paper 1
Medium

1

Context: Health and well-being

While rushing to catch a bus, Leila chooses a snack because its packaging makes it look healthy, without reading the information on the back. The following weekend, she has more time and compares the ingredients of several snacks before choosing a different one.

Apply dual processing theory to Leila's decision-making in these two situations.

[6]
Question 6
SL+HL • Paper 1
Medium
SL+HL • Paper 1
Medium

1

Context: Learning and cognition

An instructor teaches beginners how to edit an audio recording. During the demonstration, learners must follow spoken instructions, locate controls in the software and search a separate handout for explanations of unfamiliar symbols. Several learners lose track of the sequence despite understanding individual steps.

Using cognitive load theory, suggest how the instructor could improve the lesson.

[6]
Question 7
SL+HL • Paper 1
Medium
SL+HL • Paper 1
Medium

1

Context: Human relationships

Jon has attended several weddings where the couple exchanged rings. At a friend's wedding, the couple exchange vows but do not exchange rings. A week later, Jon confidently tells another friend that he remembers watching the ring exchange.

Suggest how schema theory could account for Jon's recollection.

[6]
Question 8
SL+HL • Paper 1
Medium
SL+HL • Paper 1
Medium

1

Context: Human development

An eight-year-old is learning to walk from home to a nearby library with a caregiver. After the first walk, the child can immediately describe the turns but cannot recall them the next morning. Following several walks, the child can describe the route after a week, although seeing the first landmark sometimes helps when the child gets stuck.

Apply one cognitive model to the child's remembering of the route.

[6]

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Question 9
SL+HL • Paper 1
Hard
SL+HL • Paper 1
Hard

1

In the context of learning and cognition, evaluate the role of measurement in using cognitive load theory to understand human cognition.

[15]
Question 10
SL+HL • Paper 1
Hard
SL+HL • Paper 1
Hard

1

With reference to human relationships, to what extent does bias affect decision-making as explained by dual processing theory?

[15]
Question 11
SL+HL • Paper 1
Hard
SL+HL • Paper 1
Hard

1

To what extent can one cognitive model account for change in a cognitive process or behaviour in the context of human development?

[15]
Question 12
SL+HL • Paper 1
Hard
SL+HL • Paper 1
Hard

1

One claim in the psychology of health and well-being is that schema theory provides only one perspective on a cognitive process. Discuss this claim.

[15]

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2.1 Classical and Operant Conditioning

2.3 Cognitive Biases