Discuss genetic explanations of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Updated: 7 days ago
Discuss genetic explanations of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
[16 marks]
What is expected in the answer?
The command word “discuss” requires students to explain how genetic factors may create a vulnerability to OCD and then evaluate how successfully this accounts for the disorder. For 16 marks, students should go beyond saying that OCD “runs in families”. Strong answers should explain candidate genes, polygenic inheritance and aetiological heterogeneity, then use twin and family evidence, environmental influences and alternative interactionist explanations to assess the genetic account.
Genetic explanations form part of the biological approach to explaining OCD in the current specification.
Marks for this question: AO1 = 6, AO3 = 10
A June 2022 question directly assessed the genetic explanation of OCD for 8 marks, allocating AO1 = 3 and AO3 = 5. Doubling this structure gives an appropriate allocation of AO1 = 6 and AO3 = 10 for this extended 16-mark version.
Level | Marks | Description |
4 | 13–16 | Knowledge of genetic explanations of OCD is accurate and generally well detailed. Candidate genes, polygenic inheritance and/or aetiological heterogeneity are clearly explained. Discussion is thorough and effective, using relevant research evidence, environmental influences and theoretical issues. The answer is clear, coherent and focused, with effective use of specialist terminology. |
3 | 9–12 | Knowledge of genetic explanations is evident but there may be occasional inaccuracies or omissions. Discussion is mostly effective and relevant evidence is used appropriately. The answer is generally clear and organised but may lack development in places. |
2 | 5–8 | Limited knowledge of genetic explanations is present. The response is mainly descriptive and discussion is only partly effective. Research may be described without clearly explaining what it shows about genetic vulnerability. |
1 | 1–4 | Knowledge is very limited or muddled. Genetic explanations may be confused with neural explanations. Discussion is limited, poorly focused or absent. Specialist terminology is absent or used inaccurately. |
0 | 0 | No relevant content. |
Indicative content
AO1: Genetic vulnerability
Credit relevant knowledge such as:
Genetic explanations propose that a vulnerability or predisposition to OCD can be inherited.
Genes are passed from parents to their biological children.
Inheriting genetic vulnerability does not necessarily mean that a person will inevitably develop OCD.
Instead, particular genes or combinations of genes may increase the risk of developing the disorder.
This would predict that OCD should occur more frequently among biological relatives and show higher concordance among people who share more genetic material.
The June 2022 mark scheme describes the genetic explanation specifically in terms of an inherited vulnerability or predisposition passed across generations.
Candidate genes
A candidate gene is a gene that has been identified as potentially contributing to the development of a disorder.
Credit relevant knowledge such as:
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