1. Mock Exam Feedback (out of 24 marks)
Social Influence
Mock Exam Feedback
(out of 24 marks)

2. Question 1: A01
The following phrases refer to different types of conformity. Select the two phrases that describe internalisation. Tick two boxes only. (2 marks)
The deepest level of conformity.
The individual conforms publicly with the rest of the group but may privately disagree with them.
The beliefs of the group become part of the individual’s own belief system.
The individual goes along with the group but does not agree with them.
The individual changes his/her beliefs, but it is a temporary change.

3. Question 1 Correct answers A) The deepest level of conformity.
C) The beliefs of the group become part of the individual’s own belief system.
2 marks for correctly identifying the two examples of internalisation.
If you tick more than two, you get 0!!!

4. Question 2: A01
Outline two explanations of why people obey. (2 marks + 2 marks)
A01 application (identify and describe).
1 mark = basic answer e.g. identify an explanation.
2 marks = further elaboration e.g. describe what it means.

5. Question 2 There are several reasons why people obey:
Presence of a legitimate authority.
Authority takes responsibility for consequences of actions.
Gradual commitment (foot-in-the-door).
Agentic shift (emphasis on agentic state).
Situational factors (role of buffers).
Personality factors (authoritarian personality type).

6. Question 2 Exemplar answers
One reason people obey is due to gradual commitment. This is where you are told to do something small and gradually the orders become more extreme but by then you can’t say no. One reason people obey is due to the agentic shift. This is where people shift between the agentic state (not in control, executing another’s wishes) and the autonomous state (you are in control). One reason people obey is due to a legitimate authority. This is where experience has taught us that authority figures are trustworthy and therefore obedience is expected and appropriate.

7. Question 3: A01/A02 Discuss explanations of conformity. (6 marks)
A01/A02 – discuss means outline and evaluate
A01 – 3 marks description
A02 – 3 marks evaluation
1 mark = brief answer
2 marks = less detailed but generally accurate
3 marks = accurate and detailed

8. Question 3 A01 – describe what is meant by NSI or ISI (3 marks)
Normative Social Influence (Compliance)
Informational Social Influence (Internalisation)
A02 – supporting research for NSI or ISI (3 marks)
NSI – bullying, smoking, conservation behaviour
ISI – social stereotypes, political opinion, psychogenic illness.

9. Question 3 Exemplar answer
One explanation of conformity is normative social influence. This is where an individual will behave like the majority without accepting its point of view. This is also known as compliance (public agreement but no private attitude change).
A02
Supporting research for normative social influence comes from anti-smoking campaigns. The campaign was aimed at year olds who were shown information on normative smoking behaviour in their age group. Only 10% of non-smokers subsequently took up smoking following exposure to a message that most children in their age group did not smoke (i.e. the norm of behaviour).

10. Question 3 Exemplar answer
A01 One explanation of conformity is informational social influence. This is where an individual uses others as a source of information because they want to be correct and they see others as experts. This is also known as internalisation (public and private attitude change). A02 Supporting research for informational social influence comes from Wittenbrink and Henly (1996). Participants who were exposed to negative comparison information about African Americans (which they were led to believe was the view of the majority) later reported more negative beliefs about a black target individual. The participants had used the majority as a source of information and consequently this lead to a change in their beliefs and behaviour.

11. Question 4: A02 2 marks for correct identification.
Three students, George, Petra and Dan, have just started in the sixth form. Dan is a confident person who thinks that his fate lies firmly in his hands. By the end of the first week, Dan has put himself forward to be nominated as the class representative. Petra has also put her name forward to be nominated. She believes it is just luck whether or not she will be selected and feels that there is not much she can do about it. George did not put his name forward because his father told him not to. (1 mark + 1 mark + 2 marks + 4 marks)
4a (i) What type of locus of control does Petra’s behaviour show? EXTERNAL
4a (ii) What type of locus of control does Dan’s behaviour show? INTERNAL
2 marks for correct identification.

12. Question 4
4a (iii) George did not put his name forward as the class representative. Use your knowledge of social influence research to explain this (2 marks). A02 – application of knowledge Exemplar answer George did not put his name forward because he sees his father as a legitimate authority figure and therefore he was obeying his father’s orders.

13. Question 4
4b.Which one of the three students is most likely to resist pressures to conform? Use your knowledge of psychology to explain your choice. (4 marks) A02 – analysis of unfamiliar situation and application of knowledge 1 mark = brief / flawed 2 marks = basic 3 marks = reasonable 4 marks = effective

14. Question 4 Exemplar answer
The student who is most likely to resist pressure to conform is Dan. He has an internal locus of control and research has suggested that those people who believe that they are in control of their behaviour are less likely to conform. These personality types are much more likely to behave independently e.g. the hardy personality. Another reason could be gender as males have been shown to be more independent than females.

15. Question 5: A02
For many years, smoking in public places such as trains, pubs and restaurants was quite acceptable. People could smoke wherever they wanted and non-smokers had to put up with smoky atmospheres. However, in 2007, the Government finally introduced a law banning smoking in public places and those who smoke are limited in where they can smoke. Using your knowledge of the psychology of social change, explain how this social change has occurred. (4 marks)
A02 – analysis of unfamiliar situation and application of knowledge
1 mark = brief / flawed
2 marks = basic
3 marks = reasonable
4 marks = effective
You MUST relate your answer to the scenario for the full 4 marks!!!

16. Question 5 Exemplar answer
A small minority could slowly persuade the majority to change their views on smoking.
The minority drew the attention of the majority to the issue of smoking and the negative effects on our health.
The minority were consistent in their views on smoking and therefore were taken more seriously by the majority.
Consequently the minority gradually became the majority as people conformed to the majority view on smoking and the government eventually passed a popular law.