2.1 - Social Influence (Part 2)

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Name:
_
2.1 Social influence part 2
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Class:
_
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Date:
_
Time: 105 minutes
Marks: 105 marks
Comments:
Page 1 of 30
Q1.
Outline what is meant by the term conformity.
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(Total 2 marks)
Q2.
Look at the table below which contains examples of social influence.
Description Term
Rukiya prefers to take part in team activities at school

so that she can make less effort than when she has to
do an activity on her own.
When Brian goes to see his favourite football team, he

is more likely to sing and shout in the crowd than when
he watches them on TV on his own.
Jo does her homework when she gets home because

her mother tells her to.
From the following list of terms, choose the one that matches each description and write
A, B, C or D in the box next to the correct description.
A Obedience
B Social loafing
C Bystander intervention
D Deindividuation
(Total 3 marks)
Q3.
(a) Which psychologist conducted a study that found that bystanders were more likely to
help someone if they thought that the person was ill than if they thought that the
person was drunk?
Tick the correct box.
Piliavin
Bateson
(1)
(b) Which of the following is an appropriate evaluation of the study mentioned in (a)?
Page 2 of 30
Factors other than the appearance of the
person could have affected the results of the
study.
The study was conducted in a laboratory and

there was control of all the variables.
(1)
(Total 2 marks)
Q4.
A psychologist carried out a study of obedience. He wanted to find out if more people
would obey the orders of an authority figure wearing a uniform. He carried out his study as
follows.
• He dressed as a security guard and stood outside a shop. He stopped 20 people

walking past and told them to pick up litter from outside the shop. He selected the 20
people by stopping every fifth person who walked past him.
• He then dressed in casual clothes and stood outside the same shop. He stopped 20
people walking past and told them to pick up litter from outside the shop. Again, he
selected the 20 people by stopping every fifth person who walked past him.
He found that more people obeyed him when he was dressed as a security guard than
when he was wearing casual clothes.
(a) Explain one reason why wearing a uniform increases obedience. Refer to the
findings of this study in your answer.
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(3)
(b) Identify the independent variable for this study.

Whether the psychologist was dressed as a

security guard or dressed in casual clothes
The number of people who picked up litter in

each condition
The psychologist standing outside the same

shop
(1)
Page 3 of 30
(c) Identify the dependent variable for this study.

The number of people who picked up litter in

each condition

shop
(1)
(d) Identify the sampling method used in this study.

Random
Opportunity
Systematic
Stratified
(1)
(e) Outline one advantage of the sampling method that you have identified in your
answer to part (d).
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(2)
(f) Identify one advantage of carrying out this study in a natural setting.
All the variables are controlled.
It shows how people behave in everyday

situations.
(1)
(Total 9 marks)
Q5.
(a) Describe one study in which bystander intervention was investigated. Include in your
answer the reason why the study was conducted, the method used, the results
obtained and the conclusion drawn.
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Page 4 of 30
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(5)
(b) Evaluate the study that you have described in your answer to part (a).
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(3)
(Total 8 marks)
Q6.
Look at the following table of definitions.
Definition Term
Yielding to group pressure
Following the orders of someone in authority
The loss of self-awareness and sense of

personal responsibility which can happen when
we are part of a crowd
From the following list of terms, choose the one that matches each definition and write A,
B, C or D in the correct box.
Page 5 of 30
A Deindividuation
B Obedience
C Conformity
D Social facilitation
(Total 3 marks)
Q7.
Identify two factors that might affect obedience.
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(Total 2 marks)
Q8.
(a) Describe one study in which conformity was investigated. Include in your answer the
reason why the study was conducted, the method used, the results obtained and the
conclusion drawn.
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(5)
(b) Evaluate the study that you have described in your answer to part (a).
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Page 6 of 30
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(3)
(Total 8 marks)
Q9.
What is meant by social loafing?
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(Total 2 marks)
Q10.
Identify two factors that might affect pro-social behaviour.
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(Total 2 marks)
Q11.
A psychologist investigated factors affecting bystander intervention. She wanted to know
whether some people are helped more than others. This is what she did.
An actor went into a busy train station and fell over. He did this on several occasions.
• In Condition A, he was carrying a bottle and smelt of alcohol.

• In Condition B, he was holding a white stick and wearing dark glasses.
• The psychologist calculated the percentage of times that the actor was helped in
each condition and used these to draw a bar chart.
(a) Write a suitable title for this bar chart.
Title: ______________________________________________________________
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Page 7 of 30
(2)
(b) Describe the results of the experiment shown in the bar chart.
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(2)
(c) Identify the independent variable in this study.

Whether the participants saw an actor with a

white stick fall over or an actor smelling of
alcohol fall over
The same actor took part in each condition
The percentage of times that the actor was

helped in each condition
(1)
(d) Identify the dependent variable in this study.


alcohol fall over

(1)
(Total 6 marks)
Q12.
Page 8 of 30
Look at the examples of social influence in the table below.
Example Term
Picking up litter because a teacher

has told you to
A crowd of people throwing stones

because they thought of themselves
as part of the crowd rather than as
individuals
Wearing the same type of clothes

as your friends so that you fit in
Choose the term from the following list that matches each example.
Write the appropriate term in the box next to each example:
• Conformity
• Primacy effect
• Obedience
• De-individuation.
(Total 3 marks)
Q13.
Identify and explain one factor that affects obedience. Refer to psychological research in
your answer.
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(Total 4 marks)
Q14.
What is meant by the term conformity?
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Page 9 of 30
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(Total 2 marks)
Q15.
Identify and explain two factors that affect conformity. Refer to psychological research in
your answer.
(Total 8 marks)
Q16.
A study was conducted in which each participant had to shout and clap and make as
much noise as they could. There were two conditions:
Condition A: each participant was alone;

Condition B: participants worked in groups of six.
The participants wore earplugs. The researchers devised a ten-point noise rating scale to
measure the amount of noise that each participant made (the higher the rating, the noisier
the participant). The results are shown in the table below.
Mean noise rating out of 10 for each Condition
Mean noise rating
Condition A 9.0
Condition B 3.0
(a) In this study, identify:
(i) the independent variable;
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(1)
(ii) the dependent variable.
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(1)
(b) Why was it necessary for the participants to wear earplugs?
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(1)
(c) Describe the results of the study.
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Page 10 of 30
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(2)
(d) Use your knowledge of psychology to explain the results shown in the table.
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(3)
(Total 8 marks)
Q17.
(a) Describe one study in which the behaviour of bystanders was investigated. Include
in your answer the reason why the study was conducted, the method used, the
results obtained and the conclusion drawn.
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(5)
(b) (i) Identify one ethical issue that should have been considered when the study
you described in part (a) was designed.
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(1)
Page 11 of 30
(ii) Outline how the issue you have identified in part (b)(i) could have been dealt
with.
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(2)
(Total 8 marks)
Q18.
(a) A study was conducted in which each participant had to sit alone in a room and have
a conversation by intercom with other people who were in separate rooms. These
people were confederates of the experimenter. There were three conditions:
Condition A: each participant had a conversation with one confederate.

Condition B: each participant had a conversation with two confederates.
Condition C: each participant had a conversation with three confederates.
After a few moments, in all three conditions, one of the confederates sounded as
though he was very ill and cried out for help. The experimenter noted the
percentage of participants who went for help. The results of the experiment are
shown in the graph below.
Bar graph showing the percentage of participants

who went for help in each condition.
Describe the results of the study.
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Page 12 of 30
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(3)
(b) Use your knowledge of psychology to explain the results of this study.
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(4)
(c) Identify one ethical issue which should have been considered when this study was
designed.
Explain why the issue you have identified is important.
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(3)
(Total 10 marks)
Q19.
What is meant by the term pro-social behaviour?
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(Total 2 marks)
Page 13 of 30
Q20.
Use your knowledge of psychology to identify and explain two factors which affect pro-
social behaviour.
Factor 1 _______________________________________________________________
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Factor 2 _______________________________________________________________
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(Total 6 marks)
Q21.
Describe what Adorno meant by an authoritarian personality.
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(Total 3 marks)
Q22.
Use psychological evidence to explain one factor which affects obedience.
Factor _________________________________________________________________
(1)
Evidence _______________________________________________________________
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Page 14 of 30
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(3)
(Total 4 marks)
Page 15 of 30
Mark schemes
Q1.
This mark scheme is from a question paper that assessed a previous specification and
has not been edited. Click [here] to access a document explaining the differences that
might apply to it.
[AO1 = 2]
Up to two marks for a definition/description of conformity. Credit the use of an example to

describe the term. A possible example must refer to a change in behaviour and reason
why the change happens to gain full credit.
Possible answer: Conformity is a change in a person’s behaviour or opinions (1 mark) due

to group pressure (1 mark).
Weak answers such as ‘to fit in with the group’, ‘following the group’, ‘not to stand out’ − 1
mark.
[2]
Q2.
might apply to it.
[AO2 = 3]
Description Term
Rukiya prefers to take part in team

activities at school so that she can
B
make less effort than when she has to
do an activity on her own.
When Brian goes to see his favourite football

team, he is more likely to sing and shout in
D
the crowd than when he watches them on TV
on his own.
Jo does her homework when she gets home

A
because her mother tells her to.
[3]
Q3.
might apply to it.
(a) [AO1 = 1]
Piliavin ✓
Page 16 of 30
Bateson
1
(b) [AO3 = 1]
Factors other than the appearance of the

person could have affected the results of the ✓
study.
The study was conducted in a laboratory and

there was control of all the variables.
1
[2]
Q4.
might apply to it.
(a) [AO2 = 3]
To a maximum of 3 marks as follows:
It increases obedience because the uniform gives the individual authority (1 mark).
In this study therefore more people obeyed the psychologist when he was dressed
as a security guard (1 mark) because the uniform gave him authority (1 mark).
When he was dressed in casual clothes fewer people obeyed him (1 mark) because
he did not have the authority provided by a uniform (1 mark).
3 marks Full explanation linked to the results of the study

and reflecting the detail of the mark scheme.
2 – 1 marks Brief explanation for why wearing a uniform

increases obedience. There could be brief or
muddled reference to the study. Alternatively a
detailed link to the study is made with no
explanation.
3
(b) [AO1 = 1]

✓
The number of people who picked up

litter in each condition

shop
1
(c) [AO1 = 1]
Page 17 of 30
The number of people who picked up

✓
litter in each condition

shop
1
(d) [AO1 = 1]
Random
Opportunity
Systematic ✓
Stratified
1
(e) [AO2 = 2]
Any relevant advantage can be given credit. For example:

Systematic sampling is an unbiased method of selecting participants (1 mark) as the
researcher does not choose the participants (1 mark).
If part (d) is answered incorrectly, credit can still be given for part (e) providing the
advantage matches the sampling method identified in part (d).
2
(f) [AO2 = 1]
All the variables are controlled
It shows how people behave in everyday life ✓

1
[9]
Q5.
might apply to it.
(a) [AO1 = 5]
Any relevant study can receive credit. For example Latané and Darley.
Reason: To investigate the effect of the presence of other people on bystander
behaviour.
Method: Asked participants to talk to one, two or five other confederates about an
embarrassing topic. This was done through an intercom. During the discussion one
of the confederates seemed to be having a seizure.
Results: When the participant thought he was alone 85% went for help. When he
thought there was one other person 62% went for help. When he thought there were
four others 35% went for help.
Conclusion: The more people that are present the less likely each one is to help
Page 18 of 30
To 5 marks as follows
5 – 4 marks The study is clearly recognisable and the

description contains all four elements required
by the question. At the top end, description is
detailed.
3 – 1 marks The outline of a recognisable study is given but it

does not contain all the elements required by the
question or the description is muddled.
5
(b) [AO2 = 3]
Any relevant evaluation should be credited. More than one comment can be made in
less detail or one point can be elaborated. For example:
This study raises ethical issues (1 mark). The participants may have felt concern for
the seizure victim afterwards if they had not offered help (1 mark). They may
therefore feel distressed about the way they had behaved (1 mark).
3 marks Clear evaluation reflecting the detail of the mark

scheme.
2 – 1 marks Evaluation is brief at the top end. Evaluation is

muddled at the bottom end.
3
[8]
Q6.
might apply to it.
[AO1 = 3]
Definitions Terms
Yielding to group pressure C
Following the orders of someone in authority B
The loss of self-awareness and sense of

personal responsibility which can happen A
when we are part of a crowd
[3]
Q7.
might apply to it.
[AO1 = 2]
E.g. Whether or not the authority figure is in uniform.
Page 19 of 30
The place where the order is given.
[2]
Q8.
might apply to it.
(a) [AO1 = 5]
Any relevant study can be given credit e.g. Sherif (1935), Jenness (1932)
although it is likely most candidates will describe Asch’s study. Asch’s aim was
to see if people would conform to majority views. A naïve participant was in a
group with 6-9 confederates. They were asked to judge which line was the
same length as a test line. A lot of the participants conformed. Asch concluded
they had conformed in order to fit in.
5 – 4 marks The study is clearly recognisable and the

description contains all four elements required
by the question. At the top end the description is
detailed.
3 – 1 marks The outline of a recognisable study is given but it

does not contain all the elements required by the
question or the description is muddled.
5
(b) [AO2 = 3]
Evaluative comments can be positive and/or negative. For example:
AO2 − This study has been criticised because the participants were all males
(1 mark). It was carried out in 1951 (1 mark). Society has changed since this
time (1 mark) or so findings might not generalise to the present (1 mark).
Answers could also focus on ethical issues such as deception and protection
from harm.
3 marks Evaluative comment is clearly explained

reflecting the detail of the mark scheme. Full
credit can be given for 3 criticisms briefly
described or one described in detail.
2 – 1 marks Evaluation is brief but accurate at the top

end. At the bottom end evaluative
comment is identified or explanation is
muddled.
3
[8]
Q9.
might apply to it.
Page 20 of 30
[AO1 = 2]
Any appropriate definition can be given credit. For example:
When people work together in a group (1 mark) each individual tends to reduce their own
effort (1 mark).
[2]
Q10.
might apply to it.
[AO1 = 2]
Any two relevant factors for example:

• Socialisation
• Social norms
[2]
Q11.
might apply to it.
(a) [AO1 = 2]
The percentages of times (1 mark) that a man with a white stick and a man
smelling of alcohol were helped (1 mark).
2
(b) [AO1 = 2]
When he smelt of alcohol the actor was helped 20% of times (1 mark). When
the actor carried a stick he was helped 80% of times (1 mark).
2
(c) [AO1 = 1]

white stick fall over or an actor smelling of ✓
alcohol fall over

1
(d) [AO1 = 1]

alcohol fall over
Page 21 of 30

✓
1
[6]
Q12.
might apply to it.
[AO1 = 3 marks]
Example Term
Picking up litter because a teacher

Obedience
has told you to
A crowd of people throwing stones

because they thought of themselves
De-individuation
as part of the crowd rather than as
individuals
Wearing the same type of clothes

Conformity
as your friends so that you fit in
[3]
Q13.
might apply to it.
[AO1 = 4]
Factors affecting obedience include authority figure, prestigious setting, amount of

personal responsibility, proximity, etc. Answers must contain reference to psychological
research. For example, in Milgram’s study, when participants were closer to the ‘learner’,
this caused obedience levels to change. When the learner was in the same room,
obedience levels dropped to 40%. When the participant had to put the learner’s hand on
the electric plate, obedience dropped to 30%. Allow valid Social Learning answer and
research.
4 – 3 marks Factor identified with a clear explanation reflecting the

detail of the mark scheme.
2 – 1 marks Factor identified and explanation is brief but accurate

at the top end. Explanation is muddled at the bottom
end.
[4]
Q14.
Page 22 of 30
might apply to it.
[AO1 = 2]
Conformity is yielding to the (perceived) (1 mark) pressure of group members (1 mark)

even though no-one tells us to do so (1 mark). Accept changing behaviour to fit in with the
people around you.
[2]
Q15.
might apply to it.
[AO1 = 8]
Factors affecting conformity include group size, lack of unanimity, anonymity, ambiguity
and cultural context. The question asks for reference to psychological research to be
included in the answer. This could be taken from the method and / or the results of a
relevant study and a conclusion. For example, group size. In Asch’s study when only one
stooge was present, conformity was very low, but when three or more stooges were
present, conformity rose to 32%. So people are more likely to conform when in larger
groups.
Lack of unanimity. When one of the stooges in Asch’s study gave a different answer from
the others, conformity dropped. This was even true when the other person's answer was
wrong. This indicates that one other person only has to disagree for an individual to be
less likely to conform.
The mark scheme for 4 marks is as follows because two explanations are required. Each
explanation should be treated separately and the marks then added together. Maximum of
3 marks for each explanation when no research is offered.
To 4 marks as follows:
4 – 3 marks Factor identified with a clear explanation reflecting the

detail of the mark scheme.
2 – 1 marks Factor identified and explanation is brief but accurate

at the top end. Explanation is muddled at the bottom
end.
[8]
Q16.
might apply to it.
(a) (i) [AO1 = 1]
The independent variable is whether the participant is alone or with others.

Size of group.
Page 23 of 30
1
(ii) [AO1 = 1]
The dependent variable is the mean noise rating for each condition. Amount of
noise being made.
1
(b) [AO2 = 1]
So that they could not hear the noise being made by the others.
1
(c) [AO1 = 2]
In condition A the mean noise rating was 9.0. In condition B the mean noise rating
was 3.0. Figures not necessary.
2 marks Results from both conditions must be described.
1 mark Partial description of results.

2
(d) [AO2 = 3]
The results of the experiment seem to show that social loafing has occurred. When
people are working together in a group, each individual tends to reduce their own
effort.
In condition B where there were six participants working together, the mean noise
rating was much lower than in condition A.
3 marks Full explanation linked to the results of the study

reflecting the detail of the mark scheme.
2 – 1 marks Limited explanation of how people tend to behave in

such situations. Direct link to the study may not be
made.
3
[8]
Q17.
might apply to it.
(a) [AO1 = 5]
There are several studies which could be offered here. The most likely ones will be
based on the work of Latane & Darley, for example, the ‘smoke-filled room’
experiment or the ‘epileptic seizure’ experiment. Studies by Latane & Rodin and
Darley & Batson could also appear.
Page 24 of 30
Note:the story of Kitty Genovese should not receive credit unless it is reported as a
retrospective study of the behaviour of the onlookers.
5 – 4 marks The study is clearly recognisable and the description

contains all four elements required by the question. At
the top end, description is detailed.
3 – 1 marks The outline of a recognisable study is given but it does

not contain all the elements required by the question or
the description is muddled.
5
(b) [AO1 = 1] [AO2 = 2]
(i) Any ethical issue which is relevant to the study described in (a) should receive
credit. The most likely will be deception, distress caused to participants and
informed consent.
1
(ii) A statement of how the issue could have been dealt with will attract 1 mark.
The second mark will be for an expansion of this point. For example, if the
issue identified was deception, this could have been dealt with in the debrief (1
mark) because participants must be told the true purpose of the study in the
end (1 mark). If informed consent is offered then this could also have been
dealt with in the debrief (1 mark) because in studies such as these it is
necessary not to give too much information away at the beginning of the study
(1 mark).
2
[8]
Q18.
might apply to it.
(a) [AO1 = 3]
In condition A, approx 85% of participants went for help. In condition B it was

approx 60%, whilst in condition C, it was approx 30%.
3 marks Results from all 3 conditions must be described.
2 – 1 marks Partial description of results.

3
(b) [AO1 = 2 AO2 = 2]
The results show that people are more likely to go for help when they are on
their own. Answers may focus on ‘diffusion of responsibility’ and/or ‘pluralistic
ignorance’, explaining how these processes can account for the differences in
the results. There could also be reference made to defining the situation as an
emergency in the first place.
Page 25 of 30
4 – 3 marks Full explanation linked to the results of the study

incorporating most of the issues mentioned in the mark
scheme.
2 – 1 marks Limited explanation of how people tend to behave in

such situations. Direct link to the study may not be
made.
4
(c) [AO1 = 2 AO2 = 1]
The ethical issue identified must be relevant to this particular study. There are
many to choose from including deception, distress to the participant, etc. For
full marks, the explanation should be linked to the study.
3 marks A relevant ethical issue has been clearly identified with

a thorough explanation linked to the study.
2 – 1 marks Identification or limited explanation of an issue.

3
[10]
Q19.
might apply to it.
[AO1 = 2]
Pro-social behaviour is co-operative, affectionate or helping behaviour (1 mark) intended

to benefit another person (1 mark).
[2]
Q20.
might apply to it.
[AO1 = 4 AO2 = 2]
The specification cites socialisation and social norms as two factors that must be covered
in the course. However, there are other factors which are equally acceptable including the
cost-reward factor, defining the situation as one where help is needed, ease or difficulty of
escape from the helping situation, etc.
The mark scheme for 3 marks is as follows because two factors are required. Each factor
should be treated separately and the marks then added together.
Page 26 of 30
3 marks A relevant factor is identified and clearly explained.
2 – 1 marks A relevant factor is identified but explanation is limited

at the top end. At the bottom end either a factor has
been identified and/or the explanation is muddled.
[6]
Q21.
might apply to it.
Someone who is intolerant (1), rigid in their views (1), hostile towards those of perceived
lower status (1), shows prejudice (1), ethnocentric (1), conservative (1).
Max. 3
[3]
Q22.
might apply to it.
Factor stated (1) e.g. witnessing disobedience

1
Evidence: method (1) results (1) additional detail (1)
e.g. when participant was working with two other confederates who refused to
continue (1), only 10% continued to 450 volts (1), most stopped soon after the
confederates stopped (1)
3
[4]
Page 27 of 30
Examiner reports
Q1.
Most candidates defined the term correctly and a variety of ways was used such as
examples of specific situations or different reasons behind conforming behaviour.
However, a few muddled this with obedience or bystander behaviour.
Q7.
Some candidates described the factors affecting obedience in detail and therefore wasted
time as they were only required to identify them.
Q8.
Some candidates described Milgram’s study here and therefore achieved nothing. Most
described Asch’s study but many did not gain full marks because the description was
muddled. The aim was unclear and/or there was inaccuracy in the method and results.
Candidates would be advised to keep the description to the key points to avoid getting lost
in the detail.
Q11.
(a) Some candidates lost marks because they did not use the term percentage or
because they did not refer to the 2 conditions. It was sufficient to identify these as
Condition A and Condition B.
(b) Some candidates explained rather than described the results.
Q13.
A large majority of candidates could identify a factor that affects obedience. Some of the
explanations were vague and reporting of research lacked detail. Some candidates did not
match the research with the factor identified resulting in answers in which more than one
factor was explained. In these cases, marks were awarded for the best of the explained
factors. Other candidates just described an obedience study without identifying a factor,
earning partial marks.
Q14.
Generally this was well answered.
Q15.
Answers were generally disappointing, rarely earning the full eight marks. Candidates
gave either common sense answers or discussed types of conformity. Others confused
factors affecting conformity with factors affecting obedience.
Q16.
(a)(i) & (ii) The majority of candidates could identify the independent variable (IV) and the
dependent variable (DV), although there were a few disappointing answers.
(b) This question attracted a large number of correct answers but several strange
answers (which usually cited health & safety issues).
Page 28 of 30
(c) Well answered by a large majority of candidates but there were several who earned
no marks by explaining the results rather than describing them.
(d) A large number of candidates earned two out of the three marks by explaining social
loafing but neglecting to link their answers with the results.
Q17.
(a) The vast majority of candidates described an appropriate study. A wide range of
studies was offered but the most popular were the ‘smoke filled room’ and the ‘New
York subway’ studies. However, a large number of candidates failed to reach the top
band of marks because they did not include all the elements required by the
question in their responses. Other descriptions appeared to be a mixture of several
studies.
(b) (i) Distress and deception were the most common ethical issues cited.
(ii) Many outlines were good. However, some suggestions would have been
unrealistic in a field experiment. For example, using loudspeakers and
advertising boards around a collapsed stooge in a town square would
probably have been impractical.
Q18.
(a) There were many good and concise answers to this question describing the results
from all three conditions. Answers that failed to attract marks offered an explanation
of the results rather than a description. Had these answers been given for part (b)
instead, credit would have been received.
(b) A majority of candidates showed a good understanding of bystander behaviour and

used their knowledge of psychology to earn marks in the top band. It should be
noted that from 2004 questions about bystander behaviour can only be examined in
the Pro and Anti-social Behaviour section of the examination paper.
(c) This was a very well answered question generally. However for three marks, the
explanation had to be linked to the study described in the question.
Q19.
There appeared to be many candidates without a working definition of pro-social
behaviour who nevertheless muddled their way through it in a rather long winded way.
Others offered a definition of moral behaviour here without success.
Q20.
The specification cites socialisation and social norms as two factors which affect pro-
social behaviour. Answers containing these terms were rare. Many other factors were
offered, many of them common sense − in a large number of cases, these were equally
acceptable and marks were earned. Some answers referred to factors which affect pro-
social behaviour in a negative way. These too were acceptable.
Q21.
Many seemed not to know of Adorno. Those who described him as fascist failed to gain
any marks. There were some reasonable descriptions of an authoritarian personality but
other answers confused the term with ‘authority’ and simply described people as being in
Page 29 of 30
control.
Q22.
Candidates found this question challenging. Some resorted simply to describing the
obedience study without linking it to a factor which would affect obedience. However
stronger candidates could focus on different factors and provide evidence for the effect
they have on obedience.
Page 30 of 30

2.1 - Social Influence (Part 2)

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_______________________

Time: 105 minutes

Marks: 105 marks

Rukiya prefers to take part in team activities at school

When Brian goes to see his favourite football team, he

Jo does her homework when she gets home because

The study was conducted in a laboratory and

• He dressed as a security guard and stood outside a shop. He stopped 20 people

(b) Identify the independent variable for this study.

Whether the psychologist was dressed as a

The number of people who picked up litter in

The psychologist standing outside the same

Whether the psychologist was dressed as a

The number of people who picked up litter in

The psychologist standing outside the same

(d) Identify the sampling method used in this study.

All the variables are controlled.

It shows how people behave in everyday

Yielding to group pressure

Following the orders of someone in authority

The loss of self-awareness and sense of

• In Condition A, he was carrying a bottle and smelt of alcohol.

(a) Write a suitable title for this bar chart.

(c) Identify the independent variable in this study.

Whether the participants saw an actor with a

The same actor took part in each condition

The percentage of times that the actor was

(d) Identify the dependent variable in this study.

Whether the participants saw an actor with a

The same actor took part in each condition

The percentage of times that the actor was

Picking up litter because a teacher

A crowd of people throwing stones

Wearing the same type of clothes

Write the appropriate term in the box next to each example:

Condition A: each participant was alone;

Mean noise rating out of 10 for each Condition

Mean noise rating

(a) In this study, identify:

(i) the independent variable;

(ii) the dependent variable.

(b) Why was it necessary for the participants to wear earplugs?

(c) Describe the results of the study.

Condition A: each participant had a conversation with one confederate.

Bar graph showing the percentage of participants

Describe the results of the study.

Up to two marks for a definition/description of conformity. Credit the use of an example to

Possible answer: Conformity is a change in a person’s behaviour or opinions (1 mark) due

Rukiya prefers to take part in team

When Brian goes to see his favourite football

Jo does her homework when she gets home

Factors other than the appearance of the

The study was conducted in a laboratory and

To a maximum of 3 marks as follows:

3 marks Full explanation linked to the results of the study

2 – 1 marks Brief explanation for why wearing a uniform

Whether the psychologist was dressed as a

The number of people who picked up

The psychologist standing outside the same