Question 1
Examine two or more factors influencing conformity.
Refer to the paper 1 section B assessment criteria when awarding marks.
The command term "examine" requires candidates to consider how two or more factors influence conformity in a way that uncovers the assumptions and relationships between each of these factors and conformity.
Appropriate factors influencing conformity may include but are not limited to: culture, minority influence, group size, unanimity, confidence, self-esteem, intellectual competence and leadership ability. Candidates may refer to normative influence and informational influence as factors leading to conformity.
Candidates may refer to a number of studies that may include but are not limited to:
- Asch's (1951,1952,1956) studies on the influence of group size, unanimity and the difficulty of the task
- Crutchfield's (1955) study on intellectual competence, ego strength, leadership ability and authoritarian personality
- Perrin and Spencer's (1988) study on confidence
- Moscovici et al.'s (1969,1976,1985) studies on the influence of a minority
- Berry's (1967) study or Bond and Smith's study (1996) on cultural differences.
- Abrams (1990) study on the role of social identity.
In order to respond to the command term "examine", candidates may refer to:
- our inherent need to belong and the role this plays in normative social influence
- that we understand ourselves through social comparison
- our behaviour is influenced by others, even when we believe that we are acting independently.
- gender and cultural considerations - such as the role of cultural dimensions on our behaviour.
Candidates may examine two factors influencing conformity in order to demonstrate depth of knowledge, or may examine a larger number of factors in order to demonstrate breadth of knowledge. Both approaches are equally acceptable.
If a candidate examines only one factor influencing conformity, the response should be awarded up to a maximum of [5] for criterion A, knowledge and comprehension, up to a maximum of [4] for criterion B, critical thinking, and up to a maximum of [2] for criterion C , organization.
If factors influencing obedience or compliance, rather than conformity, are discussed, no marks should be awarded for this discussion. Marks should only be awarded for a discussion of the Stanford Prison Study if the response focuses on relevant factors influencing conformity, for example referent informational influence.