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Date November 2017 Marks available 22 Reference code 17N.Paper 1.BP.TZ0.06
Level SL and HL Paper Paper 1 Time zone TZ0
Command term Discuss Question number 06 Adapted from N/A

Question

Discuss one or more examples of psychological research (theories or studies) on conformity to group norms.

Markscheme

The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered review of one or more examples of psychological research (theories or studies) on conformity.


Theories may include, but are not limited to:
• informational/normative social influence theory
• social comparison theory
• bystander effect
• groupthink


Studies may include, but are not limited to:
• Asch (1951, 1952, 1956) testing conformity under non-ambiguous conditions
• Sherif (1935) testing conformity with autokinetic effect illusion
• Crutchfield (1955) on the influence of intellectual competence and personality
• Moscovici et al. (1969, 1976, 1985) on minority influence
• Berry (1967) on the role of cultural dimensions
• Kagitcibasi (1984) on cultural norms and conformity
• Bond and Smith (1996) on changes over time and cross-cultural differences.


Discussion may include, but is not limited to:
• methodological, cultural, ethical and gender considerations
• contrary explanations and/or findings
• application of the theory and/or empirical findings.


If research addressing obedience, rather than conformity, is discussed, no marks should be awarded for this discussion.


Responses that focus on one example of research must include other theories and/or studies in the discussion in order to be awarded marks in the top markband for criterion A.

Examiners report

[N/A]

Syllabus sections

Last exams 2018 » Last exams 2018 - Options » Psychology of human relationships » General framework » Evaluate psychological research relevant to the study of human relationships
Last exams 2018 » Last exams 2018 - Options » Psychology of human relationships » General framework
Last exams 2018 » Last exams 2018 - Options » Psychology of human relationships
Last exams 2018 » Last exams 2018 - Options

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