Discuss prejudice and/or discrimination in relation to group dynamics.

Refer to the paper 2 assessment criteria when awarding marks. These can be found under the “Your tests” tab > supplemental materials.

The command term “discuss” requires candidates to offer a considered review of prejudice and/or discrimination in relation to group dynamics.

Group dynamics may include in-group dynamics as well as inter-group dynamics.

Candidates may address topics such as, but not limited to:

• stereotypes: negative and positive
• inter-group discrimination
• social identity.

Relevant studies may include, but are not limited to:

• Sherif’s (1961) Robber’s Cave study
• Steele’s (1997) stereotype threat interferes with school performance
• Tajfel’s (1970) studies in inter-group discrimination
• Pettigrew’s (2013) study on dynamics of inter-group contact.

Critical discussion may include, but is not limited to:

• methodological and ethical considerations in relation to research into prejudice/discrimination
• how the findings of research have been interpreted and applied
• implications of the findings
• assumptions and biases
• areas of uncertainty
• alternative theories/explanations.

Question 11 was likewise popular. Candidates looked at stereotypes, inter-group discrimination and social identity theory fairly knowledgeably. Several studies were used and well presented. Critical discussion was again uneven, with some excellent discussion and other shallow attempts.