Social Cognition & Factors Influencing Individual and Group
Behaviour
Total marks: 50
Suggested time: 60 minutes
Instructions
Answer all questions.
Unless otherwise indicated, write in complete sentences.
Marks are shown in brackets.
Use psychological terminology where appropriate.
Section A — Multiple Choice
Question 1
Which statement best describes person perception?
A. Changing one's behaviour to match the behaviour of a group
B. Forming impressions and making judgements about other people
C. Experiencing discomfort when two beliefs conflict
D. Following instructions from a person perceived to have authority
1 mark
Question 2
A student believes that people who wear expensive clothing are more
successful. When meeting a new student wearing designer shoes, they
immediately assume the student is wealthy.
This is an example of:
A. conformity
B. obedience
C. a stereotype
D. discrimination
1 mark
Question 3
Which situation is the best example of cognitive dissonance?
, A. A student changes their opinion after learning new information.
B. A student feels uncomfortable because their behaviour conflicts with
their beliefs.
C. A student follows a group because everyone else is doing so.
D. A student makes a decision using a mental shortcut.
1 mark
Question 4
Which is an example of a heuristic?
A. Carefully comparing every available option before making a decision
B. Using a mental shortcut to reach a decision quickly
C. Changing behaviour because of direct instructions from an authority
figure
D. Changing an attitude to eliminate discrimination
1 mark
Question 5
A person believes that all teenagers are irresponsible. They refuse to
employ a qualified applicant because the applicant is a teenager.
The refusal to employ the applicant is an example of:
A. prejudice
B. discrimination
C. conformity
D. person perception
1 mark
Question 6
Which of the following is most likely to reduce conformity?
A. Increasing group unanimity
B. Increasing group pressure
C. Developing independence in decision-making
D. Increasing the size of the majority
1 mark