A-level PSYCHOLOGY 7182/1 PAPER 1 Mark scheme Specimen Material Third Set.

A-level PSYCHOLOGY 7182/1 PAPER 1 Mark scheme Specimen Material Third Set series. MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY PAPER 1 – 7182/1 – SERIES 4 of 18 Section A Social influence 01 Which two of the following are situational variables that can affect obedience? Choose two from the options A, B, C, D and E. [2 marks] Marks for this question: AO1 = 2 A and E 02 Using an example, explain the role of social influence processes in social change. [6 marks] Marks for this question AO1 = 6 Level Marks Description 3 5–6 Knowledge of the role of social influence processes in social change is clear and accurate. The example selected is relevant and description of this thorough. The answer is clear and coherent. Specialist terminology is used effectively. 2 3–4 Knowledge of the role of social processes in social change is evident but there may be some detail missing/lack of clarity. The example selected is relevant but description of it may be partial. There are some inaccuracies. There is some appropriate use of specialist terminology. 1 1–2 Knowledge of the role of social processes in social change is limited and lacks detail with serious omissions/inaccuracy. The example selected may be inappropriate or absent. Specialist terminology is either absent or inappropriately used. 0 No relevant content. Possible content: • Social change refers to the change that occurs in a society and not at the individual level. • Minorities bring about social change by being consistent, flexible and committed. Through social crypto-amnesia and the snowball effect, gradually the minority turns into the majority. • Governments/lawmakers can bring about social change through power and through the process of obedience. • Credit reference to conformity processes that may influence social change such as normative and/ or informational social influence. • ‘Processes’ may refer to insights gained through explanations/theories and/or studies though detailed descriptions of studies (eg Moscovici) are only relevant if they are used effectively to show how they have helped our understanding. • A wide range of examples are acceptable eg changing attitudes in relation to ‘green’ issues such as recycling; the smoking ban; changing views on homosexuality; votes for women, etc. but students must demonstrate how social influence processes affect the change in attitude, behaviour, etc. Credit other relevant material. MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY PAPER 1 – 7182/1 – SERIES 5 of 18 03 Discuss explanations for conformity. Refer to Steph and Jeff as part of your discussion. [16 marks] Marks for this question: AO1 = 6, AO2 = 4 and AO3 = 6 Level Marks Description 4 13–16 Knowledge of explanations for conformity is accurate and generally detailed. Discussion is thorough and effective. Application to the stem is appropriate and links between the explanations and the stem content are explained. The answer is clear, coherent and focused. Specialist terminology is used effectively. Minor detail and/or expansion of argument sometimes lacking. 3 9–12 Knowledge of explanations for conformity is evident. Discussion is apparent and mostly effective. There are occasional inaccuracies. Application to the stem is appropriate although links to the explanations are not always well explained. The answer is mostly clear and organised. Specialist terminology is mostly used effectively. Lacks focus in places. 2 5–8 Knowledge of explanations of conformity is present but is vague/inaccurate or one explanation only is present. Focus is mainly on description. Any discussion is only partly effective. Application to the stem is partial. The answer lacks clarity, accuracy and organisation in places. Specialist terminology is used inappropriately on occasions. 1 1–4 Knowledge of research into explanation(s) of conformity is limited. Discussion is limited, poorly focused or absent. Application is limited or absent. The answer as a whole lacks clarity, has many inaccuracies and is poorly organised. Specialist terminology is either absent or inappropriately used. 0 No relevant content. Possible Content Knowledge of at least two explanations for conformity (usually those named in the specification and implied in the stem): Normative social influence • Refers to the social rules that govern behaviour and the need to be seen as a member of the social group/fit in. • This relates to a desire for social approval/acceptance/avoidance of rejection. • Suggests that conformity is public agreement with the group and not private agreement (compliance). • Change in attitude/behaviour is temporary. Informational social influence • Refers to the idea that the individual believes the group has more knowledge/expertise. • Suggests that conformity is agreement with the group due to uncertainty about correct responses or behaviour on the part of the individual. • When public behaviour and private opinion match (internalisation). • Conformity is driven by the need to be right/have accurate perception of reality. • Change in attitude/behaviour is likely to be more permanent. • Credit description of evidence eg. Sherif (1935), Asch (1951), Anderson et al (1992), Baron, Vandello & Brunsman (1996). MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY PAPER 1 – 7182/1 – SERIES 6 of 18 Application • Links to the stem: Steph – conformed for informational reasons – explanation of why this; has become ‘quite passionate’ suggesting the change in attitude is permanent; internalisation has taken place. • Jeff – conformed for normative reasons – explanation of why this is; didn’t want to be the ‘odd one out’; suggests behaviour is temporary; compliance. Possible Discussion • Use of evidence to evaluate/discuss the explanations. • Normative social influence can explain the results of conformity studies in unambiguous situations eg Asch. • Informational influence can explain conformity in ambiguous situations in which both public and private agreement occurs eg Sherif, Jenness. • Analysis of Asch variations when linked to normative social influence or informational social influence. • Credit use of examples to illustrate explanations. • Discussion of alternative explanations of conformity eg dispositional factors and other explanations such as ingratiational. • Discussion of difficulty measuring and/or distinguishing between the two explanations. • Only credit evaluation of the methodology used in studies when made relevant to the discussion of the explanations. Credit other relevant material. MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY PAPER 1 – 7182/1 – SERIES 7 of 18 Section B Memory 04 Evaluate the use of case studies, like that of Patient X, in psychological research. [5 marks] Marks for this question AO3 = 5 Level Marks Description 3 4–5 Evaluation of the use of case studies in psychological research is clear and accurate. There is at least one strength and one limitation, though a number of points may be presented in less detail. The answer is clear and organised. Specialist terminology is used effectively. 2 2–3 Evaluation of the use of case studies is limited. The answer may contain strengths or limitations, or both are presented but are lacking in detail. The answer may lack accuracy and organisation. There is some appropriate use of specialist terminology. 1 1 One evaluative point is stated but not developed, or there may be more than one but there is substantial inaccuracy. Specialist terminology is absent or inappropriately used. 0 No relevant content. Likely content: • Depth/detail of data collected – qualitative • Validity/meaningfulness of data, insight gained • A single anomalous case may lead to revision of a theory • Researcher bias/subjective interpretation • Unscientific/unreliable, cannot be replicated • Problems of generalisation Accept other valid points. Application to the case of ‘Patient X’ may be present but is not essential for full marks.