A LEVEL PSYCHOLOGY
PAPER 1 – Introductory topics
in psychology
Friday 16 May 2025 MORNING
Time allowed: 2 hours
IB/G/Jun25/G4006/V10 7182/1
SECTION A
1.) What is meant by flexibility in the context of minority influence? ( 2 marks)
Model Answer
Flexibility in the context of minority influence refers to the ability of the minority to adapt their
views and accept reasonable counterarguments. This approach makes them appear more
cooperative and less rigid and dogmatic, increasing the likelihood of influencing the majority.
2.) Outline the Authoritarian Personality as an explanation for obedience. ( 4
marks) Model Answer
, The Authoritarian Personality is a dispositional explanation for obedience, suggesting that
some individuals are more likely to obey authority due to their personality traits. People
with this personality show extreme respect for authority and submissiveness to those of
higher status. They often hold rigid beliefs, are hostile to those they see as inferior, and
view society in black-and-white terms. This personality type is thought to develop from
harsh parenting that emphasises obedience and discipline.
3.) Outline one limitation of the Authoritarian Personality explanation for obedience.
(2 marks)
Model Answer
One limitation of the Authoritarian Personality explanation is that situational factors may
have a greater influence on obedience. For example, Milgram found that obedience dropped
when proximity to the learner increased, suggesting external factors can play a stronger role
than personality.
4.) A parent-toddler group meets for a trip to a soft play centre. They choose to go to
MiniWorld. Julie, one of the parents, thinks MiniWorld is overpriced and would rather
go to Kids' Cave. She doesn't say anything though, as all the other parents seem keen
on MiniWorld.
Anthony always used to take his twins to Kids' Cave. He has since joined the
parent-toddler group. Anthony has heard the other parents talk about the play area
at Miniworld as being better than the one at Kids' Cave. He now takes his twins to
Miniworld on the days the group does not meet.
Discuss two explanations for conformity. Refer to Julie and Anthony in your answer.
[16 marks]
Model Answer
One explanation for conformity is normative social influence (NSI). This is when a person
conforms to be liked or accepted by a group, often to avoid rejection or social disapproval.
It usually leads to compliance, where someone goes along with the group publicly but may
privately disagree.
Another explanation is informational social influence (ISI). This is when a person conforms
because they believe others have more knowledge or are correct, especially in ambiguous
situations. ISI often results in internalisation, where a person adopts the group’s views
both publicly and privately.
Julie’s behaviour can be explained by normative social influence, as she prefers Kids' Cave but
stays quiet and agrees with the others to avoid standing out or being rejected. She conforms
publicly but probably still believes Kids' Cave is better, showing compliance. Anthony’s
behaviour reflects informational social influence. Although he previously preferred Kids' Cave,
he is influenced by the group's views that MiniWorld is better, so he now goes
PAPER 1 – Introductory topics
in psychology
Friday 16 May 2025 MORNING
Time allowed: 2 hours
IB/G/Jun25/G4006/V10 7182/1
SECTION A
1.) What is meant by flexibility in the context of minority influence? ( 2 marks)
Model Answer
Flexibility in the context of minority influence refers to the ability of the minority to adapt their
views and accept reasonable counterarguments. This approach makes them appear more
cooperative and less rigid and dogmatic, increasing the likelihood of influencing the majority.
2.) Outline the Authoritarian Personality as an explanation for obedience. ( 4
marks) Model Answer
, The Authoritarian Personality is a dispositional explanation for obedience, suggesting that
some individuals are more likely to obey authority due to their personality traits. People
with this personality show extreme respect for authority and submissiveness to those of
higher status. They often hold rigid beliefs, are hostile to those they see as inferior, and
view society in black-and-white terms. This personality type is thought to develop from
harsh parenting that emphasises obedience and discipline.
3.) Outline one limitation of the Authoritarian Personality explanation for obedience.
(2 marks)
Model Answer
One limitation of the Authoritarian Personality explanation is that situational factors may
have a greater influence on obedience. For example, Milgram found that obedience dropped
when proximity to the learner increased, suggesting external factors can play a stronger role
than personality.
4.) A parent-toddler group meets for a trip to a soft play centre. They choose to go to
MiniWorld. Julie, one of the parents, thinks MiniWorld is overpriced and would rather
go to Kids' Cave. She doesn't say anything though, as all the other parents seem keen
on MiniWorld.
Anthony always used to take his twins to Kids' Cave. He has since joined the
parent-toddler group. Anthony has heard the other parents talk about the play area
at Miniworld as being better than the one at Kids' Cave. He now takes his twins to
Miniworld on the days the group does not meet.
Discuss two explanations for conformity. Refer to Julie and Anthony in your answer.
[16 marks]
Model Answer
One explanation for conformity is normative social influence (NSI). This is when a person
conforms to be liked or accepted by a group, often to avoid rejection or social disapproval.
It usually leads to compliance, where someone goes along with the group publicly but may
privately disagree.
Another explanation is informational social influence (ISI). This is when a person conforms
because they believe others have more knowledge or are correct, especially in ambiguous
situations. ISI often results in internalisation, where a person adopts the group’s views
both publicly and privately.
Julie’s behaviour can be explained by normative social influence, as she prefers Kids' Cave but
stays quiet and agrees with the others to avoid standing out or being rejected. She conforms
publicly but probably still believes Kids' Cave is better, showing compliance. Anthony’s
behaviour reflects informational social influence. Although he previously preferred Kids' Cave,
he is influenced by the group's views that MiniWorld is better, so he now goes
