AQA A-Level Psychology 2026 Revision Notes
and Exam Review – AQA A-Level Psychology –
Full Official Name Practice Exam 2026/2027
Practice Questions & Study Guide | Complete
Exam-Style Questions with Correct Detailed
Answers & Rationales (Reliable Answers) |
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Section 1: Social Influence
Question 1
A student initially disagrees with the majority opinion in a
group discussion. After hearing the group repeatedly give the
same answer, the student privately changes their own view
because they now believe the group must have information
they do not have. Which process best explains this change?
A. Compliance
B. Informational social influence
C. Normative social influence
D. Reactance
,Rationale: Informational social influence occurs when an
individual accepts information from others because they believe
the group possesses knowledge that they lack. It is particularly
likely when a situation is ambiguous, difficult or unfamiliar. The
important feature here is that the student privately changes
their view because they believe the majority is correct, rather
than merely changing their public behaviour to fit in.
Question 2
Which combination correctly identifies two variables
investigated in relation to conformity in Asch's line-judgement
research?
A. Proximity and location
B. Commitment and flexibility
C. Group size and unanimity
D. Social support and locus of control
Rationale: Asch investigated situational variables affecting
conformity, including the size of the majority and whether the
majority was unanimous. Conformity generally increased as
majority size increased up to a point, while breaking unanimity
by introducing a dissenter could substantially reduce
conformity. Proximity and location are associated with
,Milgram's obedience research, whereas commitment and
flexibility are associated with minority influence.
Question 3
A person follows an instruction from a uniformed authority
figure even though they privately disagree with it. According to
Milgram's explanation, which concept most directly describes
the psychological state in which the individual sees themselves
as carrying out another person's wishes?
A. Internalisation
B. Agentic state
C. Social loafing
D. Minority influence
Rationale: In an agentic state, a person perceives themselves as
an agent carrying out the wishes of a legitimate authority
rather than as personally responsible for the consequences of
their actions. Milgram proposed that movement from an
autonomous state into an agentic state helps explain
obedience. Internalisation instead concerns conformity in which
a person genuinely accepts the group's position.
Question 4
, Which statement best describes minority influence?
A. A minority is effective only when it has greater numerical
strength than the majority.
B. Minority influence depends entirely on the authority status
of the minority.
C. Consistency, commitment and flexibility can help a minority
influence the majority.
D. Minority influence produces compliance but cannot produce
private attitude change.
Rationale: A consistent minority can draw attention to an
alternative viewpoint and encourage members of the majority
to reconsider their position. Commitment demonstrates
dedication to the minority position, while flexibility can prevent
the minority from appearing unreasonable or rigid. Effective
minority influence can produce internalisation, meaning that
private attitudes may change rather than merely public
behaviour.
Section 2: Memory
Question 5
According to the multi-store model, which memory store has a
very limited capacity and a duration of approximately 18–30
seconds when information is not rehearsed?
and Exam Review – AQA A-Level Psychology –
Full Official Name Practice Exam 2026/2027
Practice Questions & Study Guide | Complete
Exam-Style Questions with Correct Detailed
Answers & Rationales (Reliable Answers) |
Latest Updated Version | Instant Download
Section 1: Social Influence
Question 1
A student initially disagrees with the majority opinion in a
group discussion. After hearing the group repeatedly give the
same answer, the student privately changes their own view
because they now believe the group must have information
they do not have. Which process best explains this change?
A. Compliance
B. Informational social influence
C. Normative social influence
D. Reactance
,Rationale: Informational social influence occurs when an
individual accepts information from others because they believe
the group possesses knowledge that they lack. It is particularly
likely when a situation is ambiguous, difficult or unfamiliar. The
important feature here is that the student privately changes
their view because they believe the majority is correct, rather
than merely changing their public behaviour to fit in.
Question 2
Which combination correctly identifies two variables
investigated in relation to conformity in Asch's line-judgement
research?
A. Proximity and location
B. Commitment and flexibility
C. Group size and unanimity
D. Social support and locus of control
Rationale: Asch investigated situational variables affecting
conformity, including the size of the majority and whether the
majority was unanimous. Conformity generally increased as
majority size increased up to a point, while breaking unanimity
by introducing a dissenter could substantially reduce
conformity. Proximity and location are associated with
,Milgram's obedience research, whereas commitment and
flexibility are associated with minority influence.
Question 3
A person follows an instruction from a uniformed authority
figure even though they privately disagree with it. According to
Milgram's explanation, which concept most directly describes
the psychological state in which the individual sees themselves
as carrying out another person's wishes?
A. Internalisation
B. Agentic state
C. Social loafing
D. Minority influence
Rationale: In an agentic state, a person perceives themselves as
an agent carrying out the wishes of a legitimate authority
rather than as personally responsible for the consequences of
their actions. Milgram proposed that movement from an
autonomous state into an agentic state helps explain
obedience. Internalisation instead concerns conformity in which
a person genuinely accepts the group's position.
Question 4
, Which statement best describes minority influence?
A. A minority is effective only when it has greater numerical
strength than the majority.
B. Minority influence depends entirely on the authority status
of the minority.
C. Consistency, commitment and flexibility can help a minority
influence the majority.
D. Minority influence produces compliance but cannot produce
private attitude change.
Rationale: A consistent minority can draw attention to an
alternative viewpoint and encourage members of the majority
to reconsider their position. Commitment demonstrates
dedication to the minority position, while flexibility can prevent
the minority from appearing unreasonable or rigid. Effective
minority influence can produce internalisation, meaning that
private attitudes may change rather than merely public
behaviour.
Section 2: Memory
Question 5
According to the multi-store model, which memory store has a
very limited capacity and a duration of approximately 18–30
seconds when information is not rehearsed?
