Minority Influence Exam Questions

Q1.

Maya wants to encourage the workers in her office to use their own reusable cups at work, rather than the disposable paper cups provided by the company.

Explain how Maya might show either commitment or flexibility to persuade the workers to change their behaviour. (Total 2 marks)

Q2.

Discuss research into minority influence. (Total 16 marks)

Q3.

Steph’s psychology teacher is leaving at the end of term. Steph would like to organise a surprise fancy dress party for her, but the rest of the class are not convinced that it is a good idea.

Use your knowledge of two or more factors affecting minority influence to explain how Steph can persuade the rest of her class to accept her idea. (Total 6 marks)

Q4.

Which factors affecting minority influence are illustrated by the following examples?

For each example, write the correct factor in the space provided.

Members of a religious group give up their Saturday mornings to distribute leaflets about the importance of worship.

An environmental group acknowledges that recycling can be time-consuming while emphasising its importance for the future of the planet.

All of the members of the ‘Flat Earth Society’ agree that the Earth is flat and not round.(Total 3 marks)

Q5.

In a sixth form debating society, Samina is the only student in a group of six who does not believe that drugs should be legalised.

Using your knowledge of minority influence processes, explain two ways in which Samina could convince the other students in the debating society to agree with her (Total 4 marks)

Q6.

Outline and discuss how consistency and commitment might contribute to minority influence. (Total 8 marks)

Q7.

Jenny is a psychology teacher who works with six other teachers in the department. Jenny believes strongly that homework should not be graded as it distracts students from reading verbal feedback on their work. She would like her colleagues to stop grading work. The other members of the department do not agree but have told Jenny they are willing to have a meeting about it.

Using your knowledge of minority influence, explain how Jenny might be able to persuade the rest of the department to accept her view. (Total 6 marks)

Q8.

(a) Name three behaviours that enable a minority to influence a majority.(3 marks)

(b) Marcus wants to persuade his group of friends to go travelling in the summer but the rest of the group would like to go on a beach holiday.

Briefly suggest how Marcus might use the three behaviours that you have identified in your answer to part (a) to persuade his friends to go travelling. (3 marks)

Q9.

Read the item and then answer the question that follows.

The following article appeared in a newspaper:

Britain’s views on homosexuality – the biggest social change of
the last 30 years?

In the UK, views on homosexuality have changed significantly in recent times. Thirty years ago, almost two-thirds of the British public opposed same-sex relationships because they were ‘morally wrong’. These days, homosexuality is accepted and the majority of British people support recent changes to the laws on gay marriage and adoption.

With reference to the article above, explain how social influence leads to social change.(Total 6 marks)

Q10.

A senior army instructor is advising new instructors how to ensure discipline in training classes. He says, ‘Always wear your instructor jacket and stand up close when giving instructions. Make them all understand who has responsibility for the exercise. Serious problems should always be dealt with in the instructors’ office.’

Referring to research into obedience, explain three reasons why the instructor’s advice should be effective. (Total 6 marks)

Q11.

Read the item and then answer the question that follows.

A small group of environmentally-aware sixth form students are campaigning for their school to become ‘paper-free’ for the next six months. Recently, they had a meeting with a group of teachers who represent the teaching staff. The teachers told the students that the school could become ‘paper-free’ if the group of students could convince the rest of the student body it was a good idea.

Use your knowledge of conformity and minority influence to explain the factors that will determine how successful the small group of students will be. (Total 7 marks)

Q12.

Explain how social influence research helps us to understand social change. (Total 6 marks)

Q13.

Explain how a minority can bring about social change. (Total 4 marks)

CHECK OUT THE MODEL ANSWERS HERE