Social Change Exam Questions

Q1.

Explain what is meant by social change. (Total 2 marks)

Q2.

Fewer and fewer people use single-use plastic items, such as water bottles and plastic straws.

Using your knowledge of social influence processes in social change, explain why fewer and fewer people are using single-use plastic items. (Total 6 marks)

Q3.

A survey shows that fewer young people are smoking today than in 1987.

Using your knowledge of social influence processes in social change, explain possible reasons for this change in behaviour. (Total 6 marks)

Q4.

Explain how social influence processes contribute to social change. (Total 4 marks)

Q5.

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)

Q6.

Social influence research helps us to understand how it is possible to change people’s behaviour: for example, understanding how to persuade people to eat more healthily.

With reference to this example of social change, explain how psychology might affect the economy. (Total 4 marks)

Q7.

Using an example, explain the role of social influence processes in social change. (Total 6 marks)

Q8.

A small environmental group wants to encourage people to use public transport or bicycles instead of using their cars.

Using your knowledge of the role of minority influence in social change, what advice would you give the environmental group? (Total 6 marks)

Q9.

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

Q10.

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

Q11.

How has social influence research helped our understanding of social change? (Total 4 marks)

Q12.

Mike and his grandfather were having a conversation about recycling. Mike explained that he always puts empty cans and plastic bottles in one box and newspapers and cardboard in another box and that his mum takes these to be recycled once a week.
His grandfather said that when he was Mike’s age, people did not recycle. Mike said that everyone in his street recycles and that they have a big box at school especially for recycling.

Using your knowledge of the psychology of social change, explain why recycling is now behaviour carried out by a majority of people in this country. (Total 6 marks)

Q13.

For many years, smoking in public places such as trains, pubs and restaurants was quite acceptable. People could smoke wherever they wanted and non-smokers had to put up with smoky atmospheres. However, in 2007, the Government finally introduced a law banning smoking in public places and those who smoke are limited in where they can smoke.

Using your knowledge of the psychology of social change, explain how this social change has occurred. (Total 4 marks)

Q14.

Describe how social influence research has contributed to our understanding of social change. (Total 6 marks)

Q15.

What are the implications for social change of research into social influence? (Total 6 marks)

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