Psychology SL
Sociocultural approach — Paper 1
- 1.
In a classic study, Tajfel randomly assigned participants to groups based on a trivial criterion (their preference for one painter's work over another), then found that participants still allocated more points to members of their own group than to the other group. (a) Name the theory this finding supports. (b) Explain, using this theory, why minimal group categorization alone is sufficient to produce in-group favouritism.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 2.
Marking analysis: A learner attempts the following task: “In a classic study, Tajfel randomly assigned participants to groups based on a trivial criterion (their preference for one painter's work over another), then found that participants still allocated more points to members of their own group than to the other group. (a) Name the theory this finding supports. (b) Explain, using this theory, why minimal group categorization alone is sufficient to produce in-group favouritism.” Their response addresses only this point: “Names social identity theory.” Evaluate the response against the complete 3-mark task. Identify what earns credit and state every additional requirement needed for full marks.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 3.
In Asch's classic conformity study, participants judged the length of lines after hearing confederates unanimously give an obviously incorrect answer. Many participants conformed to the incorrect majority at least once. (a) Distinguish between normative social influence and informational social influence as explanations for conformity. (b) State which type of social influence most likely explains conformity in the Asch study, and justify your answer.
[4 marks] · no calculator - 4.
Marking analysis: A learner attempts the following task: “In Asch's classic conformity study, participants judged the length of lines after hearing confederates unanimously give an obviously incorrect answer. Many participants conformed to the incorrect majority at least once. (a) Distinguish between normative social influence and informational social influence as explanations for conformity. (b) State which type of social influence most likely explains conformity in the Asch study, and justify your answer.” Their response addresses only this point: “Defines normative social influence as conforming to be liked or accepted by the group, and to avoid social rejection, even while privately disagreeing.” Evaluate the response against the complete 4-mark task. Identify what earns credit and state every additional requirement needed for full marks.
[4 marks] · no calculator - 5.
Explain how illusory correlation can contribute to the formation of a stereotype, using the example of a person who meets two rude individuals from an unfamiliar ethnic group and subsequently believes that group is generally rude.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 6.
Marking analysis: A learner attempts the following task: “Explain how illusory correlation can contribute to the formation of a stereotype, using the example of a person who meets two rude individuals from an unfamiliar ethnic group and subsequently believes that group is generally rude.” Their response addresses only this point: “Defines illusory correlation as the perception of a relationship between two variables (group membership and rude behaviour) that is not actually statistically supported, or is far weaker than perceived.” Evaluate the response against the complete 3-mark task. Identify what earns credit and state every additional requirement needed for full marks.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 7.
Distinguish between an individualist culture and a collectivist culture, and explain how this cultural dimension might influence whether a person attributes a colleague's success to personal ability or to the support of their team.
[4 marks] · no calculator - 8.
Marking analysis: A learner attempts the following task: “Distinguish between an individualist culture and a collectivist culture, and explain how this cultural dimension might influence whether a person attributes a colleague's success to personal ability or to the support of their team.” Their response addresses only this point: “Defines an individualist culture as one that emphasizes personal autonomy, individual achievement, and self-reliance over group goals.” Evaluate the response against the complete 4-mark task. Identify what earns credit and state every additional requirement needed for full marks.
[4 marks] · no calculator - 9.
Using social learning theory, explain how a child might acquire an aggressive behaviour by observing a sibling being praised for acting aggressively toward a bully.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 10.
Marking analysis: A learner attempts the following task: “Using social learning theory, explain how a child might acquire an aggressive behaviour by observing a sibling being praised for acting aggressively toward a bully.” Their response addresses only this point: “Explains that the child observes the sibling's aggressive behaviour (modelling) and its consequence (praise).” Evaluate the response against the complete 3-mark task. Identify what earns credit and state every additional requirement needed for full marks.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 11.
Distinguish between enculturation and acculturation, giving one example of each.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 12.
Marking analysis: A learner attempts the following task: “Distinguish between enculturation and acculturation, giving one example of each.” Their response addresses only this point: “Defines enculturation as the process of learning and internalizing the norms, values, and behaviours of one's own original culture, typically starting in childhood. Gives a valid example, such as a child learning table manners expected within their own family's culture.” Evaluate the response against the complete 2-mark task. Identify what earns credit and state every additional requirement needed for full marks.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 13.
Explain how social categorization (dividing people into 'us' and 'them' groups) can lead to discriminatory behaviour, even without any direct personal conflict between the groups involved.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 14.
Marking analysis: A learner attempts the following task: “Explain how social categorization (dividing people into 'us' and 'them' groups) can lead to discriminatory behaviour, even without any direct personal conflict between the groups involved.” Their response addresses only this point: “Explains that social categorization automatically creates psychological distance between the in-group and out-group, even based on trivial or arbitrary distinctions.” Evaluate the response against the complete 3-mark task. Identify what earns credit and state every additional requirement needed for full marks.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 15.
Explain one strategy, based on social identity theory, that could be used to reduce discrimination between two rival groups, such as creating a superordinate (shared, overarching) identity that includes members of both groups.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 16.
Marking analysis: A learner attempts the following task: “Explain one strategy, based on social identity theory, that could be used to reduce discrimination between two rival groups, such as creating a superordinate (shared, overarching) identity that includes members of both groups.” Their response addresses only this point: “Explains that creating a shared superordinate identity (e.g., both rival groups being redefined as members of one larger team or organization) changes the relevant social categorization from 'us versus them' to a single, inclusive 'us'.” Evaluate the response against the complete 2-mark task. Identify what earns credit and state every additional requirement needed for full marks.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 17.
A researcher wants to compare levels of conformity in two different countries. State one strength and one limitation of using a cross-cultural study to investigate this research question.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 18.
Marking analysis: A learner attempts the following task: “A researcher wants to compare levels of conformity in two different countries. State one strength and one limitation of using a cross-cultural study to investigate this research question.” Their response addresses only this point: “States a valid strength, such as a cross-cultural study allowing researchers to identify whether a psychological phenomenon (like conformity) is universal or culturally variable, which a single-culture study cannot determine.” Evaluate the response against the complete 2-mark task. Identify what earns credit and state every additional requirement needed for full marks.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 19.
Explain how a cultural dimension such as high power distance might influence behaviour in a school classroom.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 20.
Marking analysis: A learner attempts the following task: “Explain how a cultural dimension such as high power distance might influence behaviour in a school classroom.” Their response addresses only this point: “Defines high power distance as a cultural acceptance of unequal distribution of power and respect for authority.” Evaluate the response against the complete 3-mark task. Identify what earns credit and state every additional requirement needed for full marks.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 21.
Explain what is meant by stereotype threat and how it might affect a student's exam performance.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 22.
Marking analysis: A learner attempts the following task: “Explain what is meant by stereotype threat and how it might affect a student's exam performance.” Their response addresses only this point: “Defines stereotype threat as the anxiety of confirming a negative stereotype about one's group.” Evaluate the response against the complete 3-mark task. Identify what earns credit and state every additional requirement needed for full marks.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 23.
Evaluate the Asch conformity studies with reference to one methodological limitation.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 24.
Marking analysis: A learner attempts the following task: “Evaluate the Asch conformity studies with reference to one methodological limitation.” Their response addresses only this point: “Outlines the finding that many participants conformed at least once to an obviously incorrect majority.” Evaluate the response against the complete 3-mark task. Identify what earns credit and state every additional requirement needed for full marks.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 25.
Outline one ethical concern raised by Bandura's Bobo doll studies and explain why it is relevant to the participants.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 26.
Marking analysis: A learner attempts the following task: “Outline one ethical concern raised by Bandura's Bobo doll studies and explain why it is relevant to the participants.” Their response addresses only this point: “Identifies a concern such as exposing young children to aggressive models and possibly encouraging aggressive behaviour.” Evaluate the response against the complete 3-mark task. Identify what earns credit and state every additional requirement needed for full marks.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 27.
Explain what is meant by display rules and how they show that cultural context affects the expression of emotion.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 28.
Marking analysis: A learner attempts the following task: “Explain what is meant by display rules and how they show that cultural context affects the expression of emotion.” Their response addresses only this point: “Defines display rules as culturally learned norms about when, where and how emotions may be shown.” Evaluate the response against the complete 3-mark task. Identify what earns credit and state every additional requirement needed for full marks.
[3 marks] · no calculator - 29.
Distinguish between integration and assimilation as acculturation strategies, giving a brief example of each.
[2 marks] · no calculator - 30.
Marking analysis: A learner attempts the following task: “Distinguish between integration and assimilation as acculturation strategies, giving a brief example of each.” Their response addresses only this point: “States that integration involves keeping aspects of one's original culture while also adopting aspects of the new culture, e.g. speaking both languages.” Evaluate the response against the complete 2-mark task. Identify what earns credit and state every additional requirement needed for full marks.
[2 marks] · no calculator