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Psychology
 Describe the concepts of conformity and obedience with reference to research
 Evaluate two factors which affect obedience
 Outline and evaluate at least one theory of attraction or formation
 Use own definition or quotation & EXPLAIN further. Give an example from
research,
e.g. conformity is…..as seen in Zimbardo’s prison study where…..happened.
‘Conformity, otherwise known as majority influence is a form of social influence in
which one person adopts the behaviour, attitudes or the values of a particular
reference group’
 Explain what Obedience is and use appropriate research.
 What are you going to say? What research are you going to use?
 Proximity of teacher & learner [Milgram’s study] – closer = lower levels
of obedience
 Presence of experimenter [Milgram] – experimenter in the room =
higher obedience
 Opportunity to seek advice [Hofling’s study] – when nurses had opportunity to
seek advice in day-time replication study obedience = lower
 Buffers – when buffer present = high obedience, when buffer removed low
obedience
 Agentic shift – common defence for war crime [My Lai massacre] – ability to shift
responsibility to someone else = high conformity

Discuss a few processes [factors] IN DEPTH

Define terms – begin by defining ‘relationship’ Any ongoing association between 2
or more individuals’ (Reis, ’96)

Briefly mention differences between types of relationships – e.g. romantic and
friendship
…psychologists have looked at many factors involved in the process of forming
relationships. Most research has looked at the formation of romantic relationships
between monogamous heterosexual couples and so may not be representative of all
types of relationship but the following factors are just some which have been found to
be involved to a greater or lesser degree in how and why relationships begin…
Discuss some of the following factors:
 Proximity/frequency of interactions We tend to have relationships with those we
live close to
 Because we live close to someone we are also likely to have more frequent
interactions with those people – 2 factors linked
 Physical attractiveness Degree of physical attractiveness = one of the first things
we notice
 Similarity Alikes rather than opposites attract
 Matching hypothesis We ‘socially match’ ourselves with a partner
 You could also discuss the social exchange theory which incorporates formation &
maintenance of relationships: The central assumption of this theory is that all social
behaviours is a series of exchanges. Individuals attempt to maximize their rewards
and minimize their costs
More marks are allocated for evaluation so more time should be spent on this
 Good points, bad points
 Other theories, explanations
 Methodological problems with studies
 Research findings that support or discredit
 Does it seem to make sense?
 Is there evidence
 What kind of evidence?
 What do other theories say?
 Was the sample representative?
 Is it ecologically valid?
 http://www.quia.com/hm/855640.html