June 2018 QP

Question 1

Outline what is meant by ‘agentic state’ as an explanation for obedience (2)

Answer 1

When a person acts on behalf of an authority figure and therefore feels no personal responsibility for their actions

Question 2

Using your knowledge of minority influence, explain how Jenny might be able to persuade the rest of the department to accept her view (homework should not be graded) (6)

Answer 2

Jenny should demonstrate consistency by not deviating from her view - she could point out that this is a view she has held throughout her teaching career

Jenny should demonstrate commitment by placing herself at an inconvenience - may volunteer to field criticisms from students and more, drawing attention to her cause (augmentation principle)

Jenny should demonstrate flexibility by accepting other valid counter arguments. Perhaps some pieces of work could be ungraded but not all.

Over time, the rest of the department may become ‘converted’ (snowball effect) - for example, if Jenny’s students start to perform particularly well.