amazon.co.ukPY1: Social Influence and Memory Models
Conformity (Asch), obedience (Milgram), Multi-Store Model (Atkinson-Shiffrin), Working Memory Model (Baddeley & Hitch), eyewitness testimony.
📋 Key Definitions and Core Concepts
Conformity: A change in a person's behaviour or opinion as a result of real or imagined group pressure (NSI vs ISI).
Working Memory Model: Multi-component active memory model comprising Central Executive, Phonological Loop, Visuo-Spatial Sketchpad, Episodic Buffer.
🔍 Key Principles & Specification Requirements
- Asch's line experiment: 75% conformed at least once; variables: group size (peaks at 3 confederates), unanimity, task difficulty.
- Milgram's obedience: 65% administered full 450V lethal shock; situational variables: proximity, uniform, location.
- Loftus and Palmer: misleading post-event information (leading verbs: 'smashed' vs 'hit') significantly alters eyewitness memory reconstruction.
💡 Worked Example Question
Exam-Style Question
Question:
Evaluate the Working Memory Model compared to the Multi-Store Model of memory.
Model Solution & Mark Scheme:
Strengths: Supported by dual-task performance studies (Baddeley) showing concurrent visual and verbal tasks perform well, proving separate slave systems. Clinical evidence from patient KF (impaired verbal memory but intact visual memory).
Limitations: The Central Executive is poorly specified and vague ('the most important but least understood component'). Does not fully account for long-term memory interactions.
❓ Practice Questions & Mark Schemes
Q1: Explain the significance of Social Influence and Memory Models in A-Level examination contexts.
Show Model Answer
Answer: Demonstrate clear conceptual understanding of Social Influence and Memory Models, defining core terminology and citing relevant principles or case examples.
Q2: Evaluate key arguments or methodologies concerning Social Influence and Memory Models.
Show Model Answer
Answer: Contrast competing perspectives, discuss empirical evidence or theoretical limitations, and synthesize a balanced, well-reasoned conclusion.
🎬 Video Resources
- Social Influence and Memory Models - Overview -- YouTube Search
- Social Influence and Memory Models - Exam Questions -- YouTube Search
📄 Past Papers & Exam Resources
- AQA A-Level - Past Papers -- AQA
- Edexcel A-Level - Past Papers -- Edexcel
- OCR A-Level - Past Papers -- OCR
🔗 Further Reading & Resources
- Physics & Maths Tutor -- Free notes, worksheets, and past paper questions by topic
- Dr Frost Maths -- Free resources, slides, and interactive questions
- BBC Bitesize -- BBC Bitesize revision resources