A-Level Psychology: Social Influence Revision

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Asch's line study primarily demonstrates which type of conformity?

Social Influence is a core part of A-Level Psychology. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.

Key concepts

ConformityYielding to real or imagined group pressure.

CompliancePublic agreement without private change of belief.

IdentificationConforming to a group's role we value, only while a member.

InternalisationPublic and private acceptance of group beliefs as one's own.

NSINormative social influence — conforming to be liked or accepted.

ISIInformational social influence — conforming because others seem to know more.

Minority InfluenceWhen a small group influences the beliefs of the majority.

ConsistencyRepeating the same message over time and between members.

CommitmentShowing dedication, often via personal sacrifice — the augmentation principle.

FlexibilityAdapting position without abandoning core view.

Snowball EffectGradual conversion of majority members until a tipping point.

Social CryptomnesiaSociety remembers the change but forgets the minority who caused it.

ObedienceFollowing a direct order from a perceived authority figure.

Agentic StateActing as an agent for authority, feeling no personal responsibility.

What your exam board covers

Where Social Influence sits in each exam board's specification. Tap a board to see what it lists.

AQASocial influenceSpec 7182

Conformity and obedience
Resistance to social influence
Minority influence and social change

Source: AQA A-level Psychology (7182) specification — Specification at a glance, accessed 23 June 2026.

EdexcelSocial psychologySpec 9PS0

Part of: Foundations: Social, Cognitive, Biological, Learning theories

Source: Pearson Edexcel A-Level Psychology (9PS0) specification, accessed 23 June 2026.

Learn Social Influence step by step

Free interactive mini-lessons: short screens, worked examples and quick checks. Pick your exam board:

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Common mistakes to avoid

Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:

Asch's line study primarily demonstrates which type of conformity?✗ Informational social influence (believing others know better). ✓ Normative social influence (compliance to fit in).

Practise Social Influence — free games

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Social Influence

Key concepts

What your exam board covers

Common mistakes to avoid

Practise Social Influence — free games

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