Discuss consistency, commitment and flexibility as explanations of how minorities influence majorities.
Updated: Oct 7
Question 10 Mark Scheme
Discuss consistency, commitment and flexibility as explanations of how minorities influence majorities.
[16 marks]
What is expected in the answer?
The command word “discuss” requires students to explain how consistency, commitment and flexibility can make a minority more influential and then evaluate these processes using research evidence, limitations, comparisons and relevant real-life examples. For 16 marks, students should address all three processes and spend more time on developed discussion than on simply describing them.
The current AQA specification explicitly requires minority influence with reference to consistency, commitment and flexibility.
Marks for this question: AO1 = 6, AO3 = 10
This allocation follows AQA's June 2023 16-mark minority influence question, which used AO1 = 6 and AO3 = 10.
Level | Marks | Description |
4 | 13–16 | Knowledge of consistency, commitment and flexibility as processes involved in minority influence is accurate and generally well detailed. Discussion is thorough and effective, with research evidence and other commentary clearly related to how minorities influence majorities. The answer is clear, coherent and focused. Specialist terminology is used effectively. Minor detail or expansion of argument may occasionally be lacking. |
3 | 9–12 | Knowledge of all three processes is evident, although there may be occasional inaccuracies or omissions. Discussion is mostly effective and relevant evidence is used appropriately. The answer is generally clear and organised but may occasionally lack focus or development. Specialist terminology is generally used appropriately. |
2 | 5–8 | Limited knowledge of the processes is present. One or more of consistency, commitment and flexibility may be insufficiently developed. The response is mainly descriptive and discussion is only partly effective. Research may be described without explaining its relevance to minority influence. |
1 | 1–4 | Knowledge of minority influence is very limited or muddled. Discussion is limited, poorly focused or absent. The answer may simply identify the three processes without explaining how they produce influence. Specialist terminology is absent or used inaccurately. |
0 | 0 | No relevant content. |
Indicative content
AO1: Consistency
Credit relevant knowledge such as:
A minority is more influential when it presents a consistent position.
Repeatedly presenting the same message makes the majority take the minority more seriously and may cause majority members to question their own position.
Synchronic consistency occurs when members of the minority agree with one another.
Diachronic consistency occurs when the minority maintains the same position over time.
Consistency can make the minority appear confident and certain.
Continued exposure to the consistent minority position gives members of the majority opportunities to consider it.
This may lead to conversion/internalisation, where members of the majority genuinely adopt the minority position.
AQA's June 2024 mark scheme explicitly identifies repetition, questioning of the majority position, and synchronic and diachronic consistency as relevant knowledge.
AO1: Commitment
Credit relevant knowledge such as:
A minority may become more influential by demonstrating commitment to its position.
Commitment can be shown through persistence, personal investment or making sacrifices for the cause.
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