Jenny is a psychology teacher who works with six other teachers in the department. Jenny believes strongly that homework should not be graded as it distracts students from reading verbal feedback on their work. She would like her colleagues to stop grading work. The other members of the department do not agree but have told Jenny they are willing to have a meeting about it.

Using your knowledge of minority influence, explain how Jenny might be able to persuade the rest of the department to accept her view. [6 marks]

Answer: Jenny could use several behaviours associated with minority influence to persuade her colleagues to adopt her view. She should show consistency by maintaining her belief that grading homework distracts students from engaging with feedback and by consistently presenting evidence to support her view. Demonstrating that she has held this opinion throughout her teaching career will make her position appear confident and well considered.

Jenny could also show commitment by putting herself at some personal inconvenience, for example, offering to handle any complaints from parents about the decision not to grade homework. This willingness to take responsibility and defend her position demonstrates dedication and draws attention to her cause, known as the augmentation principle.

Finally, Jenny should show flexibility by acknowledging her colleagues' concerns and suggesting a compromise, such as agreeing that only every other piece of homework could be left ungraded. By showing she can adapt her view while maintaining her core belief, Jenny appears reasonable and open-minded, increasing the likelihood that her colleagues will be persuaded over time.

Examiner Comment: Students should ensure that their application to the scenario is realistic and appropriate. Those who made far-fetched suggestions (for example, suggesting that Jenny could go on a hunger strike) did not receive credit, as such actions are unlikely to be effective in this context.