Minority influence

Question 1

Consistency

Answer 1

This is when each person in the minority group always expresses the same, unchains opinion, over a long period of time

By showing consistency, the minority may influence the majority to believe they have a point

Question 2

Consistency evidence

Answer 2

Strong evidence for the role of consistency in minority influence comes from Moscovici

Who found participants were more influenced by a consistent minority (when they took the minority position in 8.42% of trials) than by an inconsistent minority (when they took the minority position in 1.25% of trials)

This shows that consistency increases the effect of minority influence

Question 3

Commitment

Answer 3

This is when the minority shows persistence and determination without giving in to pressure from the majority

Question 4

Flexibility

Answer 4

This is when the minority seems reasonable and non-dogmatic by being open to the views of others

Question 5

Flexibility evidence

Answer 5

Strong evidence for the role of flexibility in a minority influence comes from Nemeth (1987)

They found, in a stimulated jury situation where participants had to discuss the amount of compensation someone injured in a ski-lift accident should receive, participants were more influenced by a minority who showed a willingness to compromise than a minority who appeared rigid in their opinions

This shows that flexibility increases the effect of minority influence