Minority influence

Question 1

Consistency

Wood et al’s (1994)

Answer 1

If the minority is consistent in its argument, other consider the issue more carefully as there must be a reason why the minority is sufficiently confident to maintain this postion over tie.

• Wood et al’s (1994) meta-analysis found that minorities who were consistent in their position were particualry influential

Question 2

Commitment

Answer 2

A minority that adopts commitment to its postion suggests certainty and confidence in the face of hostile majority

Greater commitment may then persuade majority group members o take them seriosuly, or even convert to the majoirty position.

Question 3

Flexibility

Answer 3

Is more effective at changing majority opinnon han rigity of arguments because minorities must negotiate their posirions rather than try to enforce it

• A rigit minority that refuses to comprise is percieved as dogmatic. One that is too prepared to compromise is see as inconsistent. Neither approach is effective

Question 4

AO3

Question 5

There is research support for flexibility

Nemeth and Brilmayer (1987)

Answer 5

P: Nemeth and Brilmayer (1987) provided support for the role of flexibility in a simulate jury situation

E: A group discussed compensation to be paid to someone involved in an accident. A confederate who adopted an inflexibible postion had not effect on group members. A confederate who comprised late in negotations did exert an influence, but one who comprised earlier di not,

E: This suggests that flexibility is only effective at changing majority opinon in certain circumstances.

Question 6

The real ‘value’ minority influence is that it ‘opens the mind’

Nemeth (2010)

Answer 6

P: Nemeth (2010) argues that exposure to a minority postion causes people to make better decisions

E: As a result of this minority influence, people search for information, consider more options make better decisions and show evidence of more creative thought processes.

E: This view is supported in a study of the role of dissent in work groups (Van dyne and Saacedra, 1996). When exposed to a minority prespective groups showed improved decision quality.

Question 7

The majority rather than the minority creates greater message processing

Mackie (1987)

Answer 7

P: Mackie (1987) argues that the views of minority do not lead to greater processing, but it is majority who create greater message processing.

E: We believe that the majority shares similar beliefs to our. If it expresses a different view, we consider it carefully to understand why this the case

E: By contrast, people tend not to waste time trying to process why a minority’s message is different, therefore it tends to be less, ratjer more, influential.

Question 8

Minority influence exists in name only

Answer 8

Nemeth (2010) claims it is still difficult to convince people the value of minority influence and dissent.

People accept the principle only the surface, and quickly become irritated by dissenting view that persists. They may also fear that welcoming dissent would create a lack of harmony within the group, and fear reprecussions

E: As a consequence, the majority view persists and the oppurtunities for innovative thinking associated with minority influence are lost.

Question 9

What AO3 are you using?

Answer 9

There is research support for flexibility - Nemeth and Brilmayer (1987)

The real ‘value’ minority influence is that it ‘opens the mind’ - Nemeth (2010)

The majority rather than the minority creates greater message processing - Mackie (1987)

Minority influence exists in name only - Nemeth (2010)