Minority Influence Flashcards
What is minority influence?
A form of social influence in which a minority persuades others to adopt their beliefs/attitudes/actions (internalisation).
What are the three factors of minority influence?
-Consistency.
-Commitment.
-Flexibility.
How does consistency impact minority influence?
More effective when the minority share the same beliefs.
Gives the impression that the minority are convinced they are right (making the majority rethink their position).
What are the two types of consistency?
-Synchronic.
-Diachronic.
What is synchronic consistency?
Consistency between members- individuals of a group giving the same message.
What is diachronic synchrony?
Consistency over time- sticking to the same message over a period of time.
How does commitment impact minority influence?
More powerful when the minority demonstrates dedication.
Passion and confidence in the minority’s views suggests that their view must be somehow valid (encouraging the majority to explore why).
How does flexibility impact minority influence?
More effective when the minority are flexible, compromising and rational.
What was the aim of Moscovici (1969)?
To investigate how minorities can influence a majority.
What was the method of Moscovici (1969)?
172 participants, groups of 6 (4 participants, 2 confederates) were shown 36 slides of different shades of blue.
-Condition A: said green for all slides (consistent).
-Condition B: said green for 24 slides, said blue for 12 slides (not consistent).
What were the results of Moscovici (1969)?
-Condition A: 8% of trials said green.
-Condition B: 1% of trials said green.
What was the conclusion of Moscovici (1969)?
Minorities can influence majorities, especially when they are consistent.
