minority influence

Question 1

what are the two types of consistency and their meanings ?

Answer 1

Diachronic consistency is when the group remains consistent over time – they do not
change their views over time.
* Synchronic consistency is when the group is consistent between all the members of the
group – everyone in the group has the same views, and therefore agree with and support each other.

Question 2

what are the three factors necessary for minority influence ?

Answer 2

consistency
commitment
flexibility

Question 3

why is diachronic synchrony important?

Answer 3

forces the opposition to rethink their own views repeatedly over time and generates more doubt due to the conflicting views, which allows more opportunity to be influenced.

Question 4

why is commitment important in minority influence ?

Answer 4

The majority is more likely to be influenced by the minority when the minority is committed,
because when the minority have so much passion and confidence in their point of view, it
suggests to the majority that their view must somehow be valid, and it encourages them to
explore why; offering more opportunity to be influenced.

Question 5

why is flexibility important ?

Answer 5

The majority is more likely to be influenced by the minority when the minority is flexible.
Being too consistent can suggest that the minority is inflexible, uncompromising and
irrational, making their argument less appealing to the majority. However, if they appear flexible, compromising and rational, they are less likely to be seen as extremists and
attention seekers. They are more likely to be seen as reasonable, considerate and
cooperative.

Question 6

what are the five stages of minority influence ?

Answer 6

drawing attention to an issue
cognitive conflict
consistency of position
the augmentation principle
the snowball effect

Question 7

what is a cognitive conflict ?

Answer 7

the majority and minority are presenting a difference of opinion
this makes an individual reevaluate their own ideas which leads to further thinking about the issue at hand

Question 8

explain the augmentation principle ?

Answer 8

if minority are willing to suffer for their views but still hold onto view -causes members of majority to take them seriously

Question 9

explain the snowball effect

Answer 9

starts slow then speed up as majority switches sides.