minority influence

Question 1

what are the 4 main factors affecting minority influence?

Answer 1

● consistency

● commitment

● flexibility

● snowball effect

Question 2

outline the two types of consistency

Answer 2

● diachronic - maintains same belief / viewpoint over a long period of tine

● synchronic - all members of the minority say / believe the same thing

Question 3

outline commitment (3)

Answer 3

● minority demonstrates dedication to their cause

● willing to make personal sacrifices

● shows not acting out of self interest and a commitment to the cause

Question 4

outline flexibility (2)

Answer 4

● strike balance between consistency and flexibility

● minority considers reasonable counter arguments and compromises

Question 5

outline the snowball effect (3)

Answer 5

● if people see members of majority switching views to the minority then this encourages them to the same

● the more this happens / is seen, it creates a snowball effect

● thus changing the minority opinion into a majority view

Question 6

what are the differences between minority and majority influence?

Answer 6

minority influence:

● influencing a large group

● slow

● internalisation

● people believe in it

● leads to social change

majority influence:

● influencing a small group

● fast

● compliance

● people may not believe in it

● maintains social norms / status quo