Minority Influence

Question 1

Define minority influence

Answer 1

When a minority makes a larger majority conform to their views

Question 2

Consistency

Answer 2

Consistency in the minorities view increases the interest

It makes others rethink their own views

Question 3

Synchronic consistency

Answer 3

All say the same thing

Question 4

Diachronic consistency

Answer 4

All say the same thing for some time

Question 5

Commitment

Answer 5

Taking part in an activity that imposes a risk to the minority group; shows worth.
The majority pay more attention (augmentation principle)

Question 6

Flexibility

Answer 6

The minority should adapt POV and accept reasonable and valid counter arguments
Being extremely consistent and repeating the same arguments = rigid and dogmatic - Nemeth (1986)

Question 7

What did nemeth suggest?

Answer 7

Need a balance between consistency and flexibility. Being too consistent and repeating same arguments = rigid and dogmatic

Question 8

How did Moscovici demonstrates minority influence?

Answer 8

Group of 6 asked to view sets of 36 blue-coloured slides that varied in intensity and state with the slides with blue or green

Question 9

Moscovici: procedure for group 1

Answer 9

2 confederates who CONSISTENTLY said slides were green on 2/3rd of trials

Participants gave same wrong answer (green) on 8.42% of trials
32% of participants gave same answer as the minority on at least one trial

Question 10

Moscovici: procedure for group 2

Answer 10

Second group of participants exposed to INconsistent minority, agreement fell to 1.25%

Question 11

Conclusion about Moscovici’s findings

Answer 11

Minorities can influence a majority but not all the time and only when they behave in a certain ways i.e. consistent behaviour style