Social Change AO3

Question 1

Strength of Research Support for Normative Social Influence (Nolan et al., 2008)

Answer 1

Nolan et al. (2008) conducted an experiment where they hung messages on front doors to encourage residents to reduce their energy usage. The group receiving normative messages (suggesting others were doing the same) showed a significant decrease in energy usage compared to the control group. This supports the idea that normative influence can lead to social change through changing individuals’ behaviors based on perceived societal norms.

Question 2

Strength of Minority Influence in Social Change (Nemeth, 2009)

Answer 2

Nemeth (2009) suggests that minority influence leads to social change by encouraging divergent thinking, which broadens perspectives and stimulates creative solutions to social problems. By challenging the status quo, minorities inspire people to think more deeply, contributing to more thoughtful decision-making and potential social change.

Question 3

Weakness of Minority Influence for Social Change (Mackie, 1987)

Answer 3

Mackie (1987) argued that it is majority influence, not minority influence, that leads to deeper processing. When individuals encounter a majority opinion that differs from their own, they are forced to rethink their own views. This contradicts the idea that minority influence is what drives deeper processing and social change, casting doubt on the validity of minority influence as an explanation for social change.

Question 4

Weakness of Minority Influence in Social Change (Perceived as Deviant)

Answer 4

Minorities pushing for social change often face the challenge of being viewed as deviant by the majority. When minorities are seen as deviant, their message becomes secondary to their social identity. This limits the impact of their influence as the majority may avoid aligning with the minority for fear of being associated with deviance, thus hindering the potential for meaningful social change.