Social Influence - Evaluation

Question 1

What was strengths of normative influence?

Answer 1

Nolan et al investigated if social influence processes led to a reduction in energy consumption through hanging messages (most residences were trying to reduce consumption) on front doors in San Franscisco every week for a month against a control message that didnt label actions

Significant reduction in energy consumption and shows conformity can lead to social change thru normative influence

Question 2

Identify a limitation of minority influence.

Answer 2

Social change is slow; it can take decades to change attitudes toward issues like drink-driving and smoking. Nemeth argues that effects are indirect and delayed making them fragile

shows limited role of minority influence

Question 3

What is a limitation of the methodologies used in studies on social influence and social change?

Answer 3

Moscovici, Asch and Milgram used flawed methodology that raises doubts about the validity of their explanations.